bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence stratigraphy of the Upper Oligocene–Lower Miocene of eastern Jylland, Denmark: role of structural relief and variable sediment supply in controlling sequence development
Authors: RASMUSSEN ERIK S. , DYBKJÆR KAREN
Published: February 2005

The Upper Oligocene–Lower Miocene succession in eastern Jylland can be subdivided into three sequences (A–C from older to younger) deposited on and around the Ringkøbing‐Fyn High. The development of the sequences reflects a complex interaction between eustatic sea‐level changes, physiography and variable sediment supply. Superimposed on this, frequent storms promoted longshore sediment transport and the development of spit systems adjacent to structural highs. As a consequence, sequence boundaries and flooding surfaces are not always expressed as portrayed in conventional sequence models; sequence boundaries or flooding surfaces may only be marked by subtle changes in depositional environment that can only be revealed by careful integration of sedimentological observations with palynological data. The influence of the topography resulted in the development of brackish water basins that were sufficiently large to permit the deposition of hummocky cross‐stratified sands with muds. These deposits are overlain by clean hummocky and swaley cross‐stratified sands that were deposited in a fully marine, high‐energy environment. This evolution from mud‐rich, storm‐influenced sediments to sand‐dominated shoreface sediments resulted from a rise in sea level and was not the result of shoreface progradation and downstepping during a sea level fall. In addition to the topographic control on sequence development, sediment supply to the study area changed significantly during the deposition of the three sequences. Initially the basin was sediment‐starved, favouring the formation of glaucony‐rich sediments. The sediment input gradually increased and the influence of structural highs and lows became less significant with time. Consequently, both sequence boundaries and flooding surfaces are characterized by more conventional features in the younger part of the succession, where a basinward displacement of the shoreline resulted in thick lowstand delta deposits.
Wavy lamination in a mixed sand and gravel foreshore facies of the Pleistocene Hosoya Sandstone, Aichi, central Japan
Authors: HIROKI YOSHIHISA , TERASAKA TAKASHI
Published: February 2005

Although sandy foreshore facies are generally characterized by parallel lamination, wavy lamination is predominant in the mixed sand and gravel foreshore facies of the Pleistocene Hosoya Sandstone, which crops out along the Pacific coast of the Atsumi Peninsula, Aichi, central Japan. The foreshore facies consists of three sedimentary subfacies; interbeds of gravel and parallel laminated sand of the lower foreshore facies, parallel laminated fine to medium sand beds containing scattered pebbles and cobbles of the middle foreshore facies, and wavy laminated fine to medium sand beds containing scattered pebbles and cobbles of the upper foreshore facies. A lack of erosional surfaces in the middle foreshore facies indicates the continuous accumulation of sand in flat beds under upper plane bed flow. The wavy laminated sands of the upper foreshore facies exhibit erosional surfaces indicative of repeated deposition and erosion. The erosional surfaces are undulatory, with depressions (10 cm wide and 3 cm deep) that contain scattered pebbles and cobbles. These depressions reflect backwash erosion of sand around and below the pebbles and cobbles. Sand draping over the undulating erosional surfaces forms the wavy lamination. The wavy laminated sand with scattered pebbles and cobbles is a key facies of an upper foreshore or swash zone, and is a good sea‐level marker.
Microbial‐foraminiferal episodes in the Early Aptian of the southern Tethyan margin: ecological significance and possible relation to oceanic anoxic event 1a
Authors: IMMENHAUSER A. , HILLGÄRTNER H. , VAN BENTUM E.
Published: February 2005

Two regionally significant microbial‐foraminiferal episodes (∼150 kyr each) occur within the Early Aptian shallow marine platform in Oman and throughout eastern Arabia. The stratigraphically lower of these two intervals is characterized by isolated or coalescent domes that share similarities with modern, open‐marine stromatolites from the Exuma Cays, Bahamas. The upper interval is predominantly built by a problematic Lithocodium/Bacinella consortium in buildup and massive boundstone facies. Based on high‐resolution chemostratigraphy, these shoalwater intervals are coeval with oceanic anoxic event 1a (OAE1a; Livello Selli). Field evidence demonstrates that the buildup episodes alternate with stratigraphic intervals dominated by rudist bivalves. This biotic pattern is also recognized in other coeval Tethyan sections and is perhaps a characteristic shoalwater expression of the OAE1a. The short‐lived regional expansions of this microbial‐foraminiferal out‐of‐balance facies cannot be explained by local environmental factors (salinity and oxygen level) alone and the buildup consortia do not occupy stressed refugia in the absence of grazing metazoans. Judging from recent analogues, the main fossil groups, i.e. microbial assemblages, macroalgae, larger sessile foraminifera, and rudist bivalves, all favoured elevated trophic levels but with different tolerance limits. The implication of this is that the influence of palaeofertility events, possibly related to OAE1a, on carbonate platform community structures must be investigated. The observations made in these coastal sections are a significant first step for the improved understanding of the Early Aptian period of biotic, oceanic and climatic change.
Holocene millennial to centennial carbonate cyclicity recorded in slope sediments of the Great Bahama Bank and its climatic implications
Authors: ROTH SVEN , REIJMER JOHN J. G.
Published: February 2005

A 38 m long sediment core (MD992201) retrieved from a water depth of 290 m from the leeward margin of the Great Bahama Bank (GBB; 25°53·49′N, 79°16·34′W) has been investigated for changes in aragonite content. The core covers the Mid to Late Holocene (the past 7230 yr). Sediment lightness (L*‐values) was used as a proxy for aragonite content, based on a high linear correlation (R = 0·93) between the X‐ray diffraction derived aragonite content and L*‐values. The resulting time resolution of the L*‐values derived aragonite content ranges from 1 yr at the base of the core to 4 yr at the top. Detailed time series analysis using Monte Carlo Singular Spectrum Analysis and spectral analysis (Lomb–Scargle Fourier transform) identifies the presence of seven signals with varying amplitudes and wavelengths that could be traced throughout the past 5500 yr. During the first ∼1600 yr of sedimentation the aragonite record is dominated by the initial flooding of the flat‐topped GBB. Superimposed on a multimillennial signal, related to Holocene sea‐level changes, a millennial‐scale fluctuation and five quasi‐periodic oscillations were detected (∼1·3–2 kyr, ∼500–600 yr, ∼380 yr, ∼260 yr, ∼200 yr and ∼100 yr period). Comparisons with other proxies (e.g. tree ring‐Δ14C, 10Be and δ18O in ice cores) provides information on the origin and dynamics of the individual signals. The analysis shows that the ∼200 yr and ∼100 yr signals can be attributed to solar forcing. The ∼260 yr, ∼380 yr and the ∼500–600 yr quasi‐periodic signals are found to be of climatic origin, whereas the millennial scale fluctuations remain enigmatic, although solar forcing mechanisms seem likely. The data show that variability of solar output as well as past oceanographic and atmospheric changes have modulated the Mid to Late Holocene climate, which in turn controlled sediment input variations found in the Holocene wedge leeward of the GBB. Although these periplatform sediments have a rather uniform appearance, they still contain a large variety of subtle sedimentary variations.
Dewatering effects on the erodibility of newly deposited cohesive beds by unidirectional currents
Authors: GÓMEZ EDUARDO A. , AMOS CARL L.
Published: February 2005

A series of laboratory experiments on cohesive sediments under inorganic conditions was undertaken in order to evaluate the impact of fluid bed shear stress on the build‐up of bed resistance to erosion with time. The importance of small pressures due to flowing water to increase bed strength is presented. It is also shown that the susceptibility of a cohesive bed to changes in its erodibility is related to deposited bed thickness due to sediment disturbance caused by dewatering from the consolidating bed. Laboratory experiments that use beds deposited from suspension should thus report the thickness of the bed prior to resuspension.
Deformation structures and an alteration zone linked to deposition of volcanogenic sulphate in an ancient playa (Oligocene of Nebraska, USA)
Authors: LOOPE DAVID B. , MASON JOSEPH A. , BAO HUIMING , KETTLER RICHARD M. , ZANNER C. WILLIAM
Published: February 2005

Historic, sulphur‐rich volcanic eruptions have altered global climate for as much as five years, and much larger events are known from the geologic record. At Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Early Oligocene strata of the lower Arikaree Group contain a tephra bed with abundant calcite pseudomorphs after gypsum. Previous work has shown sulphate from the pseudomorphs in this tephra bears a high17O anomaly indicative of oxidation of sulphur gases by ozone or hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere. Possible sources of the tephra were caldera eruptions at about 28 Ma in the San Juan volcanic field of south‐western Colorado (∼500 km SW of the study site) and the eastern Great Basin (∼1000 km WSW). The present sedimentological study shows that tephra and volcanogenic sulphate were deposited and preserved within a small, surface‐discharging playa that developed on the irregular upper surface of aeolian siltstones of the subjacent White River Group. Sulphate solutions (including perhaps sulphuric acid) percolated downward within the vadose zone, dissolving early formed smectite cement within underlying volcaniclastic sandstones, reddening these rocks along an irregular alteration front. Preserved fine‐scale stratification within the sandstones precludes the possibility that reddening took place during pedogenesis. Displacive growth of gypsum at the playa centre folded tephra beds and forced tephra into underlying sandstones, forming elongate cones. The large mass fraction of gypsum (now replaced by calcite) in the playa sediments suggests a huge, long‐distance delivery of sulphate aerosols. Some of the sulphate and tephra may have come from the same eruption, or the fine‐grained tephra may simply have aided preservation of dry‐fog sulphate derived from an unrelated, effusive eruption of lava.
Kabuki syndrome: a review
Authors: Adam MP , Hudgins L
Published: February 2005

Kabuki syndrome (KS) (Kabuki make‐up syndrome, Niikawa–Kuroki syndrome) is a multiple malformation/mental retardation syndrome that was described initially in Japan but is now known to occur in many other ethnic groups. It is characterized by distinctive facial features (eversion of the lower lateral eyelid, arched eyebrows with the lateral one‐third dispersed or sparse, depressed nasal tip, and prominent ears), skeletal anomalies, dermatoglyphic abnormalities, short stature, and mental retardation. A number of other manifestations involving other organ systems can aid in the diagnosis and management of KS. This review will focus on the diagnostic criteria, the common and rare features of KS by organ system, and the possible etiology of this interesting condition.
Hedgehog signaling and congenital malformations
Authors: Nieuwenhuis E , Hui C‐c
Published: February 2005

The Hedgehog (Hh)‐signaling pathway is essential for numerous developmental processes inDrosophilaand vertebrate embryos. Hh signal transduction encompasses a complex series of regulatory events, including the generation of the mature Hh ligand, propagation of the ligand from source of production as well as the reception and interpretation of the signal in Hh‐receiving cells. Many congenital malformations in humans are known to involve mutations in various components of the Hh‐signaling pathway. This mini review summarizes some recent findings about the regulation of Hh signal transduction and describes the spectrum of human congenital malformations that are associated with aberrant Hh signaling. Based on a comparison of mouse‐mutant phenotypes and human syndromes, we discuss how Hh‐dependent Gli activator and repressor functions contribute to some of the congenital malformations.
Insulin resistance and obesity‐related factors in Prader–Willi syndrome: Comparison with obese subjects
Authors: Talebizadeh Z , Butler MG
Published: February 2005

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), the most common genetic cause of marked obesity in humans, is usually due to a de novo paternally derived chromosome 15q11–q13 deletion or maternal disomy 15 [(uniparental disomy (UPD)]. Obesity is due to energy imbalance, but few studies have examined fat patterning and obesity‐related factors in subjects with PWS (deletions and UPD) compared with subjects with simple obesity. We examined for differences in fatness patterning and lipid, leptin, and glucose and insulin levels in subjects with simple obesity and PWS and adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Fasting peripheral blood samples and cross‐sectional magnetic resonance image scans at the level of the umbilicus were obtained in 55 subjects ranging in age from 10.4 to 49 years: 20 PWS deletion, 17 PWS UPD, and 18 obese controls. Subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and intra‐abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) were calculated. No significant difference was seen between the PWS deletion subjects or PWS UPD subjects for fatness measurements or leptin levels. Twenty‐three of 37 PWS subjects met the criteria for obesity (BMI > 95th percentile). No significant differences were observed for SFA and VFA between the PWS subjects judged to be obese and control subjects with simple obesity. There was an overall trend for decreased VFA in the PWS subjects but not significantly different. VFA was significantly positively correlated with both fasting insulin and total cholesterol in PWS deletion subjects but not in PWS UPD subjects or obese controls. Fasting insulin level was significantly lower in the obese PWS subjects compared with subjects with simple obesity, and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) was significantly higher in PWS subjects with obesity. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and QUICKI values were correlated and in opposite directions with triglycerides in the obese PWS subjects but not in the obese controls. Subjects in each group were stratified according to published criteria on the basis of their level of visceral fat (e.g. ≥ 130 cm2) to assess the influence of VFA on metabolic abnormalities. In the obese PWS subjects, the fasting triglyceride, glucose, and insulin levels, and HOMA value were significantly elevated, while the QUICKI value was significantly lower in those with VFA ≥ 130 cm2. Such significant differences were not seen in the obese control group. Our results indicate that VFA may be regulated differently in PWS subjects compared to individuals with simple obesity. Insulin resistance is lower in PWS subjects and insulin sensitivity is higher compared with obese controls. PWS subjects with increased VFA may be at a higher risk of obesity‐related complications compared to PWS subjects without increased VFA.
Identification of novel SLC3A1 gene mutations in Spanish cystinuria families and association with clinical phenotypes
Authors: Guillén M , Corella D , Cabello ML , González JI , Sabater A , Chaves JF , Hernández‐Yago J
Published: February 2005

Cystinuria is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by an abnormal urinary excretion of cystine and dibasic amino acids, leading to kidney stone formation. Incidence of cystinuria in the Mediterranean Spanish population is one of the highest in the world. In view of the low prevalence of previously reported mutations in the SLC3A1 gene, analyses to identify novel variants were carried out on 20 cystinuria families. Additionally, we investigated the possible association between these molecular variants and clinical phenotypes. Genomic DNA from 48 cystinuria patients, 44 healthy relatives and 81 unrelated controls from the East Mediterranean coast of Spain was screened by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis. Abnormal patterns were confirmed by nucleotide sequence determination and by further restriction fragment‐length polymorphism. We only found 11 genetic variants within the SLC3A1 gene: five known polymorphisms (114C > A, 231T > A, 1136 + 3delT, 1332 + 7T > C and 1338G > A), four point mutations (M467T, R452W, I105R and Y461X), one single base pair deletion (1767delA) and one 2‐bp insertion (1670insAT). Two of these genetic variants (I105R and 1670insAT) were described for the first time. All mutations but one were detected in families classified as Type I cystinuria due to the transmission pattern of the disease. Association analyses revealed that 231T > A (M467T), 1136 + 3delT and 1332 + 7T > C genetic variants were statistically related with urinary amino acid excretion in cystinuria patients. Although some molecular variants within the SLC3A1 gene were associated with clinical traits in cystinuria patients, the low detection rate of mutations in this gene strongly suggests that variation of the SLC3A1 is not the major genetic factor contributing to cystinuria in this Mediterranean population.
Cardiac involvement in Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Wessely R , Seidl S , Schömig A
Published: February 2005

Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a common form of muscular dystrophy frequently involving cardiac muscle, thus leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinical outcome and prognosis is frequently determined by the involvement of the cardiac conduction system causing symptomatic bradyarrhythmias, as well as tachyarrhythmias and, if untreated, frequent sudden cardiac death. Typical features of the cardiac involvement of EDMD are presented, caused by a novel missense mutation in the splice receptor sequence of intron 6 of the LMNA gene on chromosome 1, encoding for the lamin A/C gene, consistent with the autosomal dominant form of EDMD.
Germline mosaicism in Rett syndrome identified by prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Mari F , Caselli R , Russo S , Cogliati F , Ariani F , Longo I , Bruttini M , Meloni I , Pescucci C , Schurfeld K , Toti P , Tassini M , Larizza L , Hayek G , Zappella M , Renieri A
Published: February 2005

Rett syndrome is an X‐linked neurodevelopmental dominant disorder that affects almost exclusively girls. The vast majority of cases are sporadic and are caused by de novo mutations in the MECP2 gene, located in Xq28. Only few familial cases have been reported: in four cases, the mother was an asymptomatic carrier and in other four cases, the germline mosaicism in the mother was postulated. Owing to the above reported cases of germline mosaicism, we decided to offer prenatal diagnosis to all expectant mothers with a Rett daughter despite the absence of the causative mutation in parents' blood. We describe here the outcome of the first nine cases of prenatal diagnosis followed by our center. In eight cases, the fetus did not carry the mutation. In one case, the female fetus did carry the same mutation of the affected sister. The couple decided to interrupt the pregnancy and to devolve fetal tissues for research purposes. Our results indicate that prenatal diagnosis should be proposed to all couples with a Rett daughter, even when the mutation is apparently de novo. Moreover, one positive prenatal test among the first nine cases indicates that germline mosaicism may be seriously considered for the assessment of recurrence risk during genetic counseling.
Bacterial counts of intestinal Lactobacillus species in infants with colic
Authors: Savino F. , Bailo E. , Oggero R. , Tullio V. , Roana J. , Carlone N. , Cuffini A. M. , Silvestro L.
Published: February 2005

Intestinal colonization by lactobacilli is suggested to be a prerequisite to normal mucosal immune functions. An inadequate level of lactobacilli may be involved in appearance of allergic disease of which, infantile colic, is often considered an early clinical manifestation. The aim of the study is to evaluate intestinal lactobacilli in breast‐fed infants with infantile colic and healthy infants. Fifty‐six breast‐fed infants, aged 15–60 days were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: colicky (30 cases) and healthy (26 cases) according to Wessel's criteria. Stool samples were collected, diluted and cultured on selective media. The colonies were counted, reported as colony forming unit (cfu) per gram of faeces and identified by biochemical methods. Different colonization patterns of lactobacilli were found among colicky and healthy infants. Lactobacillus brevis (4.34 × 108 cfu/g) and L. lactis lactis (2.51 × 107 cfu/g) were found only in colicky infants while L. acidophilus (2.41 × 107 cfu/g) was found only in healthy infants. Lactobacillus brevis and L. lactis lactis might be involved in the pathogenesis of infantile colic increasing meteorism and abdominal distension. Further studies are required to understand how the observed differences may be involved in the pathogenesis of this common disorder.
The effect of prenatal exposure on total IgE at birth and sensitization at twelve months and four years of age: The PIAMA study
Authors: Kerkhof Marjan , Wijga Alet , Smit Henriëtte A. , De Jongste Johan C. , Aalberse Rob C. , Brunekreef Bert , Gerritsen Jorrit , Postma Dirkje S. ,   the PIAMA study group
Published: February 2005

There is increasing evidence that the development of the fetal immune system can be influenced by environmental exposure in utero. We investigated whether prenatal exposure is associated with a high neonatal total IgE level and sensitization at the age of 1 and 4 yr. Data from 1027 infants were collected in a Dutch birth cohort study (PIAMA study). Total IgE was measured in heel prick blood collected in the first week of life. Sensitization was defined as a specific IgE level in serum of ≥0.35 IU/ml against house dust mite, cat, dog, milk or egg. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study independent relationships between risk factors and a high neonatal total IgE (≥0.50 IU/ml) or sensitization. A high neonatal total IgE was found in 12.2% of boys and 6.2% of girls. A dog at home during pregnancy was negatively associated with a high neonatal total IgE [odds ratio (95% CI) 0.5 (0.2–1.0)]. A cat at home [OR 0.6 (0.4–1.0) and maternal smoking (OR 0.4 (0.2–1.0)] were negatively associated with sensitization at 12 months, but not at 4 yr. The presence of older siblings, season of birth, birth weight, mode of delivery, gestational age and maternal age were not associated with a high neonatal total IgE or sensitization. The higher total IgE level and prevalence of sensitization at 4 yr in boys compared with girls was only present in children from allergic mothers. Our results suggest a short‐lasting protective effect of prenatal exposure to pets on total IgE at birth and early sensitization.
No association of histamine‐ N‐methyltransferase polymorphism with asthma or bronchial hyperresponsiveness in two German pediatric populations
Authors: Deindl Philipp , Peri‐Jerkan Silvija , Deichmann Klaus , Niggemann Bodo , Lau Susanne , Sommerfeld Christine , Sengler Claudia , Müller Sebastian , Wahn Ulrich , Nickel Renate , Heinzmann Andrea ,   the German Multicenter Atopy Study Group
Published: February 2005

Histamine plays an important role in the allergic inflammation. Histamin N‐Methyltransferase (HNMT) catalyses the major pathway of histamine metabolism in the human lung. A common functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the HNMT gene (C314T) was recently related to asthma. We tested this SNP for associations with asthma and asthma associated traits in two German pediatric populations (1. MAS‐cohort, n = 888, 85 children with asthma; 2. asthmatic children from Freiburg, n = 176). Non‐asthmatic (n = 515) and non‐atopic (n = 211) children from the MAS‐cohort were used as controls. For genotyping melting curve analyses (Light Cycler System) were applied. In contrast to a previous study, no association of the HNMT 314T allele with asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) or other asthma related phenotypes could be observed in either study population. We conclude that this SNP might not play a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma or BHR in German children.
Probiotic effects on faecal inflammatory markers and on faecal IgA in food allergic atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome infants
Authors: Viljanen Mirva , Kuitunen Mikael , Haahtela Tari , Juntunen‐Backman Kaisu , Korpela Riitta , Savilahti Erkki
Published: February 2005

Probiotic bacteria are proposed to alleviate intestinal inflammation in infants with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) and food allergy. In such infants we investigated effects of probiotic bacteria on faecal IgA, and on the intestinal inflammation markers tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), α1‐antitrypsin (AT), and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). A total of 230 infants with AEDS and suspected cow's milk allergy (CMA) received in a randomized double‐blinded manner, concomitant with elimination diet, Lactobacillus GG (LGG), a mixture of four probiotic strains (MIX), or placebo for 4 wk. Four weeks after treatment, CMA was diagnosed with a double‐blind placebo‐controlled milk challenge. Faecal samples of 102 infants, randomly chosen for analysis, were collected before treatment, after 4‐wk treatment, and on the first day of milk challenge. After treatment, IgA levels tended to be higher in probiotic groups than in the placebo group (LGG vs. placebo, p = 0.064; MIX vs. placebo, p = 0.064), and AT decreased in the LGG group, but not in other treatment groups. After challenge in IgE‐associated CMA infants, faecal IgA was higher for LGG than for placebo (p = 0.014), and TNF‐α was lower for LGG than for placebo, but non‐significantly (p = 0.111). In conclusion, 4‐wk treatment with LGG may alleviate intestinal inflammation in infants with AEDS and CMA.
Milk allergy school: Nutritional therapy in group for parents of children with cow's milk allergy/intolerance in Primary Health Care
Authors: Mikkelsen Andrea , Lissner Lauren , Borres Magnus P.
Published: February 2005

The objective of this study was to create a method for group nutritional therapy for parents of children with cow's milk allergy/intolerance in a paediatric primary care setting to increase accessibility to nutritional therapy. A second objective was to evaluate a milk allergy school. Follow‐up time after the group session was 3 yr. All parents to newly diagnosed children (n = 98) with cow's milk allergy/intolerance in the Primary Health Care system in the city of Göteborg during an 11‐month period were invited. The majority of the families chose to participate (n = 84, 86%). The mean age of the children was 9 months (3 months to 5 yr). The number of participants obtaining nutritional treatment within a month after diagnosis has significantly increased. Seventy‐four families (88%) could be re‐contacted 3 yr after participation for a second evaluation. Seventy‐eight per cent of the children no longer had cow's milk allergy/intolerance. Most participants expressed satisfaction with the information obtained in the meeting. The milk allergy school does not replace but complements individual counselling. The milk allergy school seems to meet the families’ needs for information, has few administrative routines and is cost‐efficient. This activity has become permanent, is being offered weekly and can be recommended.
Prenatal factors associated with the development of eczema in the first year of life
Authors: Kurzius‐Spencer Margaret , Halonen Marilyn , Carla Lohman I. , Martinez Fernando D. , Wright Anne L.
Published: February 2005

Prenatal factors have been implicated in childhood eczema, but the relationship between maternal cytokine production during pregnancy and infant eczema is unknown. Non‐selected women in their third trimester were enrolled in the Tucson Infant Immune Study. Data from three sources were used to define MD‐eczema: parent‐completed illness questionnaires at age 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 months regarding physician‐seen eczema, parent‐completed questionnaires at 12 months regarding physician‐diagnosed eczema, and medical record reviews. Blood samples were taken from mothers during their third trimester and from the umbilical cord at birth. Maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cord blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with ConA/PMA, and supernatants were assayed for IFN‐γ and IL‐4, ‐5, ‐10, and ‐13. Of 364 children, 28% were seen by a physician for eczema by 1 yr of age. After adjustment for potential confounders using logistic regression, the odds for development of eczema in infancy were significantly higher when mothers had active eczema in pregnancy (OR, 2.46, CI 1.0–5.8, p < 0.042) and when mothers were in the highest tertile of serum IgE production (OR 2.28, CI 1.2–4.4, p < 0.013). Colds in the third trimester were associated with lower odds of eczema (OR 0.32, CI 0.16–0.63, p < 0.001). Our findings from this cohort study suggest that in utero factors, including maternal IgE, colds, and eczema, may influence the risk of infant eczema.
Prenatal exposure to mite and pet allergens and total serum IgE at birth in high‐risk children
Authors: Schönberger H. J. , Dompeling E. , Knottnerus J. A. , Kuiper S. , van Weel C. , van Schayck C. P.
Published: February 2005

To examine the relationship between prenatal exposure to mite, cat and dog allergens and total serum IgE at birth in newborns at high risk of asthma. In the homes of 221 newborns with at least one first‐degree relative with asthma, concentrations (ng/g dust) of allergens of house dust mite (mite), cat and dog were measured at the fourth to sixth month of pregnancy in dust samples from the maternal mattress and living room. At day 3–5 after birth, total IgE was measured in capillary heel blood. A total number of 174 blood samples were available (11 mothers refused newborn's blood sampling, and in 36 cases the blood sample was too small for analysis). In 24% of the newborns, total IgE was elevated (cut‐off value 0.5 IU/ml). A significant dose response relationship was found between increasing mite allergen levels [divided in quartiles ng/g dust (qrt)] and the percentage of elevated IgE: first qrt (0–85 ng/g) 13%; second qrt (86–381) 19%; third qrt (382–2371) 26%; fourth qrt (≥2372) 42%, respectively, p = 0.01. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for passive smoking, maternal and paternal mite allergy, socio‐demographic factors, birth characteristics and (breast) feeding practice in the first week of life. In high‐risk newborns, prenatal exposure to mite allergens, but not to cat and dog allergens from dust of the living room and of the maternal mattress was associated with total serum IgE at birth.
Maternal glutathione S‐transferase GSTP1 genotype is a specific predictor of phenotype in children with asthma
Authors: Carroll W. D. , Lenney W. , Child F. , Strange R. C. , Jones P. W. , Fryer A. A.
Published: February 2005

Maternal factors are known to influence the heritability and expression of asthma and atopy. We report the association of maternal, paternal and proband GSTP1 genotype with lung function in 145 Caucasian children with asthma. GSTP1 Val105/Val105 and Ala114/Val114 genotypes in the child were associated with non‐significant increases in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio). Paternal genotype had no influence on lung function in the child. In contrast, maternal GSTP1 Val105/Val105 genotype was significantly associated with offspring lung function and was strongly predictive of FEV1/FVC (Val105/Val105 105.2%, Ile105/Val105 and Ile105/Ile105 97.9% p = 0.006) and maternal GSTP1 Ala114/Val114 genotype was associated with significantly higher FEV1 (Ala114/Val114 109.0%, Ala114/Ala114 99.0% p = 0.008), and FEV1/FVC ratios (Ala114/Val114 104.1%, Ala114/Ala114 98.2% p = 0.04). The associations between maternal GSTP1 Val105/Val105 genotype and FEV1/FVC and maternal GSTP1 Ala114/Val114 genotype and FEV1 remained significant (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007) after correction for child and maternal atopic status, passive smoke exposure, smoking during pregnancy, individual and paternal GSTP1 genotype and was independent of transmission to the child. These data support the hypothesis that maternal GSTP1 genotype can act as a specific risk factor which has ex utero consequences for children with asthma. As a child's genotype is not independent of maternal genotype, effects seen in candidate gene studies may be due at least in part to this phenomenon.
Ecological and Phylogenetic Effects on Song Sharing in Songbirds
Authors: Handley Heather G. , Nelson Douglas A.
Published: February 2005

As a consequence of vocal learning, the songs of male songbirds often vary geographically. We examined three proximate hypotheses that predict variation in the incidence of local song sharing among species: the annual cycle, breeding season duration, and epiphenomenon hypotheses. To test these hypotheses, we compiled data from the literature on local song sharing, annual cycle, breeding location isophane (an index of breeding season duration), repertoire size, and phylogenetic relationships of 65 populations in the family Fringillidae. Mapping characters on the phylogenetic tree revealed that local song sharing, migratory status, and breeding location isophane were randomly distributed on the phylogeny. Breeding isophane and migratory status were themselves correlated and had significant effects on the probability of sharing local songs. As predicted by the annual cycle and breeding season duration hypotheses, males in sedentary populations and populations breeding at low isophanes were more likely to share local songs. In subsets of the data, the annual cycle hypothesis received more support than did the breeding season duration hypothesis. Neither hypothesis explained more than 17% of the variation in the incidence of song sharing, and we suggest that detailed information on song function, male dispersal, and constraints on the timing of song learning will be needed to better predict the occurrence of local song sharing.
Shoal Choice in Swordtails when Preferences Conflict
Authors: Wong Bob B. M. , Rosenthal Gil G.
Published: February 2005

Individuals obtain a range of benefits from aggregating with others. Evidence suggests that group size and the phenotypic characteristics of potential group mates are both important attributes influencing the grouping decisions of prospective group members. Their interaction, however, remains poorly understood. Here we investigate, in a series of dichotomous choice experiments, what happens when a preference with respect to group size is pitted against a preference for assorting on the basis of body size in swordtail fish. When controlled for body size, we found that swordtails preferred to associate with a larger shoal. When controlled for group size, we found that swordtails preferred to associate with similar‐sized fish. However, when offered the choice between a single size‐matched shoaling partner and four dissimilar‐sized shoal mates, we found that females associated randomly. Our results suggest that, depending on context, group size and body size may be equally important in guiding the aggregating decisions of swordtails. Future studies will likely offer valuable insights into shoaling behaviour by considering how, and under what circumstances, different grouping preferences might be prioritized.
Differential Behavioural Effects of Silent Bared Teeth Display and Relaxed Open Mouth Display in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Waller Bridget M. , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: February 2005

This study examines the behavioural consequences of the silent bared teeth display (SBT) and the relaxed open mouth display (ROM) in the chimpanzee, and discusses functional similarities with smiling and laughing (respectively) in humans. Rates of affinitive behaviour increase (in relation to baseline levels) following SBT, suggesting that SBT is a signal of affinity. ROM is observed primarily during play, and dyadic play bouts are significantly longer when ROM is bidirectional, indicating that it may be a signal of play. Rates of affinitive behaviour also increased after ROM, suggesting that both displays may have a similar ultimate (evolutionary) function – social bonding; this could explain convergence of the two displays in humans.
Vigilance during Preening in Coots Fulica atra
Authors: Randler Christoph
Published: February 2005

In birds, vigilance during feeding is usually linked with (1) the many‐eyes‐hypothesis, (2) the dilution effect, and (3) the intraspecific scramble competition hypothesis. To exclude competition for resources as a driving force in vigilance research into activities other than feeding is necessary. Additionally, variables such as nearest neighbour distance and position within a flock are supposed to influence vigilance and vigilance of singletons should be compared with vigilance of flock members. I studied vigilance during preening in Eurasian Coots (Fulica atra) and counted the number of scans per minute. A total number of 117 coots were sampled with 16 of them preening alone. Coots preening alone showed a significantly higher scan rate. I found a significant negative correlation between vigilance and flock size while nearest neighbour distance correlated positively with vigilance. Further, vigilance was higher in individuals at the edge. A general linear model using nearest neighbour distance and flock size within 10 m as covariates also revealed a significant influence of flock size but not of nearest neighbour distance. The centre‐edge effect still remained significant. These results indicate that flock size is the most influential predictor of vigilance in preening coots, followed by spatial organization. However, using nearest neighbour distance instead of flock size also produced a significant model as did the flock size measurement within a radius of 20 m. As scramble competition could be ruled out, the flock size effect may be indeed related to predation.
Predicting Herbivore Feeding Times
Authors: Jeschke Jonathan M. , Tollrian Ralph
Published: February 2005

An understanding of animal time budgets is crucial to behavioural biology. Although many studies have analysed time budgets of individual species, only a few have made interspecific comparisons. Here we take an interspecific look at one part of the time budget, feeding time. We hypothesize that feeding time can be predicted by the amount of time an animal needs to reach satiation. This time should be equal to the ratio of handling time to digestion time. For 19 herbivorous species from insects to mammals, we calculate this ratio and compare it to the observed feeding time. The mean difference between calculated and observed values is small (a half hour per 24 h‐day), indicating that herbivore feeding times can often be approximated by the ratio of handling time to digestion time. We make three points concerning the time allocated to feeding in herbivores based on this interspecific comparison. First, our analysis suggests that herbivores often feed to satiation, which could mean that they are often released from time constraints. It is also possible, however, that while herbivores have enough time to reach satiation, they do not necessarily have sufficient time to choose the most desirable diet. Wilson's principle of stringency theoretically supports the former interpretation. It suggests that animals experience periods in their life in which they are time‐constrained but that these periods are the exception rather than the rule. Most optimal foraging studies have assumed the opposite. The second point of this paper is therefore a recommendation: to consider the possibility that animals may often be released from time constraints. The third and final point is that feeding time is independent of body mass in our analysis. This is because handling time scales with body mass according to a parameter that is similar to the one for digestion time, and feeding time can be approximated by the ratio of handling time to digestion time.
Wall Lizards Modulate Refuge Use through Continuous Assessment of Predation Risk Level
Authors: Martín José , López Pilar
Published: February 2005

Prey species might use several possible ways to assess predation risk when encountering a predator. Animals may consider the risk level estimated in a first encounter to remain unchanged across subsequent encounters (fixed risk response), or they may update and change their responses across encounters in accordance with short‐term changes in risk levels (flexible risk response). We examined in the field how wall lizards assess risk level by analyzing time spent in refuges after simulated predator attacks. We first examined how risk was assessed when multiple consecutive sources of risk were present simultaneously. The results suggest that wall lizards assess risk based on multiple cues, such as approach speed, directness, and persistence (measured as the distance of the predator to their refuge after an attack). When risk was high lizards remained longer in their refuges. The first decision to appear partly from the refuge depended on both approach speed and persistence, whereas the decision to emerge completely depended only on persistence and not on approach speed. This suggests that wall lizards update information on predator threat and adjusted their emergence accordingly. In a second experiment, we analyzed how short‐term changes in risk level of successive attacks affected refuge use. Successive emergence times varied as a function of current risk level of each repeated attack, independently of the risk level of previous attacks. This indicated that lizards could track short‐term changes in risk level through time and modify their initial responses when required. Fine adjustments of refuge use may help lizards to minimize costs of refuge use in unfavorable and variable environments where antipredatory responses are costly.
Effects of Soil Moisture on Gas Exchange, Partitioning of Fed 14CO2 and Stable Carbon Isotope Composition (δ13C) of Leymus chinensis Under Two Different Diurnal Temperature Variations
Authors: Xu Z. Z. , Zhou G. S.
Published: February 2005

In a pot experiment under controlled condition, Leymus chinensis was grown at five soil water contents and two diurnal temperature variation levels. The leaf relative water content of L. chinensis decreased under soil drought conditions, and increased at high diurnal temperature variation (30/20 °C). Severe and very severe soil drought remarkably reduced photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency (WUE), especially at the low temperature variation. Severe drought mainly increased the specific radioactivity of 14C of sheaths, roots and rhizomes, but significantly decreased that of fed leaves and the not fully expanded leaves. Root percentage of total radioactivity remaining in the whole plant increased from 15 % at 30/25 °C to 28 % at 30/20 °C. Leaf carbon stable isotope composition (δ13C) increased with soil drought, ranged from −26 ‰ of the well‐watered to −24 ‰ of severe drought treatments. High diurnal temperature variation improved leaf water status, and increased partitioning of carbon to root and δ13C values, especially under severe soil drought conditions. In conclusion, higher diurnal temperature variation enhanced the resistance of the plant to drought.
Relay Cropping of Sorghum and Legume Shrubs for Crop Yield Improvement and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)
Authors: Reda F. , Verkleij J. A. C. , Ernst W. H. O.
Published: February 2005

Striga hermonthica is a major constraint in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia. Low soil fertility and overall environmental degradation has contributed to the build up of the parasitic weed infestation. Improved cropping systems have to be introduced to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. Thus, relay cropping of sorghum with legume shrubs was investigated at two locations representing different environments. Results showed that the output of the improved cropping system was dependent on ecological endowments. Relay cropping led to significant improvement in yield at Sheraro, at the site with relatively better weather and soil conditions. The legume shrubs resulted in significantly lower sorghum yield in a dryland location (Adibakel). Overall Striga infestation declined over the 3‐year period; however, treatment differences were not apparent. Among the two legume shrubs, Sesbania sesban was better adapted to the dryland areas. Relay cropping could provide a viable option for farmers in both types of environments that are characterized by accelerated decline in natural resource base. However, it could mean compromising the yield of non‐fertilized sorghum in the interest of long‐term benefits of low incidence of Striga and more rewarding crop enterprise in dry areas.
Weed Control in Sugar Beet using Genetically Modified Herbicide‐tolerant Varieties – A Review of the Economics for Cultivation in Europe
Authors: Märländer B.
Published: February 2005

Genetically modified sugar beet varieties have been developed to be tolerant to glyphosate and glufosinate. To date, research regarding other active ingredients did not result in additional herbicide‐tolerant varieties and the approval of glufosinate‐tolerant varieties for market access has been withdrawn by the applicant. Therefore, only glyphosate‐tolerant varieties could be introduced for cultivation in the short run. Results concerning efficacy and cost of weed control using these varieties and the complementary herbicides were extensively reported in various contributions, mostly on a national level. Based on these results, the economics of weed control for sugar beet production in Europe were reviewed and aspects of integrated control, risk management, and issues of sustainable development of crop production are discussed. Efficient weed control is possible in almost any field situation with glyphosate at about 2 kg a.i. ha−1, compared with conventional herbicides at 6 kg ha−1 or higher, depending on weed infestation level. Cost savings for weed control with glyphosate would amount to an average of €150 ha−1, without any great deviation across different sites and states. A technology fee of about €40 ha−1 is assumed. The high selectivity of glyphosate may result in a 1–3 % higher yield performance of the crop. All assumptions being considered, total cost savings of €180 × 106 year−1 were calculated for the area of 1.7 × 106 ha in the main EU sugar beet‐growing countries. A risk management by implementing a monitoring programme is compulsory, and systems of identity preservation or quality assurance are needed in order to enable the production of conventional and genetically modified sugar beet in coexistence. To date, costs are unknown for these measures. Because of the favourable ecotoxicological behaviour of glyphosate and the possibility of threshold‐based weed control, this new technology could provide an excellent option towards sustainable development of the crop. However, political reasons and the lack of acceptance of genetically modified varieties by the consumer have prevented the market entry of GMHT sugar beet to date, so that conventional herbicides will continuously be used in the future.