bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of sedimentary organic matter in a mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic platform environment: Oxfordian of the Swiss Jura Mountains
Authors: PITTET BERNARD , GORIN GEORGES E. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTOutcrop sections from the Swiss Jura, consisting of carbonate‐siliciclastic deposits spanning the Middle‐Late Oxfordian boundary, provide a palaeogeographical cross‐section ranging from coastal to shallow platform and intra‐platform basin environments. Using a sedimentological and a 3rd order sequence stratigraphic framework based on those sections, the distribution of sedimentary organic matter (palynofacies) has been spatially studied in relation to sequence stratigraphy.The main factors influencing the spatial variations of sedimentary organic matter are the proximity of land, organic productivity, level of biodegradation and hydrodynamic conditions of the palaeoenvironment. These factors determine the distribution of the land‐derived, relatively allochthonous organic constituents (phytoclasts, pollen and spores), and marine, relatively autochthonous constituents (phytoplankton and foraminifera linings).Five main palynofacies parameters appear as good indicators of proximal‐distal trends: the relative proportion of total phytoclasts; the proportion of fresh, translucent fragments among these phytoclasts; the ratio of marine to continental palynomorphs; and the relative amount and species diversity of dinoflagellate cysts. In lowstand deposits, high‐energy hydrodynamic conditions may affect these trends on the shallow platform, where storms tend to increase the proportion of the marine organic fraction landwards. These five palynofacies parameters are largely related to water depth. Therefore, when compared with the established 3rd order sequence stratigraphic framework, their stratigraphic variations indicate relative sea‐level changes or, alternatively, proximality changes. Parameters indicative of more distal conditions increase in the transgressive and early highstand, and decrease in the late highstand. The opposite occurs for parameters indicative of more proximal conditions. Foraminifera linings seem to be particularly concentrated near the shelf edge and on the slope. Finally, bisaccate pollen may display cyclicity associated with alternating humid and dry periods. This palaeoclimatic signature may be related to orbital cyclicity.
Platform‐to‐basin correlation by high‐resolution sequence stratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy (Berriasian, Switzerland and France)
Authors: PASQUIER JEAN‐BRUNO , STRASSER ANDRÉ 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTBased on detailed analyses of facies evolution and stacking pattern of Berriasian carbonate‐dominated sections in the Swiss Jura Mountains, the Swiss Ultrahelvetic and the French Vocontian Trough, a high‐resolution platform‐to‐basin correlation is proposed. Biostratigraphical tie points are furnished by ammonites, dinoflagellates, calpionellids, and ostracod‐charophyte assemblages. The hierarchical stacking of small‐scale depositional sequences reflects Milankovitch cyclicity: sequences corresponding to the 20‐, 100‐, and, locally, 400‐ka orbital cycles can be identified. Elementary (20 ka) sequences on the platform generally consist of one bed of shallow subtidal to intertidal, high‐ or low‐energy carbonate facies, whereas on the slope and in the basin they are commonly developed as limestone‐marl couplets. These elementary sequences group into small‐scale composite sequences reflecting the first orbital eccentricity cycle (100 ka), which in turn build up large‐scale (3rd‐order) composite sequences. One 3rd‐order sequence has been analysed in detail: according to the cyclostratigraphic interpretation, it took ≃2 Myr to form, which is in accordance with the duration of the corresponding ammonite subzones. Sequence‐stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic platform‐to‐basin correlation shows that for about 900 ka the platform was exposed or only partly flooded, whereas on the slope and in the basin, lowstand deposits with channel fills and slumps accumulated. With rising sea level, accommodation space gradually increased on the platform and a thickening‐upward sequential pattern with transgressive facies developed, while in the basin the facies still had lowstand characteristics with thick and nodular limestone beds. This situation lasted about 700 ka. The following 300 ka were characterized by sediment starvation and increased bioturbation on the platform, and by more marly, transgressive sediments on the slope and in the basin. The maximum‐flooding phase is more or less isochronous on the platform and in the basin, although the surface with the best‐developed maximum‐flooding features may be displaced by one or two small‐scale composite sequences because of superimposed high‐frequency sea‐level fluctuations, and/or local variations in substrate morphology and sediment distribution. Third‐order highstand conditions prevailed for only about 100 ka. The combination of cyclostratigraphy and high‐resolution sequence stratigraphy, constrained by good biostratigraphy, is thus a powerful tool for detailed stratigraphical correlation over long distances and from one sedimentary environment to another.
Tsunami sedimentary facies deposited by the Storegga tsunami in shallow marine basins and coastal lakes, western Norway
Authors: BONDEVIK STEIN , SVENDSEN JOHN INGE , MANGERUD JAN 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTSedimentary successions in small coastal lakes situated from 0 to 11 m above the 7000 year BP shoreline along the western coast of Norway, contain a distinctive deposit, very different from the sediments above and below. The deposit is interpreted to be the result of a tsunami inundating the coastal lakes. An erosional unconformity underlies the tsunami facies and is traced throughout the basins, with most erosion found at the seaward portion of the lakes. The lowermost tsunami facies is a graded or massive sand that locally contains marine fossils. The sand thins and decreases in grain size in a landward direction. Above follows coarse organic detritus with rip‐up clasts, here termed ‘organic conglomerate’, and finer organic detritus. The tsunami unit generally fines and thins upwards. The higher basins (6–11 m above the 7000 year shoreline) show one sand bed, whereas basins closer to the sea level 7000 years ago, may show several sand beds separated by organic detritus. These alternations in the lower basins may reflect repeated waves of sea water entering the lakes. In basins that were some few metres below sea level at 7000 years BP, the tsunami deposit is more minerogenic and commonly present as graded sand beds, but also in some of these shallow marine basins organic‐rich facies occur between the sand beds. The total thickness of the tsunami deposit is 20–100 cm in most studied sites. An erosional and depositional model of the tsunami facies is developed.
Petrology, volcanology and metallogeny of Palaeogene collision‐related volcanism of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria)
Authors: Yanev Yotzo , Bardintzeff Jacques‐Marie 
Published: November 2003

Tertiary collision‐related volcanic rocks of the Eastern Rhodopes (37–25.5 Ma) display calc‐alkaline and shoshonitic affinities, with (A) intermediate to basic and (B) acid compositions. (A) Latites, andesites, also shoshonites and basaltic andesites and scarce basalts, absarokites and ultrapotassic latites were emitted through different eruptive styles: lava flows often autobrecciated, domes, ash and scarce pumice falls and flows. Lahars are frequent. K2O contents of intermediate volcanics decrease from North to South towards the collision suture. (B) Rhyolites, trachyrhyolites and trachydacites show explosivity progressively decreasing with time. Several eruptive types can be distinguished: pyroclastic flows (weakly and strongly welded ignimbrite deposits), ash and lapilli falls, domes and lava flows. The large (30×10 km) Borovitza caldera is the result of a paroxysmic explosive phase. All rocks are characterized by high contents of Rb, Th and Y. Conversely, negative Ba and Ta–Nb anomalies are typical of collision‐related magmatism. Intense hydrothermal episodes, contemporaneous with the volcanic activity, have converted large amounts of explosive products into bentonite and zeolites deposits. Typical metallogeny is associated with this collision‐related volcanism: large Pb, Zn with Cu and Ag deposits and small U or Au deposits are exposed.
Estimating the depth of underground coal fires using data integration techniques
Authors: Peng W. X. , Van Genderen J. L. , Kang G. F. , Guan H. Y. , Tan Y. J. 
Published: November 2003

Underground coal fires in China cause serious environmental problems, in addition to the loss of valuable coal resources. The present study aims at developing a quick and practical method to estimate the depth of coal fires using data integration techniques. In coal fields which have underground coal fires, the subsurface fires are associated with surface thermal anomalies. Airborne thermal infrared scanner data and colour infrared photographs were used in this study to depict the coal fire front and the outcrop of coal seams, respectively. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area was produced from topographic maps at 1:25 000 scale. Finally, taking into account the spreading direction of the coal fires and the relationships between thermal anomalies, relief factors and the occurrence of coal seams, the depths of the coal fires were obtained automatically by means of integration of remote sensing data and GIS techniques. This helped to target the fire fighting operations and made them more cost effective.
The Ph2 pairing homoeologous locus of wheat (Triticum aestivum): identification of candidate meiotic genes using a comparative genetics approach
Authors: Sutton Tim , Whitford Ryan , Baumann Ute , Dong Chongmei , Able Jason A. , Langridge Peter 
Published: November 2003

SummaryColinearity in gene content and order between rice and closely related grass species has emerged as a powerful tool for gene identification. Using a comparative genetics approach, we have identified the rice genomic region syntenous to the region deleted in the wheat chromosome pairing mutant ph2a, with a view to identifying genes at the Ph2 locus that control meiotic processes. Utilising markers known to reside within the region deleted in ph2a, and data from wheat, barley and rice genetic maps, markers delimiting the region deleted on wheat chromosome 3DS in the ph2a mutant were used to locate the syntenous region on the short arm of rice chromosome 1. A contig of rice genomic sequence was identified from publicly available sequence information and used in blast searches to identify wheat expressed sequence tags (ESTs) exhibiting significant similarity. Southern analysis using a subset of identified wheat ESTs confirmed a syntenous relationship between the rice and wheat genomic regions and defined precisely the extent of the deleted segment in the ph2a mutant. A 6.58‐Mb rice contig generated from 60 overlapping rice chromosome 1 P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones spanning the syntenous rice region has enabled identification of 218 wheat ESTs putatively located in the region deleted in ph2a. What seems to be a terminal deletion on chromosome 3DS is estimated to be 80 Mb in length. Putative candidate genes that may contribute to the altered meiotic phenotype of ph2a are discussed.
The calcium sensor CBL1 integrates plant responses to abiotic stresses
Authors: Albrecht Verónica , Weinl Stefan , Blazevic Dragica , D'Angelo Cecilia , Batistic Oliver , Kolukisaoglu Üner , Bock Ralph , Schulz Burkhard , Harter Klaus , Kudla Jörg 
Published: November 2003

SummaryCalcium ions represent both an integrative signal and an important convergence point of many disparate signaling pathways. Calcium‐binding proteins, like calcineurin B‐like (CBL) proteins, have been implicated as important relays in calcium signaling. Here, we report the in vivo study of CBL1 function in Arabidopsis. Analyses of loss‐of‐function as well as CBL1‐overexpressing lines indicate a crucial function of this calcium sensor protein in abiotic stress responses. Mutation of CBL1 impairs plant responses to drought and salt stresses and affects gene expression of cold‐regulated genes, but does not affect abscisic acid (ABA) responsiveness. Conversely, overexpression of CBL1 reduces transpirational water loss and induces the expression of early stress‐responsive transcription factors and stress adaptation genes in non‐stressed plants. Together, our data indicate that the calcium sensor protein CBL1 may constitute an integrative node in plant responses to abiotic stimuli and contributes to the regulation of early stress‐related transcription factors of the C‐Repeat‐Binding Factor/dehydration‐responsive element (CBF/DREB) type.
The genetic control of plant mitochondrial morphology and dynamics
Authors: Logan David C. , Scott Iain , Tobin Alyson K. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryLittle is known about the genetic control of mitochondrial morphology and dynamics in higher plants. We used a genetic screen involving fluorescence microscopic analysis of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS)‐mutated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing GFP targeted to mitochondria to isolate eight mutants displaying distinct perturbations of the normal mitochondrial morphology or distribution. We describe five mutants with distinct and unique mitochondrial phenotypes, which map to five different loci, not previously implicated in mitochondrial behaviour in plants. We have used a combination of forward and reverse genetics to identify one of the genes, friendly mitochondria (FMT), a homologue of the CluA gene of Dictyostelium discoideum, which is involved in the correct distribution of mitochondria in the cell. The five mutants constitute a powerful resource to aid our understanding of mitochondrial dynamics in higher plants.
Insertion of an En/Spm‐related transposable element into a floral homeotic gene DUPLICATED causes a double flower phenotype in the Japanese morning glory
Authors: Nitasaka Eiji 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMutations in a floral homeotic gene DUPLICATED (DP) in the Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil) cause a substitution of reproductive organs to perianth organs (petals and sepals). This phenotype is similar to loss‐of‐function phenotypes of the C‐function MCM1, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS and SRF (MADS)‐box gene family of transcription factors. DP was isolated using the consensus sequence of C‐function MADS‐box genes. Its intron–exon structure was well conserved beyond species, and it belongs to the FARINELLI (FAR)‐pMADS3 subclass of C‐function MADS‐box genes. In a dp mutant, an Enhancer/Suppressor‐mutator (En/Spm)‐related transposable element, transposable element of Pharbitis nil (Tpn)‐botan, was inserted in the second intron of DP gene, and the subsequent excision event led to a deletion of a substantial part of the original Tpn element and DP genome. A segment of Tpn1‐related transposable element was identified at the recent insertion site of the wild‐type DP genome. This transposable element sequence was present in all Ipomoea species tested. This finding suggests that the insertion event originated in an ancestral species of genus Ipomoea.
Transcriptional activation mediated by binding of a plant GATA‐type zinc finger protein AGP1 to the AG‐motif (AGATCCAA) of the wound‐inducible Myb gene NtMyb2
Authors: Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Takeda Shin , Hirochika Hirohiko 
Published: November 2003

SummaryNtMyb2 is a regulator of the tobacco retrotransposon Tto1 and the defense‐related gene phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), which are induced by various stress stimuli such as wounding or elicitor treatment. NtMyb2 is also induced by wounding or elicitor treatment and is regulated at the transcriptional level. In this study, mutational analysis of the promoter of NtMyb2 and gain‐of‐function analysis in vivo showed that the sequence AGATCCAA, named the AG‐motif, is a cis‐element sufficient to confer responsiveness to wounding and elicitor treatment. Furthermore, by using the south‐western method, we cloned cDNAs encoding a GATA‐type zinc finger protein, which can specifically bind to the AG‐motif, named AG‐motif binding Protein (AGP1). Domain analysis revealed that not only the GATA‐type zinc finger region but also the downstream His2 motif of AGP1 is required for binding activity, showing that the AGP has a novel GATA‐type zinc finger domain. AGP1 can activate expression from promoters containing the AG‐motif in tobacco protoplasts, indicating that AGP1 is a positive regulator of NtMyb2. We also found that the AGP1 binding activity is highly enhanced by adenine methylation of the AG‐motif by bacterial dam methylase.
Further analysis of Del (D‐elute) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with RHD gene‐specific primers
Authors: Fukumori Y. , Hori Y. , Ohnoki S. , Nagao N. , Shibata H. , Okubo Y. , Yamaguchi H. 
Published: November 2003

Del (D‐elute) in the Rh blood group system is a variant with very weak D antigen and no agglutination is found by the indirect antiglobulin test. This variant is characterized by the presence of anti‐D eluate obtained after an adsorption‐elution test using anti‐D antibodies. We studied here the molecular genetic status of Del by using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).We screened 306 serologically apparent D‐negative Japanese donors comprising 102 Del types for exons 7, 4 and 10 of the RHD gene. No PCR product was found in all 204 non‐Del samples from the D‐seronegative donors. However, PCR products were found in all 102 Del samples and all 70 D‐seropositive samples tested by the three PCR methods for exons 7, 4 and 10 analysis.Del was found with CCee, CcEe and Ccee, but not with CCEe, CcEE, ccEE, ccEe or ccee phenotype. The incidences of Del in the samples with the serological phenotypes CCee, CcEe and Ccee were 80.0% (4/5), 68.2% (45/66) and 61.6% (53/86), respectively.The results provide evidence that Del samples have exons 4, 7 and 10 of an RHD gene present in some form. This is consistent with the evidence that D antigen is present on the cells although only detected by antibody adsorption and elution. The PCR‐SSP method in the present study is useful to confirm Del among serologically apparent D‐negative samples.
Iron pre‐load for major joint replacement
Authors: Andrews C. M. , Lane D. W. , Bradley J. G. 
Published: November 2003

Patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement frequently receive blood transfusion. Homologous blood transfusion carries appreciable risks and should therefore be reduced to a minimum. We have investigated the use of preoperative oral iron supplements to optimize haemoglobin concentration and iron stores prior to surgery.All patients attending a preadmission clinic 4 weeks prior to primary hip or knee replacement had a haemoglobin measurement. If the haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was less than 12 g dL−1 they were given a four week course of ferrous sulphate. If it was greater than or equal to 12 g dL−1 they were randomized to a control group or given a supplementation course of ferrous sulphate.One hundred patients were seen. Of these 18 (18%) had haemoglobin less than 12 g dL−1 and 16 were treated with iron. The mean Hb was 10.8 g dL−1 and mean cell volume (MCV) 86. These patients increased their Hb by a mean 1.1 g dL−1 prior to admission (P = 0.008). MCV was the best predictor of response (r = −0.63, P < 0.02). This group dropped their haemoglobin by a mean 1.4 g dL−1 in the first post‐operative week.In the study groups there was no significant preoperative rise in Hb. However, the control group dropped their Hb by a mean 1.3 g dL−1 in the week following surgery compared with 0.4 g dL−1 in the group which had received iron supplements (P < 0.001).We conclude that at least 18% of patients attending for hip or knee replacement in this region are frankly anaemic and benefit significantly from preoperative iron supplements over 4 weeks. Iron supplementation in patients without obvious anaemia protects against a fall in Hb during the immediate post‐operative period, suggesting a widespread underlying depletion of iron stores in this group despite a normal Hb. Preoperative iron supplements may reduce transfusion requirements as part of a co‐ordinated strategy in this group of patients.
Sustainability of a nutrition education programme to prevent night‐blindness in Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain A. , Kvåle G. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryCross‐sectional surveys were conducted to assess prevalence of night‐blindness and dietary habits prior to intervention (in 1986), after 3 years of intervention (in 1989) and 3 years after the termination of active intervention (in 1992.), in the northern part of Bangladesh. The prevalence of night‐blindness per thousand children decreased from 1986 to 1989 (during intervention) and rose from 1989 to 1991, but remained significantly lower in 1992 than the 1986 prevalence. Household income declined from 1989 to 1992, and lower consumption of (3‐carotene rich food, protein items and vitamin A capsules was registered in 1992 despite almost the same level of awareness relating to the prevention of night‐blindness in the community during the period 1989–1992. The results indicate that the long‐term impact of a health education programme to prevent night‐blindness is uncertain. Improvement in socioeconomic conditions, in addition to relevant knowledge, is probably a precondition for maintaining a sustainable impact of health education.
Exploring the interface between first and second level of care: referrals in rural Africa
Authors: Nordberg E. , Holmberg S. , Kiugu S. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe studies aimed to determine the referral rate, the characteristics of patients referred, the reasons for referral and, in a sub‐sample, its outcome. Study I recorded data on 602 patients referred to hospital from 13 rural clinics; follow‐up interviews were conducted with a sub‐sample of 57 referred patients. Study II interviewed 97 consecutive outpatients seeking care at Meru District Hospital. Both studies were carried out in a rural area of Meru district in central Kenya. The 602 referred cases represent between 0.3 and 1.8% of all new patients at the respective clinic with a mean of 0.5%, or 8.7 referrals annually per 1000 catchment area population. More than half of the referrals were for treatment only while 13% were for investigation, 63% were considered urgent, and 85% were referred in writing. Of the 57 subsequently interviewed, all except one had complied, and 52 patients, mostly with infections, injuries or obstetric disorders, reported improvement at the time of interview. The second study found that only 19 (20%) of the 97 outpatients had been referred (11 in writing and 8 verbally). Rates of formal clinic‐to‐hospital referral were very low. Reasons included poor access to transport; patient inability to pay user fees, transport outlays, and other expenses; time constraints in emergency situations; and lack of feedback information from hospital to clinic. Verbal referral was common. Further research should focus on the selection of patients for referral, on follow‐up of cases referred, on the communication between institutions involved, and on options for the financing of emergency transport to hospital.