Conservation assessment of British limestone pavements based on floristic criteria

The total British area of limestone pavement is very small, yet this scarce resource is being destroyed to supply decorative stone. Its scientific interest is both geological and botanical. Exploiting an exhaustive survey, a weighted index was developed for assessing the conservation value of limestone pavements based on their deep grike floras. Using weighted indices, 27 sites in Cumbria, Gwynedd, Lancashire, North Yorkshire and Skye were identified as important for the conservation of limestone pavement floras.     

Antigen competition: antigens compete for a cell occurring with limited frequency

Experimentally altered ability of transferred spleen cells to generate hemolytic plaque-forming cells provided evidence that antigens compete for a type of multipotential cell that contributes to the formation of immunologically competent units. De'ay of exposure of transferred spleen cells to antigen provided results which suggest that different types of cells interact to form competent, antigen-reactive units even in the absence of antigen.     

Transpiration-induced axial and radial tension gradients in trunks of Douglas-fir trees

We determined the axial and radial xylem tension gradients in trunks of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Axial specific conductivity (k(s-a)) and sap flux density (Js) were measured at four consecutive depths within the sapwood at a stem height of 1 m. By definition, at a given position in the bole, Js is a function not only of k(s-a) but also of the driving force for water movement. The Js:k(s-a) ratio was therefore used to estimate axial tension gradients and the radial gradients at a stem height of 1 m were calculated from the differences in axial tension gradients at each depth. Tracheid lumen diameter and tracheid length were used to predict differences in k(s-a) and its divergence from the theoretical k(s-a) determined by the Hagen Poisseuille equation. The ratio of k(s-a) (determined in the laboratory) to Js (measured in the field) varied with depth in the sapwood, resulting in non-uniform axial and radial tension gradients from inner to outer sapwood. Transpiration-induced axial tension gradients were in the range of 0.006-0.01 MPa m(-1) excluding the gravitational tension gradient. At a stem height of 1 m, radial tension gradients were in the range of 0.15-0.25 MPa m(-1) and were lower in the middle sapwood than in the inner or outer sapwood. Axial tension gradients were 44-50% higher in the outer sapwood than in the inner sapwood. At a stem height of 1 m, radial Js, calculated on the basis of radial tension gradients and measured radial specific conductivity (k(s-r)), was about two orders of magnitude smaller than axial Js. Our findings indicate that large radial tension gradients occur in the sapwood and clarify the role played by xylem k(s-a) and k(s-r) in determining in situ partitioning of Js in the axial and radial directions.     

Characterization ofSolanum tuberosum simple sequence repeats and application to potato culiwar identification

With the continued introduction of new potato cultivars, accurate identification is becoming difficult but is essential for maintaining cultivar integrity and Plant Breeders’ Rights. Hypervariable DNA sequences, referred to as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) or microsatellites, have been reported to be an excellent source of genetic markers. To determine the abundance, distribution, and composition of SSRs withinSolanium tuberosum, 252 sequences were searched for tetranucleotide and smaller SSRs with a minimum length of 20 nucleotides and a maximum discrepancy of two nucleotides. In total, 40 unique SSRs were observed in the 252S. tuberosum sequences examined and occurred at a frequency of one SSR every 8.1 kb. To assess the ability of site-specific amplified SSRs to identify potato cultivars, a simple (TCAC)_m and compound (TCAC)_m ? (CTT)_n SSR 5’ to the starch synthase gene and a compound (C)_p ? (CT)_q ? (AT)_r ? (G)_s SSR 5’ to the sequence encoding mature proteinase inhibitor I, were examined and shown to produce unique DNA profiles for 73 of 95 tetraploid cultivars. In total, 24 alleles were observed at these loci and the accurately sized amplified DNA products can be used to establish a database for cultivar identification. Site-specific amplified alleles were somatically stable and have been conserved in clonal variants of Russet Burbank independently maintained for almost seven decades, a characteristic essential for cultivar identification. As genetic markers, the abundant, informative, and easily examined site-specific amplified alleles of SSRs are ideal for quickly and accurately determining cultivar identity of S.tuberosum ssp.tuberosum.     

Rhabdochona longleyi sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae) from blind catfishes, Trogloglanis pattersoni and Satan eurystomus (Ictaluridae) from the subterranean waters of Texas

A new nematode species, Rhabdochona longleyi sp. n. is described from the intestine of two species of blind catfishes, Trogloglanis pattersoni Eigenmann (type host) and Satan eurystomus Hubbs et Bailey (both fam. Ictaluridae, Siluriformes) from the subterranean waters (artesian wells penetrating San Antonio pool of Edwards Aquifer) of Texas, USA. It is characterized largely by the presence of only six anterior teeth in the prostom, simple deirids, by the shape and length of spicules (0.42 to 0.50 mm and 0.093-0.102 mm), shape of the tail tip (rounded), and by filamented eggs. R. longleyi probably adapted to the environment of the aquifer by utilizing available troglobitic crustaceans instead of aquatic insects as an intermediate host.     

BSE in the Netherlands: an update

Up to 2006, there have been 82 cases of BSE in cattle born in the Netherlands. This article reviews the current situation regarding BSE in the Netherlands and summarizes the clinical symptoms of the disease. Data from the Netherlands show that a passive surveillance system, by which farmers and veterinarians have to report suspect clinical cases, has a low sensitivity. The epidemiology of, and risk factors for, BSE are discussed. All the Dutch cases of BSE can be attributed to cross-contamination of feed with meat-and-bone meal. On the basis of information about the epidemic and the cases reported to date, it is anticipated that the number of cases of BSE will continue to decline in the Netherlands and Europe. The European Commission has presented a road map that describes how the European BSE policy can be changed in the short and long term if the current favourable trend in BSE cases continues. It is time for a new phase in the management of BSE but with continued protection of the public's health and eradication of BSE.