Meningiomas and schwannomas: Molecular subgroup classification found by expression arrays

Microarray gene expression profiling is a high-throughput system used to identify differentially expressed genes and regulation patterns, and to discover new tumor markers. As the molecular pathogenesis of meningiomas and schwannomas, characterized by NF2 gene alterations, remains unclear and suitable molecular targets need to be identified, we used low density cDNA microarrays to establish expression patterns of 96 cancer-related genes on 23 schwannomas, 42 meningiomas and 3 normal cerebral meninges. We also performed a mutational analysis of the NF2 gene (PCR, dHPLC, Sequencing and MLPA), a search for 22q LOH and an analysis of gene silencing by promoter hypermethylation (MS-MLPA). Results showed a high frequency of NF2 gene mutations (40%), increased 22q LOH as aggressiveness increased, frequent losses and gains by MLPA in benign meningiomas, and gene expression silencing by hypermethylation. Array analysis showed decreased expression of 7 genes in meningiomas. Unsupervised analyses identified 2 molecular subgroups for both meningiomas and schwannomas showing 38 and 20 differentially expressed genes, respectively, and 19 genes differentially expressed between the two tumor types. These findings provide a molecular subgroup classification for meningiomas and schwannomas with possible implications for clinical practice.

A sensitive vorticity gauge using rotated porphyroblasts, and its application to rocks adjacent to the Alpine Fault, New Zealand

Variable aspect ratio porphyroblasts deformed in non-coaxial flow. and internally containing rotated relicts of an external foliation, can be used to characterise plane strain flow regimes. The distribution obtained by plotting the orientation of the long axis of such grains, classified by aspect ratio, against the orientation of the internal foliation is potentially a sensitive gauge of both the bulk shear strain (as previously suggested) and kinematic vorticity number. We illustrate the method using rotated biotite porphyroblasts in the Alpine Schist: a sequence of mid-crustal rocks that have been ramped to the surface along the Alpine Fault. a major transpressional plate boundary. Results indicate that, at distances greater than or equal to similar to1 km from the fault, the rocks have undergone a combination of irrotational fattening and dextral-oblique, normal-sense shear, with a bulk shear strain of similar to0.6 and kinematic vorticity number of similar to0.2. The vorticity analysis is compatible with estimates of strongly oblate bulk strain of similar to 75% maximum shortening. Dextral-reverse transpressional flow characterises higher strain S-tectonite mylonite within similar to1 km of the Alpine Fault. These relationships provide insight into the kinematics of flow and distribution of strain in the hangingwall of the Alpine Fault and place constraints on numerical mechanical models for the exhumation of these mid-crustal rocks. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phylogenetic classification of Eudorylini (Diptera: Pipunculidae)

The phylogenetic relationships of members of Eudorylini (Diptera: Pipunculidae: Pipunculinae) were explored. Two hundred and fifty-seven species of Eudorylini from all biogeographical regions and all known genera were examined. Sixty species were included in an exemplar-based phylogeny for the tribe. Two new genera are described, Clistoabdominalis and Dasydorylas. The identity of Eudorylas Aczél, the type genus for Eudorylini, has been obscure since its inception. The genus is re-diagnosed and a proposal to stabilize the genus and tribal names is discussed. An illustrated key to the genera of Pipunculidae is presented and all Eudorylini genera are diagnosed. Numerous new generic synonyms are proposed. Moriparia nigripennis Kozánek & Kwon is preoccupied by Congomyia nigripennis Hardy when both are transferred to Claraeola, so Cla. koreana Skevington is proposed as a new name for Mo. nigripennis.

A classification of subantarctic Heard Island vegetation

The vascular and bryophyte floras of subantarctic Heard Island were classified using cluster analysis into six vegetation communities: Open Cushion Carpet, Mossy Feldmark, Wet Mixed Herbfield, Coastal Biotic Vegetation, Saltspray Vegetation, and Closed Cushion Carpet. Multidimensional scaling indicated that the vegetation communities were not well delineated but were continua. Discriminant analysis and a classification tree identified altitude, wind, peat depth, bryophyte cover and extent of bare ground, and particle size as discriminating variables. The combination of small area, glaciation, and harsh climate has resulted in reduced vegetation variety in comparison to those subantarctic islands north of the Antarctic Polar Front Zone. Some of the functional groups and vegetation communities found on warmer subantarctic islands are not present on Heard Island, notably ferns and sedges and fernbrakes and extensive mires, respectively.

Taxonomic theory and the ICF: Foundations for a unified disability athletics classification

Development of a unified classification system to replace four of the systems currently used in disability athletics (i.e., track and field) has been widely advocated. The definition and purpose of classification, underpinned by taxonomic principles and collectively endorsed by relevant disability sport organizations, have not been developed but are required for successful implementation of a unified system. It is posited that the International classification of functioning. disability, and health (ICF), published by the World Health Organization (2001), and current disability athletics systems are, fundamentally, classifications of the functioning and disability associated with health conditions and are highly interrelated. A rationale for basing a unified disability athletics system on ICF is established. Following taxonomic analysis of the current systems, the definition and purpose of a unified disability athletics classification are proposed and discussed. The proposed taxonomic framework and definitions have implications for other disability sport classification systems.

Ductile fabrics in the zone of active oblique convergence near the Alpine Fault, New Zealand: identifying the neotectonic overprint

The mid-crustal Alpine Schist in central Southern Alps, New Zealand has been exhumed during the past similar to3 m.y. on the hanging wall of the oblique-slip Alpine Fault. These rocks underwent ductile deformation during their passage through the similar to 150-km-wide Pacific-Australia plate boundary zone. Likely to be Cretaceous in age, peak metamorphism predates the largely Pliocene and younger oblique convergence that continues to uplift the Southern Alps today. Late Cenozoic ductile deformation constructively reinforced a pre-existing fabric that was well oriented to accommodate a dextral-transpressive overprint. Quartz microstructures below a recently exhumed brittle-ductile transition zone reflect a late Cenozoic increment of ductile strain that was distributed across deeper levels of the Pacific Plate. Deformation was transpressive, including a dextral-normal shear component that bends and rotates a delaminated panel of Pacific Plate crust onto the oblique footwall ramp of the Alpine Fault. Progressive ductile shear in mylonites at the base of the Pacific Plate overprints earlier fabrics in a dextral-reverse sense, a deformation that accompanies translation of the schists up the Alpine Fault. Ductile shear along that structure affects not only the 12-km-thick section of Alpine mylonites, but is distributed across several kilometres of overlying nonmylonitic rocks. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.