bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Handling Cytotoxic Drugs and Risk of Birth Defects in Offspring of Female Veterinarians
Authors: Shirangi Adeleh , Bower Carol , Holman C. , Preen David , Bruce Neville
Published: June 2014

We examined the association of occupational exposure to handling cytotoxic drugs at work with risk of birth defects among a cohort of female veterinarians. This study is a follow up survey of 321 female participants (633 pregnancies) who participated in the Health Risks of Australian Veterinarian project. Data on pregnancies and exposure during each pregnancy was obtained by self-administered mailed questionnaire. Female veterinarians handling cytotoxic drugs during their pregnancy had a two-fold increased risk of birth defects in their offspring (RR = 2.08, 95% CI (1.05–4.15)). Results were consistent in subgroup analysis of those who graduated during the period of 1961 to 1980 (RR = 5.04, 95% CI (1.81, 14.03) and in those working specifically in small and large animal practice. There was no increased risk in the subgroup that graduated after 1980. Women with unplanned pregnancies were more likely to handle cytotoxic drugs on a daily basis (RR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.00–3.48) and had a higher increased risk of birth defects than those who planned their pregnancies in recent graduates and in those who worked specifically in small animal practice (RR = 2.53, 95% CI, 1.18–5.42). This study suggests that the adverse effects of handling cytotoxic drugs in pregnant women may include an increased risk of birth defects. Pregnancy intention status is an important health behavior and should be considered in prenatal programs.
The Role of Circulating MicroRNA-126 (miR-126): A Novel Biomarker for Screening Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Guangqiang , Yang Chun , Zhou Kun , Shen Baozhong , Liang Hongyan , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2014

Recent studies suggested an association of endothelial microRNA-126 (miR-126) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the current study, we examined whether circulating miR-126 is associated with T2DM and pre-diabetic syndrome. The study included 82 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 75 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 160 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, and 138 healthy individuals. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to examine serum miR-126. Serum miR-126 was significantly lower in IGT/IFG subjects and T2DM patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). After six months of treatment (diet control and exercise in IGT/IFG subjects, insulin plus diet control and exercise in T2DM patients), serum miR-126 increased significantly (p < 0.05). An analysis based on serum miR-126 in the sample revealed a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for the subjects with the lowest 1/3 of serum miR-126 for T2DM (OR: 3.500, 95% confidence interval: 1.901–6.445, p < 0.05) than subjects within the highest 1/3 of serum miR-126. Such an association was still apparent after adjusting for other major risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 0.792 (95% confidence interval: 0.707–0.877, p < 0.001). These results encourage the use of serum miR-126 as a biomarker for pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus, as well as therapeutic response.
Genistein Inhibits Osteoclastic Differentiation of RAW 264.7 Cells via Regulation of ROS Production and Scavenging
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyun , Kim Jin-Kyoung , Jang Hae-Dong
Published: June 2014

Genistein, a phytoestrogen, has been demonstrated to have a bone-sparing and antiresorptive effect. Genistein can inhibit the osteoclast formation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW 264.7 cells by preventing the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a redox-sensitive factor, to the nucleus. Therefore, the suppressive effect of genistein on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level during osteoclast differentiation and the mechanism associated with the control of ROS levels by genistein were investigated. The cellular antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect of genistein were confirmed. The translation and activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1), as well as the disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain system were obviously suppressed by genistein in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was enhanced by genistein. In addition, the translational induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was notably increased by genistein. These results provide that the inhibitory effects of genistein on RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation is likely to be attributed to the control of ROS generation through suppressing the translation and activation of Nox1 and the disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain system, as well as ROS scavenging through the Nrf2-mediated induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD1 and HO-1.
On the Influence of Crosslinker on Template Complexation in Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Computational Study of Prepolymerization Mixture Events with Correlations to Template-Polymer Recognition Behavior and NMR Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Shoravi Siamak , Olsson Gustaf , Karlsson Björn , Nicholls Ian
Published: June 2014

Aspects of the molecular-level basis for the function of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and trimethylolproprane trimethacrylate crosslinked methacrylic acid copolymers molecularly imprinted with (S)-propranolol have been studied using a series of all-component and all-atom molecular dynamics studies of the corresponding prepolymerization systems. The crosslinking agents were observed to contribute to template complexation, and the results were contrasted with previously reported template-recognition behavior of the corresponding polymers. Differences in the extent to which the two crosslinkers interacted with the functional monomer were identified, and correlations were made to polymer-ligand recognition behavior and the results of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies studies. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the functional monomer–crosslinker interaction when designing molecularly imprinted polymers, and highlights the often neglected general contribution of crosslinker to determining the nature of molecularly imprinted polymer-template selectivity.
Thermoplastic Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Inorganic Fullerene-like Nanoparticles and Inorganic Nanotubes
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Díez-Pascual Ana
Published: June 2014

Using inorganic fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles and inorganic nanotubes (INT) in organic-inorganic hybrid composite, materials provide the potential for improving thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of conventional composites. The processing of such high-performance hybrid thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites is achieved via melt-blending without the aid of any modifier or compatibilizing agent. The incorporation of small quantities (0.1–4 wt.%) of IF/INTs (tungsten disulfide, IF-WS2 or molybdenum disulfide, MoS2) generates notable performance enhancements through reinforcement effects and excellent lubricating ability in comparison with promising carbon nanotubes or other inorganic nanoscale fillers. It was shown that these IF/INT nanocomposites can provide an effective balance between performance, cost effectiveness, and processability, which is of significant importance for extending the practical applications of diverse hierarchical thermoplastic-based composites.
Evolutionary Mismatch as a General Framework for Land Use Policy and Politics
Authors: Weaver Russell , Knight Jason
Published: June 2014

Patterns of human land use (LU) necessarily transform the land systems that sustain and contain them. Importantly, the impacts of such transformations are not isolated in space and time. LU management decisions that are made at a given geographic unit regularly impact both human and nonhuman well-being beyond the spatiotemporal boundaries of that unit. To superintend the conflicts that arise out of such circumstances, human LUs are generally subject to institutional regulations. As patterns of socio-ecological interactions change over time, these LU institutions require reform or replacement, as extant rules or LUs can become maladapted to new environmental conditions. The current paper defines this situation—in which a LU that was established in a given environment becomes dysfunctional when relevant environmental factors are changed—as a LU mismatch. It then develops a framework for studying the policy and politics of LU mismatches through the lens of evolutionary (mismatch) theory. The framework provides a means for understanding the origins and nature of LU mismatches, and, in turn, it implicates leverage points for public policy intervention. We conclude by exploring how the framework offers a relatively nonpartisan discursive frame for stakeholders to employ in LU mismatch planning and political arenas.
Preparation, Surface and Pore Structure of High Surface Area Activated Carbon Fibers from Bamboo by Steam Activation
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Yang Hongmei , Yu Lili , Chen Yin , Li Ying
Published: June 2014

High surface area activated carbon fibers (ACF) have been prepared from bamboo by steam activation after liquefaction and curing. The influences of activation temperature on the microstructure, surface area and porosity were investigated. The results showed that ACF from bamboo at 850 °C have the maximum iodine and methylene blue adsorption values. Aside from the graphitic carbon, phenolic and carbonyl groups were the predominant functions on the surface of activated carbon fiber from bamboo. The prepared ACF from bamboo were found to be mainly type I of isotherm, but the mesoporosity presented an increasing trend after 700 °C. The surface area and micropore volume of samples, which were determined by application of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and t-plot methods, were as high as 2024 m2/g and 0.569 cm3/g, respectively. It was also found that the higher activation temperature produced the more ordered microcrystalline structure of ACF from bamboo.
Preparation and Characterization of Li-Ion Graphite Anodes Using Synchrotron Tomography
Authors: Mitsch Tim , Krämer Yvonne , Feinauer Julian , Gaiselmann Gerd , Markötter Henning , Manke Ingo , Hintennach Andreas , Schmidt Volker
Published: June 2014

We present an approach for multi-layer preparation to perform microstructure analysis of a Li-ion cell anode active material using synchrotron tomography. All necessary steps, from the disassembly of differently-housed cells (pouch and cylindrical), via selection of interesting layer regions, to the separation of the graphite-compound and current collector, are described in detail. The proposed stacking method improves the efficiency of synchrotron tomography by measuring up to ten layers in parallel, without the loss of image resolution nor quality, resulting in a maximization of acquired data. Additionally, we perform an analysis of the obtained 3D volumes by calculating microstructural characteristics, like porosity, tortuosity and specific surface area. Due to a large amount of measurable layers within one stacked sample, differences between aged and pristine material (e.g., significant differences in tortuosity and specific surface area, while porosity remains constant), as well as the homogeneity of the material within one cell could be recognized.
Biological Activation of Inert Ceramics: Recent Advances Using Tailored Self-Assembled Monolayers on Implant Ceramic Surfaces
Authors: Böke Frederik , Schickle Karolina , Fischer Horst
Published: June 2014

High-strength ceramics as materials for medical implants have a long, research-intensive history. Yet, especially on applications where the ceramic components are in direct contact with the surrounding tissue, an unresolved issue is its inherent property of biological inertness. To combat this, several strategies have been investigated over the last couple of years. One promising approach investigates the technique of Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAM) and subsequent chemical functionalization to create a biologically active tissue-facing surface layer. Implementation of this would have a beneficial impact on several fields in modern implant medicine such as hip and knee arthroplasty, dental applications and related fields. This review aims to give a summarizing overview of the latest advances in this recently emerging field, along with thorough introductions of the underlying mechanism of SAMs and surface cell attachment mechanics on the cell side.
Membrane Potential Generated by Ion Adsorption
Authors: Tamagawa Hirohisa , Morita Sachi
Published: June 2014

It has been widely acknowledged that the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation fully explains membrane potential behavior. The fundamental facet of the GHK equation lies in its consideration of permeability of membrane to ions, when the membrane serves as a separator for separating two electrolytic solutions. The GHK equation describes that: variation of membrane permeability to ion in accordance with ion species results in the variation of the membrane potential. However, nonzero potential was observed even across the impermeable membrane (or separator) separating two electrolytic solutions. It gave rise to a question concerning the validity of the GHK equation for explaining the membrane potential generation. In this work, an alternative theory was proposed. It is the adsorption theory. The adsorption theory attributes the membrane potential generation to the ion adsorption onto the membrane (or separator) surface not to the ion passage through the membrane (or separator). The computationally obtained potential behavior based on the adsorption theory was in good agreement with the experimentally observed potential whether the membrane (or separator) was permeable to ions or not. It was strongly speculated that the membrane potential origin could lie primarily in the ion adsorption on the membrane (or separator) rather than the membrane permeability to ions. It might be necessary to reconsider the origin of membrane potential which has been so far believed explicable by the GHK equation.
Complexity and Uniqueness of the Aromatic Profile of Smoked and Unsmoked Herreño Cheese
Authors: Palencia Gemma , Ibargoitia Maria , Fresno Maria , Sopelana Patricia , Guillén Maria
Published: June 2014

In this work, the volatile fraction of unsmoked and smoked Herreño cheese, a type of soft cheese from the Canary Islands, has been characterized for the first time. In order to evaluate if the position in the smokehouse could influence the volatile profile of the smoked variety, cheeses smoked at two different heights were studied. The volatile components were extracted by Solid Phase Microextraction using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/ polydimethylsiloxane fiber, followed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. In total, 228 components were detected. The most numerous groups of components in the unsmoked Herreño cheese were hydrocarbons, followed by terpenes and sesquiterpenes, whereas acids and ketones were the most abundant. It is worth noticing the high number of aldehydes and ketones, and the low number of alcohols and esters in this cheese in relation to others, as well as the presence of some specific unsaturated hydrocarbons, terpenes, sesquiterpenes and nitrogenated derivatives. The smoking process enriches the volatile profile of Herreño cheese with ketones and diketones, methyl esters, aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, hydrocarbons, terpenes, nitrogenated compounds, and especially with ethers and phenolic derivatives. Among these, methylindanones or certain terpenes like α-terpinolene, have not been detected previously in other types of smoked cheese. Lastly, the results obtained suggest a slightly higher smoking degree in the cheeses smoked at a greater height.
FACE Analysis as a Fast and Reliable Methodology to Monitor the Sulfation and Total Amount of Chondroitin Sulfate in Biological Samples of Clinical Importance
Authors: Karousou Evgenia , Asimakopoulou Athanasia , Monti Luca , Zafeiropoulou Vassiliki , Afratis Nikos , Gartaganis Panagiotis , Rossi Antonio , Passi Alberto , Karamanos Nikos
Published: June 2014

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) due to their hydrophilic character and high anionic charge densities play important roles in various (patho)physiological processes. The identification and quantification of GAGs in biological samples and tissues could be useful prognostic and diagnostic tools in pathological conditions. Despite the noteworthy progress in the development of sensitive and accurate methodologies for the determination of GAGs, there is a significant lack in methodologies regarding sample preparation and reliable fast analysis methods enabling the simultaneous analysis of several biological samples. In this report, developed protocols for the isolation of GAGs in biological samples were applied to analyze various sulfated chondroitin sulfate- and hyaluronan-derived disaccharides using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). Applications to biologic samples of clinical importance include blood serum, lens capsule tissue and urine. The sample preparation protocol followed by FACE analysis allows quantification with an optimal linearity over the concentration range 1.0–220.0 µg/mL, affording a limit of quantitation of 50 ng of disaccharides. Validation of FACE results was performed by capillary electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography techniques.
Polymerization Degrees, Molecular Weights and Protein-Binding Affinities of Condensed Tannin Fractions from a Leucaena leucocephala Hybrid
Authors: Saminathan Mookiah , Tan Hui , Sieo Chin , Abdullah Norhani , Wong Clemente , Abdulmalek Emilia , Ho Yin
Published: June 2014

Condensed tannins (CTs) form insoluble complexes with proteins and are able to protect them from degradation, which could lead to rumen bypass proteins. Depending on their degrees of polymerization (DP) and molecular weights, CT fractions vary in their capability to bind proteins. In this study, purified condensed tannins (CTs) from a Leucaena leucocephala hybrid were fractionated into five different molecular weight fractions. The structures of the CT fractions were investigated using 13C-NMR. The DP of the CT fractions were determined using a modified vanillin assay and their molecular weights were determined using Q-TOF LC-MS. The protein-binding affinities of the respective CT fractions were determined using a protein precipitation assay. The DP of the five CT fractions (fractions F1–F5) measured by the vanillin assay in acetic acid ranged from 4.86 to 1.56. The 13C-NMR results showed that the CT fractions possessed monomer unit structural heterogeneity. The number-average molecular weights (Mn) of the different fractions were 1265.8, 1028.6, 652.2, 562.2, and 469.6 for fractions F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5, respectively. The b values representing the CT quantities needed to bind half of the maximum precipitable bovine serum albumin increased with decreasing molecular weight—from fraction F1 to fraction F5 with values of 0.216, 0.295, 0.359, 0.425, and 0.460, respectively. This indicated that higher molecular weight fractions of CTs from L. leucocephala have higher protein-binding affinities than those with lower molecular weights.
Preliminary Studies on Validation of Calu-3 Cell Line as a Model for Screening Respiratory Mucosa Irritation and Toxicity
Authors: Ihekwereme Chibueze , Esimone Charles , Shao Di , Agu Remigius
Published: June 2014

There is need to develop reproducible methods and experimental models for screening mucosal irritation and toxicity for drugs and pharmaceutical excipients. The aim of this study was to validate Calu-3 cell line as a model for screening respiratory irritation and toxicity of drugs and excipients. Eighteen test compounds were selected according to their irritation potential and European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) guidelines. Cell toxicity and irritation was determined using MTT assay. Data analysis and interpretation were done using modified ECVAM approach; where replicate values met acceptance criteria if percent relative standard deviation (RSD) of the raw data is <18%. Compounds with mean relative viability values of 50% and below were classified as irritant (I); those above 50% were non-irritant (NI). At low concentration (0.2% w/v) and 1 h incubation, the Calu-3 cell culture model accurately predicted the toxicity of most test compounds. The specificity of our proposed model (percentage of in vivo non-irritants correctly predicted), concordance (percentage of compounds correctly predicted) and sensitivity (percentage of in vivo irritants correctly predicted) at 0.2% w/v and 60 min exposure were 100%, 72%, and 44%, respectively. In conclusion, the Calu-3 cell line in conjunction with MTT assay appears to be a potentially useful tool for screening drugs and excipients for respiratory mucosa irritation and toxicity. However, as the data reported in this study were solely based on MTT assay, additional studies are needed using other toxicity-/irritation-indicating methods to confirm the observed trend.
Evaluation of the Lethal Potency of Scorpion and Snake Venoms and Comparison between Intraperitoneal and Intravenous Injection Routes
Authors: Oukkache Naoual , Jaoudi Rachid , Ghalim Noreddine , Chgoury Fatima , Bouhaouala Balkiss , Mdaghri Naima , Sabatier Jean-Marc
Published: June 2014

Scorpion stings and snake bites are major health hazards that lead to suffering of victims and high mortality. Thousands of injuries associated with such stings and bites of venomous animals occur every year worldwide. In North Africa, more than 100,000 scorpion stings and snake bites are reported annually. An appropriate determination of the 50% lethal doses (LD50) of scorpion and snake venoms appears to be an important step to assess (and compare) venom toxic activity. Such LD50 values are also commonly used to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of specific anti-venom batches. In the present work, we determined experimentally the LD50 values of reference scorpion and snake venoms in Swiss mice, and evaluated the influence of two main venom injection routes (i.e., intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV)). The analysis of experimental LD50 values obtained with three collected scorpion venoms indicates that Androctonus mauretanicus (Am) is intrinsically more toxic than Androctonus australis hector (Aah) species, whereas the latter is more toxic than Buthus occitanus (Bo). Similar analysis of three representative snake venoms of the Viperidae family shows that Cerastes cerastes (Cc) is more toxic than either Bitis arietans (Ba) or Macrovipera lebetina (Ml) species. Interestingly, the venom of Elapidae cobra snake Naja haje (Nh) is far more toxic than viper venoms Cc, Ml and Ba, in agreement with the known severity of cobra-related envenomation. Also, our data showed that viper venoms are about three-times less toxic when injected IP as compared to IV, distinct from cobra venom Nh which exhibited a similar toxicity when injected IP or IV. Overall, this study clearly highlights the usefulness of procedure standardization, especially regarding the administration route, for evaluating the relative toxicity of individual animal venoms. It also evidenced a marked difference in lethal activity between venoms of cobra and vipers, which, apart from the nature of toxins, might be attributed to the rich composition of high molecular weight enzymes in the case of viper venoms.
Engineered RNase P Ribozymes Effectively Inhibit Human Cytomegalovirus Gene Expression and Replication
Authors: Yang Zhu , Vu Gia-Phong , Qian Hua , Chen Yuan-Chuan , Wang Yu , Reeves Michael , Zen Ke , Liu Fenyong
Published: June 2014

RNase P ribozyme can be engineered to be a sequence-specific gene-targeting agent with promising application in both basic research and clinical settings. By using an in vitro selection system, we have previously generated RNase P ribozyme variants that have better catalytic activity in cleaving an mRNA sequence than the wild type ribozyme. In this study, one of the variants was used to target the mRNA encoding human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) essential transcription factor immediate-early protein 2 (IE2). The variant was able to cleave IE2 mRNA in vitro 50-fold better than the wild type ribozyme. A reduction of about 98% in IE2 expression and a reduction of 3500-fold in viral production was observed in HCMV-infected cells expressing the variant compared to a 75% reduction in IE2 expression and a 100-fold reduction in viral production in cells expressing the ribozyme derived from the wild type sequence. These results suggest that ribozyme variants that are selected to be highly active in vitro are also more effective in inhibiting the expression of their targets in cultured cells. Our study demonstrates that RNase P ribozyme variants are efficient in reducing HCMV gene expression and growth and are potentially useful for anti-viral therapeutic application.
Agriculture familiale et propriété foncière en Lituanie ( Family farms and land property in Lithuania)
Authors: Mačiulytė Jurgita
Published: June 2014

La chute du système soviétique en Lituanie et le retour à l'indépendance politique ont ouvert la voie à un processus de transition économique et sociale vers l'économie de marché. Dans l'agriculture, ce changement de l'environnement macro-économique a été accompagné par une réforme structurelle qui visait à transformer les exploitations collectives (kolkhozes et sovkhozes) en entreprises disposant de l 'autonomie de gestion. Le rétablissement de la propriété privée de la terre a été un facteur majeur pour engager la décollectivisation et la transformation des rapports sociaux dans l 'agriculture. La restitution des terres nationalisées aux anciens propriétaires et la privatisation des exploitations auxiliaires de l 'époque soviétique ont déclenché un processus de reconstitution des exploitations familiales, lesquelles deviennent une forme dominante du modèle agricole. En outre, cette reconstitution de l'agriculture familiale est marquée par une diversification spatiale, liée aux héritages historiques, avec l 'affirmation de régions agricoles différenciées.
Vidange des étangs piscicoles : contraintes réglementaires et d'exploitation et Incidences environnementales (Emptying of extensive fishponds : practices, control and environnemental incidences)
Authors: Masson G. , BANAS D. , FRANÇOIS D. , Cizel O. , Leglize L. , Didier S. , Corbonnois Jeannine
Published: June 2014

Most of the fishponds are several hundred years old and subjected to various economical and ecological purposes. The draining period event during fish farming management affects negatively the fishpond image by its harmful characters towards the ecological affluent continuum. The lawful framing of this activity and its consequences for the environment are reported. They integrate socio-professional, hydrological and hydrobiologic approaches in order to appreciate exploitation pressure and risk management.
Nonadaptive processes governing early stages of polyploid evolution: Insights from a primary contact zone of relict serpentineKnautia arvensis(Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: Hanzl Martin , Kolář Filip , Nováková Dora , Suda Jan
Published: June 2014

•Premise of the study:Contact zones between polyploids and their diploid progenitors may provide important insights into the mechanisms of sympatric speciation and local adaptation. However, most published studies investigated secondary contact zones where the effects of genome duplication can be confounded by previous independent evolution of currently sympatric cytotypes. We compared genetically close diploid and autotetraploid serpentine cytotypes ofKnautia arvensis(Caprifoliaceae) in a primary contact zone and evaluated the role of adaptive and nonadaptive processes for cytotype coexistence.

•Methods:DNA flow cytometry was used to determine ploidy distribution at various spatial scales (from across the entire contact zone to microgeographic). Habitat preferences of diploids and polyploids were assessed by comparing vegetation composition of nearby ploidy‐uniform sites and by recording plant species immediately surrounding both cytotypes in mixed‐ploidy plots.

•Key results:Tetraploids considerably outnumbered their diploid progenitors in the contact zone. Both cytotypes were segregated at all investigated spatial scales. This pattern was not driven by ecological shifts, because both diploids and tetraploids inhabited sites with nearly identical vegetation cover. Certain interploidy niche differentiation was indicated only at the smallest spatial scale; ecologically nonadaptive processes were most likely responsible for this difference.

•Conclusions:We conclude that a shift in ecological preferences (i.e., the adaptive scenario) is not necessary for the establishment and evolutionary success of autopolyploid derivatives in primary contact zones. Spatial segregation that would support ploidy coexistence can also be achieved by ecologically nonadaptive processes, including the founder effect, limited dispersal ability, intense clonal growth, and triploid block.
Lippia alba(Verbenaceae): A new tropical autopolyploid complex?
Authors: Reis Aryane C. , Sousa Saulo M. , Vale Aline A. , Pierre Patrícia M. O. , Franco Ana L. , Campos José Marcello S. , Vieira Roberto F. , Viccini Lyderson F.
Published: June 2014

•Premise of the study:Tropical regions have high species diversity, and polyploidization is a major mechanism of speciation in plants. However, few cases of natural polyploidy have been reported in tropical regions.Lippia alba, is a tropical, aromatic shrub with a wide distribution, extensive morphological plasticity, and several chemotypes. The species has long been recognized as a diploid with 2n= 30 chromosomes. Recently, two variations in chromosome number (2n= 60; 2n= 12–60) have been reported, suggesting the occurrence of polyploidy within the species.

•Methods:Flow cytometry was used to investigate the genome size in 106 accessions from 14 Brazilian States. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques and pollen viability analysis were employed to characterize each chromosome number observed.

•Key results:The DNA 1C‐value varied from 1.17 to 3.45 pg, showing a large variation in genome size. Five distinct chromosome numbers were observed (2n= 30, 38, 45, 60, 90); three are cytogenetically described here for the first time. The 5S rDNA signals varied proportionally according to each chromosome number, but 45S rDNA sites did not. High rates of meiotic irregularity were observed, mainly in cytotypes with higher chromosome numbers.

•Conclusions:The data provide new support for the occurrence of a polyploid series inLippia alba. We provide a hypothesis for how this complex may have arisen. Other cryptic polyploid complexes may remain undiscovered in tropical regions.
Fibrillar adhesion with no clusterisation: Functional significance of material gradient along adhesive setae of insects
Authors: Gorb Stanislav N , Filippov Alexander E
Published: June 2014

It has been recently demonstrated that adhesive tarsal setae of beetles possess material gradients along their length. These gradients presumably represent an evolutionary optimization enhancing the adaptation to rough surfaces while simultaneously preventing clusterisation of the setae by lateral collapse. The numerical experiment of the present study has clearly demonstrated that gradient-bearing fibers with short soft tips and stiff bases have greater advantage in maximizing adhesion and minimizing clusterisation in multiple attachment–detachment cycles, if compared to the fibers with longer soft tips on the stiff bases and fibers with stiff tips on the soft bases. This study not only manifests the crucial role of gradients in material properties along the setae in beetle fibrillar adhesive system, but predicts that similar gradients must have been convergently evolved in various lineages of arthropods.
Selective allylic hydroxylation of acyclic terpenoids by CYP154E1 from Thermobifida fusca YX
Authors: Bogazkaya Anna M , von Bühler Clemens J , Kriening Sebastian , Busch Alexandrine , Seifert Alexander , Pleiss Jürgen , Laschat Sabine , Urlacher Vlada B
Published: June 2014

Allylic alcohols are valuable precursors in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemicals and natural products. Regioselective oxidation of parental alkenes is a challenging task for chemical catalysts and requires several steps including protection and deprotection. Many cytochrome P450 enzymes are known to catalyse selective allylic hydroxylation under mild conditions. Here, we describe CYP154E1 from Thermobifida fusca YX that enables this type of oxidation. Several acyclic terpenoids were tested as possible substrates for CYP154E1, and the regio- and chemoselectivity of their oxidation was investigated. Using a previously established bioinformatics approach we identified position 286 in the active site of CYP154E1 which is putatively involved in substrate binding and thereby might have an effect on enzyme selectivity. To tune regio- and chemoselectivity of the enzyme three mutants at position 286 were constructed and used for substrate oxidation. All formed products were analysed with GC–MS and identified using chemically synthesised authentic samples and known compounds as references. Best regioselectivity towards geraniol and nerol was observed with the wild type enzyme mainly leading to 8-hydroxy derivatives (8-hydroxygeraniol or 8-hydroxynerol) with high selectivity (100% and 96% respectively). Highest selectivities during the oxidation of geranylacetone and nerylacetone were observed with the following variants: V286F led mainly to 7-hydroxygeranylacetone (60% of the total product) and V286A produced predominantly 12-hydroxynerylacetone (75% of total product). Thus, CYP154E1 and its mutants expand the tool-box for allylic hydroxylation in synthetic chemistry.
Les trois âges du paternalisme. Cantines et alimentation ouvrière au Creusot (1860-1960)
Authors: Gacon Stéphane , Jarrige François
Published: June 2014

L’évolution des formes prises par l’organisation de l’alimentation constitue un observatoire privilégié pour penser le paternalisme et ses reconfigurations entre le milieu du XIX e  siècle et la période dite des « Trente Glorieuses ». Au Creusot, le paternalisme des Schneider s’est globalement montré hostile au dispositif de la cantine qu’il n’a adopté que de mauvaise grâce pendant les périodes de crises exceptionnelles, notamment les deux guerres mondiales. Durant les périodes de paix sociale, l’entreprise privilégie le repas à domicile et un modèle familial fondé sur le rôle nourricier des ménagères. La cantine est surtout destinée aux travailleurs étrangers, aux jeunes célibataires et aux travailleurs situés à la marge. C’est donc au moment même où la restauration collective dans les entreprises tend à se normaliser sous l’égide de l’État dans le cadre d’une économie contractuelle que l’ancien paternalisme commence à disparaître. En France, le décret du 5 octobre 1960 impose en effet aux entreprises de plus de 25 salariés de mettre à leur disposition un local de restauration, ce qui favorise la multiplication des restaurants d’entreprise.
La restauration collective des ouvriers en France pendant la Grande Guerre
Authors: Vigna Xavier
Published: June 2014

Avant 1914, les cantines ouvrières sont rares. La Première Guerre mondiale constitue une phase d’accélération de leur développement et de leur transformation. Ces évolutions tiennent en premier lieu au caractère impérieux de l’amélioration du ravitaillement : il faut nourrir une nouvelle population, plus nombreuse, davantage composée de femmes et d’étrangers, avec leurs habitudes alimentaires. L’alimentation au travail présente des enjeux contemporains décisifs en termes d’effort de production, de paix sociale, et de réforme de la condition ouvrière, espérée en particulier par l’énergique ministre Albert Thomas. Les cantines se multiplient. L’initiative coopérative, pour gérer tantôt des restaurants et cantines, tantôt des magasins d’approvisionnement est importante mais, en la matière, l’initiative patronale domine de manière écrasante. Les ouvriers semblent se satisfaire d’une telle offre puisqu’ils s’inscrivent en masse pour se restaurer dans les cantines. Ces restaurants censés surmonter les difficultés de ravitaillement et de vie chère ne bénéficient pour autant que d’une fréquentation assez aléatoire.
Nourrir les constructeurs du socialisme. Cantines et question alimentaire dans l'URSS des premiers plans quinquennaux (1928-1935)
Authors: Nérard François-Xavier
Published: June 2014

Dans l’URSS en train de s’industrialiser et de s’urbaniser, la cantine correspond d’abord à une ambition politique et théorique des bolcheviks. Elle doit favoriser l’efficacité de la production. Il s’agit de fournir une alimentation rationnellement pensée et préparée. Lieu d’une alimentation saine, la cantine doit également être celui d’une éducation politique et de la kulturnost (« civilisation des mœurs »). La crise alimentaire et le rationnement imposent progressivement la cantine comme le seul lieu possible d’une alimentation assurée et régulière des ouvriers soviétiques. Sur le terrain, la plus grande improvisation domine. Tout manque aux cantines : matériaux pour les bâtiments, chambres froides, équipements, personnel et surtout aliments. La saleté, la qualité déplorable de la nourriture, la monotonie ne peuvent que susciter l’insatisfaction et le mécontentement. Les cantines sont le symbole de l’impuissance soviétique à tenir les promesses des lendemains radieux. Elles sont également le creuset de l’expérience soviétique, fondatrice d’un rapport, mécontent mais accepté, au pouvoir et à ce qu’il donne. Dans ces conditions, la fréquentation de la cantine devient, pour le Soviétique, une expérience anthropologique et politique essentielle, une école du socialisme réel, un lieu fondamental de la formation de l’« homme soviétique ».
Summer distribution and abundance of the giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) in the Adriatic Sea: Baseline data for an iterative management framework
Authors: Fortuna Caterina Maria , Kell Laurence , Holcer Draško , Canese Simonepietro , Filidei Jr. Elio , Mackelworth Peter , Donovan Greg
Published: June 2014

The giant devil ray (Mobula mobular) is a poorly understood protected endemic species of the eastern Atlantic-Mediterranean region. However, to date there are no range-wide management actions in place. This paper provides the first overview of the summer distribution and abundance of this species and other Myliobatiformes within the Adriatic Sea based on an aerial survey. Although the survey´s primary targets were cetaceans and sea turtles, the study showed that it was possible to use the survey to monitor other species. Abundance estimates are derived using conventional distance sampling analysis. Giant devil rays were observed mainly in the central-southern Adriatic (88% of total sightings). A total of 1595 giant devil rays were estimated in the central-southern Adriatic Sea [coefficient of variation(CV)=25%, uncorrected estimate for perception and availability bias]. When corrected for availability bias the number of specimens was estimated at 3255 (CV=56%). Population growth rate was estimated using life history traits and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the benefit of improving biological knowledge on this data-poor species. A power analysis showed that a long-term commitment to an aerial survey would be necessary to monitor population trends. Conservation implications and future work, including how the study could be used to conduct an ecological risk assessment are discussed.
Vertical and horizontal larval distribution of an offshore brachyuran crab, Monodaeus couchii, off the south coast of Portugal
Authors: Pochelon Patricia N. , Dos Santos Antonina , P. Santos A. Miguel , Queiroga Henrique
Published: June 2014

A strong understanding of larval distribution and abundance is of major value in delineating the location and size of a breeding population of deep-sea species such as Monodaeus couchii. In this study, vertical distribution of the larvae of a brachyuran crab, M. couchii, was assessed during two week-long cruises conducted at the end of January 2006 and 2007 off the South Coast of Portugal. Larvae were collected by oblique plankton hauls with a Longhurst-Hardy Plankton Recorder from the surface to 300 m. Abundance and distribution of zoeae I and II were correlated during both years. For all stages, abundance decreased with depth during the day while it increased with depth at night; the larvae thus displayed reverse diel vertical migration. Abundance of zoeae I and II was correlated with chlorophyll a levels, whereas those of later stages were correlated with neither physical parameters (chlorophyll a, temperature or salinity) nor each other. An ontogenic shift in vertical distribution explained the results; earlier zoeal stages remain in the food-rich upper water column while later stages were not correlated with any physical parameters (i.e. chlorophyll a, salinity or temperature) and migrated to the bottom for settlement.
First records, rediscovery and compilation of deep-sea echinoderms in the middle and lower continental slope of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mecho Ariadna , Billett David S.M. , Ramírez-Llodra Eva , Aguzzi Jacopo , Tyler Paul A. , Company Joan B.
Published: June 2014

This study provides a compilation of all available information on deep-sea echinoderms from the middle and lower slopes of the Mediterranean Sea, with the aim of providing a unified source of information on the taxonomy of this group. Previous records of species are updated with new data obtained from 223 trawl hauls conducted in 11 cruises within the northwestern Mediterranean Sea between 800 m and 2845 m depth. Valid names, bathymetric ranges and geographic distributions are given for all species. The new data report, for the first time, the presence of the Atlantic echinoid Gracilechinus elegans (Düben and Koren, 1844) in the Mediterranean Sea. We also report the presence of the endemic holothurians Hedingia mediterranea (Bartolini Baldelli, 1914), dredged only once previously in 1914 in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and Penilpidia ludwigi (von Marenzeller, 1893), known previously only from three samples, two in the Aegean Sea and one in the Balearic Sea. Additionally, the deeper limits of the bathymetric distribution of four species have been expanded: the asteroid Ceramaster grenadensis (Perrier, 1881) to 2845 m; the echinoid Brissopsis lyrifera (Forbes, 1841) to 2250 m; and the holothurians Hedingia mediterranea and Holothuria (Panningothuria) forskali Delle Chiaje, 1823, to 1500 m and 850 m, respectively.
Adult sex ratios of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in two Mediterranean foraging grounds
Authors: Casale Paolo , Freggi Daniela , Maffucci Fulvio , Hochscheid Sandra
Published: June 2014

Sea turtles show temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and information on sex ratios at different life stages is necessary both for population dynamics models for conservation and to shed light on the possible adaptive value of TSD. Adults represent the less abundant class of sea turtle populations and adult sex ratios at foraging grounds are very difficult to obtain. We first analysed biometric data of 460 juvenile and adult loggerhead sea turtles ranging from 60 to 97.5 cm curved carapace length (CCL), in which a clear bimodal distribution of tail length (the main secondary sexual character of adult males) was observed in the size class >75 cm CCL. We then sexed 142 adult turtles in this size class collected from the Tunisian shelf and from the southeastern Tyrrhenian Sea, observing a proportion of females of 51.5% (95% CI: 41.2-61.8%; n=97) and 40.0% (95% CI: 25.7-55.7%; n=45) respectively. Our results complement previous studies and support their findings of similar and more balanced sex ratios in adult and juvenile loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean, in contrast with highly female-biased sex ratios of hatchlings.
Stock identification of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the North Pacific Ocean on the basis of beak and statolith morphology
Authors: Fang Zhou , Liu Bilin , Li Jianghua , Su Hang , Chen Xinjun
Published: June 2014

Cephalopods are becoming increasingly important in global fisheries as a result of increased landings and are playing an important ecological role in the trophic dynamics of marine ecosystems. Ommastrephes bartramii is a pelagic cephalopod species with two widely distributed spawning stocks in the North Pacific Ocean. It is also a major fishing target for the Chinese squid jigging fleets. Successful separation of these two spawning stocks is critical to fisheries management, but tends to be challenging because of their similar morphology. In this study we attempted to identify the stocks based on discriminant analyses of 9 morphological variables of statolith and 12 variables of beaks measured for O. bartramii samples in the North Pacific. A significant difference was revealed in the standardized beak and statolith variables between sexes in the northeast (NE) stock (P < 0.05). The northwest (NW) stock showed significant differences between sexes for all variables (P < 0.05) except for upper wing length (P > 0.05), whereas the NW stock showed no significant difference in either sex for the statolith variables (P > 0.05). The same sex also revealed different patterns with different hard structures between the two stocks. In t-tests females showed significant differences between stocks in statolith morphology (P < 0.05) and beak morphology (P < 0.05); males also showed this difference between cohorts in statolith variables (P < 0.05) except dorsal dome length and wing length (P > 0.05), but showed no difference between cohorts (P > 0.05) in beak morphometric variables. With the combination of two standardized hard parts, correct classification of stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) was raised by nearly 20% compared with using only one structure, although overlaps of the NW stock were still found in the scatter-plots. It is concluded that adding more appropriate hard structure variables will effectively increase the success of separating geographic stocks by the SDA method.
Using Discourse Analysis to Assess Student Problem-Solving in a Virtual World
Authors: Kennedy-Clark Shannon , Wheeler Penny
Published: June 2014

Finding effective ways to measure student learning has been an enduring issue across the higher education sector. While much attention has been placed on the integration of technologies to support learning, not as much attention has focused on how these tools may also provide opportunities for the assessment of learning. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how an analysis of students' real-time communication can be used to identify strategies that may contribute to the arrival at a problem solution. The authors argue that parts of speech and how the language can be used to help student organise their collaborations can be applied to learning and teaching contexts, as the rules of a language are fairly stable. Hence, discourse analysis can be used to inform the design of learning activities and assessment.