bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome scan study of prostate cancer in Arabs: identification of three genomic regions with multiple prostate cancer susceptibility loci in Tunisians
Authors: Shan Jingxuan , Al-Rumaihi Khalid , Rabah Danny , Al-Bozom Issam , Kizhakayil Dhanya , Farhat Karim , Al-Said Sami , Kfoury Hala , Dsouza Shoba P , Rowe Jillian , Khalak Hanif G , Jafri Shahzad , Aigha Idil I , Chouchane Lotfi
Published: May 2013

Background

Large databases focused on genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer have been accumulated from population studies of different ancestries, including Europeans and African-Americans. Arab populations, however, have been only rarely studied.

Methods

Using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in which 534,781 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 221 Tunisians (90 prostate cancer patients and 131 age-matched healthy controls). TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays on 11 prostate cancer associated SNPs were performed in a distinct cohort of 337 individuals from Arab ancestry living in Qatar and Saudi Arabia (155 prostate cancer patients and 182 age-matched controls). In-silico expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis along with mRNA quantification of nearby genes was performed to identify loci potentially cis-regulated by the identified SNPs.

Results

Three chromosomal regions, encompassing 14 SNPs, are significantly associated with prostate cancer risk in the Tunisian population (P = 1 × 10-4 to P = 1 × 10-5). In addition to SNPs located on chromosome 17q21, previously found associated with prostate cancer in Western populations, two novel chromosomal regions are revealed on chromosome 9p24 and 22q13. eQTL analysis and mRNA quantification indicate that the prostate cancer associated SNPs of chromosome 17 could enhance the expression of STAT5B gene.

Conclusion

Our findings, identifying novel GWAS prostate cancer susceptibility loci, indicate that prostate cancer genetic risk factors could be ethnic specific.
Positive solutions for Sturm-Liouville BVPs on time scales via sub-supersolution and variational methods
Authors: Zhang Quan-Guo , He Xi-Ping , Sun Hong-Rui
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the existence of one and two positive solutions for the following Sturm-Liouville boundary value problem on time scales

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MSC:34B10, 34B18.
TGF-β1 Sensitizes TRPV1 through Cdk5 Signaling in Odontoblast-Like Cells
Authors: Utreras Elias , Prochazkova Michaela , Terse Anita , Gross Jacklyn , Keller Jason , Iadarola Michael J , Kulkarni Ashok B
Published: May 2013

Background

Odontoblasts are specialized cells that form dentin and they are believed to be sensors for tooth pain. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed early in odontoblasts, plays an important role in the immune response during tooth inflammation and infection. TGF-β1 is also known to participate in pain signaling by regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in nociceptive neurons of the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. However, the precise role of TGF-β1 in tooth pain signaling is not well characterized. The aim of our present study was to determine whether or not in odontoblasts Cdk5 is functionally active, if it is regulated by TGF-β1, and if it affects the downstream pain receptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1).

Results

We first determined that Cdk5 and p35 are indeed expressed in an odontoblast-enriched primary preparation from murine teeth. For the subsequent analysis, we used an odontoblast-like cell line (MDPC-23) and found that Cdk5 is functionally active in these cells and its kinase activity is upregulated during cell differentiation. We found that TGF-β1 treatment potentiated Cdk5 kinase activity in undifferentiated MDPC-23 cells. SB431542, a specific inhibitor of TGF-β1 receptor 1 (Tgfbr1), when co-administered with TGF-β1, blocked the induction of Cdk5 activity. TGF-β1 treatment also activated the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, causing an increase in early growth response-1 (Egr-1), a transcription factor that induces p35 expression. In MDPC-23 cells transfected with TRPV1, Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of TRPV1 at threonine-407 was significantly increased after TGF-β1 treatment. In contrast, SB431542 co-treatment blocked TRPV1 phosphorylation. Moreover, TGF-β1 treatment enhanced both proton- and capsaicin-induced Ca2+ influx in TRPV1-expressing MDPC-23 cells, while co-treatment with either SB431542 or roscovitine blocked this effect.

Conclusions

Cdk5 and p35 are expressed in a murine odontoblast-enriched primary preparation of cells from teeth. Cdk5 is also functionally active in odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. TGF-β1 sensitizes TRPV1 through Cdk5 signaling in MDPC-23 cells, suggesting the direct involvement of odontoblasts and Cdk5 in dental nociceptive pain transduction.
Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis with hemoptysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Haidong , Li Chen , Bai Chong , Li Qiang , Zheng Weiqiang , Zhu Zhi , Zarogoulidis Paul , Zarogoulidis Konstantinos , Gschwendtner Andreas , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Simoff Michael
Published: May 2013

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1955868163936338

We present a case of 39-year-old male with the symptoms of fever, cough, chest pain and bloody phlegm, whose chest CT showed multiple subpleural nodules and inflammatory infiltration. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery ( VATS ) for right subplural nodule was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis. Prednisolone was administered and the symptoms were under control untill the occurrence of intermittent hemoptysis after 10 months. Chest CT and bronchoscope revealed the right lower lobe nodule with intraluminal necrotic tissue in the right lower lobe posterior basal segment respectively. Fatal hemoptysis happened during endobronchial biopsy by flexible bronchoscope forcep. Based on this case, we reviewed the relevant literature and discussed the clinical features, pathological changes and prognosis of the disease.
Congenital asymptomatic diaphragmatic hernias in adults: a case series
Authors: Bianchi Enrica , Mancini Paola , De Vito Stefania , Pompili Elena , Taurone Samanta , Guerrisi Isabella , Guerrisi Antonino , D’Andrea Vito , Cantisani Vito , Artico Marco
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a major malformation occasionally found in newborns and babies. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is defined by the presence of an orifice in the diaphragm, more often to the left and posterolateral, that permits the herniation of abdominal contents into the thorax. The aim of this case series is to provide information on the presentation, diagnosis and outcome of three patients with late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is based on clinical investigation and is confirmed by plain X-ray films and computed tomography scans.

Case presentations

In the present report three cases of asymptomatic abdominal viscera herniation within the thorax are described. The first case concerns herniation of some loops of the large intestine into the left hemi-thorax in a 75-year-old Caucasian Italian woman. The second case concerns a rare type of herniation in the right side of the thorax of the right kidney with a part of the liver parenchyma in a 57-year-old Caucasian Italian woman. The third case concerns herniation of the stomach and bowel into the left side of the chest with compression of the left lung in a 32-year-old Caucasian Italian man. This type of hernia may appear later in life, because of concomitant respiratory or gastrointestinal disease, or it may be an incidental finding in asymptomatic adults, such as in the three cases featured here.

Conclusions

Patients who present with late diaphragmatic hernias complain of a wide variety of symptoms, and diagnosis may be difficult. Additional investigation and research appear necessary to better explain the development and progression of this type of disease.
Induction of long intergenic non-coding RNA HOTAIR in lung cancer cells by type I collagen
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Wang Xiang , Nguyen Hong T , Zhuo Ying , Cui Xinpeng , Fewell Claire , Flemington Erik K , Shan Bin
Published: May 2013

Background

The tumor microenvironment is a crucial determinant in tumor progression. Interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM), such as type I collagen (Col-1), is aberrantly enriched in the tumor microenvironment and promotes tumor progression. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNA) are a new family of regulatory RNAs that modulate fundamental cellular processes via diverse mechanisms.

Findings

We investigated whether the expression of lincRNAs was regulated by the tumor promoting Col-1. In a three-dimensional organotypic culture model using the reconstituted basement membrane ECM Matrigel (rBM 3-D), supplementation of Col-1 disrupted acini, a differentiation feature of well-differentiated lung adenocarcinoma cells, and concurrently induced the expression of a tumor-promoting lincRNA, HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR). Induction of HOTAIR by Col-1 was diminished by a neutralizing antibody against the Col-1 receptor α2β1 integrin. Col-1 activates the expression of a reporter gene controlled by the human HOTAIR promoter. Moreover the expression of HOTAIR and Col-1 was concurrently up-regulated in human non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that tumor-promoting Col-1 up-regulates the expression of HOTAIR in NSCLC cells. These initial results warrant further investigation of HOTAIR and other lincRNA genes in lung tumorigenesis.
Anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor therapy impairs endothelial function of retinal microcirculation in colon cancer patients – an observational study
Authors: Reimann Manja , Folprecht Gunnar , Haase Rocco , Trautmann Karolin , Ehninger Gerhard , Reichmann Heinz , Ziemssen Focke , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: May 2013

Background

To assess acute effects of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF therapy) on cerebral microvessels and systemic cardiovascular regulation.

Design and subjects

20 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer (median age: 60.4 years, range 45.5-73.9 years) received bevacizumab intravenously (5 mg/kg) uncoupled of chemotherapy. Prior to and within the first 24 hours after bevacizumab infusion, patients were investigated for retinal endothelial function. A series of a triple 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement was conducted. Retinal endothelial function was determined as flicker light-induced vasodilation. The integrity of baroreflex arc and autonomic cardiovascular control was examined by stimulatory manoeuvres.

Results

Bevacizumab therapy significantly reduced the vasodilatory capacity of retinal arterioles in response to flicker light. A slight decrease in diastolic pressure and heart rate was observed after bevacizumab infusion but this was unrelated to changes in retinal function. The pressure response upon nitroglycerin was largely preserved after bevacizumab infusion. The proportion of patients with abnormal nocturnal blood pressure regulation increased under anti-angiogenic therapy. Autonomic blood pressure control was not affected by bevacizumab treatment.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab acutely impairs microvascular function independent of blood pressure changes. Imaging of the retinal microcirculation seems a valuable tool for monitoring pharmacodynamic effects of bevacizumab.

Trial registration

NCT ID: NCT00740168
Where is the grass greener? A micro-founded model of migration with application to Guangdong
Authors: Simmons Peter , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: May 2013

This paper first develops a structural micro-founded model of aggregate net migration flow using matching ideas to study how migrants choose between multiple locations using multiple criteria. Migration should reduce inequality in the criteria. Most migration models either do not handle multiple criteria and locations or lack micro foundation. The model predicts that migration flows will be out of all but the top two ranked regions. The empirical work, which uses 1990–1999 Guangdong annual data, confirms this proposition and finds a high degree of common marginal effects of the criteria among 18 locations but also finds increasing regional inequalities.

JEL

F22 J61 O15
World Literature in a Postliterary Age
Authors: Damrosch David
Published: May 2013

This essay considers the shifting valences of “world” and “literature” in the American academic context of the past half century. The first part of the essay, which takes up the debates during the 1950s and 1960s on the teaching of world literature in translation, looks particularly at the institutional differences between the Ivy League programs in comparative literature and the world literature programs that were growing rapidly at large midwestern state universities. Damrosch argues that we are now better able to mediate between the demands of elite and mass education and between work in original languages and in translation. In the second part Damrosch proposes that the fundamental tension today has shifted to the question of the place of literary studies in a multimedia age, and he explores how we can make affirmative use of the common translation of classic texts across not only languages but media.
Borrowing Privileges: Libraries and the Institutionalization of World Literature
Authors: Mani B. Venkat
Published: May 2013

This essay addresses a major gap in the recent scholarship on world literature: the neglect of libraries and print cultural institutions to determine world-literary circulation and reception. Mani makes a case for the dual role of libraries as instrumental to and as instruments of access to world literature. Locating world literature at the intersection of libraries, print-cultural studies, and translation histories, the essay opens up new significations for our understanding of world literature as a comparative project. Instead of reinforcing ownership and expertise by fixating on the original language of creation and scholarly expertise, the essay proposes a perspective on world literature that is based on borrowing privileges: through translation, reading, and collections in private and public libraries. Mani ends by discussing Hermann Hesse’s essay Eine Bibliothek der Weltliteratur (A Library of World Literature, 1929). Direct and indirect censorship, the cultural politics of intimidation, and the ethnicization of German national literature make Hesse’s essay, and its afterlife, an exemplary means of evaluating world literature through the politics of (in)accessibility.
Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Spectroscopic, Chemical, and Electrochemical Properties of (2E,4E)-1-(3-Guaiazulenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butadiene
Authors: Takekuma Shin-ichi , Kobayashi Norihito , Minematsu Toshie , Takekuma Hideko
Published: May 2013

Wittig reaction of (E)-2-(2-thienyl)ethylene-1-carbaldehyde with [(3-guaiazulenyl)methyl]triphenylphosphonium bromide in ethanol containing sodium ethoxide (=NaOC2H5) at 25 °C for 24 h under argon gives the two (2E,4E)- and (2E,4Z)-geometric isomers of a new compound 1-(3-guaiazulenyl)-4-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butadiene, the only title (2E,4E)-form, of which can be isolated as single crystals. Preparation, chemical and spectroscopic properties, crystal structure, and electrochemical behavior of the target (2E,4E)-form, compared with those of (E)-1-(3-guaiazulenyl)-2-(2-thienyl)ethylene and the structurally related new compound (3-guaiazulenyl)[(E)-2-(2-thienyl)ethenyl]methylium hexafluorophosphate, are documented.
A new alien gastropod Pseudorhaphitoma iodolabiata (Hornung & Mermod, 1928) (Mangeliidae, Mollusca) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: OZTURK B.
Published: May 2013

The study documents the occurrence of a new alien gastropod Pseudorhaphitoma iodolabiata in the Mediterranean Sea, collected inIskenderun Bay, Turkey, on September 2011. This record increases to 213 the number of alien molluscs in the Mediterranean.
Functional diversity of the macro‑invertebrate community in the port area of Kerkennah Islands (Tunisia)
Authors: ALOUI‑BEJAOUI N. , AFLI A.
Published: May 2013

The harbour area of Sidi Youssef in Kerkennah islands is characterized by specific anthropogenic pressures linked to fishing activities. To study the functional diversity of benthic macro invertebrates, 10 stations located around the port and along the ship canal were sampled by SCUBA diving. Collected invertebrates were identified, counted and preserved. For the functional organization of the community, the most common biodiversity indices and functional groups were assessed at each station, and main physical and chemical parameters were measured. Results showed that the main apparent anthropogenic stress, that could lead to negative impacts on the studied area, was related to dredging/harbour activities. Suspension feeders, consisting essentially of polychaetes, which may be disturbed by water turbidity, dominated the stations farthest from the port, where the intensity of harbour activities is obviously reduced. On the contrary, carnivores dominated inside the port, possibly benefiting from fish scraps discarded at the area, while stations close to the port appeared to be more balanced trophically. The applied biotic indices showed that the area is in good ecological status, except of the navigation channel and the port entrance, which were slightly degraded.
The effect of interpolation methods in temperature and salinity trends in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: VARGAS-YANEZ M. , MALLARD E. , RIXEN M. , ZUNINO P. , GARCIA-MARTINEZ M.C. , MOYA F.
Published: May 2013

Temperature and salinity data in the historical record are scarce and unevenly distributed in space and time and the estimation of linear trends is sensitive to different factors. In the case of the Western Mediterranean, previous works have studied the sensitivity of these trends to the use of bathythermograph data, the averaging methods or the way in which gaps in time series are dealt with. In this work, a new factor is analysed: the effect of data interpolation. Temperature and salinity time series are generated averaging existing data over certain geographical areas and also by means of interpolation. Linear trends from both types of time series are compared. There are some differences between both estimations for some layers and geographical areas, while in other cases the results are consistent. Those results which do not depend on the use of interpolated or non-interpolated data, neither are influenced by data analysis methods can be considered as robust ones. Those results influenced by the interpolation process or the factors analysed in previous sensitivity tests are not considered as robust results.
Seasonal rubisco enzyme activities and caulerpenyne levels in invasive Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea and native Caulerpa prolifera
Authors: CAVAS L. , CENGIZ S. , ABIDIN KARABAY Z.
Published: May 2013

Caulerpa racemosa var.cylindracea (C.racemosa) is an invasive marine seaweed in the Mediterranean Sea. Since no valid eradication method has been existed in the scientific literature on this species, it has currently been continuing its invasion along the coastlines of 13 Mediterranean countries. One of the important factors responsible for its invasion is thought as its toxic secondary metabolite, caulerpenyne (CYN). The present paper investigates seasonal changes in the secondary metabolite CYN, and rubisco enzyme (EC 4.1.1.39) activities of the invasive C. racemosa and native C. prolifera. Inasmuch as no correlation between CYN level and rubisco enzymic activity was observed in these species, it is considered that the regulation of CYN synthesis caulerpenyne and rubisco enzymic activity might be controlled independently. In conclusion, the further analysis on the rubisco enzymic activity determinations with MEP and mevalonate pathway which are considered responsible for CYN bio-synthesis should be studied in great detail in invasive and native Caulerpa species in the Mediterranean Sea to get the overall picture.
Environmental properties of the southern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt
Authors: DORGHAM M.M. , EL-SHERBINY M.M. , HANAFI M.H.
Published: May 2013

Environmental properties (temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and chlorophyll a) of the epipelagic zone off SharmEl-Sheikh, Red Sea, Egypt were studied seasonally throughout a year from March 1995 to March 1996. Water samples werecollected from five water depths (0, 25, 50, 75 & 100 m). The studied parameters exhibited clear seasonal variability along the water column. The vertical distribution of water temperature showed thermal homogeneity during most seasons, and thermal stratification in summer. Dissolved oxygen attained slightly high concentrations (5.3-7.8 mg l-1) in the whole water column, with slight seasonal variation. The concentrations of nutrients reflected dominant oligotrophic conditions in the epipelagic zone and occasional mesotrophic status at some depths. Phosphate fluctuated between 0-0.7 μM, ammonium (0-2.27 μM), nitrite (0-0.72 μM), nitrate (0-1.49 μM) and silicate (0-6.48 M). Phytoplankton biomass was generally low in the epipelagic zone throughout the study, whereas chlorophyll a was less than 0.5 μg l-1, except relatively high concentration (0.7-1.12 μg l-1) in deep layers in spring. In comparison with previous studies on the Gulf of Aqaba all environmental parameters during present study showed pronouncedlydifferent values.
Description of a new species of Sphaerosyllis Claparède, 1863 (Polychaeta: Syllidae: Exogoninae) from the Alicante coast (W Mediterranean) and first reports of two other species of Syllidae for the Mediterranean Sea and the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: DEL-PILAR-RUSO Y. , SAN MARTIN G.
Published: May 2013

During a study aiming at the evaluation of the distribution of the soft-bottom community at different taxonomic scales, thefamily Syllidae was analysed to the species level. Among the identified material, one undescribed species belonging to the genus Sphaerosyllis Claparède, 1863 was found and two species constitute new reports for the Mediterranean Sea and for the Iberian Peninsula: Parapionosyllis cf. macaronesiensis Brito, Núñez and San Martín, 2000, and Syllis cf. mauretanica (Licher, 1999) n. comb., both only previously known from the subtropical Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species of Sphaerosyllis is mainly distinguished in having bulbous, small antennae, tentacular and dorsal cirri, small parapodial glands, with granular material, and compound chaetae with short blades. In this paper, we describe the new species and the specimens of the new reports.
On the occurrence of the tropical caprellid Paracaprella pusilla Mayer, 1890 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in Europe
Authors: ROS M. , GUERRA-GARCIA J.M.
Published: May 2013

Paracaprella pusilla MAYER, 1980 is a tropical caprellid amphipod species first described from Brasil and very common along the Atlantic coast of Central America. Since its original description, P. pusilla has been found at numerous widespread locations in tropical and subtropical seas around the world, primarily associated with fouling communities in harbours. An established population of P. pusilla was recently found in Cádiz, southern Spain, which is both the northernmost collection and first record of this species in European coastal waters. Ship fouling is the most probable vector for its introduction. The species was always found associated with the native hydroid Eudendrium racemosum (CAVOLINI, 1785) and appeared to display a mutualistic relationship with this host.
State of the Art of the Marine Non-Indigenous Flora and Fauna in Slovenia
Authors: LIPEJ L. , MAVRIC B. , ORLANDO-BONACA M. , MALEJ A.
Published: May 2013

Authors provide the state of knowledge on marine non-indigenous species in waters off Slovenia. According to published records and authors unpublished data at least 15 non-indigenous species were up to date recorded in the Slovenian part of the Adriatic sea. Eleven species were considered as established and four species as casual. The vectors of introduction are various, comprising Lessepsian migration, mariculture and shipping. The majority of non-indigenous taxa were recorded in the mediolittoral belt and coastal lagoons. The low number of non-indigenous species so far recorded in the Slovenian part of the Adriatic sea could be explained by various factors. Among them, the most reasonable are the lack of scientific attention, the small proportion of Slovenian Sea and low winter temperatures, which represents a physiological barrier for the survival of newcomers. The number of recorded species is far from being satisfactory. Therefore, we expect that the list of non-indigenous species will be enlarged in the nearby future.
Indicators for the Sea-floor Integrity of the Hellenic Seas under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive: establishing the thresholds and standards for Good Environmental Status
Authors: SIMBOURA N. , ZENETOS A. , PANCUCCI-PAPADOPOULOU M.A. , REIZOPOULOU S. , STREFTARIS N.
Published: May 2013

A data set of 625 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates collected from the Hellenic Seas (Ionian and Aegean) was used to establish thresholds and reference standards for two of the indicators addressing the descriptors of Sea-floor Integrity under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): species diversity and richness and the ratio of sensitive species to tolerant species. The dataset was categorised according to the baseline ecological status assessment of the respective water bodies under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Species diversity and richness were characterised using the Shannon diversity and species richness indices, respectively, and were analysed for three pre-defined substrate types, three depth zones and three sample-size categories, and the significant categories were statistically validated. Good Environmental Status (GEnS) threshold and reference values were established for the valid combinations of categories denoted as ‘ecotypes’ through the use of a boxplot and an analysis of variance. The limitations and specifications for an overall GEnS assessment using the above indices are highlighted based on the WFD experience. For the ratio of sensitive species to tolerant species, the BENTIX index classification scale is proposed for GEnS assessment, and an integrated approach to the assessment of diversity and species richness is suggested. Finally, the regionality of the tested indices in relation to the two Mediterranean sub-regions, including the Hellenic area, was tested.
Epistomaroides punctatus (Said, 1949) - a new alien foraminifera found at Akhziv - Rosh HaNikra, northern Israel, eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: ALMOGI-LABIN A. , HYAMS-KAPHZAN O.
Published: May 2013

The alien benthic foraminifera Epistomaroides punctatus (Said) is reported for the first time from the northern part of theIsraeli coast. Three living specimens were collected in April 2005, at the vermetid reefs of Akhziv - Rosh HaNikra. Epistomaroidespunctatus has so far only been reported from the Indo-Pacific realm; thus, it is suggested to be a Lessepsian invader.
Trace metal distributions in Posidonia oceanica and sediments from Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy)
Authors: DI LEO A. , ANNICCHIARICO C. , CARDELLICCHIO N. , SPADA L. , GIANDOMENICO S.
Published: May 2013

Distribution of metals (Hg, Pb, Sn, Cu, Cd and Zn) was determined in sediments and in different tissues of Posidonia oceanica collected from San Pietro Island, Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). In seagrass, results, compared with metal concentrations in sediments, showed that the highest concentrations of Hg, Pb, Sn and Cu were found in the roots, while in the green leaves were found the highest levels of Cd and Zn. Instead the lowest metal concentrations were found in the basal part of the leaf. Levels of  metals in the leaves were similar to those found by other authors in uncontaminated areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Mercury levels in roots were correlated to levels in sediments. This could demonstrate the plant memorizes sediments contamination . This study reinforces the usefulness and the relevance of Posidonia oceanica as an indicator of spatial metal contamination and an interesting tool for environmental quality evaluation.
New records of marine water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Pontarachnidae) from the southern Black Sea (Sinop Bay, Turkey)
Authors: PESIC V. , SEZGIN M. , KARACUHA M. E. , URKMEZ D.
Published: May 2013

New records of marine mites of the family Pontarachnidae Koenike, 1910 (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the southern Black Sea (Sinop bay, Turkey) are presented. Two species, i.e., Pontarachna valkanovi Petrova, 1978 and Pontarachna adriatica Morselli, 1980 are recorded for the first time from Turkey. These are the first records of these species after its orginal description. Our study shows ecological differences between these species: Pontarachna valkanovi were collected from 3 m depth, while P. adraitica seems to be characteristic for deeper waters (10 m depth).
Effects of recreational scuba diving on Mediterranean fishes: evidence of involuntary feeding?
Authors: DI FRANCO A. , BAIATA P. , MILAZZO M.
Published: May 2013

Despite a large body of literature assessing the impacts of recreational scuba diving on marine habitats, little attention has been paid to the potentially harmful effects this has on fishes. The aim of this study was the assessment of the immediate response of different fish species to divers’ activities. A decrease of fishes’ natural diffidence towards divers is shown, probably due to an enhanced availability of their prey as a result of divers’ contacts with the substrate.
Reproductive cycle of Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae) in the Gulf of Gabès (southern Tunisia)
Authors: ELHASNI K. , VASCONCELOS P. , GHORBEL M. , JARBOUI O.
Published: May 2013

The reproductive cycle of the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) from the Gulf of Gabès was studied through gonad histology and calculation of bio-physiological indices (general condition index - K and gonadosomatic index - GSI). The shell length at first sexual maturity (SL50) of B. brandaris was also investigated using a macroscopic maturation scale. The population sex ratio was statistically unbalanced (M:F = 1:1.5), with a significant dominance of females. Monthly variation in gonad maturation stages, K and GSI revealed that B. brandaris has an annual reproductive cycle, long period of gonadal activity and slight asynchrony between sexes. The spawning season extended between April and July, with a clear spawning peak from May to June. The SL50 was reached at 56.4 mm in females and 54.6 mm in males. At present, B. brandaris has no commercial value in Tunisia, but it is predictable that it will become a fishery-exploited species in the near future. The present data, particularly the timing of spawning season and the size at first sexual maturity, constitute baseline information for the proposal of fishery management measures, aiming to ensure sustainable exploitation and long-term preservation of this alternative fishing resource.
Protandric hermaphroditism in the bivalve Arca noae (Mollusca: Arcidae)
Authors: BELLO G. , PAPARELLA P. , CORRIERO A. , SANTAMARIA N.
Published: May 2013

Following the histological analysis of Arca noae samples from the south-western Adriatic Sea, five hermaphroditic specimens were found out of 168 sexed individuals (3.0%). The hermaphrodite gonads showed the co-occurrence of male and female germ cells within the same acini, i.e. both spermatozoa in the lumen and oogonia lining its wall. Oogonia increased in size through winter, thus suggesting that the direction of sex change is from male to female. Both the biometrical analyses and theoretical considerations strongly suggest that A. noae is an obligate protandric species.
Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2012. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Introduction trends and pathways
Authors: ZENETOS Α. , GOFAS S. , MORRI C. , ROSSO A. , VIOLANTI D. , GARCIA RASO J.E. , CINAR M.E. , ALMOGI-LABIN A. , ATES A.S. , AZZURRO E. , BALLESTEROS E. , BIANCHI C.N. , BILECENOGLU M. , GAMBI M.C. , GIANGRANDE A. , GRAVILI C. , HYAMS-KAPHZAN O. , KARACHLE P. K. , KATSANEVAKIS S. , LIPEJ L. , MASTROTOTARO F. , MINEUR F. , PANCUCCI-PAPADOPOULOU M.A. , RAMOS ESPLA A. , SALAS C. , SAN MARTIN G. , SFRISO A. , STREFTARIS N. , VERLAQUE M.
Published: May 2013

More than 60 marine non-indigenous species (NIS) have been removed from previous lists and 84 species have been added, bringing the total to 986 alien species in the Mediterranean [775 in the eastern Mediterranean (EMED), 249 in the central Mediterranean (CMED), 190 in the Adriatic Sea (ADRIA) and 308 in the western Mediterranean (WMED)]. There were 48 new entries since 2011 which can be interpreted as approximately one new entry every two weeks. The number of alien species continues to increase, by 2-3 species per year for macrophytes, molluscs and polychaetes, 3-4 species per year for crustaceans, and 6 species per year for fish. The dominant group among alien species is molluscs (with 215 species), followed by crustaceans (159) and polychaetes (132). Macrophytes are the leading group of NIS in the ADRIA and the WMED, reaching 26-30% of all aliens, whereas in the EMED they barely constitute 10% of the introductions. In the EMED, molluscs are the most species-rich group, followed by crustaceans, fish and polychaetes. More than half (54%) of the marine alien species in the Mediterranean were probably introduced by corridors (mainly Suez). Shipping is blamed directly for the introduction of only 12 species, whereas it is assumed to be the most likely pathway of introduction (via ballasts or fouling) of another 300 species. For approximately 100 species shipping is a probable pathway along with the Suez Canal and/or aquaculture. Approximately 20 species have been introduced with certainty via aquaculture, while >50 species (mostly macroalgae), occurring in the vicinity of oyster farms, are assumed to be introduced accidentally as contaminants of imported species. A total of 18 species are assumed to have been introduced by the aquarium trade. Lessepsian species decline westwards, while the reverse pattern is evident for ship-mediated species and for those introduced with aquaculture. There is an increasing trend in new introductions via the Suez Canal and via shipping.
New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (June 2012)
Authors: NICOLAIDOU A. , ALONGI G. , AYDOGAN O. , CATRA M. , CAVAS L. , CEVIK C. , DOSI A. , CIRCOSTA V. , GIAKOUMI S. , GIMENEZ-CASALDUERO F. , FILIZ H. , IZQUIERDO-MUNOZ A. , KALOGIROU S. , KONSTANTINIDIS E. , KOUSTENI V. , KOUT J. , LEGAKI A. , MEGALOFONOU P. , OVALIS P. , PAOLILLO G. , PASCHOS I. , PERDIKARIS C. , POURSANIDIS D. , RAMOS-ESPLA A.A. , REIZOPOULOU S. , SPERONE E. , TASKIN E. , TRIPEPI S. , VAZQUEZ-LUIS M.
Published: May 2013

The present work reports on the extended distribution of nineteen species in the Mediterranean. These are: Upeneus pori(Fish:Turkey), Bursatella leachii (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia: eastern coast of Spain), Sparisoma cretense (Fish: Ionian coastof Greece), Pseudobryopsis myura (Chlorophyta: Turkey), Aplysia dactylomela (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia: Karpathos island,and Kyklades Archipelago, Greece), Asparagopsis armata and Botryocladia madagascariensis (Rhodophyta: South Peloponnesos,Greece), Oxynotus centrina (Fish: Greece), Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Chlorophyta ), Stypopodium schimperi(Phaeophyta ) Siganus luridus and Stephanolepis diaspros (Fish) Percnon gibbesi (Decapoda, Brachyura) (Kyklades Archipelago,Greece), Cerithium scabridum (Mollusca, Prosobranchia: Anavissos: Greece) and Cerithium renovatum (Mollusca, Prosobranchia:N. Κriti), Cassiopea andromeda (Scyphomedusa: Rhodos Island, Greece), Abra tenuis (Mollusca Bivalvia: VouliagmeniLake, Greece) Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Fish: Calabrian coast, Italy) and Plocamopherus ocellatus (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia:İskenderun Bay, Turkey).
Do the visual conditions at the point of escape affect European sea bass escape behavior?
Authors: PAPADAKIS I.E. , PAPADAKIS V.M. , GLAROPOULOS A. , PETROUTSOS S.I. , GONZALEZ L. PNG , KENTOURI M.
Published: May 2013

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), an important species for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry, has been reported to escape from sea cage installations. Fish escapes are caused mainly by operational and technical failures that eventually result into a creation of a tear. Escapees may interact with wild stocks through interbreeding, transfer of pathogens and competition for food. The aim of this study was to examine at which extent the presence of a visible obstacle close to a tear on the net have an influence on sea bass propensity to escape. Fish were initially confined into small sea cages, with a tear at one side. The escape behavior was tested under experimental conditions. It is clearly demonstrated that sea bass was able to locate a tear on the net pen, immediately after its appearance. Crossings occurred in all cages, in singles or in a series of up to seven individuals. The presence of an obstacle close to the net tear altered the escape behavior of D. labrax resulting in a delay that eventually reduced the escape rate. Concluding, it is highly recommended that sea bass cages should be kept internally the culture array. Furthermore, the placement of artificial obstacles close to the sea cages could be an efficient practice that mitigates the escape risk after severe environmental conditions.
Biology and new records of the invasive species Branchiomma bairdi (Annelida: Sabellidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: ARIAS A. , GIANGRANDE A. , GAMBI M.C. , ANADON N.
Published: May 2013

First observations on the reproductive biology of the alien polychaete Branchiomma bairdi (McIntosh, 1885) (Sabellidae) in the Mediterranean Sea are provided as well as additional Mediterranean records of the species which can help to understand its introduction and spreading. Re-examination of the specimens from Miseno harbour (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) revealed the presence of B. bairdi in the central-Mediterranean since September 2004. The histological study of individuals collected in Malta revealed that the species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, developing male and female gametes in the same body segments; embryos are brooded inside the parent tube. However, there is evidence also for asexual reproduction. The species shows a different reproductive pattern from the previously reported population from the eastern-Pacific; this demonstrates its great plasticity and adaptability. Branchiomma bairdi has an invasive behaviour, colonizing large areas in relatively short-time, and reaching relatively high densities (c.a. 50 individuals/m2). Its expansion throughout several Mediterranean localities is largely a consequence of the high capacity of this species to colonize extremely different habitats and substrates, to the occurrence of sexual and asexual reproductive strategies, and the combination of both. Further, B. bairdi appears to be particularly abundant in confined and anthropogenic degraded areas. Finally, our findings strongly suggest that the pathway of introduction in the Mediterranean, previously hypothesized as the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration), is most likely via the Gibraltar Strait.
An adapted staining-destaining method to sort soft-bottom macrobenthos mixed with Posidonia oceanica fibers
Authors: DONNAY A. , PELAPRAT C. , LEJEUNE P. , GOBERT S.
Published: May 2013

Sorting of soft-bottom macrobenthos entangled with Posidonia oceanica fibers is time-consuming and tedious because of the weak color contrast. This paper describes a staining-destaining technique that produces good contrast between soft-bottom macrobenthos and Posidonia oceanica fibers. The method has been tested on Corsican samples in oligotrophic areas characterized by small-size soft-bottom macrofauna. Our technique saves sorting time (-24%) and is simple to implement.
Is it possible to determine the economic impact of jellyfish outbreaks on fisheries? A Case Study – Slovenia
Authors: NASTAV B. , MALEJ M. , MALEJ Jr. A. , MALEJ A.
Published: May 2013

The interdependence between the economy and the environment is becoming a fact of increasing importance. Productive coastal areas have been recognised as one of the most valuable ecosystems from an ecological and socio-economic point of view. In this paper we focus on the massive presence of jellyfish in the northern Adriatic and their effect on the Slovenian economy. Our results indicate that high jellyfish abundance in 2004 resulted in a reduction of fish catch, value added, gross income, and employment in the fishing industry. Moreover, the government and the EU have acknowledged the impact of jellyfish on the fishing industry by allocating financial help to the fishermen involved. We attempted to assess other factors influencing the fishing industry but none were statistically significant. The input-output analysis has not revealed a significant impact on the entire Slovenian economy presumably due to the small contribution of the fishing industry to Slovenian GDP. Our work is a first attempt to relate ecological changes such as jellyfish outbreaks in the northern Adriatic to the wider economy and we suggest that such a methodology can be applied to other countries/regions and to other natural phenomena affecting the economy.
Highly efficient counter-propagation-beamsnarrow-band ultraviolet frequency conversion in a quantum gas
Authors: Zhu Chengjie , Deng L. , Hagley E. W.
Published: May 2013

We show that highly efficient ultraviolet frequency up conversion can
be established in a single-component quantum gas in the
counter-propagating weak pump beam geometry where no frequency up
conversion can occur in a normal gas. We also show that all light-wave
mixing and scattering processes in quantum gases originating from
elementary excitations characterized by efficient collective atomic
recoil motion are stimulated Raman/hyper-Raman in
nature.
Look at Me! Look at Me! Conspicuous Brand Usage, Self-Brand Connection, and Dilution
Authors: Ferraro Rosellina , Kirmani Amna , Matherly Ted
Published: May 2013

Conspicuous brand usage, defined as attention-getting use of a brand, causes brand dilution under certain conditions. This research examines changes in observers' attitudes toward a brand after seeing a brand user engaged in conspicuous use of the brand. The authors propose that observers infer that a consumer engaged in conspicuous brand usage is driven by an ulterior motive of impression management. When observers have low self-brand connection, they exhibit less favorable attitudes toward both the brand user and the brand. In contrast, observers with high self-brand connection maintain their favorable view of the brand in the face of a conspicuous brand user. Three studies demonstrate the brand dilution effect of conspicuous brand usage.
Comparing Apples to Apples or Apples to Oranges: The Role of Mental Representation in Choice Difficulty
Authors: Cho Eunice Kim , Khan Uzma , Dhar Ravi
Published: May 2013

Contrary to the general view that decision difficulty is a stable characteristic of specific choice sets, the authors propose that decision difficulty depends on how the choice set is mentally represented. Comparing the difficulty associated with comparable and noncomparable choice sets, the authors find that changes in mental representation can make the same choice feel more or less difficult. They propose that the representation level influences the type of decision criterion that becomes readily available; whether this available criterion is appropriate for comparing the options in turn affects choice difficulty. Four studies demonstrate the proposed effect of representation level on the difficulty of comparable and noncomparable choices and its downstream implications for decision satisfaction.
Crystal growth of KPb2Cl5 by Bridgeman method with pressure control system
Authors: Cheng Gang , Meng Xiuqing , Shan Dong
Published: May 2013

⊙15 mm Single crystals of potassium lead chloride (KPb2Cl5) have been grown by a novel modified Bridgman method under protect of N2 and CCl4 with a pressure control system. It could make vacuum or protect atmosphere according to the need of raw materials composition and crystals growth. So the process of preparation of crystal would be simplified. Measurements of the transmission of crystal in the mid-infrared were also made.
High-Throughput Optical Screening of Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell Applications – Review and Present Developments
Authors: Stöwe Klaus , Dogan Cennet , Welsch Frank , Maier Wilhelm F.
Published: May 2013

In this paper on high-throughput optical screening for the discovery and optimization of electrocalatysts for potential application in polymer electrolyte membrane and direct methanol fuel cells the present state-of-the-art in literature is reviewed focussing on non-optical and optical fast serial, semi-parallel or truly parallel screening techniques as well as actual improvements of the fluorescence based testing method to a semi-quantitative or even quantitative method are described. The modifications of the method are concerning hindrance of fluorescing colorant interdiffusion, optimization of system parameters concerning colorant, electrolyte and other measurement components, and application of correction procedures. With fluorescence based setups especially adapted to both anodic and cathodic half-cell reactions methanol oxidation as well as oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts have been screened. By iteratively passing through high-throughput optimization workflows several hundreds of precious metal-free as well as Pt containing compositions were synthesized, tested and validated by conventional cyclovoltammetric measurements. For electrocatalysts to oxidize methanol on the anodic side of the fuel cell a small amount of Pt seems to be indispensable to result in stable catalysts. For the oxygen reduction reaction active compositions performing comparable or even better than the reference PtOxcatalyst contained the elements Co and Mn, which correspond to primary activity descriptors already specified in literature.
Sulfonated Aromatic Polymers as Proton-Conducting Solid Electrolytes for Fuel Cells: a Short Review
Authors: Di Vona Maria Luisa , Knauth Philippe
Published: May 2013

This review describes main strategies for the development of sulfonated aromatic polymers (SAP) with optimal properties for medium temperature (90–120 ºC) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. SAP are promising economical polymer electrolytes, but there still exist some challenges about these materials due mainly to excessive swelling in water, poor mechanical strength and low dimensional stability. Here, the state-of-the-art of SAP is reviewed and the main focus will be directed to properties of SAP, including proton conductivity, water uptake, mechanical strength, permeability. Especially three approaches to improve the performances are addressed: the formation of copolymers, the formation of hybrid materials and the polymer reticulation.