bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying Christian Ethics: The Birth of the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics and the Context Out of Which It Grew
Authors: Platten Stephen
Published: May 2013

This article traces the history of the foundation of the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics. It glances back to the birth of the Church of England during the Reformation era and then proceeds to examine the development of Christian ethics and moral theology in the twentieth century. It places Anglican developments within the wider ecumenical context. Drawing on personal correspondence and the author’s own involvement in the Society the article is the first account of the foundation of this important movement within the teaching of Christian ethics.
French speech as dramatic action in Shakespeare’s Henry V
Authors: Walls Alison
Published: May 2013

In Henry V, the use of French by the French characters serves a purpose beyond the mere characterisation of them as French. This is something that has not been fully acknowledged by critics to date. This article demonstrates first the singularity of non-English characters actually speaking in a different tongue in Shakespeare’s plays, and the way in which the text draws attention to such speech. Three crucial scenes are examined in which, unable to communicate semantically as full human beings, the French speakers are not only represented as vulnerable in their relationship to the English-speaking characters, but made so in relation to the Anglophone audience. These scenes are used to illustrate how foreign language operates dramaturgically to privilege the physicality of speech, thereby emphasising the bodily reality of the character/actor. The sexual implications of this in two of these scenes, and their echo of England’s conquering of France, is also discussed. Because it is the act of speaking a largely incomprehensible language that draws attention to this physically-based vulnerability, the full resonance of larger themes of the play related to mortality, dominance, and nationhood can therefore be realised fully only in performance.
Long-Term Functional Outcomes of Resected Tarsal Coalitions
Authors: Khoshbin Amir , Law Peggy W. , Caspi Liora , Wright James G.
Published: May 2013

Background:

There are few long-term studies evaluating tarsal coalition resections. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes following resection of calcaneonavicular (CN) and talocalcaneal (TC) bars and to determine the relationship between the extent of a coalition and the outcome of resection.

Methods:

Patients younger than 18 years receiving resection for symptomatic tarsal coalition (1991-2004 inclusive) were eligible to participate. Follow-up evaluation included clinical examination to assess range of motion and self-reported functional outcome questionnaires. Two validated functional scales were used: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Foot and Ankle Module, and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Twenty-four patients with 32 tarsal coalition resections (19 CN and 13 TC feet) were included in this study. For CN and TC patients, the mean age at the time of surgery was 11.8 ± 1.1 and 11.9 ± 2.5 years, and the mean age at follow-up was 27.1 ± 1.1 and 25.0 ± 2.5 years, respectively.

Results:

Inversion and eversion were significantly less for TC feet when compared with CN ( P = .03 and P = .01, respectively). No difference was noted between the CN and TC groups with respect to outcome scores. Furthermore, no association was noted between the size of TC coalition or hindfoot valgus angle with respect to outcome scores.

Conclusion:

Resected CN and TC bars behaved similarly in the long term in terms of function and patient satisfaction. Favorable results were attained when resections were performed on TC coalitions that were greater than 50% of the posterior facet and hindfoot valgus angles greater than 16 degrees.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Rotational Malreduction of the Syndesmosis
Authors: Knops Simon P. , Kohn Michael A. , Hansen Erik N. , Matityahu Amir , Marmor Meir
Published: May 2013

Background:

Computed tomography (CT)-based indices may be superior to plain radiographs in determining the adequacy of reduction following operative fixation of the syndesmosis in unstable ankle fractures. This study assessed the reliability and accuracy of four CT-based methods for measurement of rotational malreduction of the fibula.

Methods:

A simulated Weber C ankle fracture was created by performing an osteotomy in 9 cadaver ankles. The fibula was rotated and fixed in neutral (0 degrees) and 10 to 30 degrees of internal and external rotation. Fifty-two CT images at the level of the syndesmosis were obtained in neutral and rotated positions and presented in random order to 3 independent observers. Measurements were made using commercial imaging software and 4 methods for interpreting CT scans. Interobserver reliability and accuracy were assessed and compared.

Results:

Methods 1 and 4 showed high anatomic variability. Methods 1, 2, and 4 had a test-retest repeatability of about 15 degrees. Method 1 varied erratically with direction and degree of malrotation ( R2 = 0.15) and did not permit specification of a neutral range. Method 2 varied consistently and systematically with direction and degree of malrotation ( R2 = 0.88). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that method 2 identified malrotation better than did the other methods. Methods 3 and 4 were somewhat more difficult to perform.

Conclusions:

Method 2, the angle between the tangent of the anterior tibial surface and the bisection of the vertical midline of the fibula at the level of the incisura, was fairly reliable and accurate and had greater ease of measurement compared with the other methods that were tested.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrated that assessment of malrotation of fibular fractures by CT scan can be difficult. We believe that of the 4 methods tested in this study, method 2, the angle between the tangent of the anterior tibial surface and the bisection of the vertical midline of the fibula at the level of the incisura, was the most useful.
Altered Consistencies of Liquid in the Treatment of Children With Dysphagia
Authors: Peck Katy , Rappaport Kary
Published: May 2013

Use of “thinned nectar” consistency, in addition to the standard dysphagia consistencies of nectar-thick, honey-thick, and pudding-thick liquids, has multiple clinical advantages and may contribute to better patient outcomes. At this time, there is no evidence-based research to support these added consistencies; rather, it is a clinical concept offering oral-motor and sensory opportunities using a graded approach while maintaining safety. This concept has been trialed by other experts and was discussed among colleagues during the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) annual conference held in November 2011. This article will briefly summarize how the use of altered consistencies may contribute to the following: improve the timing of the pharyngeal swallow through guided practice, reduce the likelihood of prolonged enteral feed requirements, allow infants and children with poor endurance to achieve goal volumes without fatigue, and provide therapist methods for discrete measurement of progress. Anecdotal reports will be used to highlight how this approach may be implemented as a therapy tool during treatment of infants and young children with dysphagia.
Systemic light chain amyloidosis: an update for treating physicians
Authors: Merlini Giampaolo , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Palladini Giovanni
Published: May 2013

In immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis a small, indolent plasma cell clone synthesizes light chains that cause devastating organ damage. Early diagnosis, based on prompt recognition of “red-flags” before advanced cardiomyopathy ensues, is essential for improving outcomes. Differentiation from other systemic amyloidoses may require advanced technologies. Prognosis depends on the extent of cardiac involvement, and cardiac biomarkers guide the choice of therapy. The protean clinical presentation requires individualized treatment. Close monitoring of clonal and organ response guides therapy changes and duration. Conventional or high-dose alkylator-based chemotherapy is effective in almost two-thirds of patients. Combinations of proteasome inhibitors, dexamethasone, and alkylators achieve high response rates, although controlled studies are needed. Risk-adapted stem cell transplant and consolidation with novel agents may be considered in selected patients. Immune-modulatory drugs are good options for refractory/relapsed patients. Novel agents and therapeutic targets are expected to be exploited, in an integrated, more effective and less toxic treatment strategy.
Multi-step implicit iterative methods with regularization for minimization problems and fixed point problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: May 2013

In this paper we introduce a multi-step implicit iterative scheme with regularization for finding a common solution of the minimization problem (MP) for a convex and continuously Fréchet differentiable functional and the common fixed point problem of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in the setting of Hilbert spaces. The multi-step implicit iterative method with regularization is based on three well-known methods: the extragradient method, approximate proximal method and gradient projection algorithm with regularization. We derive a weak convergence theorem for the sequences generated by the proposed scheme. On the other hand, we also establish a strong convergence result via an implicit hybrid method with regularization for solving these two problems. This implicit hybrid method with regularization is based on the CQ method, extragradient method and gradient projection algorithm with regularization.

MSC:49J30, 47H09, 47J20.
Both flagella and F4 fimbriae from F4ac+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli contribute to attachment to IPEC-J2 cells in vitro
Authors: Zhou Mingxu , Duan Qiangde , Zhu Xiaofang , Guo Zhiyan , Li Yinchau , Hardwidge Philip R , Zhu Guoqiang
Published: May 2013

The role of flagella in the pathogenesis of F4ac+ Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) mediated neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is not currently understood. We targeted the reference C83902 ETEC strain (O8:H19:F4ac+ LT+ STa+ STb+), to construct isogenic mutants in the fliC (encoding the major flagellin protein), motA (encoding the flagella motor), and faeG (encoding the major subunit of F4 fimbriae) genes. Both the ΔfliC and ΔfaeG mutants had a reduced ability to adhere to porcine intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells. F4 fimbriae expression was significantly down-regulated after deleting fliC, which revealed that co-regulation exists between flagella and F4 fimbriae. However, there was no difference in adhesion between the ΔmotA mutant and its parent strain. These data demonstrate that both flagella and F4 fimbriae are required for efficient F4ac+ ETEC adhesion in vitro.
Thymoquinone attenuates tumor growth in ApcMin mice by interference with Wnt-signaling
Authors: Lang Michaela , Borgmann Melanie , Oberhuber Georg , Evstatiev Rayko , Jimenez Kristine , Dammann Kyle W , Jambrich Manuela , Khare Vineeta , Campregher Christoph , Ristl Robin , Gasche Christoph
Published: May 2013

Background

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer. Surgery and chemoprevention are the most effective means to prevent cancer development. Thymoquinone (TQ) is considered the main compound of the volatile Nigella sativa seed oil and has been reported to possess anticarcinogenic properties. In this study we evaluated the chemopreventive properties of TQ in a mouse model of FAP.

Methods

APCMin mice were fed with chow containing 37.5 mg/kg or 375 mg/kg TQ for 12 weeks. H&E stained intestine tissue sections were assessed for tumor number, localization, size, and grade. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin, c-myc, Ki-67 and TUNEL-staining was performed to investigate TQ’s effect on major colorectal cancer pathways. TQ’s impact on GSK-3β and β-catenin were studied in RKO cells.

Results

375 mg/kg but not 37.5 mg/kg TQ decreased the number of large polyps in the small intestine of APCMin mice. TQ induced apoptosis in the neoplastic tissue but not in the normal mucosa. Furthermore, upon TQ treatment, β-catenin was retained at the membrane and c-myc decreased in the nucleus, which was associated with a reduced cell proliferation in the villi. In vitro, TQ activated GSK-3β, which induced membranous localization of β-catenin and reduced nuclear c-myc expression.

Conclusions

In summary, TQ interferes with polyp progression in ApcMin mice through induction of tumor-cell specific apoptosis and by modulating Wnt signaling through activation of GSK-3β. Nigella sativa oil (or TQ) might be useful as nutritional supplement to complement surgery and chemoprevention in FAP.
General optimization framework for surface gateway deployment problem in underwater sensor networks
Authors: Ibrahim Saleh , Al-Bzoor Manal , Liu Jun , Ammar Reda , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar , Cui Jun-Hong
Published: May 2013

The performance of underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) is greatly limited by the low bandwidth and high propagation delay of acoustic communications. Deploying multiple surface-level radio-capable gateways can enhance UWSN performance metrics, reducing end-to-end delays and distributing traffic loads for energy reduction. In this paper, we study the problem of gateway placement for maximizing the cost-benefit of this UWSN architecture. We develop a mixed integer programming (MIP) gateway deployment optimization framework. We analyze the tradeoff between the number of surface gateways and the expected delay and energy consumption of the surface gateway architecture in the optimal case. We used an MIP solver to solve the developed optimization problem and integrated the optimal results to serve as an input for our simulations to evaluate the benefits of surface gateway optimization framework. We investigated the effect of acoustic channel capacity and the underwater sensor node deployment pattern on our solution. Our results show the significant advantages of surface gateway optimization and provide useful guidelines for real network deployment.
New criteria for the existence of non-trivial fixed points in cones
Authors: Cabada Alberto , Cid José Ángel , Infante Gennaro
Published: May 2013

We give new criteria for the existence of nontrivial fixed points on cones assuming some monotonicity of the operator on a suitable conical shell. Moreover, we give an application to the existence of multiple solutions for a nonlocal boundary value problem that models the displacement of a beam subject to some feedback controllers.

MSC:47H10, 34B10, 34B18.
Validation of reference genes aiming accurate normalization of qPCR data in soybean upon nematode parasitism and insect attack
Authors: Miranda Vívian de Jesus , Coelho Roberta Ramos , Viana Antônio Américo Barbosa , de Oliveira Neto Osmundo Brilhante , Carneiro Regina Maria Dechechi Gomes , Rocha Thales Lima , Grossi de Sa Maria Fatima , Fragoso Rodrigo Rocha
Published: May 2013

Background

Soybean pathogens and pests reduce grain production worldwide. Biotic interaction cause extensive changes in plant gene expression profile and the data produced by functional genomics studies need validation, usually done by quantitative PCR. Nevertheless, this technique relies on accurate normalization which, in turn, depends upon the proper selection of stable reference genes for each experimental condition. To date, only a few studies were performed to validate reference genes in soybean subjected to biotic stress. Here, we report reference genes validation in soybean during root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) parasitism and velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis) attack.

Findings

The expression stability of nine classical reference genes (GmCYP2, GmELF1A, GmELF1B, GmACT11, GmTUB, GmTUA5, GmG6PD, GmUBC2 and GmUBC4) was evaluated using twenty-four experimental samples including different organs, developmental stages, roots infected with M. incognita and leaves attacked by A. gemmatalis. Two different algorithms (geNorm and NormFinder) were used to determine expression stability. GmCYP2 and GmUBC4 are the most stable in different organs. Considering the developmental stages, GmELF1A and GmELF1B genes are the most stable. For spatial and temporal gene expression studies, normalization may be performed using GmUBC4, GmUBC2, GmCYP2 and GmACT11 as reference genes. Our data indicate that both GmELF1A and GmTUA5 are the most stable reference genes for data normalization obtained from soybean roots infected with M. incognita, and GmCYP2 and GmELF1A are the most stable in soybean leaves infested with A. gemmatalis.

Conclusions

Future expression studies using nematode infection and caterpilar infestation in soybean plant may utilize the reference gene sets reported here.
The polygenetically inherited metabolic syndrome of male WOKW rats is associated with enhanced autophagy in adipose tissue
Authors: Kosacka Joanna , Koch Karoline , Gericke Martin , Nowicki Marcin , Heiker John T , Klöting Ingrid , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora
Published: May 2013

Background

Recent studies revealed that autophagy is up-regulated in obese individuals, as evidenced by increased expression of autophagy related genes. As argued elsewhere, it is possible that initially insulin resistance functions as an adaptive mechanism to increase autophagy in order to protect cells against death. We have shown that Wistar Ottawa Karlsburg W (RT1u) rats (WOKW) develop a metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance in adipose tissue, closely resembling the human disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the autophagy phenotype in WOKW rats to clarify the interrelation between insulin resistance and autophagy in adipose tissue.

Methods

Subcutaneous and epidydimal adipose tissue samples of 5-months-old WOKW and healthy LEW.1 W male rats were investigated and protein levels (Western blot and immunhistochemistry) of key autophagy genes, including Atg5, Atg7, LC3-II/LC3-I and apoptosis marker cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed.

Results

WOKW rats displayed a significant increase of autophagy related proteins (Atg5, Atg7) in adipose tissue compared with LEW.1 W. This increase was predominantly found in epididymal adipose tissue. Furthermore, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio as a marker of autophagosomes was significantly up-regulated in subcutaneous adipose tissue of WOKW rats. Cleaved caspase-3 was just slightly detectable in visceral adipose tissue and not detected in subcutaneous fat.

Conclusion

Insulin resistance in adipose tissue of obese WOKW rats is associated with up-regulation of differing autophagy markers in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots. This fact not only qualifies the WOKW rat for further detailed analysis of genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome but also highlights its suitability for autophagy research.
Improvement of dysphagia in a child affected by Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Fecarotta Simona , Ascione Serena , Montefusco Giuseppe , Della Casa Roberto , Villari Paola , Romano Alfonso , Del Giudice Ennio , Andria Generoso , Parenti Giancarlo
Published: May 2013

Aim

Dysphagia is a known complication in Pompe Disease (PD), a severe metabolic myopathy due to alpha-glucosidase deficiency. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa is the only approved therapy for PD. Presently no data are available on the effects of ERT on dysphagia in PD patients. The aim of this work is to evaluate the course of this complication in a 6 years old boy affected by PD after treatment with ERT.

Methods

Dysphagia was assessed by Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) at baseline, before the start of ERT and after 36 months of therapy. We used the Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSS) to define the severity grade of dysphagia.

Results

VFSS performed at baseline revealed complete incoordination of oral stage swallowing which was classified as a grade 1 dysphagia according to DSS. After 36 months of treatment VFSS revealed normal swallowing, classified as grade 0 by DSS.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ERT is effective in improving dysphagia. VFSS may be a useful tool to investigate and monitor swallowing disorders in patients affected by PD.
Localizing CO2 at Sleipner — Seismic images versus P-wave velocities from waveform inversion
Authors: Queißer Manuel , Singh Satish C.
Published: May 2013

The presence of injected [Formula: see text] in the Utsira Sand at the Sleipner site, Norway, is associated with a high negative P-wave velocity anomaly; that is, a low postinjection velocity and a strong seismic response. Time-lapse seismic imaging of [Formula: see text] injection at Sleipner is thus a viable monitoring tool of the injected [Formula: see text]. The work flow usually involves conventional seismic processing, including stacking, and results in seismic images. Multiple reflections, interference effects such as tuning, and the velocity pushdown effect due to [Formula: see text] injection render these seismic images ambiguous in terms of the localization and the quantification of the [Formula: see text] in the Utsira Sand. Nonetheless, seismic images often form the basis for analyses that aim to quantify the injected [Formula: see text]. We employed elastic 2D full waveform inversion to invert prestack seismic Sleipner data from preinjection (1994) and postinjection (1999) and compared the resulting postinjection P-wave velocity model with the corresponding seismic image. We found that the high-amplitude reflections in the seismic image do not everywhere coincide with low postinjection P-wave velocities. Drawing extensive and integrated conclusions is out of our scope, because this would require full control over the seismic data processing and a more comprehensive forward modeling. For instance, modeling should be done in 3D and an adequate anelasticity formulation should be added. However, the waveform inversion scheme we used accounts for all the aforementioned elastic propagation effects. The results therefore suggested that the exclusive use of seismic images to quantify [Formula: see text] could be revised and full waveform inversion should be added to the analysis toolbox.
Time-lapse magnetotelluric monitoring of an enhanced geothermal system
Authors: Peacock Jared R. , Thiel Stephan , Heinson Graham S. , Reid Peter
Published: May 2013

Realization of enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) prescribes the need for novel methods to monitor subsurface fracture connectivity and fluid distribution. Magnetotellurics (MT) is a passive electromagnetic (EM) method sensitive to electrical conductivity contrasts as a function of depth, specifically hot saline fluids in a resistive porous media. In July 2011, an EGS fluid injection at 3.6-km depth near Paralana, South Australia, was monitored by comparing repeated MT surveys before and after hydraulic stimulation. An observable coherent change above measurement error in the MT response was present and causal, in that variations in phase predict variations in apparent resistivity. Phase tensor residuals proved the most useful representation for characterizing alterations in subsurface resistivity structure, whereas resistivity tensor residuals aided in determining the sign and amplitude of resistivity variations. These two tensor representations of the residual MT response suggested fluids migrated toward the northeast of the injection well along an existing fault system trending north-northeast. Forward modeling and concurrent microseismic data support these results, although microseismic data suggest fractures opened along two existing fracture networks trending north-northeast and northeast. This exemplifies the need to use EM methods for monitoring fluid injections due to their sensitivity to conductivity contrasts.
Close Reading in an Age of Global Writing
Authors: Walkowitz Rebecca L.
Published: May 2013

Walkowitz argues in this essay that we need to understand more flexibly both the production and the circulation of world literature, inasmuch as some literary works begin comparatively and collaboratively, in multiple language editions and in several geographies at once or nearly at once, and artworks address the world in different ways and in different temporalities. This essay approaches these concerns by turning to the born-translated oeuvre of the collaborative web artists known as Young-hae Chang Heavy Industries. Young-hae Chang and Marc Voge’s works are born-translated, first, because they appear simultaneously in multiple languages and, second, because they engage formally, thematically, and typographically with the theory and practice of translation. Chang and Voge help us think about the relationship between modernism and world literature. They show that the reading methods we bring to born-translated writing are symbiotic with dominant accounts of modernism, and they give us the opportunity to develop new methods and new approaches to literary history.
The Great Unwritten: World Literature and the Effacement of Orality
Authors: Levine Caroline
Published: May 2013

Many scholars have embraced world literature as a project to understand literature’s role in a large-scale story of global inequality. Yet critics have paid remarkably little attention to one of the most unevenly distributed of the world’s resources: literacy itself. For most of human history, the written word has been the province of a privileged minority. This essay argues that current discussions of world literature have taken their shape from three print-based institutions — the mass literacy movements of the late nineteenth century, the publishing industry, and the university — all of which have valued writing at the expense of meaningful attention to oral works. Levine explores the serious political implications of effacing orality and proposes specific ways to incorporate orature into the institutions of world literature.
World Literature: The Allophone, the Differential, and the Common
Authors: Kadir Djelal
Published: May 2013

This essay explores three aspects of the phenomenon of world literature in its resurgence in critical discourse: (1) world literature as allophone, or as heteroglossic alterity emanating from discrete geographic points with particular and would-be exclusive traditions; (2) world literature as differential idiom, an integral part of a heterogeneous corpus in contestation; and (3) world literature as unitary and universal concept projected globally from particular sites of discourse. Each aspect has had a degree of epochal primacy in literary history. All three aspects seem to coincide in an agonal three-dimensionality, with each projecting its own discursive tangent into a global agora with some mutual apprehension, but with an even greater lack of mutual comprehensibility in the concatenation.
Surveying Caulerpa (Chlorophyta) species along the shores of the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: UKABI S. , DUBINSKY Z. , STEINBERGER Y. , ISRAEL A.
Published: May 2013

Caulerpa (Chlorophyta) species inhabiting intertidal and shallow subtidal areas along the Israeli Mediterranean shores were surveyed (i.e. presence/absence) on a seasonal basis from 2007-2009. We recorded the presence of three speciesC. prolifera, C. mexicana, and C. scalpelliformis. These species were noticeable in autumn and inconspicuous during winter, thus, revealing seasonality and population dynamics. There were no indications of well-known invasive species such as Caulerpa racemosa var.cylindracea and Caulerpa taxifolia. This study is the first of a kind that assesses the geographical distribution and seasonality of the genus Caulerpa along the Israeli shores.
Spatial distribution and abundance of the megabenthic fauna community in Gabes gulf (Tunisia, eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: EL LAKHRACH H. , HATTOUR A. , JARBOUI O. , ELHASNI K. , RAMOS-ESPLA A.A.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this paper is to bring to light the knowledge of marine diversity of invertebrates in Gabes gulf. The spatial distribution of the megabenthic fauna community in Gabes gulf (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean Sea), together with the bottom type and vegetation cover, were studied. The abundance of the megabenthic fauna was represented by eight groups: Echinodermata (38%), Crustacea (21%), Tunicata (19%), Mollusca (13%), Porifera (4%), Cnidaria (3%), Bryozoa, and Annelida (2%). It was spatially more concentrated in the coast area of the gulf than in the offshore waters. This area, especially, in Southern Kerkennah, North-est of Gabes and North-east of Djerba appeared to be in a good ecological condition  hosting a variety of species like the paguridsPaguristes eremita and Pagurus cuanensis, the brachyura Medorippe lanata, Inachus doresttensis, the Gastropoda Hexaplex trunculus, Bolinus brandaris, Aporrhais pespelecani, andErosaria turdus, the Bivalvia Fulvia fragilis, the Echinoidea Psammechinus microtuberculatus, Holothuria polii,Ophiothrix fragilis and Antedon mediterranea, and the AscidiaceaAplidium cf. conicum, Didemnum spp, and Microcosmus exasperatus.The species’ compositions of the megabentic fauna community showed clearly that the spatial analysis represented the differences between the community of these two regions (inshore waters and offshore waters). These differences were closely related to peculiar characters of the fauna and biotopes (depth, bottom type and vegetation cover community). The results of the present study should be considered as a necessary starting point for a further analysis of priceless benthic fauna contribution to the marine environment and its organisms.
First report of the alien brown alga Scytosiphon dotyi M.J. Wynne (Phaeophyceae, Scytosiphonaceae) in Turkey
Authors: TASKIN E.
Published: May 2013

The alien brown alga Scytosiphon dotyi M.J. Wynne (Phaeophyceae, Scytosiphonaceae) is reported for the first time in Turkey. This species was collected growing epilithically in the midlittoral zone in the Dardanelles (Sea of Marmara, Turkey).
Inventory and new records of polychaete species from the Cap Bon Peninsula, north-east coast of Tunisia, Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: ZAABI S. , GILLET P. , CHAMBERS S. , AFLI A. , BOUMAIZA M.
Published: May 2013

An inventory of Polychaete species is recorded from the North east coast of Tunisia with an historic review of the previous literature from Tunisian coasts. Altogether 40 families, 146 genera, and 238 species are currently known from the area in which 86 taxa, 4 families (Chrysopetalidae, Pilargidae, Protodrilidae and Saccocirridae) and 40 genera (Saccocirrus, Protodrilus, Parathelepus, Thelepus, Petta, Isolda, Brada, Tharyx, Paraprionospio, Jasmineira, Hypsicomus, Euchone, Pseudobranchiomma, Laonome, Galathowenia, Lugia, Pseudomystides, Protomystides, Pirakia, Mysta, Eurysyllis, Parapionosyllis, Streptosyllis, Paraehlersia, Sigambra, Ancistrosyllis, Kefersteinia, Chrysopetalum, Bhawania, Fimbriosthenelais, Subadyte, Panthalis, Dorvillea, Scalibregma, Paradoneis, Cirrophorus, Metasychis, Websterinereis, Euniphysa and Mastobranchus) are new additions to the Polychaete fauna of Tunisia. The list, which provides a synthesis of the regional taxonomica work, including coastal areas from Sidi Daoud to the area of Menzel Hurr (Cap Bon Peninsula, Western Mediterranean Sea), can serve as a baseline survey for future studies.
Assessment of goods and services, vulnerability, and conservation status of European seabed biotopes: a stepping stone towards ecosystem-based marine spatial management
Authors: SALOMIDI M. , KATSANEVAKIS S. , BORJA A. , BRAECKMAN U. , DAMALAS D. , GALPARSORO I. , MIFSUD R. , MIRTO S. , PASCUAL M. , PIPITONE C. , RABAUT M. , TODOROVA V. , VASSILOPOULOU V. , VEGA FERNANDEZ T.
Published: May 2013

The goal of ecosystem-based marine spatial management is to maintain marine ecosystems in a healthy, productive and resilient condition; hence, they can sustainably provide the needed goods and services for human welfare. However, the increasing pressures upon the marine realm threaten marine ecosystems, especially seabed biotopes, and thus a well-planned approach of managing use of marine space is essential to achieve sustainability. The relative value of seabed biotopes, evaluated on the basis of goods and services, is an important starting point for the spatial management of marine areas. Herein, 56 types of European seabed biotopes and their related goods, services, sensitivity issues, and conservation status were compiled, the latter referring to management and protection tools which currently apply for these biotopes at European or international level. Fishing activities, especially by benthic trawls, and marine pollution are the main threats to European seabed biotopes. Increased seawater turbidity, dredged sediment disposal, coastal constructions, biological invasions, mining, extraction of raw materials, shipping-related activities, tourism, hydrocarbon exploration, and even some practices of scientific research, also exert substantial pressure. Although some first steps have been taken to protect the European sea beds through international agreements and European and national legislation, a finer scale of classification and assessment of marine biotopes is considered crucial in shaping sound priorities and management guidelines towards the effective conservation and sustainability of European marine resources.
First record of the sipunculan worm Phascolion (Phascolion) caupo Hendrix, 1975 in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: FERRERO-VICENTE L.M. , LOYA-FERNANDEZ A. , MARCO-MENDEZ C. , MARTINEZ-GARCIA E. , SAIZ-SALINAS J.I. , SANCHEZ-LIZASO J.L.
Published: May 2013

Specimens of the sipunculan worm Phascolion (Phascolion) caupo Hendrix, 1975 have been collected for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, thus increasing the number of known sipunculan species of up to 36 in this area. They were encountered on soft bottoms from the coast of San Pedro del Pinatar (Western Mediterranean). Thirty specimens were collected at a depth ranging from 32.6 to 37.2 m, mainly in sandy substrata with high load of silt and clays. 80% of the individuals were found inhabiting empty shells of gastropods or empty tubes of serpulid polychaetes.
New records of alien polychaete species for the coasts of Turkey
Authors: CINAR M.E. , DAGLI E.
Published: May 2013

This paper reports two alien polychaete species (Phyllodoce longifrons and Exogone africana) new to the faunal inventory of Turkey as well as two species (Ceratonereis mirabilis and Onuphis eremita oculata) new to the entire Aegean Sea. It is the first time the phyllodocid species P. longifrons is being classified as an alien species. The re-descriptions of P. longifrons and E. africana are given, and their alien status and establishment success are discussed.
Density and distribution of Patella ferruginea in a Marine Protected Area (western Sardinia, Italy): Constraint analysis for population conservation
Authors: COPPA S. , DE LUCIA G.A. , MASSARO G. , MAGNI P.
Published: May 2013

The endemic limpet Patella ferruginea is the most endangered invertebrate of the Mediterranean Sea. Our study examined a population of P. ferruginea in the Marine Protected Area of Penisola del Sinis - Isola di Mal di Ventre (western Sardinia, Italy). During the summer 2009, we carried out a systematic census of P. ferruginea along a 8114 m georeferenced perimeter of coast in the no take-no entry zone to assess its density, spatial distribution, and morphometric characteristics. Our aim was to provide a detailed map of the distribution of P. ferruginea and to investigate the effects of accessibility, wave exposure and slope of the coast on its occurrence. Patella ferrugineashowed the lowest mean density ever reported (0.02 ind/m) and a unimodal population structure characterised by fewer females and juveniles. Accessibility had a major negative effect on the occurrence of P. ferruginea. Exposure was also an important factor in influencing its density, size composition and specimen position within the mesolittoral, while the slope had little influence. Morphometric analysis showed the dominance of the Rouxi form, while the Lamarcki form was confined to exposed sites. Our results demonstrate a highly endangered population of P. ferruginea and suggest that human pressure represents the main risk factor.
Flabelliderma cinari (Polychaeta: Flabelligeridae), a new species from the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: KARHAN S.U. , SIMBOURA N. , SALAZAR-VALLEJO S.I.
Published: May 2013

A new species of flabelligerid polychaete, Flabelliderma cinari, is described from the Turkish coast of the Eastern MediterraneanSea. This represents the first occurrence of the genus Flabelliderma in the Mediterranean. Flabelliderma cinari sp. nov. isclosely allied to F. claparedei in having dorsal tubercles of two different sizes; however, these species differ in the relative shapeand number of dorsal tubercles, the number of capillaries per fascicle in the notopodia and the shape of the curved distal articlesin the neuropodial hooks.
Assessment of ecological quality status of Küçükçekmece Bay (Marmara Sea) by applying BENTIX, AMBI, BOPA and BO2A biotic indexes
Authors: CAGLAR S. , ALBAYRAK S.
Published: May 2013

This study was carried out to explore the effectiveness of different biotic indexes in the Marmara Sea. The assessment of ecological quality status (EQS) was performed by applying the biotic indexes BENTIX, AMBI, BOPA, BO2A and Shannon-Wienerdiversity, in combination with the estimation of total organic carbon (TOC) content of sediments. BOPA and BO2A indexes tended to overestimate the EQS of the stations. BENTIX was the most efficient index as it demonstrated conceivable EQS results with respect to TOC load and successfuly determined “acceptable” or “not acceptable” status of the stations. TOC content of sediment, which significantly correlated with several benthic measures (S, N, AMBI, BENTIX), proved to be a valuable proxy measure in evaluating the likelihood of benthic impairment. When overall EQS of northern Marmara Sea was discussed, the region was designated as ecologically disturbed with only 25.7% of the stations in acceptable status.
Potentially harmful Ostreopsis spp. in the coastal waters of Alexandria - Egypt
Authors: ISMAEL A. , HALIM Y.
Published: May 2013

Ostreopsis spp. has been reported for the first time from the Egyptian Mediterranean waters. Macroalgal samples were collected monthly between June 2005 and December 2007, from the rocks at Abu Qir, from less than 1.5 m depth, and their associated microalgae examined. Populations of two Ostreopsis morphotypes were found to occur in this location, east of Alexandria, viz., O. cf ovata Fukuyo and Ostreopsis morph1. The Ostreopsis spp. was abundant and dominant during the summer. They were more abundant as epiphytes of the brown algae Padina sp. and Sargassum sp., less abundant on the red algae Corallina sp., Jania sp., Laurencia sp. and even less so on the green algae Ulva spp. Ostreopsis cf. ovata was also identified during the summer months on the same macroalgal species, although in a much lower abundance. Ostreopsis spp. alternated in dominance with the benthic cyanobacteria Oscillatoria spp. and the diatom Licmophora sp. Other benthic dinoflagellates recorded at low abundance included Amphidinium carterae, Gymnodinium sp. and Prorocentrum lima.
Temporal variation of surface chlorophyll a in the Romanian near-shore waters
Authors: VASILIU D. , BOICENCO L. , GOMOIU M.T. , LAZAR L. , MIHAILOV M.E.
Published: May 2013

Chlorophyll a (Chl a) dynamics in the near-shore waters of the NW Black Sea was investigated between 2002 and 2010 in the Mamaia Bay (north of Constanta, Romania) in relation to some physical-chemical parameters. Chl a ranged from values below detection limit (0.17 μg.l–1) to 76.13 μg.l–1, and showed large temporal variability (CV = 142.3%), strongly related to the Danube’s discharges, meteorological conditions, and anthropogenic pressures. Seasonally, Chl a showed a winter/early spring maximum, sometimes followed by a stronger one in April/early May, closely linked to the Danube’s higher discharges in spring. After significantly lower concentrations in late spring/early summer, Chl a exhibited its strongest maximum in summer (July-August), followed by another one in autumn (late September–October). Interannual variation of Chl a seems to be controlled by the hydrometeorological conditions in summer. Thus, the highest annual Chl a means were observed in 2006 (8.56 ± 8.35 μg.l–1) and 2010 (9.20 ± 11.72 μg.l -1), when, also, the summer Chl a concentrations were maximal due to the large riverine discharges. The lowest annual Chl a mean was observed in 2004 (4.57 ± 9.81μg.l–1), closely linked to minimal summer Chl a resulted from a strong P limitation during summertime.
Morphology vs Genetics: the hybrid origin of a sea turtle disproved by DNA
Authors: GAROFALO L. , ZACCARONI A. , SCARAVELLI D. , INSACCO G. , ZANGRILLI M.P. , NOVELLETTO A. , LORENZINI R.
Published: May 2013

A putative hybrid sea turtle juvenile was evaluated with discriminant DNA markers. When compared with standard values for sea turtles, the general morphological features assigned the specimen to Caretta caretta, while the shape and coloration of the head and the beak profile fell within the Eretmochelys imbricata range; the front flippers were instead like those of a Chelonia mydas. Moreover, prefrontal scale number was outside the putative parental species’ ranges. The mitochondrial D-loop sequence was from C. caretta, and matched haplotype CC-A2.1, the most common in the Mediterranean. Sequence profiles at three nuclear loci withspecies-specific substitutions (Cmos, BDNF and R35) revealed only C. caretta variants, thus excluding that the individual wasan F1 hybrid. This study highlights the importance of integrating different methodological approaches to understand reproductive animal biology and to set the boundaries for specific morphological traits. In particular, we propose the genetic analysis of a new combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers as a standard procedure which can be adopted in the identification of sea turtlehybrids.
New records of recently described chemosymbiotic bivalves for mud volcanoes within the European waters (Gulf of Cádiz)
Authors: RUEDA J.L. , URRA J. , GOFAS S. , LOPEZ-GONZALEZ N. , FERNANDEZ-SALAS L.M. , DIAZ-DEL-RIO V.
Published: May 2013

Chemosymbiotic bivalves are important members of cold seep communities and information on their distribution in theEuropean waters is still quite scarce. This study reports the presence of living populations and shell remains of some recently described bivalves such as Lucinoma asapheus, Solemya elarraichensis and Acharax gadirae as well as Bathymodiolus sp. in the mud volcanoes of the Spanish Atlantic waters. Living populations of these species were thus far only found in Anastasya, Aveiro and Almazán mud volcanoes, together with other chemosymbiotic metazoa (Siboglinum spp.), suggesting the presence of moderate seepage activity. In other mud volcanoes (Albolote, Gazul), the benthic communities are dominated by sessile filter feeders on authigenic carbonates (chimneys, slabs) and only the shell remains of some chemosymbiotic bivalves were found, indicating earlier or very low seepage conditions. The present study elaborates on the known distribution of L. asapheus and S. elarraichensis to the European waters of the Gulf of Cádiz.
Recent contributions to the distribution of the freshwater ichthyofauna in Greece
Authors: KOUTSIKOS N. , ZOGARIS S. , VARDAKAS L. , TACHOS V. , KALOGIANNI E. , SANDA R. , CHATZINIKOLAOU Y. , GIAKOUMI S. , ECONOMIDIS P.S. , ECONOMOU A.N.
Published: May 2013

In this paper we supplement Greece’s recent annotated inventory of freshwater fishes per hydrographic basin with recent distributional data and taxa alteration information, based on field sampling and a literature review up to September 2011. We report on newly documented distributional records of 31 fish species plus one unidentified taxon, within 35 hydrographic river basin units in Greece. These new records include 14 native fish species, seven alien and 12 translocated. Translocated taxa are distinguished from aliens, in order to report species non-indigenous to a basin but native within the same ecoregion. Twelve hydrographic basin units are newly added to the roster of ichthyologically explored river basins following a previous basin-scale inventory method (the total is now 117). This review increases the number of Greece’s freshwater fish taxa to 167, since four new species are added to the list (Carassius langsdorfii, Neogobius fluviatilis, Telestes alfiensis, Millerigobius macrocephalus) and two are deleted (Salmo dentex, Barbus rebeli) due to taxonomic changes. Taxonomic changes will probably continue to alter the national list since phylogenetic research is ongoing on several taxa in many parts of the country
First record of Palaemon macrodactylus Rathbun, 1902 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) in the western Mediterranean
Authors: TORRES A.P. , DOS SANTOS A. , CUESTA J.A. , CARBONELL A. , MASSUTI E. , ALEMANY F. , REGLERO P.
Published: May 2013

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s hotspots for marine bio-invasions. Most invasions are first documented based on an initial record of occasional adult captures. However, reports of larval stages could indicate that there is an adult population that is reproducing and therefore well established in the area. The spread of the oriental shrimp, Palaemon macrodactylus, from its native estuarine waters of southeast Asia to new regions worldwide is well documented. We report the first record of this species in the Mediterranean based on the presence of its larval stages in plankton samples. Decapod larvae were collected in five offshore plankton surveys performed off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean), and zoeae III and VI of the oriental shrimp werefound among them. Taking into account the duration of the successive developmental stages, and the hydrodynamic characteristics of the study area, these larvae were most probably spawned by adult populations not yet documented. The larvae were found in marine waters despite the fact that adults usually inhabit brackish waters. Our study is a good example of how plankton studies can help to detect larval stages of invasive species before the adult populations are detected.