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Abstract: Aim: To investigate whether the populations of 17 widespread hydroid species are connected on a demographic level (one to few generations) or are mostly connected on evolutionary timescales. Location: Coral reefs of the South‐western Indian Ocean. Taxon: 17 widespread hydroid species (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa). Methods: Using mitochondrial (16S) and nuclear (Calmodulin) sequences, we analysed 17 co‐distributed hydroid species with contrasting life history traits (with or without a pelagic life history phase). We used DNA‐based species delimitation methods, haplotype networks, analysis of molecular variance, and Bayesian skyline plots to investigate diversification and connectivity patterns in the region. Results: Putative cryptic species were revealed in half of the species and the 17 species resulted in 54 cryptic lineages. The high isolation of hydroid populations in the region is underlined by the rarity of shared haplotypes among localities in most of the species studied. In contrast, haplotypes shared between specimens collected in different ocean basins were found in three species and suggest recent introductions via human activities. The presence of a short pelagic dispersal phase did not seem to increase the connectivity levels of the studied populations, as no significant differences in genetic structure were detected between species with contrasting life history traits. Main conclusions: These results highlight once again our incomplete knowledge of the marine invertebrate fauna, as we might be underestimating hydroid diversity by two‐thirds, and are discussed in terms of diversification processes, dynamics of the Indo‐Pacific biodiversity and the role of its peripheral marine provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate management of invasive fungi requires adequate understanding of their global diversities and movement histories. The fungus Leptographium procerum is associated with root-colonizing forest insects in pine forests throughout the world, and may have contributed to the aggressive behaviour of the red turpentine beetle ( Dendroctonus valens ) in the beetle's invasive range in China. We used microsatellites and mating type loci to investigate the global diversity of L. procerum and the source population of L. procerum associated with D. valens in China. Clustering analyses supported the separation of the fungal data set into three genetically and geographically-distinct clusters: Europe, North America, and China. The fungus had the highest genetic diversity in Europe, followed by North America and China. Analyses using Approximate Bayesian Computation supported Europe as the most likely source of the North American and Chinese populations. Overall, the results suggested that Europe is the global centre of diversity of L. procerum . Furthermore, they suggested that L. procerum most likely arrived in China independently of D. valens and adopted this beetle as a vector after its introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular clock hypothesis is fundamental in evolutionary biology as by assuming constancy of the molecular rate it provides a timeframe for evolution. However, increasing evidence shows time dependence of inferred molecular rates with inflated values obtained using recent calibrations. As recent demographic calibrations are virtually non-existent inmost species, older phylogenetic calibration points (>1Ma) are commonly used, which overestimate demographic parameters. To obtain more reliable rates of molecular evolution for population studies, I propose the calibration of demographic transition (CDT) method, which uses the timing of climatic changes over the late glacial warming period to calibrate expansions in various species. Simulation approaches and empirical data sets from a diversity of species (from mollusk to humans) confirm that, when compared with other genealogy-based calibration methods, the CDT provides a robust and broadly applicable clock for population genetics. The resulting CDT rates of molecular evolution also confirm rate heterogeneity over time and among taxa. Comparisons of expansion dates with ecological evidence confirm the inaccuracy of phylogenetically derived divergence rates when dating population-level events. The CDT method opens opportunities for addressing issues such as demographic responses to past climate change and the origin of rate heterogeneity related to taxa, genes, time, and genetic information content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La papillomatose laryngée est une cause rare de dyspnée laryngée récidivante d’évolution potentiellement sévère. Il faut savoir évoquer le diagnostic devant une dyspnée laryngée résistant aux traitements usuels. Nous rapportons deux cas pédiatriques de papillomatose laryngée sévère responsable d’une insuffisance respiratoire. Ces observations illustrent l’importance d’une prise en charge adaptée précoce. Summary Laryngeal papillomatosis is a rare, potentially severe cause of recurrent laryngeal dyspnea. It should be known as a cause of laryngeal dyspnea resistant to the usual treatments. We report on two pediatric cases of severe laryngeal papillomatosis with respiratory distress and failure. These observations illustrate the importance of early adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To analyze the indications and outcomes of open neurosurgical approaches (ONA) and endoscopic transnasal approaches (ETA) in the surgical management of pediatric sinogenic subdural and epidural empyema. Material and methods Retrospective single-center study design within a tertiary care referral center setting. Children less than 18 years of age consecutively operated on between January 2012 and February 2014 for drainage of a sinogenic subdural empyema (SE) or epidural (EE) empyema were included. Main outcome measures: success of first surgical procedure, persistent symptoms and sequelae at the end of the follow-up period. Results Nine SE (53%) and 8 EE (47%) were observed. Neurological symptoms, especially seizures, were more frequent in the SE group. Perioperative pus samples were positive in 67% of the SE group and in 75% of the EE group. The most frequently isolated bacteria belonged to the Streptococcus anginosus group. CT or MR imaging showed that most empyema probably originated from the frontal sinus. However, two cases resulted from an ethmoiditis and one case from a Pott's puffy tumor, without any direct contact with the paranasal sinus. In cases of SE, the most effective surgical technique was ONA with craniotomy. Associated endoscopic sinus drainage was useful for the purpose of bacteriological diagnosis. In cases of EE, effectiveness was noted in both ONA and ETA techniques. In two cases of EE, the ETA procedure encompassed direct drainage of the empyema through the posterior wall of the frontal sinus (Draf III approach). The number of patients successfully treated after a single surgical procedure was higher in the EE group ( p = 0.05). Regarding outcomes, no mortalities were observed. Persistent disorders at the end of the follow-up period, especially headaches, cognitive, concentration or schooling problems, tended to be more frequent in the SE group than in the EE group (67% vs 29%), and were more commonly observed in cases requiring several surgical procedures (75% vs 12.5%) ( p = 0.05). Discussion Endoscopic sinus surgery plays a critical role in the surgical management of pediatric sinogenic SE and EE. In cases of small volume EE, the endoscopic approach associated with antibiotherapy may be sufficient to treat the infectious process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new non-overlapping domain decomposition method for the time harmonic Maxwell's equations, whose effective convergence is quasi-optimal. These improved properties result from a combination of an appropriate choice of transmission conditions and a suitable approximation of the Magnetic-to-Electric operator. A convergence theorem of the algorithm is established and numerical results validating the new approach are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article deals with boundary integral equation preconditioning for the multiple scattering problem. The focus is put on the single scattering preconditioner, corresponding to the diagonal part of the integral operator, for which two results are proved. Indeed, after applying this geometric preconditioner, it appears that, firstly, every direct integral equations become identical to each other, and secondly, that the indirect integral equation of Brakhage–Werner becomes equal to the direct integral equations, up to a change of basis. These properties imply in particular that the convergence rate of a Krylov subspaces solver will be exactly the same for every preconditioned integral equations. To illustrate this, some numerical simulations are provided at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim The global biodiversity crisis requires the identification of regions with high evolutionary potential, i.e. evolutionary hotspots (evospots). We created an analytical framework based on comparative phylogeography and coalescent methods to assess the dynamics of diversification and population persistence in the reef ecosystem of a little-studied region: the Southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO). Location Coral reefs of the SWIO, with comparative data from the Pacific Ocean. Methods We generated sequences of mitochondrial DNA ( COI and 16S) for 10 widespread brittle-stars (345 specimens) from 21 localities (8 in the SWIO). We analysed them by combining comparative phylogeography approaches, coalescent-based methods, molecular clocks and the concept of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) to draw conclusions about the drivers of biodiversity in the region. Results Cryptic diversity was prevalent, increasing lineage diversity within the 10 nominal species by 70% within the SWIO and by 200% across the Indo-West Pacific. All seven new SWIO lineages meet the criteria for ESUs and at least six are biological species. We detected likely intraregional diversifications dating to the Plio-Pleistocene, supporting the SWIO as a generator of biodiversity. Geographical restriction of ESUs, long coalescent times (> 80 ka) and old in situ diversification (> 1 Ma) point to the persistence of populations over multiple glacio-eustatic cycles. We provide data suggesting demographic expansion during sea-level high stands. Regional connectivity was lower, and cryptic differentiation higher in lecithotrophs than in planktotrophs. Main conclusions The analytical framework based on a biodiversity survey makes it possible to identify evospots by assessing the potential of a region to maintain and generate biodiversity and by evaluating the evolutionary processes and potential drivers at play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the changes in step temporal parameters and spring-mass behaviour during the running phase of a major international triathlon competition. 73 elite triathletes were followed during the 2011 World Championships Grand Final. The running speed, ground contact and flight times were assessed over a 30 m fl at section at the beginning of the 4 running laps and towards the finish line, by using a high-frequency camera (300 Hz). The leg and vertical stiffness, and vertical displacement of the mass centre were calculated from step temporal characteristics. A concomitant decrease in running speed, vertical stiffness and leg stiffness was reported during the 4 running laps, except towards the finish line, where these parameters increased. Running biomechanics was not affected between the beginning and the end of the 10 km run, when triathletes were compared for the same running speed (1.68 ± 0.16 m vs. 1.70 ± 0.17 m for step length, 3.18 ± 0.11 Hz vs. 3.16 ± 0.15 Hz for step rate, 12.87 ± 3.14 kN.m−1 vs.12.76 ± 3.05 kN.m−1 for Kleg, 31.18 ± 4.71 kN.m−1 vs.30.74 ± 3.88 kN.m−1 for Kvert, at lap1 and finish, respectively). Multiple regression models revealed that both step rate change and step length change were correlated with running speed change and that the standardized partial regression coefficient was higher for step length change than for step rate. Independent of the cofounding effect of speed and despite the neuromuscular fatigue previously shown after long-duration events, the lower limb mechanical stiffness and the overall spring-mass regulation were not altered over the 10 km triathlon run in elite competitors. This study showed also that step length explained, to a greater extent than step frequency, the running speed variance in elite triathletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hearing loss is the most common sensory disability with an incidence of one over 1000newborns. Hearing loss may be caused by environmental and genetic factors; inherited causes are assumed in two thirds of cases. There is a great clinical and genetic heterogenicity. All inheritance modes have been described. Mutations in the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin 26, are mainly responsible for sensorineural deafness resulting in prelingual non syndromic autosomal recessive phenotypes DFNB1. The 35delG mutation of this gene is very frequent (70% of the cases). Thus, 35delG is, with the delta F508 mutation of the CFTR gene, the most frequent human pathogenic mutation known. Hearing loss might also be associated with other clinical features. Some of these syndromes, including hearing loss, have to be looked for systematically because of their frequency, of their possible clinical presentation as an isolated hearing loss and of the possibility of a medical treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, 454 sequencing has emerged as a popular method for isolating microsatellites owing to cost-effectiveness and time saving. In this study, repeat-enriched libraries from two southern African endemic sparids ( Pachymetopon blochii and Lithognathus lithognathus) were 454 GS-FLX sequenced. From these, 7370 sequences containing repeats (SCRs) were identified. A brief survey of 23 studies showed a significant difference between the number of SCRs when enrichment was performed first before 454 sequencing. We designed primers for 302 unique fragments containing more than five repeat units and suitable flanking regions. A fraction (<11%) of these loci were characterized with 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci (nine in each of the focal species) being described. Sanger sequencing of alleles confirmed that size variation was because of differences in the number of tandem repeats. However, a case of homoplasy and sequencing errors in the 454 sequencing were identified. These newly developed and four previously isolated loci were successfully used to identify polymorphic markers in nine other economically important species, representative of sparid diversity. The combination of newly developed markers with data from previous sparid cross-species studies showed a significant negative correlation between genetic divergence to focal species and microsatellite transferability. The high level of transferability we described (48% amplification success and 32% polymorphism) suggests that the 302 microsatellite loci identified represent an excellent resource for future studies on sparids. Microsatellite marker development should commonly include tests of transferability to reduce costs and increase feasibility of population genetics studies in nonmodel organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the impressive growth of sequence databases, the limited availability of nuclear markers that are sufficiently polymorphic for population genetics and phylogeography and applicable across various phyla restricts many potential studies, particularly in non-model organisms. Numerous introns have invariant positions among kingdoms, providing a potential source for such markers. Unfortunately, most of the few known EPIC (Exon Primed Intron Crossing) loci are restricted to vertebrates or belong to multigenic families. Results: In order to develop markers with broad applicability, we designed a bioinformatic approach aimed at avoiding multigenic families while identifying intron positions conserved across metazoan phyla. We developed a program facilitating the identification of EPIC loci which allowed slight variation in intron position. From the Homolens databases we selected 29 gene families which contained 52 promising introns for which we designed 93 primer pairs. PCR tests were performed on several ascidians, echinoderms, bivalves and cnidarians. On average, 24 different introns per genus were amplified in bilaterians. Remarkably, five of the introns successfully amplified in all of the metazoan genera tested (a dozen genera, including cnidarians). The influence of several factors on amplification success was investigated. Success rate was not related to the phylogenetic relatedness of a taxon to the groups that most influenced primer design, showing that these EPIC markers are extremely conserved in animals. Conclusions: Our new method now makes it possible to (i) rapidly isolate a set of EPIC markers for any phylum, even outside the animal kingdom, and thus, (ii) compare genetic diversity at potentially homologous polymorphic loci between divergent taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sicyopterus lagocephalus is the most abundant sicydiine (amphidromous gobiid) in the rivers of volcanic islands in the south-western Indian Ocean. The species occurs in the Mascarene (Mauritius and La Réunion) and Comoros islands (Anjouan, Mayotte, etc.) and the post-larvae supply an economically important fishery. Because of the scarcity of available ecological and biological data, a genetic survey has been undertaken at the scale of the south-western Indian Ocean using intron-length polymorphism. Samples from La Réunion, Mauritius and Mayotte were used to assess the population genetic structure within islands and between nearby and remote islands. No genetic divergences were observed in samples at these different geographical scales. A lower number of rare alleles were observed in Mayotte samples suggesting a slight effect of their peripheral geographical position. However, no recent bottleneck was evidenced for these populations. High temporal divergences have been demonstrated in La Réunion as in previous studies indicating a temporal Wahlund effect. In the light of these results, the dispersion abilities, the connectivity of populations and the metapopulation functioning are discussed in relation to the regional environmental factors (dispersal barriers, habitat colonization, cyclones, long distance dispersal). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied the meaning of silent bared-teeth displays in a captive group of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx). We observed the displays mostly in positive interactions, in which case they could advertise the sender's peaceful intentions, though at times they also occurred as a response to aggression. We found no relationship between the direction of agonistic interactions and the display. Both variants of the display, with closed or open jaws, exhibited mostly symmetrical patterns. The evolutionary convergence of the closed and open bared-teeth displays might be related to the dominance style of mandrills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the ability of monkeys to use referential information about environmental resources from cues passively transmitted by conspecifics. The subjects and their companions were four young males belonging to a group of semifree-ranging Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) raised in a 2-acre wooded park. In a first experiment, a subject had to orient its search strategy from the information obtained from a conspecific. It first had to smell the mouth of a companion having just eaten a food item, and then search for same quality food in the field. The results showed that subjects adjusted their foraging speed according to the value of the reward to be found. They were able to recognize the food resource on the basis of the item previously eaten by their companion. In a second experiment, we asked whether the subjects could anticipate a given food quantity from smelling a companion associated with that given food quantity. When testing whether subjects oriented their search strategy on the basis of companion's identity, they did not appear to use it as a referential cue to food quantity. They nonetheless adapted their foraging speed according to food value. Both experiments indicated that macaques are liable to assess and select food from information extracted from conspecifics, and hence avoid some costs associated with individual food searching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated whether Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) can distinguish between 2 group mates with different knowledge and improve their foraging performance. The subjects were 8 young individuals belonging to a group raised in a 2-acre park. The authors carried out 192 tests in which subgroups of 3 individuals were released in a food search situation. Two leaders could be informed about 2 different food sites. A naive follower could choose to follow 1 leader or another. The follower could find the correct site when I leader was informed about food location. There was no evidence that the follower identified the best leader, however. The less well-informed leader generally joined the other leader, prompting the follower to follow them. The followers' pathways were mainly determined by the interactions of leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) to deceive partners about the location of hidden food was investigated in 4 males belonging to a group raised in a 2-acre park. Before releasing subjects in the search task, the experimenter prompted 1 of the subjects to observe where the bait was hidden. The authors found that when informed, higher ranking subjects did not significantly alter their search patterns whether tested alone or in pairs. The same held for subordinates belonging to pairs with weak dominance asymmetry. To the contrary, strongly dominated subordinates modified the number of pauses when searching in pairs. They used behavioral tactics such as avoiding being followed, stopping when being watched, or taking a wrong direction. Information withholding might be a common event in macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute and subacute stents thrombosis along with thrombus mediating neointimal proliferation within the stent struts remain major concerns in coronary stenting. Up to date, there is an obvious lack of data on the thrombogenicity of stent materials in physiological conditions. This study was performed to compare the relative thrombogenicity of nitinol versus stainless steel stents. Nitinol stents were laser cut to reproduce the exact geometry of the stainless steel Palmaz® stents and tested in an ex vivo AV shunt porcine model under controlled conditions. Nitinol stents presented only small amounts of white and/or red thrombus principally located at the strut intersections while Palmaz® stents clearly exhibited more thrombus. As a result, 125I-fibrin(ogen) adsorption and 111I-platelets adhesion were significantly lower on nitinol than on stainless steel devices (36%, p=0.03 for fibrin(ogen) and 63%, p=0.01 for platelet). These results were confirmed by scanning electron observations showing different thrombus morphologies for nitinol and stainless steel. Along with the unique mechanical properties of nitinol, its promising haemocompatibility demonstrated in our study may promote their increasing use for both peripheral and coronary revascularization procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied the influence of social partners on food processing and drinking techniques in a semifree-ranging group of Tonkean macaques. In a first study, immature subjects observed their mothers repeateadly eating unfamiliar fruits. They were subsequently allowed to consume the same fruits. We found no evidence for social learning when comparing the technical variants used by the mother and her offspring. In a second study, we recorded the techniques displayed by the monkeys while drinking and eating familiar food. We compared the technical variants used by the members of two different maternal lineages. Whereas a majority of techniques did not differ between lineages, some variants were peculiar to each of them, this effect was independent from age. The results indicate that the possibility of technique transmission should not be excluded among macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-conflict affiliative contacts between previous opponents were compared in rhesus and Tonkean macaques (Macaca mulatta, M. tonkeana). The first contact mostly occurred in the first minute following conflict. Among unrelated females, conciliatory tendencies rated fivefold higher in Tonkean macaques than in rhesus macaques. This held for other age-and-sex categories as well. Conciliatory tendencies in Tonkean macaques were similar for related and unrelated partners. In rhesus macaques, conciliatory tendencies were more elevated within kin. The results indicate that reconciliation behaviors covary, along with interspecific variation in aggression and dominance patterns among macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the postconflict behavior in three captive groups of lion-tailed macaques, Macaca silenus. Occurrence of interopponent contacts; Contacts between the focal individual and other partners; Patterns of reconciliation.

Focuses on a study by the authors to explore various aspects related to the peaceful and aggressive intervention in conflicts among tonkean macaques, Macaca tonkeana. Prior studies on the subject; Methods and results of the study; Discussion on the results.

To evaluate how constant the form of agonistic interactions in the event of environmental changes is, a group of 11 stumptailed macaques, formed shortly before the start of the study, was observed under the following spatial conditions: in 10 and 18 m[sup2] cages, and in a 50,000 m[sup2] woodland. Results showed that the frequency of agonistic interactions was little affected by spatial density; however, the number of participants involved in aggressive interactions increased in the cage. Formal biting, which presumably acts as a regulator of social tension, was less frequent in the park. Patterning of agonistic interactions was little affected by spatial density. Such "robustness" makes the form of aggression liable to be used as a potentially useful parameter in interspecific comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycle and gestation lengths, menstruation patterns, female genital swelling characteristics, and male-female consortship durations are reported in a semifree-ranging group of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) studied over a 12 year period. In addition, profiles of urinary estrone conjugates (E1C) and immunoreactive pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) throughout four complete menstrual cycles in two females and three full-term pregnancies are presented. Based on intermenstrual intervals, a mean cycle length of 37-41 days (n= 55 cycles in 10 females) was found. Gestation length averaged 173 days (n = 27 pregnancies in eight females). Measurement of PriG immunoreactivity in urine revealed a cyclic pattern with a 5-15-fold increase between follicular and luteal phase concentrations, suggesting that PdG is a reliable indicator of ovarian cyclicity and luteal function. In contrast to PdG, E1C excretion showed no clear pattern throughout the cycle; however, highest values of E1C were usually found shortly before the onset of the luteal phase PdG rise at the presumed time of ovulation. Levels of both hormones were elevated during the first half of gestation and showed a marked increase throughout the second half, with maximum E1C concentrations being up to 100-fold higher than nonpregnant levels. Consortships by the male and occurrence of female genital swelling were long lasting (on average 5-10 days and 13 days, respectively) and were restricted to the follicular phase of the cycle. The day of maximal swelling and day of detumescence as well as the end of male consortship were closely associated with the periovulatory period. Swellings and consortships were longer following lactational ammenorhea than for subsequent cycles. The evolutionary significance of the cyclical changes undergone by females upon their relations with males is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Form and function of a specific kind of biting were studied in a captive group of stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) composed of 1 adult male and 10 females. Behavior patterns were recorded with all occurrence and scan sampling techniques. Formal biting consisted of slowly gripping with teeth a part of the body of an apparently willing partner, most often the forearms, lips, or eyebrows. It may occur either following an agonistic interaction or outside the context of aggression. Such biting was directed from dominants towards subordinates, and appeared especially frequently between individuals having frequent agonistic interactions. It is concluded that this behavior represents a ritualized interaction expressing formal dominance between partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affiliative interference in mounts was studied in a group of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) living in semi-liberty. Over a 4-year period, 545 sexual and noncopulatory mounts accompanied by 367 instances of interference were recorded using behavior-dependent sampling. Interference by immature individuals was frequent and occurred mainly when the mother was the mountee. Interference by adult females was less common. Various behavior patterns were displayed in interference, mainly directed toward the mounter. Aggression by the latter was rare. However, interference occurred from further away with increasing age of the interfering individual. It is suggested that interference represents an attempt to be involved in interactions with influential individuals. Comparisons with other species support the hypothesis that the development of interference is related to species-typical social relationships and, in particular, that frequency and intensity of interference are determined by the tolerance of adult males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of aggression and response to aggression were studies in three groups of macaques living in semiliberty, each group representing a different species: Macaca mulatta, M fascicularis, and M tonkeana. In Macaca mulatta, intensity of aggression is high (biting is frequent) and symmetry in aggression is low: the aggressee most often flees or submits. In Macaca tonkeana, in contrast, biting is exceptional, aggression is very often bidirectional, and appeasement behaviors are frequently observed. Intermediate patterns are found in Macaca fascicularis with, in addition, especially frequent mild forms of submission. It is argued that relationships exist between intensity of aggression, symmetry in aggression, and development of behaviors controlling aggression. Whether balances between these variables are species-specific is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a mathematical framework for the construction of domain decomposition methods (DDM) for the model Helmholtz equation with high order transmission conditions and cross-points. A compatibility condition is formulated for cross-points matrices so that the DDM is proved to be convergent under general conditions. The proof is based on a new global energy formulated on the skeleton of the DDM decomposition. It allows use of transmission operators which have a nontrivial antisymmetric part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Le stridor est le plus souvent dû à une laryngomalacie simple. Cette pathologie d’origine indéterminée est, le plus souvent, spontanément résolutive durant les 18 premiers mois. Le diagnostic de laryngomalacie simple est affirmé devant l’absence de retentissement général, une croissance pondérale préservée, l’absence d’apnée du sommeil, et l’absence de comorbidités associées. Le traitement médical et hygiéno-diététique est généralement suffisant. Dans 10 % des cas en revanche, la laryngomalacie est mal tolérée, une endoscopie sous anesthésie générale permet de réaliser l’évaluation et un traitement chirurgical de supraglottoplastie le cas échéant. La ventilation non invasive est un outil complémentaire de choix en cas d’échec chirurgical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular tools are increasingly applied for assessing and monitoring biodiversity and informing conservation action. While recent developments in genetic and genomic methods provide greater sensitivity in analysis and the capacity to address new questions, they are not equally available to all practitioners: There is considerable bias across institutions and countries in access to technologies, funding, and training. Consequently, in many cases, more accessible traditional genetic data (e.g., microsatellites) are still utilized for making conservation decisions. Conservation approaches need to be pragmatic by tackling clearly defined management questions and using the most appropriate methods available, while maximizing the use of limited resources. Here we present some key questions to consider when applying the molecular toolbox for accessible and actionable conservation management. Finally, we highlight a number of important steps to be addressed in a collaborative way, which can facilitate the broad integration of molecular data into conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine morphologically similar but genetically distinct lineages in the blue-spotted maskray species complex, previously Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller and Henle) qualify as cryptic species. Four of these lineages have been previously described as Neotrygon australiae Last, White and Séret, Neotrygon caeruleopunctata Last, White and Séret, Neotrygon orientale Last, White and Séret, and Neotrygon varidens (Garman), but the morphological characters used in the descriptions offered poor diagnoses and their geographic distributions were not delineated precisely. The objective of the present work is to complete the description of the cryptic species in the complex. Here, an additional four lineages are described as new species on the basis of their mitochondrial DNA sequences: Neotrygon bobwardi, whose distribution extends from the northern tip of Aceh to the western coast of Sumatera; Neotrygon malaccensis, sampled from the eastern part of the Andaman Sea and from the Malacca Strait; Neotrygon moluccensis, from the eastern half of the Banda Sea; and Neotrygon westpapuensis from the central portion of northern West Papua. The geographic distributions of N. australiae, N. coeruleopunctata, N. orientale, and N. varidens are updated. For each species, a diagnosis is provided in the form of a combination of private or partly-private nucleotides at 2–4 nucleotide sites along a 519-base pair fragment of the CO1 gene. We believe that the present taxonomic revision will provide information relevant to the sound management and conservation of cryptic species of the blue-spotted maskray in the Coral Triangle region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the growth kinetics of PbTiO[sub3] thin films, deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering as a function of the substrate temperature and the lead oxide content in the target. Sputtering conditions for preparation of the thin films; Lead/titanium ratio of films produced from different oxide targets; Structural development of films as a function of substrate temperature and target lead concentration.

Abstract: The parametric modulational instability for a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a cubic–quintic nonlinearity is analyzed. This model describes the dynamics of BECs, with both two- and three-body interatomic interactions trapped in an optical lattice. We identify and discuss the salient features of the three-body interaction in the parametric modulational instability. It is shown that the three-body interaction term can both, shift as well as narrow the window of parametric instability, and also change the behavior of a modulationally stable and parametrically unstable BEC with attractive two-body interaction. We explore this instability through the multiple-scale analysis and identify it numerically. The effect of the three body losses have also been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Consistent interspecific differences are found in macaque species, ranging from highly hierarchical and nepotistic societies to more tolerant and open social organizations. It still remains to be demonstrated whether intraspecific variation is narrower than interspecific variation. Herein, we quantified social behavior in a captive group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata ) to estimate the range of intraspecific variation for a full array of measurements in three different seasons. Despite an increased frequency of aggression found on the part of males during the mating season, the form of the behaviors performed remained relatively unchanged. Transactions during conflicts, approaches, or grooming did not undergo significant variations in relation to season. Frequencies and durations seemed more sensitive to demographic and environmental variations. The values measured in the study group are representative of the Japanese macaque. The results validate the use of transaction measurements in interspecific comparisons, providing that additional factors such as age and sex are taken into account. Aggr. Behav. 29:81–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of sexual displays in mating strategies and their reliability in indicating the time of ovulation has given rise to multiple explanations in nonhuman primates. In order to discriminate among hypotheses, socio-sexual behaviors were recorded in a semifree ranging group of Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana ), together with sexual skin swelling volumes and measurements of urinary concentrations of estrone conjugates and pregnanediol glucuronide. A clear preovulatory peak of urinary estrogen levels occurred 2 days before a defined rise in pregnanediol glucuronide concentrations, indicating that both hormones pointed out the female's ovulatory period. The concept of estrus rightly could be applied to female Tonkean macaques since fluctuations in estrogen levels correlated with cyclic changes in genital swelling sizes and rates of female behavioral attractivity and proceptivity. Males proved to be capable of recognizing the optimal conception period as judged from the occurrence of maximal rates of following behavior, serial matings, and ejaculations during the peri-ovulatory phase. During this time, males succeeded in maintaining exclusive and enduring associations with females. However, consortships occurred precociously, with males starting to affiliate with females, follow, and mount them 1 week before the presumed time of ovulation. These long-lasting consortships appear to be a consequence of the female extended follicular phase. This presumably sexually selected character allowed females to extend conspicuous sexual displays: genital swelling and utterance of an estrous call, which might attract males' attention and arouse them. With regard to female mating tactics, the combination of reliably indicating the time of ovulation to the male and durable periods of competitor exclusion led to reject explanations assuming manipulation about paternity or long-lasting intermale competition incitement in Tonkean macaques. Competition for mates between females also turned out to be an irrelevant factor as it was very low in the species. We conclude that the main function of sexual displays is to herald the approach of ovulation toward available mates. Am. J. Primatol. 46:285–309, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exchange of information regarding the environment is continuous within social groups of non-human primates. As an outcome, knowledge and decisions are socially distributed. However, we lack evidence regarding the processes through which collective achievements are produced. The study aimed to analyze group performance in Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) in an experimental foraging task. Eight young individuals were used as subjects. They were released in a 1-acre wooded area during 5-min tests either singly or in subgroups of two, three or four individuals. They had to discover a fruit, whole or in scattered portions. The fruit was to be found either alone or in company of a snake. Results showed that subgroups located baited spots generally sooner than single individuals. The number of spots visited until finding the incentives was weaker as the number of subjects increased. Snake presence could increase finding latency and induce more cohesion among individuals. The balance between competition and snake effects appeared to differ between sexes. Performances improved through conspecifics' visual monitoring, stating the role of information transmission in the foraging task. While subjects behaved selfishly and did not actively communicate, subgroups proved to be effective information units and everyone of their members obtained benefits from them. Cognitive performances occurred in situation, they should be assessed simultaneously at the individual and group levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of intermittent dysfunction in a 10-years-old boy, implanted with MedEL® cochlear implant. Few weeks after the surgery the boy described short and intermittent episodes of implant dysfunction with rapid return to a normal function. No evidence for any electric or neural dysfunction was found. After few weeks, a clinical link was discovered to episodes of sneeze or nose blowing. Clinical and surgical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Oreochromis in worldwide aquaculture and regional fisheries motivates the study of their genetic diversity in their native range. In this article, all mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences of Oreochromis species are retrieved from Barcode of Life Data system to quantify the available DNA barcoding information from wild individuals collected within the native ranges of the respective species. It is found that 70% of the known species in the genus still lack a COI barcode, and only 15% of the available sequences are from within the respective native ranges. Many of the available sequences have been produced from specimens acquired from aquaculture and introduced, naturalized populations, making the assessment of variation within the original native range challenging. Analyses of the wild‐collected fraction of available sequences indicated the presence of cryptic lineages within Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and O. schwebischi, the occurrence of potential introgressive hybridization between O. niloticus and blue tilapia O. aureus, and potential ancestral polymorphism between Karonga tilapia O. karongae and black tilapia O. placidus. This article also reports a case of misidentification of O. mweruensis as longfin tilapia O. macrochir. These results stress the importance of improving the knowledge of genetic variation within the native ranges of Oreochromis species for better‐informed conservation of these natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Older adults cumulate high levels of accelerometer-based sedentary time (ST) • Street connectivity is negatively correlated with total ST. • Parking area density correlates positively with total and location-based ST. • Environmental factors correlate more strongly with bouts of at least 20 min of ST. Evidence on the influence of built environments on sedentary behaviors remains unclear and is often contradictory. The main limitations encompass the use of self-reported proxies of sedentary time (ST), the scarce consideration of the plurality of sedentary behaviors, and environmental exposures limited to the residential neighborhood. We investigated the relationships between GPS-based activity space measures of environmental exposures and accelerometer-based ST measured in total, at the place of residence, at all locations, and during trips. This study is part of the CURHA project, based on 471 older adults residing in Luxembourg, who wore a GPS receiver and a tri-axial accelerometer during 7 days. Daily ST was computed in total, at the residence, at all locations and during trips. Environmental exposures included exposure to green spaces, walking, biking, and motorized transportation infrastructures. Associations between environments and ST were examined using linear and negative binomial mixed models, adjusted for demographics, self-rated health, residential self-selection, weather conditions and wear time. Participants accumulated, on average, 8 h and 14 min of ST per day excluding sleep time. ST spent at locations accounted for 83 % of the total ST. ST spent at the residence accounted for 87 % of the location-based ST and 71 % of the total ST. Trip-based ST represents 13 % of total ST, and 4 % remained unclassified. Higher street connectivity was negatively associated with total ST, while the density of parking areas correlated positively with total and location-based ST. Stronger associations were observed for sedentary bouts (uninterrupted ST over 20 and 30 min). Improving street connectivity and controlling the construction of new parking, while avoiding the spatial segregation of populations with limited access to public transport, may contribute to limit ST. Such urban planning interventions may be especially efficient in limiting the harmful uninterrupted bouts of ST among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined how GPS and accelerometer measured work-related and commuting physical activity contribute to changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during the retirement transition in the Finnish Retirement and Aging study (n = 118). Lower work-related activity was associated with a decrease in sedentary time and an increase in light physical activity during retirement. Conversely, higher work-related activity was associated with an increase in sedentary time and a decrease in light physical activity, except among those active workers who also were active commuters. Thus, both work-related and commuting physical activity predict changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior when retiring. • Transition to retirement can modify physical activity behavior. • Combined GPS and accelerometer data was collected before and after retirement. • Non-active workers increased light physical activity during retirement transition. • Active workers decreased light physical activity during retirement transition. • Active commuting attenuated decline in light physical activity of active workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their geographic isolation, biotas of oceanic islands are likely influenced by episodic long distance dispersal events, but such observations are scarce. In June 2012, fishermen from Réunion Island caught an unknown specimen of grouper, identified as dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834). This was highly unexpected considering the large distance of its closest verified occurrence (South Africa, ∼2500 km). To identify the origin of this specimen and the mechanisms driving this potential long distance colonization, we combined genetic analyses and hydrodynamic connectivity modeling approaches. Molecular markers and samples from various locations across the distribution range resulted in the identification of three putative source populations. The Réunion specimen clustered genetically with South Africa. The estimated spawning period in relation to the connectivity modeling of larvae showed no possible direct connection between South Africa and Réunion. However, connectivity was predicted through intermediate stepping stone populations likely located around the southern tip of Madagascar, where the occurrence of the species has yet to be verified. The results further highlight the potential role of the cyclone Bingiza (February 2011) in the connection between Madagascar and Réunion. This shows that cyclones may be an important driver in long distance colonization of oceanic islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous investigations have uncovered divergent mitochondrial clades within the blue-spotted maskray, previously Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller and Henle). The hypothesis that the blue-spotted maskray may consist of a complex of multiple cryptic species has been proposed, and four species have been recently described or resurrected. To test the multiple cryptic species hypothesis, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships and coalescence patterns of mitochondrial sequences in a sample of 127 new individuals from the Indian Ocean and the Coral Triangle region, sequenced at both the CO1 and cytochrome b loci. The maximum-likelihood (ML) tree of concatenated CO1 + cytochrome b gene sequences, rooted by the New Caledonian maskray N. trigonoides , yielded 9 strongly supported, main clades. Puillandre's ABGD algorithm detected gaps in nucleotide distance consistent with the ML phylogeny. The general mixed Yule-coalescent algorithm partitioned the dataset into putative species generally consistent with the ML phylogeny. Nuclear markers generally confirmed that distinct mitochondrial clades correspond to genetically isolated lineages. The nine main lineages identified by ML analysis were geographically distributed in a parapatric fashion, indicating reproductive isolation. The hypothesis of multiple cryptic species is thus validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient isolation strategies not based on epithelial biomarker expression are required to enable non-biased enrichment of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be prognostically relevant, and importantly are not detected with conventional epithelial based approaches such as CellSearch®. A method for the non-biased isolation of cancer cells within a peripheral blood sample utilizing microfluidic mixing PDMS devices functionalized with anti-CD45 is reported. The introduction of micro and nanoscale roughness using a single step treatment with sulfuric acid significantly increases the binding yield of white blood cells (WBCs) to the anti-CD45 conjugated surfaces. Up to 99.99% WBC depletion is achieved with a tumor cell recovery yield of 50%. This high level of CTC enrichment is expected to facilitate the detailed characterization of CTCs using for instance, imaging flow cytometry as demonstrated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]