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This article presents an interdisciplinary study of two Late/Final Neolithic gallery graves (Kernic and Lerret) located on the orthwestern coast of Brittany (Western France). These monuments show striking similarities in terms of architectural style and geographical position. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the construction strategy of these monuments by (i) determining the origin of the megalithic blocks using comparative petro‐structural analyses of blocks and surrounding rocks, (ii) reconstructing the coastal environment from sediment core analyses and (iii) defining the significance of these monuments in the territories from an intervisibility analysis. The study reveals marked differences between the two monuments studied. The Lerret gallery grave was erected close to a unique source of stone material on the margins of a marshland zone. In contrast, the Kernic monument, erected on the edge of an estuary, seems to have been built using a deliberate diversification of stone extraction sites. An intervisibility analysis shows a dense network of visual interconnections between a number of megalithic tombs present in the study area, where the two monuments occupy very distinct sites. The social implications of stone selection and the geographical location of Late/Final Neolithic funerary monuments are also discussed in an enlarged regional context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper derives an equivalent of Darcian Theis solution for non‐Darcian flow induced by constant rate pumping of a well in a confined aquifer. The derivation, which is valid at later times only, is original. It utilizes Izbash's equation. This introduces an additional parameter to Darcian condition, namely, empirical exponent. The solution is a non‐Drcian equivalent of Jacob straight line method for analyzing pumping tests at late times. It can be used to determine aquifer parameters: storativity, analogous hydraulic conductivity, and empirical exponent. However, while the Jacob method requires a minimum of only one pumping test with one observation well, the additional parameter in the present solution means that a minimum of two observation wells in one test or two pumping tests at different rates with one observation well are required. The derived solution is applied to a case study at Plomeur in Brittany, France, and is shown to provide a practical and efficient method for analyzing pumping tests where non‐Darcian groundwater flow occurs. Article Impact Statement: This study proposes new methods to characterize late‐time drawdown of non‐Darcian flow and to analyze aquifer hydraulic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of territorial analyses in archaeology, the visual attributes of sites play a key role in the definition of location strategies. This paper studies the Neolithic evidence from the south-western Morbihan area in Brittany (France) from a visual point of view, integrating the previous Mesolithic and the later Bronze Age occupation of the region in order to understand the diachronic evolution of the visual settlement patterns. The role played by the sea seems to be significant throughout the entire occupation of the area, but differences in both intervisibility of sites and the extension of visual areas allow us to make particular observations regarding different cultural uses of the landscape through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three terms Roots, Rock and Breizh (or‘Brittany’) seem to make unlikely companions: their meeting looks more like a collision than a confluence. However, these disparate forces have fashioned a unique cultural dynamic in Brittany. This paper analyses this cultural-nationalist movement. It considers its socio-cultural context, presents some case studies of particular singers and festivals, and evaluates the movement's significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Spartina anglica is a classical example of recent alloploid speciation. It arose during the end of the nineteenth century in England by hybridization between the indigenous Spartina maritima and the introduced East-American Spartina alterniflora. Duplication of the hybrid genome (Spartina × townsendii) gave rise to a vigorous allopolyploid involved in natural and artificial invasions on different continents. Spartina anglica was first recorded in France in 1906, and since then, it has spread all along the western French coast. Earlier studies revealed that native British populations display consistent morphological plasticity and lack of isozyme variation. In this paper, we use different molecular markers (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, intersimple sequence repeats and restriction patterns from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences) to analyse the genetic patterns of the French populations of S. anglica. Our results show that French populations are mainly composed of one ‘major’ multilocus genotype. This genotype is identical to the first-generation hybrid S. × townsendii from England. Losses of few markers from this genotype are observed but are restricted to a few populations from Brittany; it is likely that they appeared independently, subsequent to their introduction. In southern Brittany, no hybrids between S. anglica and S. maritima have been found where the two species co-occur. All French populations of S. anglica display the same chloroplast DNA sequences as S. alterniflora, the maternal genome donor. These findings are consistent with a severe genetic bottleneck at the time of the species formation, as a consequence of a unique origin of the species. Both parental nuclear sequences are present in the allopolyploid populations, revealing that for the markers investigated, no extensive changes have occurred in this young species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concerns over water eutrophication due to agricultural phosphorus (P) loss have led to the development of indicators to assess the risk of P release from agricultural soils. Recently, a logarithmic equation linking the degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) to the simple water‐soluble P (WSP) content of soils has been proposed as a universal method to assess this risk based, however, mainly on the analysis of well‐drained soils. Here, we studied the P sorption properties and DPS values of 69 hydromorphic soils from cultivated and uncultivated wetland zones located in Brittany, Western France, to test whether the method could also apply to poorly‐drained soils. The bulk soil analysis showed that P contents of the studied hydromorphic soils were 30% to 80% higher than P contents normally found in Brittany soils, evidencing a possible P enrichment process. Adsorption isotherms revealed a surprisingly high variability in the P sorption properties as a function of the location of the soil (maximum P adsorption capacity ranging from 500 to 1850 mg kg−1), which is caused by variations in the phases controlling P sorption in soil (from clay to organic matter and/or iron and aluminium oxides, depending on the soil location). Distinct relationships between DPS and WSP values were also obtained depending on the location of the soils. The obtained DPS versus WSP relationships showed that the P saturation threshold above which the risk of dissolved P release increases markedly is 30% lower on average for hydromorphic soils than for well‐drained soils. Hydromorphic soils appear to be more at risk of releasing dissolved P at the same DPS values than well‐drained soils. The present study indicates an underestimation of the P release risk from hydromorphic soils by the existing method developed for well‐drained soils and calls for the development of specific risk assessment tools for hydromorphic soils, especially given on the strong spatial heterogeneity of their P sorption properties. Highlights: Wetlands soils in western France show high variability in their phosphorus properties.There is a high‐risk of dissolved P losses from wetland soils to watercourses.The risk can remain high even in soils that are currently not cultivatedDegree of phosphorus saturation method to assess dissolved P release risk could underestimate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents some characteristics (length, weight and age) of adult Atlantic salmon in rivers of Brittany. The data were derived from 1,578 fish caught mainly by rod and line; the remainder being from net catches in estuaries and small samples taken outside the fishing season. The bulk of the fish spent 1 or 2 years in freshwater before smoltifying. Those fish becoming smolts at the end of 1 year were the most numerous (54%). The majority of the fish sampled were spring fish (82.4%). Very few summer fish were identified and those found were mainly grilse. The high proportion of spring fish in the sample is due to the high proportion of rod-caught fish. Probably a complete census over the year would show a larger proportion of grilse and summer fish as these are not subject to heavy rod-fishing the season being closed at the beginning of June. The relationship between sea age and river age and the influence of freshwater life upon the sea life were tested in four rivers. It seems probable that sea life depends chiefly on the river and the year of smoltification rather than on the freshwater stage. The biometric characteristics of Brittany salmon were compared with data from some foreign rivers. The angling exploitation of the spring Atlantic salmon in Brittany and the lack of data about summer migrations are discussed in regard to the future of this stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation has a major influence on the water and energy balance of the earth's surface. In the last century, human activities have modified land use, inducing a consequent change in albedo and potential evapotranspiration. Linear vegetation structures (hedgerows, shelterbelts, open woodland, etc) were particularly abundant but have declined considerably over the past several decades. In this context, it is important to quantify their effect on water and energy balance both on a global scale (climate change and weather prediction) and on a local scale (soil column, hillslope and watershed). The main objective of this study was to quantify the effect of hedgerows on the water cycle by evaluating spatial and temporal variations of water balance components of a hillslope crossed by a hedgerow. Water flow simulation was performed using Hydrus-2D to emphasize the importance of transpiration in the water balance and to evaluate water extraction from groundwater. Model validation was performed by comparing simulated and observed soil matrix potentials and groundwater levels. Hedgerow transpiration was calculated from sap flow measurements of four trees. Water balance components calculated with a one-dimensional water balance equation were compared with simulations. Simulation runs with and without tree root uptake underlined the effect of hedgerow transpiration, increasing capillary rise and decreasing drainage. Results demonstrated that the spatial and temporal variability of water balance components was related to the hedgerow presence as well as to the meteorological context. The relations between transpiration, groundwater proximity and soil-water availability determined the way in which water balance components were affected. Increased capillary rise and decreased drainage near hedges were related to the high transpiration of trees identified in this study. Transpiration reached twice the potential evapotranspiration when groundwater level and precipitation amounts were high. Water balance analysis showed that transpiration was a substantial component, representing 40% of total water output. These results may offer support for improving hydrological models by including the effect of land use and land cover on hydrological processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two coefficients of the von Bertalanffy growth model [maximal standard length ( LS∞) and initial growth rate ( a)] were determined in eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki in the most northern area where it is established (Rennes, Brittany, France). The estimated mean LS∞ was 57·7 and 25·0 mm in females and males, respectively. The value of a was identical for both males and females before the males diverged from the females by slowing down their growth, probably because of the onset of puberty. The sexual competition reported in males would be responsible for higher interindividual variability of LS∞ in males than in females. a was positively correlated with water temperature and could be modulated by fish density and length at birth. Moreover, interindividual variability of a was influenced in a complex way by interactions between water temperature, length at birth and fish density. When compared to the data from studies in G. holbrooki inhabiting their native range or the southern introduced range, the present results suggest that the thermal tolerance domain for growth was altered and that males exhibited a shorter length at sexual maturity and a shorter LS∞ in the population established in Rennes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon theoretical perspectives developed by Coleman and Elsner, this article contributes to the anthropological understanding of pilgrimage by presenting and interpreting oral narratives and published texts about Kerizinen, a Marian apparition shrine in Brittany, France. Since the Kerizinen apparitions have never been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, pilgrims and shrine promoters construct a corpus of narrative evidence that serves for them to validate the shrine's authenticity, despite the ambivalence and opposition of the institutional Church. Following William A. Christian, Jr, I show how the construction of sacred history at Kerizinen involves a process of selective editing privileging certain types of narratives and narrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We set out in this article to deepen our understanding of processes of comparative regional governance by investigating two historic regions (Wales and Brittany) in two neighboring European Union states. We offer a framework for analysis that combines criteria drawn from institutions, relationships, identities, political opportunity structures, and environmental constraints and opportunities. If Welsh devolution is above all shaped by the institutional avenues opened in the Government of Wales Act of 1998, regional capacity in Brittany is built upon a dense network of relationships and tested forms of horizontal and vertical linkage. Political opportunity structures are vital for understanding comparative regional dynamics, notably the political space available for the development of a regionalist party, the interlocking of regional and social movements and the structure of incentives for regional players to engage in local, regional, national or European games. The linkage between identity, territory and institutions is primordial for comparing regions, the Wales-Brittany comparison suggesting that politicized identities do not necessarily add value to regional political institutions. Understanding regional governance also requires cognizance of the overarching environment: the importance of constitutional rules, mechanisms of financial transfer, inter-institutional linkages, the capacity of central government to intervene in devolved areas, or the Europeanization of specific policy sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY 1. This study investigates the possible influence of terrestrial landscape structure on the spatial distribution of adult Chironomidae emerging from water bodies in three agricultural areas, each with hedgerow networks, in Brittany (France). 2. Using spatially explicit data from 128 yellow pan traps set in pairs at the bottom of hedges throughout the three study areas, we show that landscape structure and heterogeneity must be considered at two different spatial scales. 3. At a global scale, distance to water bodies was the main factor explaining the spatial distribution of adult chironomids: both species richness and abundance changed beyond a critical distance to the stream, resulting in different species assemblages of flying insects. 4. At a local scale, the abundance of species and individuals at rest in hedges changed with the quality of the hedge (mainly determined by canopy width and cover of the different vegetation layers). 5. The density of the hedgerow network, and landscape openness, both influenced the dispersal of chironomid species from water bodies. 6. This study, which provides the first estimate of the dispersal capabilities of chironomids in particular landscapes, suggests that the terrestrial environment is an essential component of population dynamics and community structure in aquatic Chironomidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian samples were collected from plaice, Pleuronectesplatessa, captured in the highly oiled Aber Wrac'h and Aber Benoit estuaries at four intervals during 1979-1980, following the Amoco Cadiz crude oil spill. Reference plaice were obtained along the western and southern coasts of Brittany. Tissue samples were fixed, processed and stained by routine histologic procedures. Ovaries were examined for histopathologic changes and for four different types of follicles. The concentrations and percentages of four types of ovarian follicles (primordial, primary, growing and mature) were determined for plaice ovaries within each sampling site at each sampling interval. Reference site ovaries, which were considered representative of the ovarian cyclic events for plaice along the Brittany coast, had primordial and primary follicles in high concentration in the summer season and in low concentration in the winter season. Concentrations of mature ovarian follicles in reference site plaice ovaries were low in the summer and high in the winter seasons. Growing follicles were observed infrequently in the reference site plaice ovaries. The seasonal pattern exhibited by follicles in ovaries from Aber Benoit plaice was similar to that observed in the reference site ovaries, but both the concentrations and percentages of follicle types were lower. The seasonal pattern of follicle types in Aber Wrac'h plaice ovaries was the reverse of that seen in the reference site plaice ovaries. In the Aber Wrac'h samples, concentrations of primordial and primary follicles were high in the winter months and low in the summer season, and no mature follicles were observed at any season. Growing follicles were seen more frequently in Abet Wrac'h and Aber Benoit plaice ovaries than in reference site plaice ovaries at all sampling intervals. Other than atretic folllicles with an associated leucocytosis, no histopathologic conditions were observed in any ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ samples were collected from plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L., captured in the highly oiled Aber Wrac'h and Aber Benoit at five intervals during the period 1978-1980, following the Amoco Cadiz crude oil Spill. Reference plaice were obtained along the western and southern coasts of Brittany. Tissue samples were fixed, processed and stained by routine histologic procedures for qualitative and quantitative histopathological examination. The predominant lesions and conditions which characterized fish from the oiled estuaries were: fin and tail necrosis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of gill lamellar mucous cells, gastric gland degeneration, decreased hepatocellular vacuolation (lipid), increased concentration of hepatic macrophage centres and lateral trunk muscle fibre degeneration. Dilation of Bowman's space, glomerular hypertrophy and abdominal muscle fibre degeneration were pronounced at the last sampling interval. Other types of lesions were seen at a lower frequency: hyperplasia and fusion of gill lamellar epithelium, telangiectasis of gill capillaries, hepatopancreatic degeneration and hepatic necrosis. Fish muscle and liver collected for biochemical analysis to detect the presence or absence of petroleum hydrocarbons were negative for Amoco Cadiz oil fractions. At the same timeoysters, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, collected from the oiled estuaries throughout the study period, showed high levels of Amoco Cadiz oil fractions. These data, along with the type and frequency of lesions observed, suggested that the plaice had been chronically-exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons of Amoco Cadiz origin. Some relief from chronic pollutant exposure was indicated by a decrease in gill mucous cell concentration at the last sampling interval An increase in abdominal muscle fibre degeneration and an increase in the frequency of dilation of Bowman's space with glomerular hypertrophy at the last sampling interval suggested a latent response to the polluting agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erwinia chrysanthemi (biovars 5 and 6) was isolated from unusual symptoms on witloof chicory, both in the field and in hydroponic culture, in Brittany in 1989 and 1990. Symptoms included a greyish-brown soft rot on the lower part of the root and the destruction of the cortical tissues. The cribrovascular and the medullary part of the bottom of the root sometimes became slimy. A few cases of vascular transmission were observed, which resulted in a red coloration of the infected vessels and a soft rot of the leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the fire disturbance of a chironomid community on heathlands in Brittany, France. Abundance of all species strongly decreased on all burnt sites except the mesic one during the first post-fire year; Species assemblages of burnt sites fluctuating in the following years.