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• Aquilegia fragrans is an endangered medicinal herb native to Himalaya. • Seeds exhibited non deep simple morphophysiological dormancy. • Time, temperature and pre-treatments significantly affected seed germination. • Best seed germination was observed at −10 °C for 30 days treated with zeatin 30 ppm. • Our study has broad implications in biodiversity conservation and restoration. Insufficient investigation of seed germination studies of threatened plant species creates practical obstacles to their conservation efforts. Here, we investigate the seed germination of Aquilegia fragrans Benth.-an endangered medicinal plant species native to Himalaya. The effects of stratification conditions including time (10, 20, 30, and 40 days), temperature (−4, −10, and −20 °C), and hormone treatments (250 ppm GA 3 , 30 ppm BAP, and 30 ppm Zeatin) on germination of A. fragrans seeds collected from the alpine belt of Kashmir Himalaya were examined. Seeds of species exhibited non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Seed germination showed significant differences among the various treatments. It was observed that the application of GA 3 , zeatin, and BAP significantly improved seed germination as compared with the control. The highest germination percentage (73 ± 1 %) along with maximum germination index (1.05 ± 0.05) was recorded in T30 (Seeds stratified for 30 days at −10 °C and treatment with Zeatin 30 ppm) followed by T19 (seeds stratified at −10 °C for 20 days and treatment with zeatin 30 ppm). The seed germination studies of A. fragrans have not been carried out before, and the information gathered in the present study may prove useful for the conservation of the target plant species. The present study will help in the conservation, sustainable development, and restoration of this prized medicinal plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septic arthritis of the shoulder is distinctly challenging to diagnose and treat. Guidelines for appropriate workup and management are limited and do not account for the variations in clinical presentation. The purpose of this study was to present a comprehensive and anatomically based classification system and treatment algorithm for septic arthritis of the native shoulder joint. A multicenter, retrospective analysis of all patients treated surgically for septic arthritis of the native shoulder joint was performed at 2 tertiary care academic institutions. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and operative reports were used to classify patients as having 1 of 3 infection subtypes: type I, confined to the glenohumeral joint; type II, extra-articular extension; or type III, concomitant osteomyelitis. On the basis of these clinical groupings of patients, the comorbidities, types of surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed. Sixty-five shoulders in 64 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Of these infected shoulders, 9.2% had type I infections, 47.7% had type II, and 43.1% had type III. Age and the time between symptom onset and diagnosis were the only significant risk factors for the development of a more severe infection. Fifty-seven percent of shoulder aspirates revealed cell counts below the standard surgical cutoff of 50,000 cells/mL. On average, each patient required 2.2 surgical débridements to eradicate the infection. Infections recurred in 8 shoulders (12.3%). Body mass index was the only risk factor for recurrence of infection. Of the 64 patients, 1 (1.6%) died acutely of sepsis and multiorgan system failure. We propose a comprehensive system for the classification and management of spontaneous shoulder sepsis based on stage and anatomy. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging can help determine the severity of disease and aid in surgical decision making. A systematic approach to septic arthritis of the shoulder as a unique entity from septic arthritis of other large peripheral joints may lead to more timely diagnosis and treatment and improve the overall prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion of drylands by leguminous mesquite (Prosopis spp.) is frequently associated with increases in the soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools. These increases stimulate soil microbial activity and accelerate soil C and N cycling. However, the impact of mesquite invasion on soil biogeochemistry, especially the emission of trace gases, in an ecosystem with an already established population of N-fixing plants is not well studied. To fill this knowledge gap, we quantified the in-situ soil trace gas emissions and the potential microbial activity in soils under invasive mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) trees (Prosopis), native acacia (Acacia tortilis) trees (Acacia), and in unvegetated soil between trees (Bare soil) on the western shore of the Dead Sea. To account for contributions of spatial and weather variabilities to the emission processes we conducted measurements across two geographic sites, 45 km apart, over two years, both under naturally dry soil conditions and after soil wetting. Before wetting, soil emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and nitric oxide (NOx) followed the order: Acacia > Prosopis ≥ Bare soil, while soil nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions were low and uniform across the three habitats. The soil inorganic N concentration, microbial biomass, and water-extractable organic C were significantly higher under the A. tortilis canopies compared with P. juliflora and Bare soil. After wetting, soil trace gases emissions increased up to 66, 1534, and 42 times, for CO 2 , N 2 O, and NOx, respectively, and remained higher under the native A. tortilis than under P. juliflora and Bare soil (Acacia > Prosopis > Bare soil). The potential soil microbial activity, however, was similar between the soils under the tree canopies. Our results show that the establishment of invasive leguminous trees increase soil CO 2 and gaseous N emissions relative to the Bare soils, but not relative to native leguminous trees. • The invasion of Prosopis spp., resulted in reduction of soil CO 2 , N 2 O, and NO emissions as compared to native Acacia spp. • Observed patterns of soil trace gases emissions were explained by soil microbial biomass. • Soil laboratory incubations had little relationship to soil activity observed in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rich cultural and traditional practices make interpersonal relationships vital for American Indian (AI) youth. Social relations and multigenerational networks (i.e., peer, family, kinship, and community) remain a salient fixture of AI culture, survival and thriving in reservation communities. Research in other populations has demonstrated how social networks impact youth risk and resilience, but data are lacking on AI adolescent networks. Intergenerational trauma from settler colonialism leads some AI youth to early initiation of substance use and subsequent substance misuse, along with disproportionately high risk for suicide and vulnerability to witnessing and experiencing violence. Using network data to develop prevention strategies among this population is a promising new avenue of research. In this study protocol paper, we describe the rationale and methodology of an exploratory study to be conducted with American Indian 9th and 10th graders at three schools on a Northern Plains reservation. This mixed methods study will collect quantitative social network surveys (N = 300) and qualitative interviews (n = 30). The study will examine the extent to which existing social network theories and data metrics adequately characterize AI youth networks or how they may need to be expanded for this population. Associations of network characteristics with risk and protective factors for substance use, exposure to violence, and suicide will also be examined. This innovative methodological approach holds promise for informing the development of effective preventive approaches to address co-occurring risks for substance use, violence and suicide among AI adolescents. Understanding processes that impact social networks among AI adolescents can promote culturally resonant social relationships that may support better outcomes for youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• I examine native-immigrant differences in the impact of children on the gender pay gap. • Childbirth generates important gender pay gaps for immigrants and natives. • Labour participation and part-time work are key drivers for natives, while unemployment and temporary employment are for immigrants. • The gender pay gap is driven by family-related decisions for natives and employers' decisions for immigrants. • Parents' educational level explains part of the native-immigrant differences, but culture does not. This paper explores gender differences in the career paths of immigrant and native parents before and after childbirth using Spanish administrative data and an event study specification. I find an important gender pay gap emerging after childbirth for both immigrants and natives, and that the drivers of these gender pay gaps strongly differ between natives and immigrants: while children generate higher gender gaps in labour participation and part-time work for natives, the gender gaps in employment and permanent employment are greater for immigrants. I investigate whether the deterioration of mothers' careers originates from workers' or employers' decisions, and show that the main reason for native mothers is to temporarily stop working, while for immigrant mothers is being dismissed. Finally, I show that the educational background of parents is an important determinant of the native-immigrant differences I find in the effect of children on the gender pay gap, while the cultural background is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing global changes can make unprecedented alterations in the state of some natural resources and their ecosystems services (ESs), especially in mountain agricultural landscapes. Considering the risk suggested by the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, this study collected descriptive (qualitative) data in Nepalese mountain farming communities through field observation, group discussion, and personal interview, and investigated changing conditions of ESs of various natural resources in agricultural landscapes and their repercussions on mountain communities. The results showed that global changes induced new resources and institutions for mountain farming practices and altered important socioecological processes determining ESs. They have contributed to reductions in natural hazards and climate change and improvements in recreational and waste management services in mountain farming landscapes. Biodiversity status changes of the external factors in the agricultural landscapes are mixed: reasonably enriched plant species diversity and wildlife habitat, and seriously degraded or extinct indigenous species and genetic diversity. One of the serious negative changes is they have contributed to extinction of locally adaptable natural capitals and community heritages that had been developed through century-long socioecological processes and passed through extreme climatic variabilities and other environmental stresses at numerous times. The study determined that some recently emerging local biotic conditions result mainly from changes in the condition of water resources, not from changes in climatic conditions. The external factors also hampered human input into soil formation in degraded lands, soil quality, soil-water conservation and local knowledge systems. Overall, the effects of the changes found mixed on human and environment health. This multiple natural resources-based study has contested some arguments and conclusions of popular literatures. Unlabelled Image • Positive changes on climate regulation, amenity amelioration and hazards moderation. • Declined native species and genetic diversity but enriched wildlife habitats. • Increased soil conservation but reduced soil quality and soil formation opportunity. • Negative effect on water conservation but mixed effect in water quality and supply. • Declined knowledge system & spiritual but surged recreational services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American Indian (AI)/Alaska Native children have increased asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality compared to non-Hispanic white children. Our study sought to examine environmental and socioeconomic factors of asthma among children in an AI community. This case-control study included children with physician-diagnosed asthma and age-matched controls, ages 6 through 17 years, in an AI community. Diagnosis and clinical characteristics were obtained from medical record review. Home visits included interviews regarding sociodemographic and household environmental exposures, physical exams, spirometry, and asthma control questionnaires (cases only). Among the 108 asthma cases and 215 controls, 64% had an annual household income of <$25,000. Children with asthma had significantly higher odds of living in a multi-unit dwelling (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–4.4) or in residences with rodent or insect infestation (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–3.8) and were less likely to live in homes with more than 8 occupants (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.9). Also, there was a trend for lower caregiver education level, unmarried caregiver marital status, and annual household income level of <$25,000 in univariate analysis. However, after adjustment for socioeconomic status and household environmental factors, these estimates were not significant. Nearly half of cases had poorly controlled asthma and reported persistent cough, wheeze, and dyspnea, yet only 24% reported using a controller medication. In this low-income AI community, we identified several social and environmental determinants of asthma, which were mediated by socioeconomic status and other household environmental factors, suggesting a complex interplay between socioeconomic status and environmental exposures. Furthermore, many children with asthma reported poor asthma control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indigenous communities around Africa and most parts of the world rely on indigenous knowledge systems in identification of edible indigenous foods that supplement their livelihood. This is a practice that has been there since time immemorial. Information on edible indigenous fruit plants was documented among the Mapulana through semi-structured interviews. Eighty-two informants were interviewed on their knowledge of edible indigenous fruit plants. Fifty-two fruit plants species were reported to be part of dietary supplements of the Mapulana. The species belonged to 26 plant families with Anacardiaceae and Rhamnaceae being the dominant families. Native and naturalized fruit species shared unequal preference within the communities, with native fruits being highly preferred than naturalized. The high preference of native fruit plants species shows the potential of unexplored product development. The development of products should be encouraged by the fact that the Mapulana are already cultivating some of these edible indigenous fruit plants in the backyards of their homesteads. • Community elders are the sole consumers of indigenous fruit species. • Naturalized fruit species have not displaced the consumption to native species. • Knowledge of the fruit species still remains with parents and grand parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of proteases in the last decade has been welcomed in livestock and poultry industries and has led to significant results such as improved feed conversion ratio, weight gain and increased growth performance. In the present study, isolation and identification of a novel alkaline protease from Iranian Bacillus species was performed in order to use in livestock feed. After primary isolation of bacteria from soil samples of rice fields and early detection of bacterial genus, the zymogram plate was performed for evaluation of production extracellular proteases. Of the 11 strains producing protease, one strain that produced more enzymes was selected to continue the work. Characterization of alkaline protease was done using specific enzyme assays. To confirm the genus of isolates as well as to identify the species close to, molecular analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence was done. After that, bioinformatics analysis carried out in NCBI database for searching bacterial alkaline proteases gene sequences. The primer designed based on gene homology of close species for extraction of alkaline protease gene. The results showed that the enzyme extract had the highest activity at pH 9.0 and 50 °C. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was submitted for the strain called Bacillus sp. RAM on the NCBI site. According to the results of the phylogenetic tree, the bacterium was belonged to Bacillus genus and Bacillus sp. RAM was close to Thuringiensis C405. The isolated alkaline protease gene successfully cloned in pET28a and transferred to the expression host E.coli BL21. The expression of the protease gene was evaluated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The induced recombinant cells expressed the protease and revealed molecular weight band of about 38 kDa. According to the enzyme properties, this alkaline protease can useful for application in animal industry. Highlights • An alkaline serine protease was isolated from a native Bacillus species. • The optimum pH and temperature of enzyme were 9.0 and 50 °C. • The alkaline serine protease gene was isolated and cloned in pET28 a+ vector. • The recombinant vector transformed to E. coli BL21 expression host. • The induced recombinant cells expressed a novel 38 kDa protease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) has food, medicinal and cultural importance to the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, and is being incorporated into a range of commercial food and therapeutic products, including tea. In this study, the chemical compositions of kawakawa fresh leaves, dried leaves for tea, and hot brewed tea, were analysed and compared. The key metabolites were diayangambin, elemicin, myristicin, unidentified lignans and amides. The safety of brewed tea and tea leaves were evaluated in 8 week old Sprague Dawley rats in a 14 day acute study followed by a 28 day subacute study. In the 14 day study, the rats received the equivalent of 1, 2, 3 or 4 cups of kawakawa tea, and the rats in the 28 day study received daily doses that were equivalent to 4 cups per day. There were no adverse effects observed in the rats, and body weights and food intakes were not significantly different between the control and the kawakawa treated animals. There were small differences in organ weights, biochemical and haematology parameters observed in the rats given the kawakawa tea. In conclusion, the consumption of kawakawa tea could be considered safe within the conditions used in this study. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Plant functional traits can be used as indicator of wetland condition. • Plant trait-habitat relationships reflect plants response to physico-chemical factors. • Plant trait-habitat relationships reflect plants response to land use. • Plant trait-habitat relationships reflect plants response to isotopic enrichment. • Abundance of exotic, upland, and annual plants increases with degree of agriculture. Abstract The analysis of functional trait-habitat relationships has been used to measure the degree to which environmental factors influence the assembly of ecological communities. In the Parkland and Grassland natural regions of Alberta, wetlands are embedded in a matrix of human modified landscapes. The extent and effects of land uses on the condition of these wetlands and plant assemblages remains largely unknown. We used the physico-chemical characteristics and plant functional traits collected in 322 wetlands as indicators of wetland condition. Plant functional traits included origin, life history, and habitat requirements. Physico-chemical characteristics at each wetland site were assessed and the intensity of land use quantified within a 250-meter buffer. Our analyses reveal that functional plant traits are impacted by surrounding land use intensity; the abundance of non-native (exotic), upland, and annual plants tend to increase with degree of agriculture. Wetlands in areas with abundant groundwater input (low isotopic oxygen-18 enrichment) tend to be associated with functional groups preferring stable hydrological conditions including perennials and upland species. This contrasts with wetlands with greater potential for evaporation which were shallower, had higher nutrient levels, and were positively associated with species tolerating higher levels of disturbances, such as annuals. Our study demonstrates how an understanding of plant functional trait-habitat relationship can provide a framework for linking the responses of taxonomically-unrelated plant species to the condition of wetlands, and ultimately be used as indicator of wetland condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malabar spinach (Basella alba L.) are excellent sources of natural colorant. To upgrade this natural colorant for the food and pharmaceutical industries, this study focuses on assessing the physicochemical properties, nutrient constituent and stability of the colorant of the two varieties (native and hybrid) of B. alba L fruits. Standard procedures of refractive index, specific gravity, viscosity, total soluble solid (TSS), pH and proximate analysis were used to assess the physicochemical properties and nutrient constituents. In physicochemical analysis, total soluble solids of the native and hybrid were7.45 °Brix; 6.13 °Brix, and 43.04 mg/100g and 46.47 mg/100g, respectively but values were significant in native, in contrast viscosity were 4.92 mPa s and 5.68 mPa s but it was significant in hybrid (p < 0.01). The ash, protein, dietary fiber, reducing sugar, and total sugar contents were 3.30, 8.87, 34.58, 0.70 and 1.83 g/100g respectively, these values were higher and significant in native (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). In contrast, moisture and carbohydrate contents were 62.30 and 7.76 g/100g respectively, values were higher and significant in hybrid (p < 0.05). In mineral analysis, K, Na, and Fe content 388.64, 48.37 and 29.09 mg/100g respectively and were the most abundant in native, whereas Ca, Mg, P, Zn, and Cu contents were 71.44, 49.45, 13.80, 0.50 and 0.09 mg/100g respectively, values were larger and significant (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.001) in hybrid. The ß-carotene and vitamin C were 274.90 μg/100g and 12.81 μg/g respectively and values were significant in native (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). A remarkable amount of unsaturated fatty acids was found in native as compared to hybrid, whilst saturated fatty acids were prominent in the hybrid. The stability of the colorant for both varieties had no significant effects on pH and fringing conditions, but temperature and light had significant effects on color stability (p < 0.01). Finally, this study reveals that both varieties of Malabar spinach (Basella alba L.) can be a good source of nutrients with potential color (betalains) stability, that could be a components in the food and pharmaceutical products. • Total soluble solute (TSS) and betacyanin contents were significantly higher in native but viscosity of hybrid was significantly high. • Dietary fiber, protein, total sugar reducing sugar contents were remarkably higher in native but only carbohydrate contents were higher in hybrid. • Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), Vitamin C and ß-carotene were enrich in native, while potassium (K) and iron (Fe) were rich in the hybrid. • Unsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in native but saturated fatty acids were in hybrid. • The stability of the colorant for both varieties do not showed significant effects on pH and fringing conditions but temperature and light showed significant effects on color stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques are gaining wide acceptance within the MR community due to their potential to diagnose non-localized disease, guide therapy and improve patient outcome. During the last decade, there has been an increasing interest for developing new techniques that allow for simultaneous quantification of both T1 and T2 maps of myocardium. Newer studies demonstrated that the incorporation of MRI simulations could yield similar results to conventional mapping techniques in the myocardium. However, these simulation-based quantitative MR techniques usually compare the in-vivo T1 estimates against less accurate T1 techniques, whereas they present inconsistencies between simulation studies, phantom and in-vivo measurements. Moreover, these studies do not investigate the effect of Magnetization Transfer on the myocardial T1 and T2 estimates but are usually validated on phantoms where the MT effect is small. The main aim of this study was to perform simultaneous mapping of the native T1 and T2 of the myocardium through the utilization of a modified MOLLI pulse sequence and the incorporation of advanced MR simulations through the SQUAREMR framework. A second aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on simulation-based quantitative MR techniques. A conventional MOLLI pulse sequence was modified so as to present combined high T2 sensitivity and low MT effect. The new technique was applied in healthy volunteers and demonstrated an improved T1 accuracy compared to the conventional MOLLI and a T2 accuracy similar to the one provided by the T2prep-bSSFP method. The effect of MT on T1 and T2 estimates was also investigated in the current study. Phantoms with an increasing MT effect as well as phantoms without an MT effect were included in this work whereas several variants of the modified-MOLLI that introduce different amounts of T2 modulation on the MR signal and induce different MT effects were applied on the phantoms. The proposed simulation-based quantitative MR technique for simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping of the myocardium does not require the incorporation of a complicated custom designed pulse sequence and does not require a complicated reconstruction workflow. Moreover, the current study demonstrates for the first time that MT plays an important role in the simulation-based quantitative MR studies and points out the necessity of incorporating the study of MT in future techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deepwater sculpin are important in oligotrophic lakes as one of the few fishes that use deep profundal habitats and link invertebrates in those habitats to piscivores. In Lake Ontario the species was once abundant, however drastic declines in the mid-1900s led some to suggest the species had been extirpated and ultimately led Canadian and U.S. agencies to elevate the species' conservation status. Following two decades of surveys with no captures, deepwater sculpin were first caught in low numbers in 1996 and by the early 2000s there were indications of population recovery. We updated the status of Lake Ontario deepwater sculpin through 2016 to inform resource management and conservation. Our data set was comprised of 8431 bottom trawls sampled from 1996 to 2016, in U.S. and Canadian waters spanning depths from 5 to 225 m. Annual density estimates generally increased from 1996 through 2016, and an exponential model estimated the rate of population increase was ~ 59% per year. The mean total length and the proportion of fish greater than the estimated length at maturation (~ 116 mm) generally increased until a peak in 2013. In addition, the mean length of all deepwater sculpin captured in a trawl significantly increased with depth. Across all years examined, deepwater sculpin densities generally increased with depth, increasing sharply at depths > 150 m. Bottom trawl observations suggest the Lake Ontario deepwater sculpin population has recovered and current densities and biomass densities may now be similar to the other Great Lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two auditory lexical decision tasks explore the role of case form (citation or oblique) and the type of inflection (overt or zero). In native speakers, the study reports an additional processing cost for both overtly and zero-inflected oblique-case nouns compared to the same nouns in the citation form. It is interpreted as the cost of checking the recomposed word within the inflectional paradigm rather than the cost of affix stripping, because there is no affix to strip in zero-inflected words. Conversely, nonnative speakers of Russian in Experiment 1 do not show additional processing costs either for case form or inflection type, which suggests that they do not process the morphological information encoded in the inflection. In Experiment 2, we add a new manipulation to the nonword condition such that the nonwords illegally combine real stems and real inflections to emphasize the need for processing the inflection. This time, nonnative speakers show additional processing costs for oblique-case nouns, and their sensitivity to case increases with proficiency, with only high-proficiency nonnative speakers demonstrating native-like sensitivity. We show that citation forms are processed faster than oblique forms regardless of inflection, and that nonnative speakers’ engagement of morphological information is task and proficiency-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of ethoxyresorufin to the fluorescent product resorufin by the enzyme ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase (EROD) enables researchers to rapidly measure the upregulation of this protein in response to exposure to a range of organic contaminants e.g. PAH, PCBs. The EROD activity assay has been widely used to examine the effects of such pollutants on fish taxa in both laboratory and field studies. This review is intended to provide fundamental information for researchers using this EROD activity as an endpoint, including methods used in the assay, the species studied to date, the background EROD levels which would be expected for these species and when available, the EROD activity induction potential for these species. While the focus in on Australian studies, many species listed in this review have a worldwide distribution and the information presented may be extend to other bioindicator fish species. Common shortfalls in the published literature leads to recommendations: it is recommended to have multiple laboratory control or field reference groups as basal EROD activity might vary with biotic and/or abiotic factors. The use of native species over introduced species offers no advantages, with EROD activity induction potential (x-fold) being similar for native or introduced fish species. Similarly, in laboratory studies, EROD activity induction potential is comparable for lab/hatchery-reared fish to the activity observed in field-caught animals. Because EROD activity is often reported to reduce at high concentrations of toxicants, laboratory studies should use a carefully considered range of contaminant concentrations rather than a single exposure concentration, as a single exposure concentration may be on the decreasing side of the response curve. The measurement of serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in conjunction with EROD activity is recommended to insure liver functions are not jeopardized by high contaminant levels. In field studies, and depending on the variability observed in EROD activity within a given fish species, a number of 8–13 non-reproductively active fish, preferably of similar age and sex, per site is recommended to improve the chances of detecting a significant difference in EROD activity, if one does exist. Finally, an inter-continental comparison of EROD activity induction potential (expressed as x-fold relative to a control or reference group) suggests that highly inducible species can be found on all continents, with reported EROD activity induction as high as 135-fold in exposed groups but more commonly less than 5-fold relative to laboratory control or field reference groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of temperature in marine coastal ecosystems due to atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions is becoming an increasing threat for biodiversity worldwide, and may affect organisms' biochemical performance, often resulting in biogeographical shifts of species distribution. At the same time, the introduction of non-native species into aquatic systems also threatens biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Oysters are among the most valuable socio economic group of bivalve species in global fishery landings, and also provide numerous ecosystem services. However, the introduction of non-native oyster species, namely Crassostrea gigas for aquaculture purposes may threaten native oyster species, mainly by out competing their native congeners. It is therefore of upmost importance to understand physiological and biochemical responses of native and introduced oyster species in a scenario of global temperature rise, in order to provide knowledge that may allow for better species management. Hence, we compared biochemical alterations of the introduced C. gigas and the native Crassostrea brasiliana , the most important oyster species in Brazil, in response to different thermal regimes for 28 days (24, 28 and 32 °C). For this, metabolism (ETS), energy content (GLY), antioxidant system (SOD, CAT and GSH/GSSG) and cellular damage (LPO) were assessed in adult and juvenile specimens of both species. Juvenile C. gigas were the most affected by increased temperatures, presenting higher mortality, more pronounced antioxidant response (SOD), whereas adults were more tolerant than juveniles, showing no mortality, no significant changes in antioxidant enzymes activity neither energy expenditure. Native C. brasiliana juveniles presented lower mortality and less pronounced biochemical alterations were noted at higher temperature comparing to non-native C. gigas juveniles. Adult C. brasiliana were the least responsive to tested temperatures. Results obtained in this study bring interesting new insights on different oyster species life stages' physiological and biochemical tolerance towards thermal stress. The native species C. brasiliana showed ability to maintain biochemical performance at higher temperatures, with less pronounced biochemical changes than the non-native species. The introduced ( C. gigas ) showed to be more sensitive, presenting biochemical alterations to cope with the increase of temperature. Despite the lower observed fitness of the introduced species to temperatures closer to those naturally experienced by the native species, the ability of C. gigas to cope with higher temperatures should still raise concerns towards the native species C. brasiliana management and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G and V-type nerve agents represent the most toxic chemical warfare agents. Their primary toxicity was the consequence of the covalent inhibition of the pivotal acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which induces overstimulation of cholinergic receptors and overaccumulation of cholines, eventually leading to death by respiratory arrest. The inhibitory and reactivation kinetics of cholinesterase (ChE) are essential for the toxicology and countermeasures of nerve agents. Medical defensive research on V-type nerve agents (V agents) has been mainly reported on VX and VR. Here we demonstrated the first systematical kinetic analysis between the type of ChE [native or recombinant human AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)] and three V agents, including VX, VR, and Vs, another isomer of VX, and highlighted the effects of native and recombinant ChE differences. The spontaneous reactivation and aging kinetics data of Vs-inhibited BChEs were firstly reported here. The results showed that AChE was more easily inhibited by three V agent compared to BChE, regardless of whether it is native or recombinant. The increased inhibitory potency order on AChE was VX, Vs, then VR, and on BChE was VX, then Vs and VR. The difference between native and recombinant ChE could influence the inhibition, aging, and spontaneous reactivation kinetics of three V agents, whether AChE or BChE, which was systematically revealed for the first time. For inhibition kinetics, the k i of three V agents for recombinant AChE was significantly higher than native AChE, and the stronger the inhibitory potency of V agents, the more pronounced difference in k i. In terms of aging and spontaneous reactivation kinetics, recombinant ChE was found to be more prone to spontaneous reactivation, but more resistant to aging compared to native ChE, particularly for AChE. The performed covalent molecular docking results partially explained the effects of differences between native and recombinant ChE on enzyme kinetics from the perspective of binding energy and conformation. • First kinetic analysis and molecular docking between four ChE and VX, Vs, and VR. • Recombinant ChE was more sensitive to V-type nerve agents than native ChE. • Recombinant ChE was prone to spontaneous reactivation but more resistant to aging. • Binding energy and covalent conformation contribute to the partial difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private gardens comprise a large proportion of urban green space and can contain diverse and structurally complex vegetation, typically dominated by exotic species, but potentially providing resources for a diverse invertebrate fauna. We determined how much beetle diversity and community structure were influenced by vegetation composition and structure, native vegetation, garden land covers, and proximity and extent of neighbourhood green spaces in 55 gardens in Dunedin, New Zealand. We recorded 164 species from 29 families after 10 days of pitfall trapping; 68% native, 15% exotic. Beetle diversity exceeded that reported in other less modified New Zealand habitats, possibly due to high habitat heterogeneity at the scale of the garden but also the variety of habitats present at a larger scale but separated by relatively short distances within this small city and across a short altitudinal gradient, from sea level to sub-alpine environments. Number of shrubs (2–5 m), woody plant density, and area of lawn and hedge influenced beetle richness, diversity and community structure, but explained <30% of variation between gardens. We found no effect of mean diversity of herbaceous vegetation in bed use, mowing and composting on diversity or community structure. Proximity to green space, woody plant diversity and vegetation structural complexity influenced beetle community composition, but correlations were weak. Although only 17% of all woody plants were native, most beetle species were native. With the exception of gardens that had very little vegetation, landscaping choices appeared to have little effect on beetle diversity and assemblage composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime transport and shipping are impacted negatively by biofouling, which can result in increased fuel consumption. Thus, costs for fouling reduction can be considered an investment to reduce fuel consumption. Anti-fouling measures also reduce the rate of introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS). Further mitigation measures to reduce the transport of NIS within ballast water and sediments impose additional costs. The estimated operational cost of NIS mitigation measures may represent between 1.6% and 4% of the annual operational cost for a ship operating on European seas, with the higher proportional costs in small ships. However, fouling by NIS may affect fuel consumption more than fouling by native species due to differences in species’ life-history traits and their resistance to antifouling coatings and pollution. Therefore, it is possible that the cost of NIS mitigation measures could be smaller than the cost from higher fuel consumption arising from fouling by NIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is debate over the native or exotic status of Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) in South Africa, which has important implications for developing and implementing management strategies. The aim of this study was to determine if M. spicatum was recently introduced from Eurasia by reconstructing the genetic relationships between South African and Eurasian M. spicatum using both a nuclear ribosomal (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-26S) and a chloroplast intron (trnQ-rps16) sequence from 40 populations. For both these DNA markers, the South African populations were distinct from Eurasian populations, but always stemmed from a European origin. The data suggest that South African and European M. spicatum share a common ancestor, however the divergence of both markers are characteristic of a long period of isolation rather than a recent introduction from Europe. The genetic data from this study suggest that M. spicatum has not been introduced recently, but is most likely a native component of the South African flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first International Conference on Urban Tree Diversity hosted in June 2014 by the Swedish University of Agricultural Science in Alnarp, Sweden highlighted the need for a better understanding of the current state of urban tree diversity. Here we present and discuss a selection of urban tree diversity themes with the intention of developing and sharing knowledge in a research area that is gaining momentum. We begin by discussing the specific role of species diversity in ecosystem service provision and ecosystem stability. This is followed by exploring the urban conditions that affect species richness. Having determined that many ecosystem services depend on urban tree species diversity and that urban environments are capable of supporting high species diversity, we conclude by addressing how to govern for urban tree diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study that investigated issues involved with the teaching of features of spoken English, sometimes called spoken grammar, including the use of vague language, placeholders, lexico-grammatical units and ellipsis. Materials focussing on four spoken features were prepared and presented over a period of two months to 19 students aged 18 to 20 preparing to enter a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. Of these students, nine were female and 10 male. It was found that although some initial uptake of these features was evident at the time of the post-test, little had been maintained by the time of the delayed post-test three weeks later. During focus group interviews, students attributed this attrition to the fact that spoken grammar norms conflicted with their own sense of identity, making them feel “fake”, “artificial” and “embarrassed”. The dilemma regarding the perceived pedagogical need to teach “natural” English by native speaker norms, versus students’ need to adopt features with which they feel comfortable according to their own sense of identity is discussed. It is suggested that teaching spoken grammar should be seen as offering learners choices which they are free to adopt or not according to their own identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spinach and marigold flower meals, colouring alternatives in organic egg production. • Dose-dependent variable lutein/zeaxanthin ratios in egg yolk indicate interactions. • Higher carotenoid transfer for spinach/marigold mixture vs. conventional source. In organic table egg production, saponified extracts of carotenoids are not allowed to intensify egg yolk colour. Therefore, we investigated the suitability of organically produced marigold flower meal (Tagetes erectus , TE) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea , SO) as carotenoid sources (mixture of 25% TE and 75% SO) to reach values of 9–10 'Roche Yolk Colour Fan' units (RYCF units). Feeding a completely unsupplemented control diet resulted in a yolk colour of 4.7 RYCF units, a total supply of 11.1 g/kg, 14.6 g/kg and 17.5 g/kg of TE and SO as stand-alone carotenoid sources induced a significant increase to 8.0, 8.2 and 8.9 RYCF units. Under 'winter-feeding conditions', i.e. minimal carotenoid supply in the diet, 17.5 g/kg TE and SO resulted in 9.3 ± 0.7 RYCF units. It can be concluded that supplementing TE and SO is suitable to improve the yolk colour in organically produced table eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-mean-square-deviation (RMSD), of computationally-derived protein structures from experimentally determined structures, is a critical index to assessing protein-structure-prediction-algorithms (PSPAs). The development of PSPAs to obtain 0 Å RMSD from native structures is considered central to computational biology. However, till date it has been quite challenging to measure how far a predicted protein structure is from its native — in the absence of a known experimental/native structure. In this work, we report the development of a metric “D2N” (distance to the native) — that predicts the “RMSD” of any structure without actually knowing the native structure. By combining physico-chemical properties and known universalities in spatial organization of soluble proteins to develop D2N, we demonstrate the ability to predict the distance of a proposed structure to within ± 1.5 Ǻ error with a remarkable average accuracy of 93.6% for structures below 5 Ǻ from the native. We believe that this work opens up a completely new avenue towards assigning reliable structures to whole proteomes even in the absence of experimentally determined native structures. The D2N tool is freely available at http://www.scfbio-iitd.res.in/software/d2n.jsp . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Denaturation of native celluloses by exposure to elevated temperatures. [•] Reduced accessibility of celluloses as a result of elevated temperatures. [•] Reduced accessibility to deuterium oxide. [•] Reduced accessibility to enzymes. [•] Reduced accessibility to reagents and stains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Native grasses are excellent candidate species for manipulation to produce dwarf and turf type varieties as well as for producing cultivars with higher attractiveness and requiring less maintenance to be used as a turf grass in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This investigation was conducted to explore visual qualities of native grasses and their mixtures compared to commercial turf. The field experiment was set out in a split-plot in time based on a randomized experimental design with three replications. We used two native monoculture accessions, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ‘Yarand’) and (Lolium perenne L. ‘Shadegan’), Native low-variety Mixture (NM1): consisting of 50% Lolium multiflorum ‘Shadegan’‚ 50% Festuca spp. ‘Shadegan’, Native high-variety Mixture (NM2): consisting of 55% Lolium perenne L. ‘Yarand’‚ 35% Lolium perenne L. ‘Shadegan’‚ 5% L. multiflorum ‘Shadegan’ and 5% Festuca spp. ‘Shadegan’ and compared this with one commercial turf mixture that is commonly used in landscaping. Results indicated the effects of seasons and turf grass types and their interaction had significant effects on most variables including quality, season color, leaf texture, density, quality after clipping (p <0.01). The visual quality measurements indicated the superiority of L. perenne ‘Shadegan’ over other native monoculture and polyculture and its ablility to compete with the commercial turf. The native turf mixture of NM2 showed several good characteristics. L. perenne ‘Yarand’ had statistically the lowest score for visual appeal as compared with the other turf types. This research suggests that the use of native grass species of L. perenne ‘Shadegan’ is worth investigating for better performance of the native landscape. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In several estuaries or lagoons of Europe the introduced Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum has supplanted the native grooved carpet shell clam Ruditapes decussatus by occupying almost entirely its ecological niche and relegating it to restricted areas. However, it is not clear if the nonindigenous clam is the one directly responsible for these predominance patterns. Within this context, the main goal of the present study was to analyze the competitive interaction between the nonindigenous Manila clam and the native carpet shell clam to determine whether this interaction could impact directly growth and mortality of the native clam populations. The effect of exposure to predators on both species was also examined. For this purpose, between May 2010 and May 2011 a field experiment was conducted on an intertidal area in the Bay of Santander (N Spain) where both species coexist without an extreme predominance of the introduced species. Relative density of clam species was manipulated in a randomized block experimental design. The results obtained show that (i) the increased density of Manila clam simulating species expansion scenario does not affect growth or mortality of the native clam; and (ii) for densities of Manila clam substantially higher than observed in the field, predation plays an essential role in regulating both species populations, limiting their density increase. Moreover, Manila clam appears to be more negatively impacted by predation compared to the native clam. Overall, our results indicate that predation has a more significant effect on both populations when compared to competitive interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cultured and native brown mussels (Perna perna Linnaeus 1758) were used to evaluate the contamination by PAHs in the SE Brazilian coastal zone. Mean concentrations of total PAH (38 parental and alkylated compounds) and cluster analysis revealed that: (i) mussel farms (32.7–70.1ngg−1) are located in uncontaminated areas; (ii) coastal rockyshore areas (89.7±25.8ngg−1) have low level of contamination; and (iii) the Guanabara Bay (760.9±456.3ngg−1) is chronically contaminated by hydrocarbons, which is consistent with previous results. PAH profiles and diagnostic ratios suggested mixed petrogenic and pyrolitic sources for group (ii) and petrogenic sources for group (iii). The levels of PAH in the cultured and native mussels are below threshold values for safe food, even in Guanabara Bay, and thus in such cases other contaminants and pathogens should be considered in order to evaluate the quality of shellfish for human consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of boiling on the concentrations of total and individual carotenoids was determined by spectrophotometry and HPLC, in a group of native Andean potato accessions with diverse intensities of yellow flesh colours. Changes in concentrations due to boiling varied significantly among accessions. Boiling significantly reduced the violaxanthin and antheraxanthin concentration of all the accessions. However, the lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations of boiled tubers were not affected or were higher than the concentrations in raw tubers. The intermediate yellow fleshed accession 701862 showed the highest lutein concentration (above 200μg/100g, FW) and the deep yellow fleshed accession 704218 showed the highest concentration of zeaxanthin (above 1000μg/100g, FW) in raw and boiled tubers. Boiled potatoes of deep yellow fleshed varieties are a significant source of zeaxanthin (above 500μg per 100g fresh weight basis). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated the differential responses of invasive alien Lemna minuta and native Lemna minor to nutrient loading as well as the mechanism of competition between the species. The role of nutrients, species identity, species influence in determining the outcome of competition between the species was estimated using the Relative Growth Rate Difference (RGRD) model. The two species differed in their response to nutrient loading. The native L. minor responded indifferently to nutrient loading. The species Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was 0.10d−1, 0.11d−1 and 0.09d−1 in high, medium and low nutrients, respectively. On the other hand, the invasive L. minuta responded opportunistically to high nutrient availability and had an RGR of 0.13d−1, 0.10d−1 and 0.08d−1 in high, medium and low nutrients, respectively. As a result, the invasive species was dominant in high nutrient availability but lost to the native species at low nutrient availability. The invader formed approximately 60% and less than 50% of the stand final total dry biomass in high and low nutrient availability, respectively. Species RGR were reduced by both intra- and interspecific competition but intraspecific effects were stronger than interspecific effects. On the overall, the species significantly differed in their constant RGR. These differences in RGR between the species (species identity) and the differential response to nutrient loading were the main determinant of change in final biomass composition of these species in mixture. Species influence (competition) only had a small influence on the outcome of competition between the species. The observed species response to nutrient loading could be targeted in management of the invasive species. Lowering nutrients can be proposed to reduce the impact of the invasive L. minuta. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Hawaii, blooms of native and non-native macroalgae (limu) have become increasingly problematic in recent decades. Although the role of human vectors in introducing non-native macroalgae is well documented, the ecological role of nutrient pollution in facilitating blooms of these species is not. This study assessed the effects of stormwater discharges on the diversity, abundance, and nutrient content (C, N, P and δ15N) of native and non-native limu at three sites in the intertidal zone at Ewa Beach, O’ahu. The results showed that native limu species diversity and abundance decreased with proximity to a stormwater outfall (ASWO), whereas non-native species abundance increased. Limu tissue δ15N values at all three sites were within the range reported for sewage N. δ15N, %N, and N:P ratios all increased with proximity to the ASWO, supporting the hypothesis that stormwater was a primary source of N enrichment in the study area. In contrast to N, limu %P showed little change among the sites, suggesting that the generally high N:P ratios, indicative of P-limitation, resulted from high N:P ratios from the upland watershed. Abundance and tissue %N of the non-native rhodophyte Acanthophora spicifera increased with proximity to the ASWO and were strongly correlated (r 2 =0.94) compared to native rhodophytes, indicating that stormwater N enrichment provided this invader a competitive advantage (lower C:N ratio) over native limu. These results indicate that the spread of non-native macroalgae in oligotrophic coral reef regions can be facilitated by anthropogenic nutrients in stormwater runoff, thereby threatening native species and ecosystem services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bordetella pertussis pertactin (Prn) is an important attachment factor and protective immunogen, which serves as a component in most acellular pertussis vaccines (APVs). Here, we over-expressed recombinant Prn (r-Prn) without an affinity tag using an Escherichia coli expression system. Compared to the native Prn (n-Prn) from B. pertussis, the recombinant protein showed a comparable reactivity in Western blotting and ELISA as well as a similar structure as analyzed by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography. Furthermore, parenteral immunization of mice with native or r-Prn produced a similar increase in serum anti-Prn antibodies and similar protective activity following aerosol challenge. Our results indicate that the recombinant protein approach may be useful for developing a potential component of APVs as well as an antigen material which can be used in both clinical epidemiological evaluation and laboratory vaccine evaluation studies. Moreover, these studies also provide further evidence for the role of Prn in pertussis immunity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strategies have been suggested by many conservationists to conserve biodiversity at regional, national and global levels. However, conservation strategies developed in the past were mostly based on qualitative attributes or one or two attributes. In the Himalayan region biodiversity varies from aspect to aspect, habitat to habitat and community to community therefore, location specific studies are required for its conservation and management. In the present study an approach has been developed to prioritise species at local level using six conservation attributes. Threat categorisation of the floristic diversity was undertaken based on Conservation Priority Index. Of the total 637 species of vascular plants recorded, 10 species were categorised as critically endangered; 15 species as endangered and 31 species as vulnerable. Two species as critically endangered, seven species as endangered and three species as vulnerable according to IUCN have been also recorded which indicated the importance of the sanctuary. Maximum threatened species were found in altitudinal zones 2000–2800m and sites dominated by Betula utilis and Rhododendron campanulatum in forest and alpine zones, respectively. The two factors of over exploitation and habitat degradation have been identified as major threats to the floristic diversity. Therefore, monitoring of population and habitats, development of conventional protocol; establishment of species in-situ conditions and akin habitats and replication of this approach in other parts of Indian Himalayan Region have been suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examines ESL tutoring openings and closings. The data come from real-time dialogues involving tutors who are native speakers of American English and students who are in the process of improving their communication skills in English. Drawing on the method of conversation analysis, the study explores on a turn-by-turn basis the coordination of speech, gaze, and body orientation during the course of the participants’ tutorial interaction. Specifically, it analyzes the extent to which participants’ vocal and nonvocal actions contribute to the co-construction of ESL tutorial discourse as a collaborative activity. The study has implications for the native–nonnative dichotomy in second language discourse and for the notion of interactional asymmetry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In our previous studies, Abrus agglutinin showed non-specific immunostimulatory activity both native (NA) and heat-denatured (HDA) condition in mouse model. The present study was investigated to decipher the specific immune response towards B and T cell by NA and HDA. It was observed that the proliferation index for NA and HDA of stimulated B cells are 1.35 and 1.41 respectively and on the other hand, T cell proliferation index for NA and HDA are 1.67 and 1.54 respectively. At the same time, expression of surface and activation marker for B and T cells was significantly different compared to control as quantified by flow cytometry. But the expression of co-stimulatory markers (CD 80 and CD 86) was not significantly different and NA and HDA in immunized splenocytes with Dalton''s lymphoma antigen induced antibodies titer 4.37 and 4.2 times more than control. This study indicates Abrus agglutinin (NA and HDA) acts as a B cell and T cell stimulator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: No consensus has been reached by previous studies on the impact of immigration on the earnings of natives. Using data from the Australia''s 2001 Census of Population and Housing an individual-level earnings function is estimated by including the fraction of immigrants in a given skill group relative to total employment in that skill group as one of the independent variables. Using employees’ occupation and level of education as proxies for skill, the results indicate that generally immigrants have a significant positive effect on earnings of natives. The overall findings suggest that the increase in supply of labour due to immigration is offset by higher demand for labour and hence positive effect on native earnings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Study compares two 3D printing approaches and different electrode surfaces. • Electrochemical pre-treatment is required to enhance 3D printing electrodes. • Mechanical polishing enhanced 3D pen made electrodes. • For analytical sensing 3D printer and pen made electrodes have niche applications. • Study shows how 3D printed electrodes should be made to enhance analytical sensing. 3D printing is a useful and novel approach towards the manufacturing of electrochemical sensors, due to the ability to make electrodes in any geometry. Electrodes made using 3D printers and pens are seldom used as printed. Most commonly, the electrode surface is polished prior to use. We explored the performance of electrochemically pretreated native (where the surface structure of the printed part was not altered) or mechanically polished electrode surfaces made using two different 3D printing manufacturing approaches. Using a 3D printer and pen, electrodes were made using carbon black/polylactic acid (CB/PLA) filament. Post printing, electrodes were used either as printed or following mechanical polishing. Native electrodes made using the printer had a greater response to inner and outer sphere redox probes, enhanced sensitivity, and greater recovery from dopamine fouling than polished printer made electrodes. This trend was completely reserved in pen made electrodes where the performance of polished electrodes was far greater than that of native electrodes. Native electrodes made using the printer were comparable to polished electrodes made using the pen. These results highlight the influence of printing manufacturing approach and electrode preparation to achieve enhanced analytical measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological connectivity is known to determine biodiversity patterns across large river floodplains, but it is often greatly altered by human activities. Indicators and predictors of the response of river alteration or restoration are therefore needed. Recent papers suggested that fish environmental guilds – based on species flow preferences – could be used as a tool to assess ecological status of rivers. In the Loire floodplain, we described fish assemblages across the floodplain at the onset of the dry season and we determined whether observed spatial patterns could be related to environmental variables, especially connectivity. Based on specific composition of 46 electrofished waterbodies, a hierarchical typology of the Loire floodplain assemblages was built using self-organizing maps. Each assemblage of the typology was characterized by a set of species using the indicator value method. These species sets and the composition of the assemblages revealed a gradient of flow preferences in the different assemblages identified. A stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the most important variable determining assemblage composition was the hydrological connectivity. Finally, the conclusion was made that a high connectivity level is needed to conserve native fish diversity in the Loire floodplain, notably because the number of protected and native species increased with connectivity, and because the number of exotic species increased with isolation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A good way to check hypotheses explaining the invasion of ecosystems by exotic plants is to compare alien and native congeneric species. To test the hypothesis that invasive alien plants are more competitive than natives, we designed a replacement series experiment to evaluate interspecific competition between three Senecio species representing the same bushy life form: two alien species (S. inaequidens and S. pterophorus, both from South Africa) and a native species from the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula and Maghreb (S. malacitanus). While S. inaequidens is widespread throughout western Europe and is expanding towards the south of Spanish–French border, the geographical distribution of the recently introduced S. pterophorus is still limited to north-eastern Spain. Plants from each species were grown in pure and in mixed cultures with one of their congeners, and water availability was manipulated to evaluate the effects of water stress on competitive abilities. Our results show that the alien S. inaequidens is the most competitive species for all water conditions. The native S. malacitanus is more competitive that the alien S. pterophorus in water stress conditions, but this situation is reversed when water availability is not limiting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Increased levels of glycated, Amadori-modified albumin are a risk factor for diabetic vascular disorders. Glycated albumin binds to specific receptors and induces cellular signaling pathways, the complexity of which is largely unknown. Binding of glycated albumin to MonoMac 6 cells leads to an activation of MAPK p44/42 (ERK1/2) and p38 with subsequent translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus. The activation of MAPK is in part mediated by protein kinase C activation, but a PKC-independent pathway via MEK-1 is also involved. Protein tyrosine kinases do not play a role in the activation of NF-κB. The results may have pathophysiological significance, because the MonoMac 6 cell line is not greatly different from blood monocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Revegetation is an essential component of roadside and building site construction and improvement. In the southern United States, non-native grass species are frequently included in revegetation seed mixes used by highway authorities. Non-native species are frequently selected for aggressive growth characteristics; however, these same traits also render them potentially invasive, and subsequently hazardous to adjacent plant communities. Although the use of pure native seed mixes has been rejected in the past due to perceived inferior establishment characteristics, there have been few comparative quantitative field studies that justify this belief. The establishment characteristics of three seed mixes—one containing non-native species and two with native grass and forb species only—were compared in a randomized-block design along a Texas roadside following spring and summer sowing. After 60 days following the spring sowing, the two native-only seed mixes demonstrated 180 and 560% (F =10.18; P <0.0001) higher seed densities than the recommended native/non-native mix. The summer sowing results were similar with seedling densities 180 and 330% (F =9.20; P <0.01) greater than the standard non-native seeding. Although an aggressive colonizer from vegetative tissue such as stolons and rhizomes, the non-native Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) had a lower than expected establishment rate thought to be due to high water demand during the first week following sowing. Given the invasive characteristics of this common component of many recommended revegetation seed mixes, these results call into question the widespread recommended use of Bermudagrass for such projects. Although gathered during 1 year only, these data indicate that examination of suites of early- and late-successional native species can provide a highly effective mix for revegetation projects. Furthermore, this reduces the potential for negative ecological consequences and provides added benefits associated with wholly native plant communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to extensive land clearing in northeastern Mexico, there is an increasing need for restoration for which knowledge on plant establishment biology becomes a priority, for restoration practices. In here we tested the influence of current environmental variation on the establishment biology of common woody species from Tamaulipan thornscrub. Seedling establishment was monitored; four native species (Acacia berlandieri Benth., Ebenopsis ebano (Benth.) Coult, Havardia pallens (Benth.) Brintton and Rose, Prosopis laevigata (Humb & Bonpl. ex. Wild.) M.C. Johston), and one exotic species (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit). Seedling emergence, seedling survivorship, length of stems and number of leaves were evaluated over 1 year in environments with different light regimes: (i) dense thornscrub; (ii) thornscrub edge; (iii) cleared thornscrub (direct sunlight). Ten plots of 4m2 (2m×2m) were sampled in each environment. Seedling emergence occurred on spring and late summer and was greater on dense thornscrub for all species. Native species had higher survivorship and growth and had more leaves in dense thornscrub than in other environments. Exotic L. leucocephala had similar survivorship, shoot length and number of leaves across environments. All seedlings from all species died by late spring, possibly due to environmental stress. Seedling survival was longer for all native plants, as there were surviving seedlings in early spring for all species but not of exotic L. leucocephala. Perhaps mainly as a result of high temperature and low humidity. Additional watering, shading and moisture retaining gels should thus be considered when rehabilitation programs are made with seeds and seedlings in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

State-imposed borders inform socio-spatial identities, often encouraging divergent identities for those living of different sides of the border. However, these identities may be discursively appropriated by the groups affected by the borders, in order to manage their relations with the state. We describe how one group of aboriginal people in the Russian Far North forged a common identity based on evasion of state institutions in the 1930–1950s. This group, once articulated with state institutions and divided by the enforcement of a provincial/republican border, developed two socio-spatial identities––and employed these identities as counterhegemonic tactics to state pressures over their lifeways. As types of pressures change, the affordances that the borders provide also change, as evident in the shifting discourses of difference and similitude. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus have been introduced into many countries and have become cosmopolitan exotic species. However, only a few studies show their impact on introduced communities. To investigate their impact, we performed natural snapshot experiments in 15 farm ponds in Saitama prefecture, eastern Japan. We selected 10 and 5 small ponds in similar environmental conditions, but with and without exotics, respectively. The numbers of fish, crustaceans, and nymphal odonates were smaller in ponds where exotics were found and some species were considered to be locally extinct in several ponds. On the other hand, the numbers of benthic organisms, i.e. tadpoles, chironomids, chaoborids, and Oligochaeta were more abundant in ponds with exotics. These two groups of organisms were separated clearly on the first axis of DCA, which indicats that this difference was mainly induced by bass predation. This result suggests a trophic cascade in which top-down effects induced by exotics propagated to fish, crustaceans, and nymphal odonates directly and to some benthic organisms indirectly. Therefore, when one is to conserve native organisms, attention should be paid not only to direct negative effects, but also to indirect effects propagating to various trophic levels. Because farm ponds are typical Japanese small lentic systems having rich biodiversities and bass and bluegill have been shown to change farm pond communities widely, conservational treatments including eradication of exotic fish should be conducted immediately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Even though access is still unreliable and under-supported, tribal councils and reservation schools are embracing digital technology with relative enthusiasm. Three main patterns of technology use emerge: (1) technology for communications and information-sharing is widely used at the tribal government level; (2) multimedia and presentational technologies are favored in tribal schools or small public schools with Indian majorities; and (3) stand-alone computer drills are exploited in large public schools with non-Indian student majorities. Despite the different patterns of use in these different contexts, most support a common agenda: to support Native ways of knowing and interacting in the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Proteins of deoiled meal and alkali-extracted concentrate of tomato seeds were classified by successive extractions with sodium chloride (0.5 M), aqueous ethanol (70%) and acetic acid (0.05 M) into albumin, globulin, gliadin and glutenin. The globulin was the major protein in both meal and alkali-extracted concentrate. Native and sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of various fractions of seed meal and alkali extracted concentrate revealed that the proteins were made up of sub-units of lower molecular weights. It also indicated that different solvents extracted proteins having different molecular weights. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Maqui fruit is recognized for their antioxidant properties for the industry. • Maqui fruit is a product with an increased demand and sustainability risk production. • The canopy management by pruning cut affect the growth and fruit production in maqui. The demand for bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical industry has increased dramatically in the last decade. Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins, are commonly present in many plants. These compounds, which act as antioxidants, have attracted much attention due to their beneficial health properties. Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) fruits have the highest content of total polyphenols in comparison with other berries with medicinal properties. This review summarizes up-to-date production management research on maqui, with emphasis on resource sustainability. Scientific community has focused on the study of chemical characteristics and properties of maqui and their medicinal use. However, there are few studies on maqui production, harvest, and protection of maqui wild populations. Yield increases have been reported when pruning maqui trees, either by formation or production pruning. However, timing and intensity of pruning has neither been defined nor implemented in wild plants. An adequate canopy management plan would allow optimal light interception and distribution to increase productivity and facilitate harvest in wild stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analyzed breeds have distinct genetic profiles with clear signs of admixture. • Świniarka breed is characterized by low N e and high level of genomic inbreeding. • The most pronounced selection signal was at RXFP2 gene responsible for horn size/type in sheep. Since their domestication, sheep breeds have been a subject of artificial selection directed towards production of wool, meat and milk as well as natural selection associated with regional climates and nutritional conditions. These selection pressures created a large diversity of sheep breeds and the opportunity to study their genetic differentiation. Despite the existence of several studies on genetic variation and selection signatures in sheep, information on the genetic background and variability of local sheep populations, especially on a genome wide-level, is still incomplete. This is mostly due to the large number of local sheep breeds and populations in existence. Several of these populations are under conservative breeding because of their largely primitive character, which is not suitable for the modern intensive animal production. In this study we analysed population parameters and quantified genetic differentiation among seven Polish conserved sheep breeds or local sheep populations, namely: Black-headed (BH; n=104), Polish Merino of coloured variety (MPC; n=59), 'Old type' Merino (MPOT; n=50), Polish Mountain Sheep (PMS; n=103), Świniarka (SW; n=100), Uhruska (UHR; n=69) and Wrzosówka (WRZ; n=90). The breeds represent mainly multipurpose production type with the emphasize on meat, wool and skin. Based on the data from OvineSNP50 BeadChip array (Illumina), we found that the genetic structures of the populations are not heavily affected, despite the bottlenecks in their recent breeding history. The only exception seems to be the SW breed in which we found very low effective population size (30.7) and high level of genomic inbreeding (17% as shown by F ROH). Average MAF across breeds was high and ranged from 0.285 in MPC to 0.297 in PMS. The average observed heterozygosity per breed ranged from 0.378 in SW to 0.398 in UHR. The admixture patterns analysis showed that the analysed breeds have distinct genetic profiles with clear signs of common origin and admixture, similar to other worldwide sheep populations. By using F ST statistics we also identified loci of the genome with the strongest divergence between the analysed breeds, presumably responsible for the fixed genetic differences among them which were created by artificial selection. The most pronounced of these results was selection signal at the locus of RXFP2 gene which is responsible for horn size/type in sheep. This analysis also allowed for genomic localization of genetic differences between the analysed breeds, providing a basis for further studies aimed at identification of sources of genetic variation in these sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Festuca rubra , a Eurasian grass, suppressed the growth of North American oaks. • Eurasian oaks grew better planted among F. rubra than among North American grasses. • Suppressive effect of F. rubra on native oak seedling growth not explained by shading. • Belowground mechanisms may instead explain recruitment failure of North American oaks. In eastern North America, the recruitment of native oak species appears to be often low or absent in the presence of Festuca rubra var. rubra , a Eurasian grass. If competitive and allelopathic effects are lowest when plant species share a geographic co-evolutionary history, then oaks may instead grow best in a cover of grasses with which they share a common ancestral habitat. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the impact of F. rubra versus North American native grass (Andropogon gerardii and Elymus virginicus) monocultures on the first two years of growth of North American native oak (Quercus alba , Q. rubra, and Q. macrocarpa) and non-native oak (Q. acutissima , Q. cerris, and Q. robur) seedlings in a field experiment. We predicted the native oaks would grow better among the native grasses than among F. rubra , and that the opposite response would be observed for the non-native oaks. Based on the total biomass data from the second growing season, there was partial support for our prediction, with all three Eurasian oaks growing best among F. rubra , and two out of the three native oaks growing best among the native grass A. gerardii (Q. alba grew poorly among all grass species, possibly due to the suboptimal soil pH for this species). E. virginicus was an exception, in that all oaks grew poorly in its presence, with the exception of Q. robur. Although several of the observed responses could be explained by seasonal variation in the shading effects of the different grass species, the suppressive effect of F. rubra on the growth of native oak seedlings was not explained by shading, which suggests that belowground mechanisms may play an important role in the recruitment failure of North American oaks grown in the presence of this Eurasian grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]