Jenkinson Kate A, and Naughton Geraldine, and Benson Amanda C

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Implementing new initiatives and physical activity interventions in schools represents a myriad of challenges that if overcome can potentially facilitate a range of behavioural changes. The aim of this paper is to describe the process evaluation of specific design constructs used in the GLAMA (Girls! Lead! Achieve! Mentor! Activate!) peer leadership and physical activity pilot project. Conducted in a state secondary school in Australia, the intervention was d...

Cooksey Keith E, and Berglund Deborah, and Wigglesworth-Cooksey Barbara

<p/> <p>Most wetted surfaces that are illuminated support a population of phototrophs. The marine sediment is no exception and there the major component of the microphytobenthic population is diatoms. These organisms are credited with stabilizing the sediment against physical disturbance by virtue of the extracellular carbohydrate polymers that they elaborate. However, diatoms synthesize and secrete several carbohydrate polymers and it is not certain which of them is involved in the stabilizatio...

Iwashina Yu-ki, and Dake Junpei, and Ogawa Aoi, and Tokumoto Toshinobu

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The African clawed frog, <it>Xenopus laevis</it>, is widely used in studies of oogenesis, meiotic cell cycle and early embryonic development. However, in order to perform such studies, eggs are normally collected after the injection of hCG into the dorsal lymph sac of fully-grown female frogs following pre-injection of PMSF. Although this protocol is established and used as standard laboratory approach, there are some concerns over whether the injections coul...

Patsouris Efstratios, and Agrogiannis George, and Kopterides Petros, and Metaxas Eugenios I, and Siempos Ilias I, and Kapetanakis Theodoros, and Lazaris Andreas C, and Stravodimos Konstantinos G, and Roussos Charis, and Armaganidis Apostolos

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is mounting experimental evidence that hypercapnic acidosis protects against lung injury. However, it is unclear if acidosis <it>per se </it>rather than hypercapnia is responsible for this beneficial effect. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the effects of hypercapnic (respiratory) versus normocapnic (metabolic) acidosis in an ex vivo model of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty New Zealand white rabbit ventilated and perfu...

Roy Homburg, and Anil Gudi, and Amit Shah, and Alison M. Layton

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), whose aetiology is unknown, is predominately a familial syndrome but confirmation of candidate genes has proved elusive. The developmental hypothesis for the origin of PCOS suggests that exposure of the fetus to excess androgens influences imprinting, leading to altered genetic expression in adult life. The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether the female fetus of a mother with PCOS is indeed exposed to excess androgens. Methods Usin...

Ivayla D. Yozova, and Judith Howard, and Diana Henke, and Daniel Dirkmann, and Katja N. Adamik

Abstract Background Hyperosmolar therapy with either mannitol or hypertonic saline (HTS) is commonly used in the treatment of intracranial hypertension (ICH). In vitro data indicate that both mannitol and HTS affect coagulation and platelet function in dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 20% mannitol and 7.2% HTS on whole blood coagulation using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and platelet function using a platelet function analyzer (PFA®) in dogs with suspected ICH....

Cork Michael J, and O'Brien Ediri, and Bedwell Carol, and Lavender Tina, and Turner Mark, and Hart Anna

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The vulnerability of newborn babies' skin creates the potential for a number of skin problems. Despite this, there remains a dearth of good quality evidence to inform practice. Published studies comparing water with a skin-cleansing product have not provided adequate data to inform an adequately powered trial. Nor have they distinguished between babies with and without a predisposition to atopic eczema. We conducted a pilot study as a prequel to designing an ...

Guy Derrick R, and Bron James E, and Taggart John B, and Pratoomyot Jarunan, and Morais Sofia, and Bell J Gordon, and Tocher Douglas R

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Expansion of aquaculture is seriously limited by reductions in fish oil (FO) supply for aquafeeds. Terrestrial alternatives such as vegetable oils (VO) have been investigated and recently a strategy combining genetic selection with changes in diet formulations has been proposed to meet growing demands for aquaculture products. This study investigates the influence of genotype on transcriptomic responses to sustainable feeds in Atlantic salmon.</p> <p>Results<...

O'Connor Moira, and Smith Marthe, and Halkett Georgia, and Arnet Hayley, and Jiwa Moyez, and Rhodes Julia, and Poland Kate, and Bulsara Max

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Smokers attribute respiratory symptoms, even when severe, to everyday causes and not as indicative of ill-health warranting medical attention. The aim of this pilot study was to conduct a structured vignette survey of people attending general practice to determine when they would advise a person with respiratory symptoms to consult a medical practitioner. Particular reference was made to smoking status and lung cancer.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Participants were ...

Shengxiang Long, and Dongjun Feng, and Fengxia Li, and Wei Du

The shale gas exploration and development in Sichuan Basin had achieved a major breakthrough remarkably. However, the business development focused on the marine shale gas in shallow layers (vertical depth < 3500 m) of the Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation alone. Therefore, the deep shale gas (vertical depth > 3500 m) business development in Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation is the key to the rapid growth of shale gas production in the Sichuan Basin. In the literature, authors analyzed the ge...

Lijuan Chen, and Qi Feng, and Changsheng Li, and Yongping Wei, and Yan Zhao, and Yongjiu Feng, and Hang Zheng, and Fengrui Li, and Huiya Li

Abstract Aquaculture wastewater is one of the most important alternative water resources in arid regions where scarcity of fresh water is common. Irrigation with this kind of water may affect soil microbial functional diversity and community structure as changes of soil environment would be significant. Here, we conducted a field sampling to investigate these effects using Biolog and metagenomic methods. The results demonstrated that irrigation with aquaculture wastewater could dramatically redu...

Lucia Rizzo, and Antonio Pusceddu, and Loredana Stabili, and Pietro Alifano, and Simonetta Fraschetti

Abstract Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder), among the most successful marine bio-invaders on a global scale, poses severe threats to biodiversity. However, the effects of this seaweed on the quantity and the biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter are still poorly known. Since the whole set of sedimentary features affects the availability of substrates for benthic microbial communities, we: i) investigated the biochemical composition of sediments colonized and not-colonized by C. cylin...

Podsiadlowski Lars, and Kilpert Fabian

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sequence data and other characters from mitochondrial genomes (gene translocations, secondary structure of RNA molecules) are useful in phylogenetic studies among metazoan animals from population to phylum level. Moreover, the comparison of complete mitochondrial sequences gives valuable information about the evolution of small genomes, e.g. about different mechanisms of gene translocation, gene duplication and gene loss, or concerning nucleotide frequency bi...

Wagner-Döbler Irene, and Schulz Stefan, and Thiel Verena, and Elxnat Bettina, and Bodor Agnes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The autoinducer-2 (AI-2) group of signalling molecules are produced by both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as the by-product of a metabolic transformation carried out by the LuxS enzyme. They are the only non species-specific quorum sensing compounds presently known in bacteria. The <it>luxS </it>gene coding for the AI-2 synthase enzyme was found in many important pathogens. Here, we surveyed its occurrence in a collection of 165 marine isolates bel...

Hancock Helen C, and Close Helen, and Mason James M, and Murphy Jeremy J, and Fuat Ahmet, and de Belder Mark, and Hunt Trudy, and Baker Andy, and Wilson Douglas, and Hungin A Pali S

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many older people in long-term care do not receive evidence-based diagnosis or management for heart failure; it is not known whether this can be achieved for this population. We initiated an onsite heart failure service, compared with ‘usual care’ with the aim of establishing the feasibility of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A pilot randomised controlled trial which randomised residents from 33 care facilities in North-Ea...

Madala Sreenivas R, and Marmamula Srinivas, and Rao Gullapalli N

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Reliable data are a pre-requisite for planning eye care services. Though conventional cross sectional studies provide reliable information, they are resource intensive. A novel rapid assessment method was used to investigate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and presbyopia in subjects aged 40 years and older. This paper describes the detailed methodology and study procedures of Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment (RAVI) project.</p> <p>Methods<...

Reifferscheid Georg, and Steinberg Christian EW, and Menzel Stefanie, and Claus Evelyn, and Hoess Sebastian, and Swain Suresh C, and Menzel Ralph, and Stürzenbaum Stephen R

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Traditionally, toxicity of river sediments is assessed using whole sediment tests with benthic organisms. The challenge, however, is the differentiation between multiple effects caused by complex contaminant mixtures and the unspecific toxicity endpoints such as survival, growth or reproduction. The use of gene expression profiling facilitates the identification of transcriptional changes at the molecular level that are specific to the bio-available fraction ...

Kreuzer Peter M, and Goetz Monika, and Holl Maria, and Schecklmann Martin, and Landgrebe Michael, and Staudinger Susanne, and Langguth Berthold

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tinnitus, the perception of sound in absence of an external acoustic source, impairs the quality of life in 2% of the population. Since in most cases causal treatment is not possible, the majority of therapeutic attempts aim at developing and strengthening individual coping and habituation strategies. Therapeutic interventions that incorporate training in mindfulness meditation have become increasingly popular in the treatment of stress-related disorders. Her...

Nymo Ingebjørg H, and Tryland Morten, and Godfroid Jacques

<p>Abstract</p> <p><it>Brucella </it>spp. were isolated from marine mammals for the first time in 1994. Two novel species were later included in the genus; <it>Brucella ceti </it>and <it>Brucella pinnipedialis</it>, with cetaceans and seals as their preferred hosts, respectively. <it>Brucella </it>spp. have since been isolated from a variety of marine mammals. Pathological changes, including lesions of the reproductive organs and associated abortions, have only been registered in cetaceans. The ...

Boatti Lara, and Negri Alessandro, and Banni Mohamed, and Dondero Francesco, and Dagnino Alessandro, and Viarengo Aldo

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mixtures of chemicals present in aquatic environments may elicit toxicity due to additive or synergistic effects among the constituents or, vice versa, the adverse outcome may be reduced by antagonistic interactions. Deviations from additivity should be explained either by the perturbations of toxicokinetic parameters and/or chemical toxicodynamics. We addressed this important question in marine mussels exposed subchronically to a binary mixture made of two w...

Romestand Bernard, and Torreilles Jean

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Peroxynitrite is increasingly proposed as a contributor to defence system in marine bivalve. It can be formed by combinaison of superoxide and nitric oxide, and can react with tyrosine residues of proteins giving rise to 3-nitrotyrosine.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The present article describes a competitive ELISA for the measurement of 3-nitrotyrosine contents of plasma proteins from marine bivalves by means of a monoclonal anti 3-nitrotyrosine antibody mouse IgG....

Sunagawa Shinichi, and Wilson Emily C, and Thaler Michael, and Smith Marc L, and Caruso Carlo, and Pringle John R, and Weis Virginia M, and Medina Mónica, and Schwarz Jodi A

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The most diverse marine ecosystems, coral reefs, depend upon a functional symbiosis between cnidarian hosts and unicellular dinoflagellate algae. The molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment, maintenance, and breakdown of the symbiotic partnership are, however, not well understood. Efforts to dissect these questions have been slow, as corals are notoriously difficult to work with. In order to expedite this field of research, we generated and analyzed...

Lozano, M., and Baro, J., and García, T., and Frías, A., and Rey, A., and Báez, J. C.

Loggerhead sea turtles can be incidentally captured by artisanal gears but information about the impact of this fishing is inconsistent and scarce. Recent studies have observed that the bycatch, or incidental catch rate, in fishermen surveys is irregular. The aim of this study was to compare direct data (onboard observers) concerning the incidental catch of loggerhead sea turtles by the artisanal vessels versus data from fishermen surveys. The study area was the Cabo de Gata-Níjar marine protect...

Labedan Bernard, and Glansdorff Nicolas, and Xu Ying

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The N-acetylation of L-glutamate is regarded as a universal metabolic strategy to commit glutamate towards arginine biosynthesis. Until recently, this reaction was thought to be catalyzed by either of two enzymes: (i) the classical N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS, gene <it>argA</it>) first characterized in <it>Escherichia coli </it>and <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>several decades ago and also present in vertebrates, or (ii) the bifunctional version of orn...

Virginia P Edgcomb, and Edward R Leadbetter, and William eBourland, and David eBeaudoin, and Joan eBernhard

Marine micro-oxic to sulfidic environments are sites of intensive biogeochemical cycling and elemental sequestration, where prokaryotes are major driving forces mediating carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and metal cycles, important from both biogeochemical and evolutionary perspectives. Associations between single-celled eukaryotes and bacteria and/or archaea are common in such habitats. Here we describe a ciliate common in the micro-oxic to anoxic, typically sulfidic, sediments of Santa Ba...

Maria João Cruz, and Miguel Machete, and Gui Menezes, and Emer Rogan, and Mónica A. Silva

Small-scale artisanal fisheries can have a significant negative impact in cetacean populations. Cetacean bycatch has been documented in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores with common dolphins being the species more frequently taken. Based on data collected by observers on ∼50% of vessels operating from 1998 to 2012, we investigate the influence of various environmental and fisheries-related factors in common dolphin bycatch and calculate fleet-wide estimates of total bycatch using desi...

Wei Song, and Jian Lan, and Qinyan Liu, and Dandan Sui, and Lili Zeng, and Dongxiao Wang

Using an observation data set of temperature and the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA), the decadal variability of upper ocean heat content (0–400 m; hereafter, OHC) in the South China Sea (SCS) was investigated for the period from 1958 to 2007. Decadal variability was identified as the dominant mode of upper OHC besides the seasonal cycle. According to decreasing or increasing OHC, four periods were chosen to discuss detailed processes behind OHC variability in the SCS; the four periods are...

R. Kyle

On 6 July 2000, while crossing Lake Nhlange, the largest of the Kosi Bay lakes, several dead fish were seen, lying bloated on the surface. On investigation they were found to be large Natal stumpnose <em>Rhabdosargus sarba.</em> Occasionally, during twenty years of residence at the Kosi lakes, the author has seen individual Natal stumpnoses dead or dying in this lake, particularly in winter, but never so many at one time. On investigation, by questioning other local residents, it was found that ...

Cristina Cavaiuolo, and Anna Casani, and Gaetano Di Manso, and Luigi Orfeo

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of music by Mozart on heel prick procedural pain in premature infants.</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> Painful procedures are routinely performed in the setting of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Pain may exert short- and long-term deleterious effects on premature babies. Many non-pharmacological interventions have been proven efficacious for blunting neonatal pain.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong...

Francisco José Bezerra Souto

The crab Ucides cordatus ("Caranguejo-uçá") is one of the most typical inhabitants of mangrove ecosystems in Brazil and it has great socialeconomic importance along the Brazilian northeastern coast. It is an abundant resource that is well accepted commercially, representing a source of employment and income to many traditional subsistence gatherers. Crab fishing is one of the most important activities in Acupe. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze the cognitive and connective aspects...

Arne O Budde, and Matthew Desciak, and Venugopal Reddy, and Octavio A Falcucci, and Sonia J Vaida, and Leonard M Pott

Background: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in obese patients is higher than in the general population. Classical predictors of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation have been shown to be unreliable. We prospectively evaluated indirect mirror laryngoscopy as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients. Materials and Methods: 60 patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, scheduled to undergo general anesthesia, were enrolled. Indirect mirror laryngo...

R. Bénard, and M. Levasseur, and M. Scarratt, and S. Michaud, and M. Starr, and A. Mucci, and G. Ferreyra, and G. Ferreyra, and M. Gosselin, and J.-É. Tremblay, and M. Lizotte, and G.-P. Yang

<p>The effects of ocean acidification and warming on the concentrations of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and dimethylsulfide (DMS) were investigated during a mesocosm experiment in the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary (LSLE) in the fall of 2014. Twelve mesocosms covering a range of pH<span class="inline-formula">_T</span> (pH on the total hydrogen ion concentration scale) from 8.0 to 7.2, corresponding to a range of <span class="inline-formula">CO₂</span> partial pressures (<s...

Di Fang, and Kyle M. Irimata, and Rachel N. Rhodes, and Jeffrey Rupert Wilson

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of certain covariates on obesity. More importantly, we seek to determine the feedback of obesity on depression, and physical activity as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods: Using 15 years of nationally representative data from 6560 adolescents (Add health data), we estimate feedback and associations between depression, and activity scale on obesity while we adjusted for gender, age, race/ethnicity, socioeco...

Daniel Hind, and James Parkin, and Victoria Whitworth, and Saleema Rex, and Tracey Young, and Lisa Hampson, and Jennie Sheehan, and Chin Maguire, and Hannah Cantrill, and Elaine Scott, and Heather Epps, and Marion Main, and Michelle Geary, and Heather McMurchie, and Lindsey Pallant, and Daniel Woods, and Jennifer Freeman, and Ellen Lee, and Michelle Eagle, and Tracey Willis, and Francesco Muntoni, and Peter Baxter

Abstract Background Standard treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) includes regular physiotherapy. There are no data to show whether adding aquatic therapy (AT) to land-based exercises helps maintain motor function. We assessed the feasibility of recruiting and collecting data from boys with DMD in a parallel-group pilot randomised trial (primary objective), also assessing how intervention and trial procedures work. Methods Ambulant boys with DMD aged 7–16 years established on steroids,...

Anna Anund, and Carina Fors, and Christer Ahlstrom

Abstract Introduction The overall aim of this study is to compare day-time driving with night-time driving looking at line crossings during self-reported sleepiness and long blinks. The hypothesis is that high levels of self-reported sleepiness (KSS 9) and long blink duration (>0.15 s) will be less associated with critical events during the day-time compared to night-time. Method The study is based on data from a driving simulator experiment with 16 participants driving 150 km on a typical Swedi...

Alcañiz Mariano, and Lloréns Roberto, and Gil-Gómez José-Antonio, and Colomer Carolina

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the main cause of death and disability among young adults. In most cases, survivors can experience balance instability, resulting in functional impairments that are associated with diminished health-related quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation therapy may be tedious. This can reduce motivation and adherence to the treatment and thus provide a limited benefit to patients with balance disorders. We present eBaViR (easy Bala...

Seehausen Ole, and Kawamura Shoji, and Shoji Ayako, and Kawata Masakado

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The sensory drive hypothesis predicts that divergent sensory adaptation in different habitats may lead to premating isolation upon secondary contact of populations. Speciation by sensory drive has traditionally been treated as a special case of speciation as a byproduct of adaptation to divergent environments in geographically isolated populations. However, if habitats are heterogeneous, local adaptation in the sensory systems may cause the emergence of repro...

EVELYN HABIT, and PEDRO VICTORIANO, and AMADORA RODRÍGUEZ-RUIZ

RESUMEN El estero Nonguén (orden 3), tributario de la zona inferior del río Andalién (región del Bío-Bío), presenta una marcada diferencia entre su parte alta ritral, bien conservada y con un bosque secundario de Nothofagus, y su parte baja potamal, de uso urbano y de aguas con contaminación orgánica. Este contraste podría implicar la alteración de los patrones normales detectados en la ictiofauna chilena descritos para diversos sistemas fluviales. Tales patrones consisten en un aumento del núme...

Wanders Alkwin, and Bergström Stefan, and Gustavsson Inger, and Brattström Daniel, and Moberg Martin, and Bergqvist Michael, and Dreilich Martin, and Hesselius Patrik, and Wagenius Gunnar, and Gyllensten Ulf

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with esophageal carcinoma has previously been studied with an average detection rate of 15%, but the role of HPV in relation to survival is less clear. In cervical cancer, lung cancer and tonsil cancer HPV viral load is a predictive factor for survival and outcome of treatment. The primary aim was to study the spectrum of high-risk HPV types in esophageal tumors. Secondary, as a pilot study we investigated the associati...

S. Buchholz

(pp 101-115)Habitat zonation and ecology of spider assemblages have been poorly studied in Mediterranean ecosystems. A first analysis of spider assemblages in coastal habitats in the east Mediterranean area is presented. The study area is the 250 km² Nestos Delta, located in East Macedonia in the North-East of Greece. Spiders were caught in pitfall traps at 17 sites from the beginning of April to the end of June 2004. Nonparametric estimators were used to determine species richness and alpha div...

Laidlaw Anita, and Endres Jennifer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Patients provide emotional cues during consultations which may be verbal or non-verbal. Many studies focus on patient verbal cues as predictors of physicians' ability to recognize and address patient needs but this project focused on non-verbal cues in the form of facial micro-expressions. This pilot study investigated first year medical students' (n = 75) identified as being either good or poor communicators abilities to detect emotional micro-expressions be...

Hallmann Armin, and Kianianmomeni Arash, and Nematollahi Ghazaleh

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The multicellular alga <it>Volvox carteri </it>possesses only two cell types: mortal, motile somatic cells and potentially immortal, immotile reproductive cells. It is therefore an attractive model system for studying how cell-autonomous cytodifferentiation is programmed within a genome. Moreover, there are ongoing genome projects both in <it>Volvox carteri </it>and in the closely related unicellular alga <it>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</it>. However, gene sequ...

Pereira Hugo, and Barreira Luísa, and Mozes André, and Florindo Cláudia, and Polo Cristina, and Duarte Catarina V, and Custódio Luísa, and Varela João

<p>Abstract</p> <p>We describe a new selection method based on BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-<it>s</it>-indacene) staining, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and microplate-based isolation of lipid-rich microalgae from an environmental sample. Our results show that direct sorting onto solid medium upon FACS can save about 3 weeks during the scale-up process as compared with the growth of the same cultures in liquid medium. This approach enabled us to isolat...

Kjøglum Sissel, and Berg Paul R, and Baranski Matthew, and Hayes Ben, and Moen Thomas, and Koop Ben F, and Davidson Willie S, and Omholt Stig W, and Lien Sigbjørn

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Atlantic salmon is a species of commercial and ecological significance. Like other salmonids, the species displays residual tetrasomy and a large difference in recombination rate between sexes. Linkage maps with full genome coverage, containing both type I and type II markers, are needed for progress in genomics. Furthermore, it is important to estimate levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the species. In this study, we developed several hundred singl...

Amodio-Cocchieri Renata, and Cirillo Teresa, and Calderisi Marco, and Pinto Barbara, and Garritano Sonia, and Reali Daniela

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A wide variety of environmental pollutants occur in surface waters, including estuarine and marine waters. Many of these contaminants are recognised as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which can adversely affect the male and female reproductive system by binding the estrogen receptor and exhibiting hormone-like activities. In this study the estrogenic activity of extracts of edible marine organisms for human consumption from the Mediterranean Sea was ass...

Technau Ulrich, and Hayward David C, and Iguchi Akira, and Shinzato Chuya, and Ball Eldon E, and Miller David J

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sox genes encode transcription factors that function in a wide range of developmental processes across the animal kingdom. To better understand both the evolution of the Sox family and the roles of these genes in cnidarians, we are studying the <it>Sox </it>gene complement of the coral, <it>Acropora millepora </it>(Class Anthozoa).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Based on overall domain structures and HMG box sequences, the <it>Acropora Sox </it>genes considered here c...

T. J. B. Dewez

Coastal cliff collapse hazard assessment requires measuring cliff face topography at regular intervals. Terrestrial laser scanner techniques have proven useful so far but are expensive to use either through purchasing the equipment or through survey subcontracting. In addition, terrestrial laser surveys take time which is sometimes incompatible with the time during with the beach is accessible at low-tide. By comparison, structure from motion techniques (SFM) are much less costly to implement, a...

Jo Marie V. Acebes, and Yotam Barr, and Jacqueline Marjorie R. Pereda, and Mudjekeewis D. Santos

Abstract Seven species of mobulid rays occur in the Philippines, six of which, including the Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris) are caught directly or indirectly. In the Bohol Sea, mobulids have been fished since at least the nineteenth century yet the extent is not well-understood. A second species of manta, Manta alfredi was taxonomically resurrected in 2009 and also only recently been confirmed to occur in the Philippines. This study aimed to identify and describe the presence of and fishery f...

Wei Yuan, and Huaiyang Zhou, and Xixi Zhao, and Zhenyu Yang, and Qunhui Yang, and Benduo Zhu

Abstract Deep-sea hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts are both potential polymetallic resources and records of long-term environmental changes. For palaeoceanographic studies, it is important to construct a detailed and reliable chronological framework. Here, we report the results of a detailed magnetostratigraphic and rock magnetic study of four hydrogenetic Fe-Mn crusts from the Pacific Ocean (PO-01), South China Sea (SCS-01, SCS-02) and Indian Ocean (IO-01). Two groups of characteristic remane...

Ruth Barclay, and Sandra Webber, and Jacquie Ripat, and Theresa Grant, and C. Allyson Jones, and Lisa M. Lix, and Nancy Mayo, and Cornelia van Ineveld, and Nancy M. Salbach

Abstract Background Limited outdoor walking is a marker of frailty and a risk factor for decline in mobility and self-care functioning, social isolation, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL). Objectives were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effect of a supervised outdoor walking group and interactive workshop compared to the workshop alone in increasing outdoor walking activity and identify an optimal method for estimating outdoor walking activity among older adu...