DNA Barcoding and Morphological Identification of Benthic Nematodes Assemblages of Estuarine Intertidal Sediments: Advances in Molecular Tools for Biodiversity Assessment

Concerns regarding the status of marine ecosystems have increased in part due to traditional and emerging human activities in marine waters, driving a demand for approaches with high sample throughput capability to improve ecosystem monitoring. Nematodes are already used as indicator species in biodiversity assessments and biomonitoring of terrestrial and marine systems, with molecular approaches offering the opportunity to utilize these organisms further in large scale ecological surveys and environmental assessments. Based on an available nematode dataset for estuarine sediments of the Mira estuary (SW coast, Portugal), we evaluated the diversity of the nematode community of this system, using the molecular markers 18S rRNA and COI genes. These approaches were compared to voucher specimens from a morphological characterization of the same samples allowing validation and comparison between nematode communities. The spatial and temporal variability of the density and diversity of the nematode assemblages was analyzed based on morphological characterization to allow the validation and efficiency of the genetic characterization. A PCO ordination plot showed a distinct separation of the assemblages between sampling occasions confirmed by PERMANOVA analysis, which showed significant differences, although no significant differences were detected between sampling sites. The morphological characterization identified 50 genera of which only 26 and 25 distinct 18S rRNA and COI DNA barcodes, respectively, were obtained. 90.2% of the morphologically identified specimens representing eleven different genera, successfully generated DNA barcodes for both 18S rRNA and COI genes. This study confirmed that the success of the 18S rRNA gene PCR amplification is higher than of COI gene with 43 species amplified against 34. The study highlights a limitation of available sequences for both targets in databases when compared to the known diversity of marine nematodes. The gene sequences of this study enriched the databases, contributing gene sequences from 7 to 16 new genera for the 18S rRNA and COI genes, respectively. A robust database of gene sequences is a prerequisite for the development of robust high sample throughput techniques to be applied in marine assessing and monitoring programs

Temporal and spatial variation in the Nazaré Canyon (Western Iberian margin): Inter-annual and canyon heterogeneity effects on meiofauna biomass and diversity

The Nazaré Canyon on the Portuguese Margin (NE Atlantic) was sampled during spring-summer for three consecutive years (2005–2007), permitting the first inter-annual study of the meiofaunal communities at the Iberian Margin at two abyssal depths (~3500 m and ~4400 m). Using new and already published data, the meiofauna standing stocks (abundance and biomass) and nematode structural and functional diversity were investigated in relation to the sediment biogeochemistry (e.g. organic carbon, nitrogen, chlorophyll a, phaeopigments) and grain size. A conspicuous increase in sand content from 2005 to 2006 and decrease of phytodetritus at both sites, suggested the occurrence of one or more physical disturbance events. Nematode standing stocks and trophic diversity decreased after these events, seemingly followed by a recovery/recolonisation period in 2007, which was strongly correlated with an increase in the quantity and bioavailability of phytodetrital organic matter supplied. Changes in meiofauna assemblages, however, also differed between stations, likely because of the contrasting hydrodynamic and food supply conditions. Higher meiofauna and nematode abundances, biomass and trophic complexity were found at the shallowest canyon station, where the quantity, quality and bioavailability of food material were higher than at the deeper site. The present results suggest that even though inter-annual variations in the sedimentary environment can regulate the meiofauna in the abyssal Nazaré Canyon, heterogeneity between sampling locations in the canyon were more pronounced

Nematodes vs Macrofauna assemblages along an estuarine gradient (Mondego estuary, Portugal)

The spatial distribution of the nematodes and macrofauna communities in the subtidal sediments along estuarine gradient in the Mondego estuary was studied. The main aim is to compare the response of the nematodes and macrofauna communities structure adjusted for each estuarine stretch. Spatial distribution of nematode assemblages followed the estuarine gradients, allowing to distinguish: The freshwater and oligohaline sections, characterised by the presence of freshwater nematodes, low densities and diversity; Mesohaline section, the densities and diversity were also low; Polyhaline and Euhaline sections, attained highest densities and diversity. Significant differences of diversity were obtained between estuarine sections by Shannon-Wiener index. Significant differences in macrofauna densities were also obtained, the highest values were obtained in euhaline and mesohaline areas. The euhaline stations presented higher species richness, while the freshwater section registered lower values. Significant differences of diversity were also obtained between estuarine sections by Shannon-Wiener index. From the management point of view both communities are very useful in assessing ecological quality in transitional waters, however the rapid response of nematodes to environmental changes became an important tool

Examination of change factor methodologies for climate change impact assessment

Citation: Anandhi, A., Frei, A., Pierson, D. C., Schneiderman, E. M., Zion, M. S., Lounsbury, D., and Matonse, A. H. ( 2011), Examination of change factor methodologies for climate change impact assessment, Water Resour. Res., 47, W03501, doi:10.1029/2010WR009104.A variety of methods are available to estimate values of meteorological variables at future times and at spatial scales that are appropriate for local climate change impact assessment. One commonly used method is Change Factor Methodology (CFM), sometimes referred to as delta change factor methodology. Although more sophisticated methods exist, CFM is still widely applicable and used in impact analysis studies. While there are a number of different ways by which change factors (CFs) can be calculated and used to estimate future climate scenarios, there are no clear guidelines available in the literature to decide which methodologies are most suitable for different applications. In this study several categories of CFM (additive versus multiplicative and single versus multiple) for a number of climate variables are compared and contrasted. The study employs several theoretical case studies, as well as a real example from Cannonsville watershed, which supplies water to New York City, USA. Results show that in cases when the frequency distribution of Global Climate Model (GCM) baseline climate is close to the frequency distribution of observed climate, or when the frequency distribution of GCM future climate is close to the frequency distribution of GCM baseline climate, additive and multiplicative single CFMs provide comparable results. Two options to guide the choice of CFM are suggested. The first option is a detailed methodological analysis for choosing the most appropriate CFM. The second option is a default method for use under circumstances in which a detailed methodological analysis is too cumbersome

Geology of the Nevado Coropuna volcanic complex

The Nevado Coropuna volcanic complex (NCVC), located in the northernmost CAVZ (15°3’ S, 72º39’ W), includes several edifices, aligned WNW-ESE above Neogene ignimbrites. Adjacent composite volcanoes include the Late Pliocene, eroded Sunjillpa to the WNW and the glacially eroded, 0.6-0.25 Ma-old Cunciacha to the ESE. Located on the west flank of the Western Cordillera, the asymmetric volcanic complex shows stubby lava flows overlying the NE, 4500 m-high plateau, contrasting with long, inverted lava flows and debris-avalanche deposits filling deep valleys draining the steep SW flanks. The central, highest NCVC is a cluster of five, aligned lava domes reaching 6160 and 6330 masl. The dome cluster and its voluminous lava flows overlie an old stratovolcano with inverted lava flows dated at 1.02 Ma. The 0.4 Ma-old base of dome cluster is overlain by lower lava flows c. 270 - 254 ka, middle lava flows c. 118 - 108 ka, and the uppermost lava domes 70 – 60 ka. A high-spatial resolution DEM shows six vents on the domes and one collapse scar open to the south. NCVC has grown atop a caldera as shown by AMS data collected on Early Quaternary ignimbrites dipping away west, south and east of NCVC, and by abnormal contacts with both adjacent volcanoes to the WNW and the ESE. All lavas show two major compositional fields of high-K andesites and dacites (SiO2 57-67%wt). Harker diagrams and trace elements suggest AFC magmatic processes. Although CNVC tephra and PDC deposits represent a small volume, we observed Late Glacial Plinian fallout are scattered and Holocene ashfall layers are associated with three lava flows, the youngest being 1700 to 2400 yr old. The Nevado Coropuna ice cap c. 44.1 km2 is arguably the largest in the world tropical belt

Estudio geológico preliminar del complejo volcánico nevado Coropuna

El Complejo Volcánico Nevado Coropuna (CVNC) está ubicado en el extremo norte de la Zona Volcánica de los Andes Centrales (15 ° 3 ‘S, 72º39 ‘O), incluye varios edificios alineados en dirección ONO-ESE y emplazados sobre ignimbritas del Neogeno (13-2 Ma). Adyacente al CVNC se tienen dos volcanes, el estratovolcán Sunjillpa del Plioceno tardío en su extremo occidental, y el estratovolcán Cuncaicha de hace 0,6 -0,25 Ma, en su extremo oriental. El CVNC es típicamente asimétrico, está en el borde de la Cordillera Occidental y está conformado principalmente por flujos de lava, domos, domo « cluster » y domo-coladas. Los flujos de lava de corto recorrido, normalmente de menos de 7 km, cubren la meseta NE, N y NO, pero flujos de lava de mayor recorrido, entre 10 y 16 km, se han emplazados en los valles profundos ubicados al sur. También en la zona sur se han dentificado importantes depósitos de avalanchas de escombros, rellenando valles profundos a más de 20 km de distancia. En la parte central y más alta del CVNC se han identifi cado al menos 05 “clusters” de domos, de este a oeste, son el Yanaranra (6305 msnm), Coropuna (6160 msnm), Paiche (6330 msnm), Casulla (6377 msnm) y Escalera (6171 msnm). Recientes dataciones obtenidas en el marco de este proyecto arrojaron edades alrededor de 0.4 Ma para lavas ubicadas en la base, las cuales están cubiertas por lavas con edades entre 270-254 ka. En la parte media se han datado lavas entre 118-108 ka, y en la parte superior de los “clusters” de domos se han obtenido edades entre 70 - 60 ka. En base a un modelo de elevación digital (DEM) de 3 m de resolución, se han identifi cado al menos 6 centro de emisión, 5 domos « cluster », una escarpa de colapso principal abierta en dirección sur. Las lavas son andesitas y dacitas, con concentraciones de SiO2 que varían entre 57 a 67 % wt. Todas presentan alto contenido de K. Los diagramas de Harker sugieren un importante proceso de diferenciación magmática, así como procesos de AFC

Exploring subsurface fluid flow and active dewatering along the oceanic plate boundary between Africa and Eurasia (Gloria Fault)

R/V Meteor cruise M162 was conducted as a systematic continuation of ongoing work dedicated to understand if and howfluid flow through crust and sedimentscontinues along transform-type plate boundaries and fracture zones away from mid-ocean ridges and continental margins. Central target was the Gloria Fault in the central Northeast Atlantic. Previous findings along the eastern continuation of the Gloria Fault revealed fault-controlled fluid advection and mud volcanism along strike-slip faults in the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain and the Gulf of Cadiz, where fluid geochemistry revealed the admixture of fluids from deeply buried oceanic crust and oldest sediments on top of it. TheGloria Fault itselfis an old, reactivated, and seismically active oceanic fracture zone. During M162 a systematic survey along the main trace of the Gloria Fault between the Azores Plateau and the Madeira-Tore Rise was carried out, including sub-bottom profiler surveys, heat flow transects, gravity corer sampling, as well as video-guided CTD and multicorer deployments. In accordance to recently recorded seismic activity along the fault, there isevidence for tectonic motion both in sub-bottom profiler records and sediment cores. Heat flow measurements revealed values significantly elevated above the background in many places, predominantly along the main fault trace and other active faults.Ina number of placesfluid geochemistry revealed enhanced diagenetic processes in the sediments, implying the potential relation to upward-directed fluid flow. In summary, cruise M162revealed the first complementary data set on heat flow and fluid geochemistry along an oceanic fault zone, which will further our understanding on themes like the alteration of oceanic lithosphere and crust-ocean element exchange

A prospective survey in European Society of Cardiology member countries of atrial fibrillation management: baseline results of EURO bservational Research Programme Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) Pilot General Registry

Aims: Given the advances in atrial fibrillation (AF) management and the availability of new European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, there is a need for the systematic collection of contemporary data regarding the management and treatment of AF in ESC member countries. Methods and results: We conducted a registry of consecutive in- and outpatients with AF presenting to cardiologists in nine participating ESC countries. All patients with an ECG-documented diagnosis of AF confirmed in the year prior to enrolment were eligible. We enroled a total of 3119 patients from February 2012 to March 2013, with full data on clinical subtype available for 3049 patients (40.4% female; mean age 68.8 years). Common comorbidities were hypertension, coronary disease, and heart failure. Lone AF was present in only 3.9% (122 patients). Asymptomatic AF was common, particularly among those with permanent AF. Amiodarone was the most common antiarrhythmic agent used (~20%), while beta-blockers and digoxin were the most used rate control drugs. Oral anticoagulants (OACs) were used in 80% overall, most often vitamin K antagonists (71.6%), with novel OACs being used in 8.4%. Other antithrombotics (mostly antiplatelet therapy, especially aspirin) were still used in one-third of the patients, and no antithrombotic treatment in only 4.8%. Oral anticoagulants were used in 56.4% of CHA 2DS2-VASc = 0, with 26.3% having no antithrombotic therapy. A high HAS-BLED score was not used to exclude OAC use, but there was a trend towards more aspirin use in the presence of a high HAS-BLED score. Conclusion: The EURObservational Research Programme Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) Pilot Registry has provided systematic collection of contemporary data regarding the management and treatment of AF by cardiologists in ESC member countries. Oral anticoagulant use has increased, but novel OAC use was still low. Compliance with the treatment guidelines for patients with the lowest and higher stroke risk scores remains suboptimal. © The Author 2013

A new class of glycomimetic drugs to prevent free fatty acid-induced endothelial dysfunction

Background: Carbohydrates play a major role in cell signaling in many biological processes. We have developed a set of glycomimetic drugs that mimic the structure of carbohydrates and represent a novel source of therapeutics for endothelial dysfunction, a key initiating factor in cardiovascular complications. Purpose: Our objective was to determine the protective effects of small molecule glycomimetics against free fatty acid­induced endothelial dysfunction, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress pathways. Methods: Four glycomimetics were synthesized by the stepwise transformation of 2,5­dihydroxybenzoic acid to a range of 2,5­substituted benzoic acid derivatives, incorporating the key sulfate groups to mimic the interactions of heparan sulfate. Endothelial function was assessed using acetylcholine­induced, endotheliumdependent relaxation in mouse thoracic aortic rings using wire myography. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior was evaluated in the presence or absence of the free fatty acid, palmitate, with or without glycomimetics (1µM). DAF­2 and H2DCF­DA assays were used to determine nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Lipid peroxidation colorimetric and antioxidant enzyme activity assays were also carried out. RT­PCR and western blotting were utilized to measure Akt, eNOS, Nrf­2, NQO­1 and HO­1 expression. Results: Ex vivo endothelium­dependent relaxation was significantly improved by the glycomimetics under palmitate­induced oxidative stress. In vitro studies showed that the glycomimetics protected HUVECs against the palmitate­induced oxidative stress and enhanced NO production. We demonstrate that the protective effects of pre­incubation with glycomimetics occurred via upregulation of Akt/eNOS signaling, activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and suppression of ROS­induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: We have developed a novel set of small molecule glycomimetics that protect against free fatty acidinduced endothelial dysfunction and thus, represent a new category of therapeutic drugs to target endothelial damage, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease

Characterization of structural properties of silica aerogels

-Silica aerogels are amorphous and porous materials prepared by the sol-gel process through hydrolysis and polycondensation of a sol of tetramethoxisilan, water and methanol. The structural properties such as surface area, porosity, bulk and matrix densities as well as the dielectrics behavior (å\u27 and loss) have been systematically investigated as a function of the concentration of alkoxide and the temperature and time of the sintering process