Freshwater fish introductions in mediterranean-climate regions: are there commonalities in the conservation problem?

Aim To compare patterns and drivers of freshwater fish introductions across five climatically similar regions and evaluate similarities and differences in the nonnative species introduced. Location Five mediterranean-climate regions: California (USA), central Chile, south-western Australia, the Iberian peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the south-western Cape (South Africa). Methods Species presence–absence for native and non-native fishes were collated across the regions, and patterns of faunal change were examined using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches. Taxonomic patterns in freshwater fish introductions were evaluated by comparing the number of species introduced by order to the numbers expected from binomial probabilities. Factors influencing multiple introductions of freshwater fish species in mediterranean regions were determined using generalized linear modelling. Results High levels of endemism (70–90%) were revealed for south-western Cape, south-western Australia and Chile. Despite their high rates of endemism, all regions currently have more non-native species than endemic species. Taxonomic selection was found for five orders, although this was only significant for Salmoniformes across regions. The average increase in regional compositional similarity of fish faunas resulting from non-native fish introductions was 8.0%. Important factors predicting multiple introductions of a species include previous introduction success and mean latitude of its distribution Main conclusions The mediterranean-climate regions of the world, separated by vast distances, originally had a few fish species in common but are now more similar, owing to species introductions, illustrating the extent and importance of taxonomic homogenization. Introductions are largely driven by taxonomically biased human interests in recreational fisheries, aquaculture and ornamental pet species.Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biolog

A First Search for coincident Gravitational Waves and High Energy Neutrinos using LIGO, Virgo and ANTARES data from 2007

We present the results of the first search for gravitational wave bursts associated with high energy neutrinos. Together, these messengers could reveal new, hidden sources that are not observed by conventional photon astronomy, particularly at high energy. Our search uses neutrinos detected by the underwater neutrino telescope ANTARES in its 5 line configuration during the period January - September 2007, which coincided with the fifth and first science runs of LIGO and Virgo, respectively. The LIGO-Virgo data were analysed for candidate gravitational-wave signals coincident in time and direction with the neutrino events. No significant coincident events were observed. We place limits on the density of joint high energy neutrino - gravitational wave emission events in the local universe, and compare them with densities of merger and core-collapse events.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figures, science summary page at http://www.ligo.org/science/Publication-S5LV_ANTARES/index.php. Public access area to figures, tables at https://dcc.ligo.org/cgi-bin/DocDB/ShowDocument?docid=p120000

Inclusion controlled lanthanide-imidazolium functionalised carboxylate complexation

Imidazolium functionalized carboxylic acid forms a multi-component material with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and aquated lanthanide ions, stabilising dinuclear metal complexes for Y(3+) and Gd(3+). These have the simplest binding of two bridging carboxylates between the two metal centres (Y(3+)), or the same arrangement along with the simplest binding of one carboxylate bridging two metal ions for the larger metal ion (Gd(3+))

Hierarchical assembly involving hydroxyethyl-substituted imidazolium cations and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes

A multiple-component bilayer involving four different ions has preferential binding of functionalized 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylimidazolium in the cavity of bowl-shaped p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, with the supermolecule being capped by a water molecule involving an O-H center dot center dot center dot pi(imidazolium) interaction, an O center dot center dot center dot HO H-bond involving the hydroxyethyl group, and an SO center dot center dot center dot HO H-bond. The nature of the interplay of the components has been mapped out using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The [imidazolium boolean AND calixarene] supermolecule persists in solution

Conserving the fishes of the Twee River, Western Cape, South Africa: revisiting the issues

The Twee River catchment contains two endemic fish species — the Twee River redfin and the Twee River galaxias — which are threatened by water abstraction, habitat degradation, and the presence of introduced fishes. Fyke nets were used to determine the current distribution ranges of fish in the catchment to update a 1997 survey and to provide key information for the compilation of a conservation strategy for the Twee River redfin, Barbus erubescens. Population estimates from 1997 placed their total number at 8 400, but population size could not be estimated from the present surveys. A number of small populations of Twee River redfin and Twee River galaxias, which are restricted to two short stretches of tributary rivers, were identified. Their long-term survival remains uncertain. Conservation action, including the eradication of alien fish and the creation of a dedicated sanctuary for the endemic populations, is recommended.Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biolog

The Belgian Competition Council rejects a complaint of abuse of dominance in the beer distribution sector (Inbev)

10.1186/1475-2840-8-31Cardiovascular Diabetology83

SIRPA, VCAM1 and CD34 identify discrete lineages during early human cardiovascular development

Stem cells & developmental biolog