Ring 19 mosaicism detected during prenatal diagnosis

A ring chromosome 19 was found in 14 of 20 metaphases (67 per cent) derived from amniotic fluid cell cultures following amniocentesis because of increased maternal age. Elective termination of the pregnancy revealed a hypotrophic female fetus with mild dysmorphic signs, but no congenital malformations. The case is discussed in relation to three reports in the literature of ring chromosome 19 mosaicism in a phenotypically normal girl, a mentally retarded man, and a boy with normal psychomotor development and minor dysmorphic features.     

Bestimmung von Mineralölkohlenwasserstoffen im Boden

The infra-red (IR) and the gas Chromatographic (GC) methods for the determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons in soils were examined in collaborative trials with regard to their accuracy and reproducibility. Natural, homogenized soils and soils spiked with mineral oil were used as standards. The soil matrix was composed relatively simply. The repeatability and reproducibility values obtained were about 5 % und 23 %, respectively. In contrast, the GC method revealed a considerably higher error range, especially by using the split/splitless technique. The degradation of mineral oil hydrocarbons in soils under different temperatures was investigated by IR throughout one year. The degradation rate at room temperature was about 25 %; at lower temperatures no degradation was detected. Thus, the spiked soils may be used as calibration standards for the mineral oil analysis.     

Correction to: Human behavior and Homo-mammal interactions at the first European peopling: new evidence from the Pirro Nord site (Apricena,Southern Italy)

The Science of Nature - Female-only colour polymorphism is rare in birds, but occurs in brood parasitic cuckoos (Cuculidae). Obligate brood parasites leave incubation and parental care to other...     

Benefits of kin association: related and familiar zebrafish larvae (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Danio rerio</Emphasis>) show improved growth

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae prefer the olfactory cues of kin to non-kin. We examined the potential benefits of kin preference by comparing growth rate, shoaling, and aggressive behavior in juvenile zebrafish housed in groups of either familiar kin or unfamiliar non-kin. Over an observation period of 5 days, the animals grew 33% more in kin groups; however, neither shoaling nor the frequency of aggressive interactions was different in groups of related versus unrelated individuals. Shoaling behavior increased with increasing observation time and increasing age, while aggressive behavior remained the same. We conclude that associating with kin probably creates a less stressful environment that allows for higher growth rates, which can lead to higher direct fitness based on increased survival and earlier reproduction. Kin recognition leading to kin-structured groups may therefore be under positive selection.     

Bioconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetables grown in an industrial area

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content was determined in the inner tissue of various vegetable species and their growing environment (soil and atmosphere) in the greater industrial area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. The lower molecular weight compounds dominated in both vegetable leaves and roots. Statistical analysis of variance showed that species and season are the factors that significantly affect PAH concentrations in inner vegetable tissue and soil, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated that the mixture of PAHs in inner vegetable tissue was very similar to that in air vapour thus suggesting gaseous deposition as the principal pathway for the accumulation of PAHs. Soil-to-vegetation and air-to-vegetation bioconcentration factors were calculated and their relationships with PAHs' physicochemical properties were investigated. Solubility and the octanol-water partition coefficient, as well as vapour pressure and the octanol-air partition coefficient were proved to be good predictors for the accumulation of PAHs in inner root and leaf tissue, respectively.     

不同认知风格大学生艾宾浩斯错觉的实验研究

文章以34名大学生为被试,采用2(150%,50%)×2(场独立,场依存)被试间实验设计探讨了不同认知风格大学生艾宾浩斯错觉的眼动特点。结果表明:(1)不同的认知风格对艾宾浩斯错觉判断正确量有影响,并且在眼动指标上存在差异;(2)测验成分和诱导成分之间的大小比例对艾宾浩斯错觉正确量有影响,并且在眼动指标上存在差异;(3)诱导成分和测验成分之间距离不同时对艾宾浩斯错觉正确量无显著影响,并且在眼动指标上也不存在显著差异。     

Towards the harmonization of water-related policies for managing drought risks across the EU

Drought is recognized as a major issue in the EU, particularly in the Mediterranean region, posing risks to the environment as well as to local and regional economies. The EU policy on water management is continuously evolving, particularly in relation to water scarcity and drought. Starting with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), which sets the general policy framework for water management across the EU, the EC Communication on Water Scarcity and Drought COM(2007) 414 final set the priorities for managing water scarcity and drought risks. Three follow-up reports (COM(2008) 875 final, COM(2010) 228 final and COM(2011) 133) highlighted achievements and yearly progress within the context of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, whereas guidance has further been provided through the issue of Technical Reports (e.g. the EC Water Scarcity Drafting Group Technical Report 2008–023 on Drought Management, Including agricultural, drought indicators and climate change aspects). The 2012 EU Water Review (“Blue Print for Safeguarding European Waters” will assess achievements and identify further requirements towards long-term sustainable water use across the EU. However, a harmonized approach on drought risk management at the EU level is still lacking, whereas drought risk in several countries and regions has not been yet fully integrated in water management and relevant sectoral policies.This paper focuses on a proposed paradigm shift from crisis to risk management, which is currently gaining ground as a means of reducing societal vulnerability to droughts. The paper underlines the importance of engaging into risk assessment and management practices and identifies policy gaps and requirements for further improvement of the drought management policy framework at all levels of governance: at the EU, at the national and at the river basin and regional levels.