Cadmium toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation in turtles: trophic exposure of Trachemys scripta elegans

in Ecotoxicology (2012), 1

Ecotoxicological data in reptiles are mainly represented by field studies reporting tissues burden of wild-captured individuals but much less is known on processes of uptake, depuration, accumulation and ... [more ▼]

Ecotoxicological data in reptiles are mainly represented by field studies reporting tissues burden of wild-captured individuals but much less is known on processes of uptake, depuration, accumulation and effects of inorganic contaminants in these species. In this study, females’ Trachemys scripta elegans were exposed to cadmium (Cd) through a CdCl2 supplemented-diet with increased environmental relevant concentrations during 13 weeks and then went through a decontamination phase during 3 weeks being fed uncontaminated food. Blood and feces were collected during the three phases of the experiment and the turtles were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and organs samples collected. The Cd concentrations in blood remained stable over the course of the experiment while Cd concentrations in feces increased with time and with amount of Cd ingested. Assimilation efficiency in liver and kidney together was low (0.7 – 6.1 %) but did occur and Cd accumulated in a dose-dependent manner in organs in the following order of concentrations: kidney>liver>pancreas>muscle. In terms of organs burden, Cd-burden was the highest in liver followed by kidney and pancreas. The assimilation efficiency decreased as Cd ingested increased suggesting that at higher dose of Cd absorption decreased and/or depuration increased. Mineral content of the liver was modified according to Cd level with increased concentrations of zinc and iron with increasing Cd levels. Accumulation of Cd had no effects on survival, food consumption, growth or weight and length suggesting no effect of treatment on females’ body conditions. [less ▲]

Optimization and scaling up of a biotechnological synthesis of natural green leaf volatiles using Beta vulgaris hydroperoxide lyase

in Process Biochemistry (2012), 47

Écart émotif et création politique : une lecture deleuzienne des Deux sources

Diverse speeche and writing (2012)

Le prix de la fidélité. La politique sociale de grandes entreprises industrielles belges en faveur de leurs employés et cadres (1ère moitié du XXe siècles)

in Baillargeon, Camille; Bettens, Ludo; Dohet, Julien (Eds.) et al Cols blancs, cœur rouge. Les combats des employés, techniciens et cadres du SETCa Liège-Huy-Waremme (2012)

Newt decline in Western Europe: highlights from relative distribution changes within guilds

in Biodiversity & Conservation (2012), 21(11), 2887-2898

The recent increase in the number of monitoring schemes has formed the basis for high quality distribution atlases. This provides the opportunity of estimating global and specific decline patterns across ... [more ▼]

The recent increase in the number of monitoring schemes has formed the basis for high quality distribution atlases. This provides the opportunity of estimating global and specific decline patterns across regional and national borders. In this framework, this study focused on four sympatric newt species—including the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), an Annex 2 European Habitats Directive species, over six geographic areas (five countries) in Western Europe. A relative comparison of distribution maps across time is used here and is based on more than twelve thousands occupied grid cells. It benefits from the definition of a guild, as these species are simultaneously detectable in wetlands. T. cristatus and the alpine newt (Mesotriton alpestris) were the most and the least threatened newt species, respectively, whereas the palmate (Lissotriton helveticus) and smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) had an intermediate decline level at both coarse and fine grain resolutions. However, regional variations across Europe and scale effects were also found. On one hand, these results show that T. cristatus is not only regionally threatened but suffers from a global decline in Western Europe. On another hand, the results indicate that patterns of decline are not uniform within Europe and that species often considered as common and not threatened are, in fact, declining more than others. Finally, the proposed methodology, i.e. using guilds to assess relative decline, would be useful as a complement to other standardized methods in correctly advising conservation managers and policy makers, particularly for species with more subtle declines. [less ▲]

Compte rendu de Heinrich-August Winkler, Geschichte des Westens 1914-1945

in Wissenschaftlicher Literaturanzeiger [=WLA] (2012), (2012/1),

Benefits of a New Pediatric Triple-Chamber Bag for Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants

in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (2012), 54(2), 210-217

Ardisikivuoside, a new triterpenoid saponin from Ardisia kivuensis (Mysinaceae)

in Natural Product Communications [=NPC] (2012), 7

Dispersal and regeneration capacity of large-seeded tree species in a forest-savanna mosaic in Western DR Congo

Poster (2012)

It is widely recognized that the Congo Basin is affected by numerous anthropogenic pressures. A number of studies proved that hunting and forest fragmentation diminish the diversity and abundance of large ... [more ▼]

It is widely recognized that the Congo Basin is affected by numerous anthropogenic pressures. A number of studies proved that hunting and forest fragmentation diminish the diversity and abundance of large vertebrates, more specifically, of large frugivores. The depletion of those animals can directly affect large-seeded tree species as large seeds closely depend on the community of large frugivorous vertebrates for their dispersal. Then, the disruption of animal mediated seed dispersal is thought to deeply impact the plant regeneration capacity. The forest-savanna mosaic situated in Western DR Congo is an ecotone characterized by naturally occurring forest fragments which are also subject to numerous anthropogenic pressures. Those are very likely to disrupt seed dispersal mechanisms and to alter forest regeneration processes. To date, few studies have considered the effect of such an ecosystem on plant-animal interaction dynamics such as seed dispersal, and none have been done in this region. This study will examine if the early stages of regeneration of the large-seeded tree species Anonidium mannii, namely the dispersal capacity and seedling establishment is affected by forest fragment size. We predict that the small fragment size will negatively affect the regeneration capacity of this species. To test this assumption, we will work along a gradient of forest fragment sizes to define the composition of the seed disperser communities. For each disperser assemblage, we will evaluate the quantitative capacity of seed dispersal by combining direct focal observations and camera trapping. A literature review on each disperser species seed retention time and habitat use will allow the computation of the seed dispersal kernels. We will also evaluate the effect of seed ingestion by a presumably important seed disperser, the bonobo, Pan paniscus, on its germination capacity. Seeds will be collected from dung to evaluate the effect of seed ingestion on the rate and velocity of germination. Finally, we will study the predation pressure exerted on dispersed and non-dispersed seeds and seedlings by setting up two sets of seeds below the canopy of parent trees and away from any conspecific trees. One set will be dispersed unprotected to seed predators; another one will be enclosed in a cage and permit seeds to germinate, allowing us to evaluate the herbivores pressure on seedlings. [less ▲]

Solutal Marangoni instability of binary mixtures evaporating into air: an analytical model describing highly unstable cases

in Book of abstracts of the Seventh International Symposium on TWO-PHASE SYSTEMS FOR GROUND AND SPACE APPLICATIONS (2012)