Cryptic species in a well-known habitat: applying taxonomics to the amphipod genus Epimeria (Crustacea, Peracarida)

Taxonomy plays a central role in biological sciences. It provides a communication system for scientists as it aims to enable correct identification of the studied organisms. As a consequence, species descriptions should seek to include as much available information as possible at species level to follow an integrative concept of ‘taxonomics’. Here, we describe the cryptic species Epimeria frankei sp. nov. from the North Sea, and also redescribe its sister species, Epimeria cornigera. The morphological information obtained is substantiated by DNA barcodes and complete nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequences. In addition, we provide, for the first time, full mitochondrial genome data as part of a metazoan species description for a holotype, as well as the neotype. This study represents the first successful implementation of the recently proposed concept of taxonomics, using data from highthroughput technologies for integrative taxonomic studies, allowing the highest level of confidence for both biodiversity and ecological research

Centrifuge modeling of seismic liquefaction effects on adjacent shallow foundations

Shallow foundations built on saturated deposits of granular soils in seismically active areas are, regardless of their static bearing capacity, critical structures during seismic events. A single centrifuge experiment involving shallow foundations situated atop a liquefiable soil deposit has been performed to identify the mechanisms involved in the interaction between liquefaction-induced effects on neighboring shallow foundations. Centrifuge test results indicate that liquefaction causes significant settlements of footings, which are affected by the presence of neighboring foundations and can be extremely damaging to the superstructure. The understanding of these interaction effects is very important, mainly in densely populated urban areas. The development of high excess pore-pressures, localized drainage in response to the high transient hydraulic gradients, and earthquake-induced vertical motions to the footings are also important effects that are discussed to assist in enhancing current understanding and ability to predict liquefaction effects on shallow foundations. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group

Postrenal transplantation body composition: Different evolution depending on gender

Objective: Patients receiving regular hemodialysis have a lower body mass index, which is mainly caused by the reduction of fat mass and body cell mass (BCM) and the accompanying extracellular water (ECW) expansion. Kidney transplant (Tx) recipients normally regain subnormal renal filtration, and they must cope with significant therapeutic-associated metabolic side effects, which may compromise the recovery of normal nutritional status. We investigated the influence of renal function recovery on body fluid composition during the first period post-Tx, when immunosuppressive drugs doses are at their highest. We also analyzed the differences between males and females and compared them with healthy controls. Methods: Eighteen patients (11 males and 7 females) were studied. Biolectric impedance analysis was done pre-Tx and at months 1 and 3 post-Tx. We considered the following parameters: total body water, ECW, intracellular water, Na:K exchangeable ratio, phase angle, and BCM. The healthy group was evaluated three times in a year interval. Results: We observed differences between genders. Compared with healthy males, resistance, reactance, intracellular water, and BCM were greater and ECW was lower among Tx males at pre-Tx time. At months 1 and 3, we observed only different total body water in males compared with controls. Females did not display any differences in biolectric impedance analysis parameters compared with healthy controls, with the exception of lower reactance at month 1. Conclusions: Compared with healthy subjects, uremic males presented body water disturbances pre-Tx. During the first 3 months post-Tx, males showed an incomplete recovery of bioelectric impedance analysis parameters with a greater total body water, probably the result of drug therapy side effects. Pre-Tx, Tx females at pre-Tx time had no differences as compared with healthy females. (C) 2007 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc

Effects of earthquake-induced liquefaction: Integrated research tools towards optimum reduction of society vulnerability

Earthquake-induced liquefaction is widely recognised as a serious hazard threatening modern societies. Indeed, even if the death toll is usually smaller than with other seismic phenomena, such as tsunamis, the economic and social distress and the extent of post-earthquake recovery caused by liquefaction are often more severe. This paper describes the research carried out at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, with its international partners, focusing on the assessment and mitigation of earthquake-induced liquefaction hazards at different levels and using different tools to reduce more effectively society's vulnerability to this phenomenon. Element testing has been combined with centrifuge modelling to assess the basic soil behaviour and the actual mechanisms governing field performance of geotechnical structures. Numerical modelling is used to extend experimental findings and to predict more accurately liquefaction effects, so that the principles of performance-based design can be used in current design practice. New energy-based design approaches and innovative planning tools for transportation infrastructures considering liquefaction hazards at a macro scale have been developed, allowing for better consideration of liquefaction effects in informed decision-making