A history of the Federation of European Societies of Plant Physiology FESPP since its foundation in 1978--including notes on events preceding the foundation and following re-naming as the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB) in 2002

After several years of close contacts and extensive discussion between various plant physiologists of different European countries, the Federation of European Societies of Plant Physiology (FESPP) was established in 1978 in Edinburgh. The aim of the FESPP was and remains to promote up-to-date plant physiology research in all European countries and to stimulate scientific cooperation and the exchange of scientists between the different member societies by organizing congresses and workshops as well as editing four (recently five) Federation-affiliated journals. The short History of FESPP presented here covers the preparatory years of the 1970s that led to its actual foundation in 1978, and then its further development up to and following the Federation's reconstitution in 2002 as the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB).     

Characterisation of the European Marine Sites in South West England: The Fal and Helford Candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC)

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 which implement the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) in the UK include a number of provisions for the protection of European Marine Sites (marine candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)), including the requirement for competent authorities to assess the effects of new and existing consents, permissions and authorisations to ensure that they are not having an adverse effect on the integrity of the site (Regulations 48 and 50). In England and Wales site characterisation, a process which involves the collation, integration and critical evaluation of existing site knowledge, is seen by the Environment Agency (EA) and the nature conservation bodies (English Nature – EN, and the Countryside Council for Wales – CCW) as an important step towards evaluating the effects of consented discharges and activities on the interest features of EMS, and is fundamental to the development of ecosystem-based management. An on-going project, led by the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (part of the Plymouth Marine Science Partnership) in collaboration with EA, EN and CCW, sets out to characterise the impacts and risks associated with water and sediment quality in relation to the integrity and interest features of selected European Marine Sites in southwest England and Wales. Using published information and unpublished data-sets from regulatory agencies, conservation bodies, and research institutes, evidence is compiled on the links between potentially harmful activities, environmental quality and resultant biological effects, and includes an evaluation of long-term change. An overview of results is presented here for one of the UK marine sites studied, The Fal and Helford candidate SAC, highlighting the threats to biota from point-source and diffuse pollutants, together with major gaps in our understanding. Some of the priorities for new research and better integrated monitoring to address nature conservation objectives (to maintain and restore the system) are discussed.     

Age-specific dose-mortality effects of Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) on the European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Three isolates of Beauveria bassiana were evaluated under laboratory conditions for pathogenicity against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. Dose-mortality regressions and nonparametric statistical analyses revealed significant differences in pathogenicity between isolates and across O. nubilalis instars. First instars were found to be the most susceptible of the five larval stages. Little difference was noted for instars 2, 3, and 5 within any of the three B. bassiana isolates. Fourth instar larvae were found to be the most tolerant in all cases.     

European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) Policy Statement 12.1: Recommendations on Medical Physics Education and Training in Europe 2014

In 2010, EFOMP issued Policy Statement No. 12: “The present status of Medical Physics Education and Training in Europe. New perspectives and EFOMP recommendations” to be applied to education and training in Medical Physics within the context of the developments in the European Higher Education Area arising from the Bologna Declaration and with a view to facilitate the free movement of Medical Physics professionals within Europe. Concurrently, new recommendations regarding qualifications frameworks were published by the European Parliament and Council which introduced new terminology and a new qualifications framework – the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for lifelong learning. In addition, a new European directive involving the medical use of ionizing radiations and set to replace previous directives in this area was in the process of development. This has now been realized as Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 which has repealed directive 97/43/Euratom. In this regard, a new document was developed in the context of the EC financed project "European Guidelines on the Medical Physics Expert" and published as RP174. Among other items, these guidelines refer to the mission statement, key activities, qualification framework and curricula for the specialty areas of Medical Physics relating to radiological devices and protection from ionizing radiation. These developments have made necessary an update of PS12; this policy statement provides the necessary update.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the European green crab (Carcinus maenas)

Carcinus maenas (Decapoda: Portunidae) has proven a highly successful invasive marine species whose potential economic and ecological impacts are of great concern worldwide. Here, we characterize 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in C. maenas and its sister species Carcinus aestuarii. These markers will prove useful for fine‐scale genetic analyses of native and introduced populations, for assessment of the sources and routes of invasion and for evaluation of post‐invasion population dynamics.     

Assessing the importance of nursery areas of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) using a body condition index

In this study, we analysed the variability of reserve storage in juvenile European hake (Merluccius merluccius) off the western coasts of Italy (Central Mediterranean Sea). Reserve storage was measured by the hepatosomatic index (HSI), in relation to environmental and population covariates. HSI has been proved to be a consistent measure of energy storage in gadoids, thus reflecting quantity and quality of food availability for growth. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) were used to model the effect of depth, bottom temperature, bottom currents, fish density and fish body size on HSI of juvenile European hake. The results revealed that reserve storage in the liver appears to be maximized for juveniles living on the shelf break, between 120 and 170 m depth, with bottom temperature and current speed not exceeding 14 °C and 0.04 m s⁻¹ respectively. Furthermore, HSI significantly increased with fish density up to about 6000 individuals per km⁻² and decreased at higher densities indicating that reserve accumulation in the liver might be subject to density-dependent mechanisms (e.g. competition for food) as well. These findings suggest that the use of density as measure of nursery importance need to be further investigated. Finally, we found that HSI increased with fish size up to about 14 cm total length. Based on these results, HSI appears a reasonable index to indirectly measure the quality of habitats where juvenile European hake aggregate after their settlement on the bottom, and to potentially monitor habitat suitability as nursery across the spatial-temporal gradient.     

In vivo temperature-dependent development of Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) mycosis of the European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The in vivo incubation period of Beauveria bassiana mycosis of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, was found to vary in response to temperature of incubation, level of initial exposure (dose), and the age of the host larvae. Incubation temperature was found to be the dominant factor affecting disease development within each of the host instars examined, while dose produced significant effects only in the early instars. A nonlinear regression model was used to construct three-dimensional stimulus-response surfaces for each host instar. This model has provided reasonable predictions of the disease incubation period when used within the temperature regimes found throughout New York State.     

High levels of nucleotide diversity in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) SRY gene

We have sequenced 2,388 bp of the European rabbit sex determining region Y (SRY) gene. These data provide a 10-fold increase in the coverage of the Y chromosome in this species, including the entire open reading frame of the SRY, the polyadenylation signal, and two repetitive sequences in the 5' -region. A survey of 2021 bp of this gene in eight domestic breeds and four wild individuals revealed a total of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms and one indel, defining two deeply divergent lineages. The resulting estimation of nucleotide diversity (pi=1.34 x10(-3)) is very high when compared with other species, but no variability was detected among the domestic breeds. This study represents a first step in the characterization of the European rabbit Y chromosome and its variability. These sequences can be used in additional phylogeographical analyses of the European rabbit and other Leporid species, as well as in evolutionary studies of sex determination and the Y chromosome in wild species.     

Handling,processing and disposal of stem cell products in Europe: A survey by the cellular therapy and immunobiology working party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Background

There is considerable heterogeneity in processing of stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation across Europe. The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)–Joint Accreditation Committee International Society for Cellular Therapy and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) (JACIE) standards provide minimum guidelines that, however, leave room for significant variations in practices at the individual transplantation center (TC).

The European Proteomics Association (EuPA) is in the field. Report of the formal inauguration of the European Proteome Association (Munich, Germany, August 29, 2005)

After one year of preparation the European Proteomics Association (EuPA) was formally inaugurated on August 29, 2005, on the occasion of the 4(th) HUPO World Congress in Munich, Germany. Delegates from 16 European countries elected Dr. Friedrich Lottspeich, President of the German Proteome Society, as the first EuPA President. The EuPA Board also comprises Professor Mathias Uhlen as Vice President, along with Professor Michael Dunn (Ireland), Professor Concha Gil (Spain), Dr. Jean Charles Sanchez (Switzerland) and Professor Pier Giorgio Righetti (Italy) as Coordinators for the presently defined focus activities of the EuPA. The general objectives of the EuPA are to promote proteomic activities throughout Europe, emphasising the benefits and contribution of proteomics to biological researchers, industry, the general public and politicians.     

Seasonal population dynamics of Paraquimpevia tenevvima (Linstow) (Nematoda) in the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus) in three localities of southwest England

Seasonal population dynamics of Puraquzmperia tenerrima (Linstow) in the European eel Anguillu anguillu (Linnaeus) have been investigated in three localities in Devon, southwest England. The nematode is common and exhibits very similar seasonal patterns in changes of prevalence and abundance in the three localities. The population increases over winter through to late spring or early summer as the recruitment of the new generation occurs throughout this period. Reproduction of the nematode starts in spring. A sharp decrease of prevalence and abundance accompanies or follows reproduction, and infection levels are very low in autumn and early winter. The dispersion pattern of the nematode varies with the infection levels from over-dispersion in spring and early summer to almost random dispersion in autumn and winter. It is suggested that P. tenerrimu is a common specific parasite of eels, especially in small streams or rivers and that insect larvae or species of crustaceans might serve as intermediate hosts for the nematode.     

Reduced introgression of the Y chromosome between subspecies of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Iberian Peninsula

The role of the Y chromosome in speciation is unclear. Hybrid zones provide natural arenas for studying speciation, as differential introgression of markers may reveal selection acting against incompatibilities. Two subspecies of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) form a hybrid zone in the Iberian Peninsula. Previous work on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y- and X-linked loci revealed the existence of two divergent lineages in the rabbit genome and that these lineages are largely subspecies-specific for mtDNA and two X-linked loci. Here we investigated the geographic distribution of the two Y chromosome lineages by genotyping two diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms in a sample of 353 male rabbits representing both subspecies, and found that Y chromosome lineages are also largely subspecies-specific. We then sequenced three autosomal loci and discovered considerable variation in levels of differentiation at these loci. Finally, we compared estimates of population differentiation between rabbit subspecies at 26 markers and found a surprising bimodal distribution of F(ST)values. The vast majority of loci showed little or no differentiation between rabbit subspecies while a few loci, including the SRY gene, showed little or no introgression across the hybrid zone. Estimates of population differentiation for the Y chromosome were surprisingly high given that there is male-biased dispersal in rabbits. Taken together, these data indicate that there is a clear dichotomy in the rabbit genome and that some loci remain highly differentiated despite extensive gene flow following secondary contact.     

Genetic variability is unrelated to growth and parasite infestation in natural populations of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Positive correlations between individual genetic heterozygosity and fitness-related traits (HFCs) have been observed in organisms as diverse as plants, marine bivalves, fish or mammals. HFCs are not universal and the strength and stability of HFCs seem to be variable across species, populations and ages. We analysed the relationship between individual genetic variability and two different estimators of fitness in natural samples of European eel, growth rate (using back-calculated length-at-age 1, 2 and 3) and parasite infestation by the swimbladder nematode Anguillicola crassus . Despite using a large data set of 22 expressed sequence tags-derived microsatellite loci and a large sample size of 346 individuals, no heterozygote advantage was observed in terms of growth rate or parasite load. The lack of association was evidenced by (i) nonsignificant global HFCs, (ii) a Multivariate General Linear Model showing no effect of heterozygosity on fitness components, (iii) single-locus analysis showing a lower number of significant tests than the expected false discovery rate, (iv) sign tests showing only a significant departure from expectations at one component, and, (v) a random distribution of significant single-locus HFCs that was not consistent across fitness components or sampling sites. This contrasts with the positive association observed in farmed eels in a previous study using allozymes, which can be explained by the nature of the markers used, with the allozyme study including many loci involved in metabolic energy pathways, while the expressed sequence tags-linked microsatellites might be located in genes or in the proximity of genes uncoupled with metabolism/growth.     

Characterization of 38 microsatellite loci in the European blackbird, Turdus merula (Turdidae, AVES)

We characterized 38 microsatellite loci in the European blackbird, Turdus merula. Thirty-seven loci were identified by testing 242 loci that had been originally isolated in other avian species. One additional locus was isolated from a European blackbird genomic library. All loci were characterized in 20-29 blackbirds from a population in the Czech Republic and displayed between two and 16 alleles, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 1.00. Thirty-seven loci could be assigned a chromosome location in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genome based on sequence homology.     

Glochidia of the freshwater mussel,Anodonta anatina, affecting the anadromous European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) from the Eider estuary, Germany

During a 2-year survey on external disease conditions of fish between January 1988 and December 1989, 0.2% of 40011 smelt, Osmerus eperlanus , from 30 stations in the German Wadden Sea and estuaries of tributary rivers, were infected with glochidia of the freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina . Seasonality was marked, with glochidia only being observed in March and April 1989, when prevalences were 37% and 15% respectively, in fish 10–20cm long at the most heavily infected site. A marked increase in prevalence in fish 15cm in length and longer, suggested that only temporarily resident spawning fish (as opposed to resident juveniles) were infected. Infection was almost exclusively restricted to the Eider estuary, where prevalence decreased with increasing salinity. It is concluded that the glochidia carried by smelt returning from their freshwater spawning sites in the Eider River to the sea would have died, thus representing a loss to the 1989 cohort of A. anatina from the Eider. The potential importance of the smelt– A. anatina relationship as indicator for the detection of (a) spawning mussel populations and of (b) possible ecological effects of climate changes is noted.     

Azimuthal sound localization in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris): II. Psychophysical results

Small songbirds have a difficult analysis problem: their head is small compared to the wavelengths of sounds used for communication providing only small interaural time and level differences. Klump and Larsen (1992) measured the physical binaural cues in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) that allow the comparison of acoustical cues and perception. We determined the starling’s minimum audible angle (MAA) in an operant Go/NoGo procedure for different spectral and temporal stimulus conditions. The MAA for broadband noise with closed-loop localization reached 17°, while the starling’s MAA for open-loop localization of broadband noise reached 29°. No substantial difference between open-loop and closed-loop localization was found in 2 kHz pure tones. The closed-loop MAA improved from 26° to 19° with an increase in pure tone frequency from 1 to 4 kHz. This finding is in line with the physical cues available. While the starlings can only make use of interaural time difference cues at lower frequencies (e.g., 1 and 2 kHz), additional interaural level difference cues become available at higher frequencies (e.g., 4 kHz or higher, Klump and Larsen 1992). An improvement of the starling’s MAA with an increasing number of standard stimulus presentations prior to the test stimulus has important implications for determining relative (MAA) localization thresholds.     

Searching for the early benthic phase (EBP) of the European lobster: a trans-European study of cobble fauna

The re-stocking or enhancement of Homarid populations has been the focus of several research projects in recent years. However, despite being able to successfully rear lobsters in captivity, there are few reports of newly settled European lobsters (Homarus gammarus) in the wild. This is of serious concern for fishery managers when trying to ascertain if restocking or enhancement programmes are successful at the fishery level. Based on published work from the western Atlantic seaboard, cobble and boulder substrata have been identified as an important nursery habitat for early benthic phase (EBP) American lobsters (Homarus americanus). This paper, based on an E.U. funded research project (LEAR), describes the results of quantitative airlift suction sampling from cobble habitat in Norway, Ireland the U.K., and Italy. In total, 67 m² of cobble was sampled, but no EBP lobsters were found. Overall, crustaceans and molluscs were the most abundant species in all countries. While the collective densities of animals per m²of cobble were similar to that of the United States, the species diversity in Europe was noticeably higher. Among the crustacea, the reptant decapods dominated at all sites. These findings tend to support the modern day `exclusion hypothesis' that competition and predation from other species limits the successful recruitment of EBP European lobster to the benthos. The results highlight the need to go beyond the single species approach to understanding the factors that influence the recruitment of Homarus gammarus.     

Telemetric observations on the spawning migration of the eel (Anguilla anguilla) west of the European continental shelf

Synopsis In the Northern Bay of Biscay and west of the Iberian continental shelf five silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) have been tagged with ultrasonic transmitters and tracked 13 to 23 hours over a depth of 200 to 2500 m. Their mean direction from release to the final position of tracking was 288° and significantly closer to the direction of the Sargasso Sea (250° west) than silver eels tracked earlier in the North Sea (341°), possibly 260°. Four of the transmitters were equipped with pressure sensing devices capable of indicating depths of at least 400 m. Three eels tracked at night, during full moon, preferred mean depths of 125, 166 or 215 m. One eel chose a depth of 100 m during moonlight and 50 m after the setting of the moon. Major depth changes, usually occurring one per hour, ranged up to a maximum of 200 m at a maximum vertical speed of 0.6 m sec^–1; this is close to the eels' normal horizontal speed. At dawn all but one dived to a depth of 400 m or more. The eels generally swam below the thermocline and often crossed it.