The confirmation of diethylstilbestrol residues in beff liver by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A confirmatory test for the presence of the growth-promoting hormone, diethylstilbestrol (DES), in beef liver is described, Samples are subjected to a published electron capture gas chromatographic method that involves the formation and measurement of the bis-dichloroacetyl derivative of DES. The presence of the derivative is then confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, using a repetitive scanning technique to maximize response. The isotope pattern of the tetrachlorinated molecular ion greatly facilitates the confirmation.     

Current models broadly neglect specific needs of biodiversity conservation in protected areas under climate change

Background  

Protected areas are the most common and important instrument for the conservation of biological diversity and are called for under the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity. Growing human population densities, intensified land-use, invasive species and increasing habitat fragmentation threaten ecosystems worldwide and protected areas are often the only refuge for endangered species. Climate change is posing an additional threat that may also impact ecosystems currently under protection. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to include the potential impact of climate change when designing future nature conservation strategies and implementing protected area management. This approach would go beyond reactive crisis management and, by necessity, would include anticipatory risk assessments. One avenue for doing so is being provided by simulation models that take advantage of the increase in computing capacity and performance that has occurred over the last two decades.