bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive and adhesive strengths of a variety of British barnacles
Authors: Gubbay S.
Published: October 2009

The shell strengths of seven species of barnacle were investigated by carrying out a series of compression and tension experiments. All species were tested under compression as solitary individuals. In addition the shell strength of crowdedSemibalanus balanoideswas determined. Results of the compression experiments showBalanus balanusandB. perforatusto be the strongest species withVerruca stroemiathe weakest. All species were much weaker in tension than compression, particularly those with a calcified base,B. balanusbeing the weakest of the five species tested in this way.

The possibility of adaptive design of the barnacle shell to withstand wave action and predation techniques is discussed in the light of the results from the compression and tension experiments. Finally the importance of carrying out a wide range of tests of the shells when trying to determine their strength is discussed.
Control of movements of the stomach and spiral intestine ofRajaandScyliorhinus
Authors: Young J. Z.
Published: October 2009

The extrinsic nerves of the stomach of dogfish and skates regulate the frequency and amplitude of contraction by inhibition followed by rebounds. By contrast the nerves of the spiral intestine are excitatory.

Stimulation of the vagus nerve of the ray produced slight reduction in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions of the cardiac stomach. Much greater inhibition was produced by stimulation of the sympathetic nerves and was followed by large rebound contractions. These effects were imitated by adrenalin and serotonin which altered the frequency and amplitude of contraction in various ways. These actions were not blocked by either propranalol (1–5 × 10−5M) or phentolamine (2 × 10−5M) and indeed were often increased. The excitatory response to adrenalin was not blocked by TTX even after this had blocked the response to the nerve. Responses both to the nerve and adrenaline were blocked by trazodone. Acetyl choline caused some contraction of the stomach but only at high concentration.

Muscles of the spiral intestine ofRaja or Scyliorhinus were activatedby stimulation of their sympathetic nerves and by adrenalin. These responses were not blocked by phentolamine and only reduced by propranalol They were blocked by trazodone. The response to adrenalin continued after the nerve was blocked by TTX. Acetyl choline had very little effect on the spiral intestine.

The striking differences between the responses of the stomach and intestine are probably related to the fact that the plexus in the latter contains no nerve cells. The neurons in the stomach are therefore presumbly connected with the inhibition and large rebound contractions.
Bacterial microflora associated with a coastal, marine fish-rearing unit
Authors: Austin B.
Published: October 2009

Populations of heterotrophic bacteria from a marine fish-rearing unit were estimated using a spread plate technique. Bacterial populations in winter were relatively low compared with counts in summer when the maximum water temperature was recorded. Almost 600 isolates were examined, and found mostly to be Gram-negative rods. The bacterial populations consisted of a diverse array of taxa, and the variations in total numbers were due to relative changes in the abundance of these. There were nine groups isolated exclusively from the surface of turbot, includingAlcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus firmus, Photobacterium Angustum, P. logei, Pseudomonas fluorescensand unidentified Gram-negative rods. In addition, pure culture growth ofAlteromonas haloplanktisand unidentified Gram-negative, budding bacteria were isolated from within the lesions of moribund turbot.
The reproductive biology ofYpsilothuria talismani(Holothuroidea: Dendrochirota) from the N.E. Atlantic
Authors: Tyler P. A. , Gage J. D.
Published: October 2009

Samples of the deep-sea holothurianYpsilothuria talismaniwere collected in a time series sampling programme from April 1978 to August 1981 at a 2200 m station in the northern Rockall Trough. The gonad ofYpsilothuria talismanilies beneath the dorsal body wall and the gonad tubules ramify throughout the body cavity close to the gut. In the female, there is no synchrony of gamete development between tubules although macroscopic observation suggests oocyte development is synchronous within each tubule. Maximum fecundity at any time is less than 50 oocytes per individual. The developing oocyte grows to a maximum size of 350μm and is lined with accessory cells. Spermato-genesis is initiated at several nodes along the tubule with maximum sperm production at the periphery of each node. As spermatogenesis proceeds more of the tubule becomes active until, at maximum development, the tubule is a long digitate structure. We have found no evidence of seasonal reproduction throughout the time series samples. From the egg size, and fecundity we infer lecithotrophic development, with a reduced larval stage, for this species.
The Nebaliacea (Crustacea: Leptostraca) of the Rockall Trough
Authors: Mauchline J. , Gage J. D.
Published: October 2009

Three species of leptostracan malacostracous Crustacea occur in the Rockall Trough. The epibenthic Nebalia typhlops, previously recorded at depths of 200–500 m in the north Atlantic but to 1100 m in the Mediterranean, was found at depths of 1990–2925 m. The epibenthic Nebaliella caboti, previously recorded in the northwestern Atlantic at depths of 378 and 2085 m, was caught in the Rockall Trough at 1390–29000 m. The pelagic Nebaliopsis typica only occurred in samples from depths greater than 1500 m. A comparative study of the previously recognized species within the Nebaliacea is required.
Interactions between metals and their distribution in tissues ofLittorina littorea(L.) collected from clean and polluted sites
Authors: Mason A. Z. , Simkiss K.
Published: October 2009

Specimens ofLittorina littoreafrom unpolluted (Menai Bridge) and metal polluted (Restronguet Creek) sites have been analysed for ten metals in eight different tissues. The concentrations of metals in whole animals and in individual tissues have been subjected to linear correlation analysis to establish metal/metal and tissue/tissue interactions. The results indicate that copper and magnesium are accumulated independently by specific connective tissue cells. Group A metals are largely accumulated by the digestive gland whereas group B metals are concentrated by the kidney. At low levels of metals there may be competition for particular ligands but at higher levels of pollution new ligands may be induced in particular cells. The implications of these interactions are discussed in terms of cell physiology and related to the significance of the use of biological organisms as indicators of metal pollution.
Grazing by the gastropod, Lacuna vincta, in the lower intertidal area at Musquash Head, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Thomas Martin L. H. , Page Frederick H.
Published: October 2009

Lacuna vincta appeared at Musquash Head, New Brunswick, in large numbers from June to August 1981 principally on lower midlittoral and infralittoral fringe Fucus edentatus. The population reached a mean maximum of 280/m2 in June; by mid September the animals had disappeared. The L. vincta grazed heavily and deposited egg masses on Fucus edentatus but little on other species. All fine and filamentous and encrusting algal species and rock were avoided for egg deposition. Egg mass abundance peaked with the population in June with a mean of 180/m2. Mean egg production in June was 83000/m2.

Both snail and egg mass distributions were correlated with the percentage cover of F. edentatus, reaching a maximum at 40–75 cm above mean low tide level.

The snails ranged in length from 2–7 mm, consisting of three cohorts from different larval settlements. Growth was rapid in July averaging 0·6 mm/month slowing later.

The food plant Fucus edentatus showed a heavy impact of the herbivore. Weight reductions attributable to grazing rose from 56 % in June to 79 % in August and grazed plants tended to thicken rather than elongate with growth. Grazing removed about 79 % of the net production of F. edentatus which averaged 61 g dry wt/m2/day. The impact of the L. vincta population on F. edentatus seems extraordinarily severe.
Reproduction, recruitment and juvenile ecology of the starfish,Asterias rubensandMarthasterias glacialis
Authors: Barker M. F. , Nichols D.
Published: October 2009

Reproductive cycles are described for subtidal and intertidal populations of the, starfishAsterias rubensL. and for a subtidal population of the starfishMarthasterias glacialisL. on the south-west coast of Britain. IntertidalA. rubenshad a clearly defined reproductive cycle with spring-early summer spawning. Pyloric caecum indices were inversely related to gonad indices. SubtidalA. rubenshad lower gonad indices and less seasonal variation in the pyloric caecum indices. Gonad indices ofM. glacialissuggest few animals in the population studied were breeding, but it is likely that this species also spawns in summer.

Plankton samples and larval rearing studies suggest a planktotrophic pelagic life of approximately 90 days forA. rubens. Field observations and laboratory experiments show larvae settle on a wide range of substrata. Recruitment to an intertidal population ofA. rubensat Hollicombe Reef occurred in July 1980 and September 1981. Growth of juvenile starfish was followed for 17 months. Juvenile starfish feed carnivorously at the completion of metamorphosis. Early growth is rapid; however, there is a reduction in the growth rate during winter months. Feeding and growth of juvenileA. rubensis compared with published data on juvenile starfish of other species.
Variation in the naturally occurring rhythm of the estuarine amphipod,Corophium volutator(Pallas)
Authors: Holmström Walter F. , Morgan Elfed
Published: October 2009

The endogenous activity rhythm of the estuarine amphipodCorophium volutatorhas been studied by direct observation and with the use of time lapse photography. The rhythm persists under constant conditions having a free running period of between 12 and 13 h, and with activity maxima occurring during the early ebb. Freshly collected animals show a rhythm which is modulated on a semi-lunar basis, the activity maxima being attenuated during the neap tide periods, and the rhythm has also been found to vary in definition throughout the year. The activity pattern is most clearly denned in early summer and autumn, the population becoming arrhythmic during the winter months. The rhythm is relatively unaffected by the ambient light intensity and temperature of the recording conditions, and is evident in all post-natal stages of development. The possibility of mutual entrainment is discussed.
The effects of low temperature pulses in rephasing the endogenous activity rhythm ofCorophium volutator(Pallas)
Authors: Holmström Walter F. , Morgan Elfed
Published: October 2009

The endogenous rhythm of swimming activity shown byCorophiumis reset by pulses of sub-zero temperature, the activity maxima being rephased to the time of rewarming at the end of the cold period. Chilling is not equally effective at all stages of the tide, pulses applied during the flood tide causing a phase delay, while those applied during the ebb advance the rhythm. Chilling at the time of low water induces arrhythmic swimming and it is suggested that the rhythm enters a state of equivocation at this time when an advance and a delay in phase are both equally probable. This results in the loss of synchronization between individuals and the disappearance of the overt rhythm from the sample population.
Laboratory entrainaient of the rhythmic swimming activity ofCorophium volutator(Pallas) to cycles of temperature and periodic inundation
Authors: Holmström Walter F. , Morgan Elfed
Published: October 2009

The tidal rhythm of swimming activity shown by the estuarine amphipodCorophium volutatorcan be entrained to cycles of temperature and immersion in the laboratory. The rhythm is phased to the period of increasing temperature, or to the time at which the animals are wetted by the artificial tide, and the activity maxima follow the Zeitgeber with a phase delay of about 5–6 h in each case. Entrainment to these variables alone is inadequate to account for ebb tide swimming in the natural state, and it is likely that the rhythm is normally entrained by a number of factors of variable significance.
Movements, abundance, age composition and growth of bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, in the Severn Estuary and inner Bristol Channel
Authors: Claridge P. N. , Potter I. C.
Published: October 2009

The movements, abundance, age composition and growth of bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), in the Severn Estuary and inner Bristol Channel have been described from regular samples offish taken from power-station intake screens between 1972 and 1977. Bass began to move into the estuary during late August or September and reached peak abundance between September and early November. The tendency for fish to move seawards in the late autumn and winter may be related to declining water temperatures in the estuary. Likewise, differences in abundance between years appear to be related to annual differences in temperature. Although the populations were dominated by the 0 + age class, successively decreasing numbers of the next four age classes and occasional 5 + fish were also present. Respective mean standard lengths of bass in the estuary at the end of their first to fifth years of life were approximately 65 mm (≡ 4·5 g), 130 mm (≡ 37·9 g), 190 mm (≡ 121·1 g), 250 mm (≡ 280·4 g) and 290 mm (≡ 441.5 g). Growth occurred predominantly between May and September, with the mean standard length of 1 + fish increasing from approximately 65 mm (≡ 4·5 g) to 130 mm (≡ 37·9 g).
White muscle lactate and pyruvate concentrations in rested flounder,Platichthys flesusand plaice,Pleuronectes platessaa: a re-evaluation of handling and sampling techniques
Authors: Adcock P. J. , Dando P. R.
Published: October 2009

Rapid fixing of skeletal muscle by a ‘freeze-clamp’ technique results in up to a 3-fold lower lactate, a slightly higher pyruvate concentration and a 2- to 4-fold decrease in lactate/pyruvate ratio, to the lowest value yet recorded for fish muscle, when compared with the more usual method of direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. This is attributed to the faster cooling rate of freeze-clamped muscle minimizing ‘sampling anoxia’. Immobilizing fish either by anaesthetic or stunning produces no significant change in metabolite levels. It is concluded that it is relatively easy to handle quiescent flatfish, but light anaesthesia ensures no muscular activity.
Formation and release of body scales in the dinoflagellate genusHeterocapsa
Authors: Morrill Lenita C. , Loeblich Alfred R.
Published: October 2009

Body scales in dinoflagellate species belonging toHeterocapsadeveloped in vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus, but did not appear within the stacked Golgi cisternae. The membranes of the scale vesicles functioned as molds for the developing scales. Mature scales within expanded vesicles moved to the flagellar area, the site of release. Body scales were seen within the cytoplasm ofHeterocapsaspp. fixed at various times in the light: dark cycle, suggesting that scales are formed and probably released continuously.
The biology ofAtrispinum labracisn. comb. (Monogenea) on the gills of the bass,Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Winch Judith
Published: October 2009

Atrispinum labracis(Van Beneden & Hesse) n.comb. syn.Microcotyle labracisVan Beneden & Hesse, 1863, parasitizes the bassDicentrarchus labraxbut almost only in the open sea; the very low prevalence of parasites on juvenile estuarine hosts was not due to intolerance of lower salinities in this habitat. The intensity of infection on open-sea bass was rarely more than 2 per fish but the strict localization of the habitat to the outer hemibranch of the ventral end of the first gill arch is thought to enhance the mating opportunities. The parasite attaches itself asymmetrically to the gill by a permanent morphological inclination of the body with respect to the haptor which is itself symmetrically aligned on a single primary lamella.

Substantial differences between the copulatory apparatus ofA. labracisand that ofMicrocotyle donaviniVan Beneden & Hesse, 1863, the type ofMicrocotyle, have made necessary the transfer of the parasite fromDicentrarchus labraxtoAtrispinumMaillard & Noisy, 1979 and a consequent amendment to the diagnosis of the subfamily Atriasterinae Maillard & Noisy, 1979.
Long-term changes of four macrobenthic assemblages from 1978 to 1992
Authors: Fromentin J.M. , Ibanez F. , Dauvin J.C. , Dewarumez J.M. , Elkaim B.
Published: October 2009

Changes in four macrobenthic assemblages of the muddy-fine sandAbra albacommunity along the north-west French coast were compared using several numerical analyses (distogram, Eigen vector filtering, clustering and multi-dimensional scaling). The faunistic composition of these four assemblages continuously changed during the 1978–1992 period. These modifications are characterized by more or less rapid and abrupt successions of distinct groups of species, but the amplitude and the frequency of these changes are different between sites. Comparison of the results provided by different analyses also reveal that these four macrobenthic assemblages did not fluctuate in parallel, and that local conditions might play a key role on their temporal variations. However, it is shown that a major mesoscale climatic event, the alternation of mild and cold periods, probably also influenced the temporal variations of these four macrobenthic assemblages. Thus it is likely that there is a combination of both local and mesoscale events influencing these communities. In certain cases, changes in local conditions were the major source of variations. Sometimes the impact of the mesoscale conditions was more apparent, especially at the northern sites where the amplitude of the variations of temperature was greater.
Macrobenthic biodiversity in intertidal habitats of the Iroise Biosphere Reserve (Brittany, France)
Authors: Hily C. , Jean F.
Published: October 2009

Patterns of the distribution of intertidal fauna in relation to the diversity of habitats were studied in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) reserve of the archipelago of Molene and Ouessant (west Brittany, France). A classification of environmental features was developed in order to determine species richness, abundance, biomass and trophic structure of the macrobenthic fauna in this intertidal area which covers 1120 ha. The four descriptors of the environment were: (1) substratum (rock, boulders, sediment, pebbles); (2) height on the shore, based on the macrophytic zones: Pelvetia canaliculata/Fucus spiralis; Fucus vesiculosus / Ascophyllum nodosum; Fucus serratus; and Himanthalia elongata/Zostera marina; (3) wave exposure (sheltered, semi-sheltered, exposed); (4) percentage of algal cover (<50%, >50%). Each type was defined by a four-figure number and matched to a map codification. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a posteriori Newman-Keuls test (P=0.05) were applied to the series of species richness and biomass. Among the 308 species sampled, 40 represented 90% of the total biomass. Maximal number of species was reached in boulder fields in the Himanthalia zone, under exposed conditions and high algal cover. The lowest number of species was observed in pebble fields of the Pelvetia zone and in the sedimentary areas. Trophic structures were dominated by suspension feeders and herbivores at high levels on the shore and by carnivores at the lowest levels. High vegetation cover and wave-exposed conditions were shown to increase with increasing faunal diversity. Links between patterns of habitat distribution and faunal diversity and biomass in different spatial scales are discussed.
The effects of colonization by Sargassum muticum on tidepool macroalgal assemblages
Authors: Viejo Rosa M.
Published: October 2009

The impact of colonization by Sargassum muticum (Phaeophyta: Fucales) on the resident macroalgal assemblage in tidepools was investigated in northern Spain. Sargassum muticum was allowed to colonize and spread in some tidepools, and was periodically removed in others. Changes in the abundance of macrophytes were recorded at three sites over two years. The colonization by S. muticum and the subsequent changes induced on the native assemblage was extremely variable among sites. Where the invader colonized profusely, it induced changes in the macroalgal composition of tidepools. The leathery group of macrophytes was significantly affected and changes were also observed in the foliose group. It was suggested that S. muticum may take advantage of their perennial and opportunistic traits in the interaction with groups of algae with different survival strategies. However, the spatial patchiness of the colonization may mitigate the impact of the invasion at local and regional scales.
Vertical distribution and abundance of pelagic cnidarians in the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Pugh P.R. , Pages F. , Boorman B.
Published: October 2009

The species composition, abundance and vertical distribution of micronektonic cnidarians has been investigated in the upper 2800 m at Discovery Station 9969, located in the cold regime in the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica. In total 22 siphonophore and 20 medusan species were identified. Overall siphonophores were more abundant than medusae, but the latter usually contributed much more to the biovolume. On average, cnidarians contributed more than 50% to the total biovolume of each catch; and they contributed >70% to the combined total of all the samples. Despite the high water content of these animals, these large biovolumes meant that the cnidarians formed ∼25% of the total carbon in each catch. The possible impact of these gelatinous cnidarian populations on the ecosystem is discussed.
A description of the skeletal development pattern of the temperate coral Caryophyllia smithi based on internal growth lines
Authors: Nagelkerken I. , van der Velde G. , van Avesaath P.H.
Published: October 2009

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure and internal growth lines of the temperate ahermatypic coral Caryophyllia smithi (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). The arrangement of internal growth lines in combination with the orientation of aragonite crystals were used to describe the pattern of skeletal development in C. smithi. The observed pattern was verified using observations from another study on skeletal development in C. smithi, but which was based only on external observations of skeletons of living and dead specimens in different stages of development. The pattern of skeletal development in C. smithi is suggested to be subdivided into three stages, based on the deposition of specific skeletal elements during the development of the skeleton. In the first ‘juvenile’ stage, various primary skeletal elements are formed: the basal plate, the septa and a primary and secondary septotheca. The second ‘half full grown’ stage is characterized by development of apparently only an extended basal attachment, which enlarges the attachment area to the substratum. In the third ‘full grown’ stage, the edge zone of the polyp tissue is retracted from the extended basal attachment to the calice, and upward growth of the coral predominates followed by lateral thickening of the septotheca, costae, septa and columella. Internal growth lines were found throughout the skeleton and may be composed of, or resulting from the presence of organic matter. The septotheca and the extended basal attachment, which are important for a strong skeletal structure and a strong attachment to the substratum, respectively, are probably thickened faster than the other skeletal elements. Attachment scars were found in areas where attachment of the coral tissue to the skeleton is critical.
A new family for a deep-sea caridean shrimp from North Atlantic hydrothermal vents
Authors: Vereshchaka A.L.
Published: October 2009

Mirocaris keldyshigen. nov., sp. nov. is described from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, TAG Location (26°09′N 44°50′W). The family Mirocarididae is proposed to include the new genus. The taxonomic position and distinguishing characters (presence of hook-bearing thoracic epipods and rudimentary appendix interna on pleopods 2–4) of the new family as compared to the other families of the superfamily Bresilioidea (Bresiliidae, Disciadidae, and Alvinocarididae) are discussed, and revised diagnoses for these families are provided.
Differentiation of physiological aspects of the burrowing shrimp Callianassa tyrrhena in relation to general pollution load
Authors: Thessalou-Legaki M. , Kerambrun P. , Verriopoulos G.
Published: October 2009

Two aspects of the physiology of the burrowing shrimp Caliianassa tyrrhena (Decapoda: Thalassinidea) were studied in order to investigate the effects of the general pollution load: total (TRR) and weight-specific respiration rate (SRR) as well as the digestive enzyme activity of the digestive gland.

Caliianassa tyrrhena exhibited a very low respiration rate (mean TRR=64-29 μl 02 animal−1h−1, N=60; mean SRR=0·18 μl 02mg DW−1h−1, N=61).

The slope of the TRR-DW logarithmic regression (b=0·64) showed that respiration in C. tyrrhena is proportional to body surface. Size is the dominant factor (among size, sex, season and locality) determining the variation in respiration rate. Comparison between the two sites with the different pollution load showed that there were no significant differences in the respiration rates of the same size class and season, except for the youngest animals in summer which showed a significant decrease in their respiration rate at the polluted site.

A similar ‘inhibitory’ effect of pollution has been observed in the activity of the majority of the 19 digestive enzymes tested. Only three e.g., trypsin, β-galactosidase and α-glucosidase showed an increase in polluted waters.

One could suggest, therefore, that C. tyrrhena can be considered to be preadapted to the low oxygen conditions encountered in the sediments, because of its burrowing mode of living.
Rhythms of larval release in the shore crabCarcinus maenas(Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: Zeng Chaoshu , Naylor Ernest
Published: October 2009

The process of larval release in field collected ovigerousCarcinus maenaswas monitored in the laboratory using a time-lapse video recorder. Under constant light (L:L) and simulated natural light/dark cycles (L:D), larval release normally occurred in two or more main events at about daily and/or tidal intervals. Since larval release in the crab was expressed with circadian and circatidal periodicity in continuous light and in the absence of tidal cues, it suggests involvement of endogenous timing. Crabs showing daily larval release rhythms released larvae at various times of the day in L:L. In contrast, under simulated L:D cycles, 37 out of 38 crabs released larvae during the dark phase, suggesting nocturnal release of larvae in the crab under natural conditions. Larval release from freshly collected females which shed larvae within two days of collection occurred predominantly around the times of expected nocturnal high tide. When both local semidiurnal high tides occurred in daylight during long summer days, larval release appeared to start 2–3 h earlier than the expected morning high tide, before the onset of daylight. Larval release at the time around high tide, linked to a previously described larval tidal migration rhythm of ebb-phased upward swimming, is likely to have been selected for by enhancing the larval offshore dispersal process. Nocturnal larval release is probably adaptive in the avoidance of visual predators by ovigerous females as they release larvae.
Diversity of marine Bivalvia in Greek waters: effects of geography and environment
Authors: Zenetos Argyro
Published: October 2009

The diversity and distribution of the Bivalvia fauna is examined in the various seas of Greek territorial waters. There is a statistically significant correlation between the bibliographical sources and the recorded variety of Bivalvia at any given area, with the deeper areas containing fewer species. Attention is given to some species ‘introduced’ into the area.

Cluster analysis, based on the species present at 30 regions which represent distinct geographical and ecological units, do not show any differentiation that corresponds to a geographical pattern. However, a distinct group is associated with the deeper open areas, which suggests that ecological parameters, such as depth and degree of enclosure, play an important role in the distribution of species.
Fatty acid characteristics in two symbiont-bearing mussels from deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the south-western Pacific
Authors: Pranal Vincent , Fiala-Medioni Aline , Guezennec Jean
Published: October 2009

Two bacteria-bearing mussels,Bathymodiolus breviorandB. elongatus, collected at five deep-sea hydrothermal sites from Lau and Fiji back arc basins (south-west Pacific), were analysed for polar and neutral lipids using gas-liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (GLC-MS). The respective fatty acid distributions found in gills and mantles were compared to data from a Mediterranean littoral filter-feeding mussel,Mytilus galloprovincialis. The main characteristic common to the gills of the two vent mussels was the high level of (n-7) monounsaturated phospholipid fatty acids, which are supposed to originate from sulphur-oxidizing symbionts. Using palmitoleic, 16:1 (n-7), and vaccenic, 18:1 (n-7), phospholipid fatty acids as bacterial markers, endobacterial biomass was estimated to account for 2–10% of the vent mussel gill volume. Vent mussel tissues were poor in plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating the limited importance of the photosynthesis based material in the metabolism of these hydrothermal vent bivalves. It is suggested that some compounds, such as nonmethylene-interrupted dienoic fatty acids and specific trienoic fatty acids originating from elongation and desaturation of oleic and palmitoleic acids, respectively, were synthesized in order to substitute exogenous plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids considered as essential in marine invertebrates. The high level of neutral lipids in vent mussel gills suggests that these compounds are used as a major energy storage material. The neutral lipid/phospholipid ratio in gills emphasized the preponderance of the endosymbionts in vent mussel nutrition. Using this ratio as an index of the physiological state, the symbiosis patterns in different hydrothermal fields were compared.
Trophic relationships between two gurnards Trigla lucerna and Aspitrigla obscura from the western Mediterranean
Authors: Morte M.S. , Redon M.J. , Sanz-Brau A.
Published: October 2009

The feeding habits of Trigla lucerna L. (1758) and Aspitrigla obscura L. (1764) (Pisces: Triglidae), off the coast of the Gulf of Valencia (Spain), were investigated between October 1989 and January 1991. The two species examined in this study appear to have distinct feeding types, based on the species composition of prey and the frequency of occurrence of major food items. Tub gurnard had a more diverse diet and fed mainly on crustaceans (mysids and decapods), teleosts and molluscs, whilst long fin gurnard were less piscivorous and fed mainly on mysids and natantids. No significant differences were found in the annual variation of vacuity coefficient for either species. Diet composition in these species did not show great changes with either season and size of fish. There was little dietary overlap between these two species.
Diet of harbour seals at Mousa, Shetland, during the third quarter of 1994
Authors: Brown E.G. , Pierce G.J.
Published: October 2009

Scats (N=200) of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) were collected from haul-out sites on the Island of Mousa, south-east Shetland, during July, August and September 1994. A total of 5,531 fish otoliths were identified in scats and measured to reconstruct fish lengths and weight. Gadid fishes dominated the diet of harbour seals on Mousa during the study period, both in terms of weight and the frequency with which they occurred. There was evidence for the existence of temporal trends. Over the period July–September the importance of gadids in the diet increased while that of sandeels declined. These temporal trends are probably associated with changes in prey availability. Comparisons of the size of sandeels, herring and whiting eaten by seals with trawl catches suggest that seals were probably not size-selective, but a corollary of this is that, while otolith size is reduced during passage through seal guts, application of correction factors derived from captive feeding experiments led to over-estimates of fish size.
New Records of Cephalopods Caught in Irish and Scottish Waters
Authors: Collins M.A. , Lordan C. , Flannery K. , Quigley D.T.G. , Howard F.G.
Published: October 2009

Records of unusual cephalopods, taken as by-catch in Irish and Scottish waters in the years 1985–1995, are presented. Of most interest are three specimens of giant squid(Architeuthis)that were caught in bottom trawls off the west of Ireland between April and June 1995, all were mature males of mantle length ∼1000 mm. Other records include a large mature femaleHistioteuthis bonnelliifrom the west of Ireland and three specimens of the gelatinous incirrate octopus,Haliphron atlanticus.
Suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering in laser beam hot spots
Authors: Sharma R.P. , Sharma Prerana , Rajput Shivani , Bhardwaj A.K.
Published: October 2009

In this article, filamentation of a high power laser beam in hot collisionless plasma is investigated considering the ponderomotive nonlinearity. We have studied the effect of self focusing (filamentation) of the laser beam on the localization of ion acoustic wave (IAW) and on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) process. The nonlinear coupling between the laser beam and IAW results in the modification of the Eigen frequency of IAW; consequently, enhanced Landau damping of IAW and a modified mismatch factor in SBS process occur. Due to enhanced Landau damping, there is a reduction in the intensity of IAW wave, and the SBS process gets suppressed. For the typical laser plasma parameters: the laser power flux = 1016 W/cm2, laser beam radius (r0) = 12 µm, n/ncr = 0.11, and (Te/Ti) = 10, the SBS reflectivity is found to be suppressed approximately by 10%.
Transmission routes and risk factors for autochthonous hepatitis E virus infection in Europe: a systematic review
Authors: LEWIS H. C. , WICHMANN O. , DUIZER E.
Published: October 2009

Increasing numbers of non-travel-associated hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections have been reported in Europe in recent years. Our objective was to review the evidence on risk factors and transmission routes of autochthonous HEV infection and hepatitis E in Europe in order to develop recommendations for future research, prevention and control. A systematic literature review was performed to identify all primary reports and studies published during 1998–2008 on hepatitis E in humans and animals in Europe by searching Pubmed, reference lists of major articles and international conference proceedings. Each of the 106 included studies was categorized into one of three evidence levels (EL) based on study design and diagnostic methodology. The evidence was generally weak (73 were assigned to EL1, two to both EL1 and EL2, and 30 to EL2), further compounded by the use of poorly validated serological assays in some studies. Only one case-control study was assigned to EL3. Persons with autochthonous hepatitis E infection were on average older than the general population and predominantly male. There was no evidence for one main transmission route of HEV infection or risk factor for hepatitis E. However, zoonotic transmission seemed likely and person-to-person transmission too inefficient to cause clinical disease. Multiple routes of transmission probably exist and should be further investigated through analytical studies and reliable diagnostic kits. Based on current evidence that points to zoonotic transmission from pigs, thorough cooking of all porcine products, prevention of cross-contamination in the kitchen and improved education for occupationally exposed people (e.g. pig farmers, veterinarians and sewage workers) may help prevent HEV infection. Although evidence for parenteral transmission is limited, it is recommended that a risk assessment is undertaken.
The Focused Ion Beam Fold-Out: Sample Preparation Method for Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Floresca Herman Carlo , Jeon Jangbae , Wang Jinguo G. , Kim Moon J.
Published: October 2009

We have developed the focused ion beam (FIB) fold-out technique, for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation in which there is no fine polishing or dimpling, thus saving turnaround time. It does not require a nanomanipulator yet is still site specific. The sample wafer is cut to shape, polished down, and then placed in a FIB system. A tab containing the area of interest is created by ion milling and then “folded out” from the bulk sample. This method also allows a plan-view of the sample by removing material below the wafer's surface film or device near the polished edge. In the final step, the sample is thinned to electron transparency, ready to be analyzed in the TEM. With both a cross section and plan-view, our technique gives microscopists a powerful tool in analyzing multiple zone axes in one TEM session. The nature of the polished sample edge also includes the ability to sample many areas, allowing the user to examine a very large device or sample. More importantly, this technique could make multiple site-specific e-beam transparent specimens in one polished sample, which is difficult to do when prepared by other methods.
Celebrating 40 Years of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry in Electron Probe Microanalysis: A Historic and Nostalgic Look Back into the Beginnings
Authors: Keil Klaus , Fitzgerald Ray , Heinrich Kurt F.J.
Published: October 2009

On February 2, 1968, R. Fitzgerald, K. Keil, and K.F.J. Heinrich published a seminal paper in Science (159, 528–530) in which they described a solid-state Si(Li) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) for electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with, initially, a resolution of 600 eV. This resolution was much improved over previous attempts to use either gas-filled proportional counters or solid-state devices for EDS to detect X-rays and was sufficient, for the first time, to make EDS a practically useful technique. It ushered in a new era not only in EPMA, but also in scanning electron microscopy, analytical transmission electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray diffraction. EDS offers many advantages over wavelength-dispersive crystal spectrometers, e.g., it has no moving parts, covers the entire X-ray energy range of interest to EPMA, there is no defocusing over relatively large distances across the sample, and, of particular interest to those who analyze complex minerals consisting of many elements, all X-ray lines are detected quickly and simultaneously.
Impact of 40 Years of Technology Advances on EDS System Performance
Authors: McCarthy Jon , Friel John , Camus Patrick
Published: October 2009

The rapid advance and falling costs of computing power and data storage during the last 40 years have greatly enhanced the data reduction speed and analytical capacity of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) systems. At the same time, the solid state X-ray detector [until recently, the Si(Li) diode] has seen performance increases due to the use of advanced materials and processing techniques. In addition, the performance of the electronic components (field effect transistor, preamp, and pulse processor) of an EDS system has been constantly improved. These technology advances have resulted in improved spectral quality, excellent light element detection, and increased count rate performance. The results have been truly remarkable and driven by the needs of the analyst. This article will summarize the progress made in these areas in the last 40 years and make a brief reference to prospects for future development in EDS system performance.
Quantifying Religion and State: Round Two of the Religion and State Project
Authors: Fox Jonathan
Published: October 2009

The religion and state project is intended to develop and create a set of measures that systematically gauge government religion policy. Round 2 of the religion and state dataset will include 147 variables for 176 states. This update (1) describes the methodology and reasoning behind the new coding, (2) describes the changes between Round 1 and Round 2, (3) compares the religion and state variables to other religion data collections, and (4) discusses the potential significance of this data collection
The First Amendment, Varieties of Neutrality, and Same-Sex Marriage
Authors: Gill Emily R.
Published: October 2009

This article compares the difficulty in achieving a public stance of neutrality toward sexual orientation with the difficulty in achieving neutrality toward religious belief. Strict separation treats religion as a private commitment, with firm limits on government cooperation with religion and strong protection for free exercise. Formal neutrality discounts religion as a basis either for conferring special benefits or for withholding generally available benefits. Positive neutrality attends to the practical effects of public policy, sometimes requiring an abandonment of nonestablishment in favor of policies that allow for greater protection for free exercise of religion. I argue that none of these forms of neutrality establishes impartiality regarding either religious belief or same-sex marriage. First, Michael McConnell's “disestablishment” approach to sexual orientation and same-sex marriage instantiates are neither neutrality nor civic equality. Second, while formal neutrality may render an establishment more inclusive, it may exclude those whose beliefs and practices are not deemed in accordance with public purposes. Third, although positive neutrality may remove burdens from same-sex couples whose conscientious convictions may impel them to marry, it may still favor some kinds of practices over others.
Brazil Current surface circulation and energetics observed from drifting buoys
Authors: Oliveira Leopoldo R. , Piola Alberto R. , Mata Mauricio M. , Soares Ivan D.
Published: October 2009

The southwestern Atlantic mean surface circulation, its associated variability and energetics are studied through the analysis of 13 years of surface drifter data binned onto a 0.5° × 0.5° grid. Special attention is given to the following three main regional features of the domain: the Brazil Current, the Malvinas Current, and the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence. For the western boundary currents, the mean field reveals velocities larger than 45 cm s−1, associated with high levels of variability (standard deviation of more than 15 cm s−1), while the highest values of standard deviation are found in the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence (>25 cm s−1). Conversely, over most of the domain the mean velocities found (20–30 cm s−1) and associated standard deviations (<15 cm s−1) are generally lower. High values of kinetic energy of the mean flow per unit mass (265–1000 cm2 s−2) are estimated in the western boundary currents and their extensions. Eddy kinetic energy along the main jet of the western boundary currents is generally lower than the kinetic energy of the mean flow, except for some areas along the Brazil Current path. In contrast, the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence reveals eddy kinetic energy levels comparable or larger (∼2500 cm2 s−2) than the mean kinetic energy. Away from the boundary, most of the kinetic energy of the surface circulation is in the eddy field. Furthermore, the analysis of the kinetic energy conversion term suggests the presence of barotropic instabilities along the Brazil Current. Over most of the Brazil Current core, the kinetic energy conversion term points from the mean to eddy kinetic energy.
Equatorial evening prereversal vertical drift and spread F suppression by disturbance penetration electric fields
Authors: Abdu M. A. , Kherani E. A. , Batista I. S. , Sobral J. H. A.
Published: October 2009

This paper presents new evidences on the responses of the evening sector equatorial ionosphere to prompt penetrating (PP) magnetospheric electric fields. In particular we show for the first time that the evening prereversal enhancement in the vertical drift/zonal electric field (PRE) and the consequent spread F (ESF) generation can be totally suppressed by penetration electric field of westward polarity arising from over‐shielding processes. In contrast the undershielding PP electric field of eastward polarity is found to enhance the PRE and ESF in agreement with recent findings. These results are evaluated using collisional interchange instability growth rate model calculations.
Spatial structures of magnetic depression in the Earth's high‐altitude cusp: Cluster multipoint observations
Authors: Shi Q. Q. , Pu Z. Y. , Soucek J. , Zong Q.‐G. , Fu S. Y. , Xie L. , Chen Y. , Zhang H. , Li L. , Xia L. D. , Liu Z. X. , Lucek E. , Fazakerley A. N. , Reme H.
Published: October 2009

Magnetic depression structures (magnetic holes) of short time duration from seconds to minutes have been studied using Cluster data in the high‐latitude cusp. Our multispacecraft analysis revealed that the magnetic depressions are spatial structures traveling across the spacecraft, and this result was further strengthened by the calculation of the boundary normal directions and velocities using various methods. In this article, we show that multiple properties of the magnetic depressions are consistent with those of mirror structures observed in the magnetosheath or solar wind. The plasma in the cusp is rarely unstable with respect to mirror instability. However, as has been shown by previous studies, once a large magnetic hole is created by mirror instability, it becomes relatively stable and can survive for extended periods of time even if surrounding plasma conditions drop well below the mirror threshold. Although local generation of these structures cannot be completely ruled out in some cases, we propose an interpretation of the magnetic depressions observed in the cusp as mirror structures generated upstream and convected to the cusp by plasma flow. Specifically, the magnetic holes could be generated in the magnetosheath and enter the cusp due to the open geometry of the cusp magnetic field.
Comparison of atmospheric infrared sounder temperature and relative humidity profiles with NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) dropsonde observations
Authors: Wu Liguang
Published: October 2009

The 2006 NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) field campaign was conducted to investigate the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) activity and its influence on Atlantic tropical cyclones. During the field campaign, 197 dropsonde soundings were collected from 13 research flights over the eastern Atlantic (10°N–22°N, 16°W–34°W) between 19 August and 12 September 2006 which provide a valuable data set to examine the uncertainty of the temperature and relative humidity profiles retrieved from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data in the SAL region. Comparing AIRS retrievals with the dropsonde observations indicates that AIRS profiles have a RMS difference of 1.35°C in temperature at the eight standard pressure levels and a RMS difference of 13.8% in relative humidity on seven standard pressure layers from 1000 hPa to 300 hPa. In particular, the RMS differences of temperature and relative humidity range from 0.79°C to 1.61°C and from 10.1% to 15.3%, respectively, from 1000 hPa to 300 hPa. Note that the uncertainty is estimated under sky conditions with active cloud activity because many NAMMA dropsondes were released in the cloud clusters or in the circulation of named tropical cyclones. This study suggests that in the SAL or the region with cloud activity the AIRS relative humidity/temperature has the RMS error within/approaching the design expectation for clear sky conditions.