bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marinobacter algicola sp. nov., isolated from laboratory cultures of paralytic shellfish toxin-producing dinoflagellates
Authors: Green David H. , Bowman John P. , Smith Elizabeth A. , Gutierrez Tony , Bolch Christopher J. S.
Published: March 2006

Phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis of cultivable marine bacteria isolated from laboratory cultures of two paralytic shellfish toxin-producing dinoflagellates, Gymnodinium catenatum and Alexandrium tamarense, showed the presence of a novel group of Gram-negative, aerobic, moderately halophilic and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, related to the genus Marinobacter. The strains, designated DG893T, DG1136 and ATAM407-13, grew optimally in media with 3–6 % NaCl and at 25–30 °C, and all could utilize n-hexadecane and n-tetradecane as the sole carbon source. The strains had a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 94·2–94·3 % to Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus ATCC 27132, and a similarity of 97·5–97·8 % to the closest phylogenetically related type strain, Marinobacter flavimaris DSM 16070T. DNA–DNA hybridization levels to M. flavimaris and other Marinobacter type strains were ⩽42 %, while DNA–DNA reassociation values among DG893T, DG1136 and ATAM407-13 were ⩾83 %. The DNA G+C content was 54–55 mol% and the major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-9. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, DNA–DNA hybridization and phylogenetic analysis, it is proposed that these three strains represent a novel species, Marinobacter algicola sp. nov. The type strain is DG893T (=DSM 16394T=NCIMB 14009T).
Pseudoxanthomonas suwonensis sp. nov., isolated from cotton waste composts
Authors: Weon Hang-Yeon , Kim Byung-Yong , Kim Jong-Shik , Lee Seon-Young , Cho Yang-Hee , Go Seung-Joo , Hong Seung-Beom , Im Wan-Taek , Kwon Soon-Wo
Published: March 2006

Three strains, 4M1T, 4M9 and 4M12, were isolated from cotton waste composts. These strains are Gram-negative, aerobic and non-spore-forming rods. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons demonstrated that these isolates were clustered phylogenetically within the genusPseudoxanthomonasand 4M1Trevealed sequence similarity levels of 96·9–99·0 % to sixPseudoxanthomonasspecies with validly published names. According to DNA–DNA hybridization, relatedness values between 4M1Tand six knownPseudoxanthomonasspecies were in the range of 52–63 %. The DNA G+C content of the strains was 66·6–68·4 mol%. For a more detailed characterization of these strains, the physiological, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties were evaluated. From the results of this study, the namePseudoxanthomonas suwonensissp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 4M1T(=KACC 11320T=DSM 17175T).
Dietzia cinnamea sp. nov., a novel species isolated from a perianal swab of a patient with a bone marrow transplant
Authors: Yassin A. F. , Hupfer H. , Schaal K. P.
Published: March 2006

The taxonomic status of a bacterium isolated from a perianal swab of a patient with a bone marrow transplant was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Chemotaxonomic investigations revealed the presence of cell wall chemotype IV, short chain mycolic acids that co-migrated with those extracted from members of the genus Dietzia, and a dihydrogenated menaquinone with eight isoprene units as the predominant menaquinone. Generic assignment was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this isolate constitutes a distinct phyletic line within the genus Dietzia, displaying 97·5–98·7 % sequence similarity with Dietzia species with validly published names. The isolate could be distinguished from the type strain of Dietzia maris (1·6 % sequence divergence) and other species of the genus Dietzia by DNA–DNA hybridization, as well as by using a set of biochemical tests. Genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain merits classification as a novel species of the genus Dietzia for which the name Dietzia cinnamea sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is IMMIB RIV-399T (=DSM 44904T=CCUG 50875T).
Nocardia jejuensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from a natural cave on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Soon Dong
Published: March 2006

A novel actinomycete, strain N3-2T, was isolated from a natural cave on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, using a dilution method and was subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. The almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence was determined by direct sequencing of the purified PCR product and was compared with those of representatives of the genus Nocardia. It was revealed from the phylogenetic analysis that the organism forms a distinct clade between the Nocardia salmonicida cluster and the Nocardia alba branch within the evolutionary radius occupied by the genus Nocardia of the family Nocardiaceae. The organism showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97·4 % with its nearest phylogenetic neighbours, namely N. salmonicida and N. alba. The chemotaxonomic properties, such as the principal amino acid of peptidoglycan, predominant menaquinone and polar lipids, supported the classification in the genus Nocardia. The organism was readily differentiated from Nocardia species with validly published names by a broad set of phenotypic properties and its unique phylogenetic position; the name Nocardia jejuensis sp. nov. is proposed, with N3-2T (=JCM 13281T=NRRL B-24430T) as the type strain.
Lactobacillus vini sp. nov., a wine lactic acid bacterium homofermentative for pentoses
Authors: Rodas Ana María , Chenoll Empar , Macián M. Carmen , Ferrer Sergi , Pardo Isabel , Aznar Rosa
Published: March 2006

Six strains with more than 99·5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, identical internal spacer region profiles and restriction analysis of the amplified 16S rRNA gene patterns were isolated from fermenting grape musts during independent studies carried out in France and Spain many years apart. Strains are Gram-positive, motile, facultatively anaerobic rods that do not exhibit catalase activity and have the ability to utilize pentose sugars (ribose and/orl-arabinose), although they are homofermentative bacteria. Strains ferment pentoses exclusively yielding lactic acid as the end product. A broad set of molecular techniques has been applied to characterize these strains and the results show a high degree of genotypical congruence, sharing identical profiles with 16S rRNA-based techniques. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed these strains within the genusLactobacillus, closely related toLactobacillus mali,Lactobacillus nageliiandLactobacillus satsumensis(with approximately 95 % sequence similarity). DNA–DNA hybridization experiments confirmed the independent status at the species level of these fermenting grape-musts strains. Phenotypically they can be distinguished from the closest relatives by several traits such as growth temperatures and fermentation of carbohydrates. The nameLactobacillus vinisp. nov. is proposed, with strain Mont 4T(=DSM 20605T=CECT 5924T) as the type strain.
Amycolatopsis jejuensis sp. nov. and Amycolatopsis halotolerans sp. nov., novel actinomycetes isolated from a natural cave
Authors: Lee Soon Dong
Published: March 2006

Two actinomycete strains, designated N7-3T and N4-6T, were isolated from a natural cave on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, by using a dilution method, and were subjected to physiological, chemical and molecular characterization. The nearly complete sequences of the 16S rRNA gene were aligned and compared with those of representatives of the genus Amycolatopsis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the organisms belong to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and formed two distinct lineages within the evolutionary radius of the genus Amycolatopsis. The chemotaxonomic and morphological properties support their classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence data revealed that the closest relatives of strains N7-3T and N4-6T were Amycolatopsis sulphurea (97·9 % similarity) and Amycolatopsis albidoflavus (98·7 % similarity), respectively. The combination of physiological and genetic data supported the observation that the organisms could be distinguished from each other and from established species of the genus Amycolatopsis. The names Amycolatopsis jejuensis sp. nov. and Amycolatopsis halotolerans sp. nov. are proposed for the two novel species, with N7-3T (=NRRL B-24427T=JCM 13280T) and N4-6T (=NRRL B-24428T=JCM 13279T) as the respective type strains.
Polaromonas aquatica sp. nov., isolated from tap water
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Busse Hans-Jürgen , Falsen Enevold
Published: March 2006

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacteria (CCUG 39402T and CCUG 39797), isolated from different water sources, were investigated in a polyphasic study. The two isolates shared 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and it was shown that they belonged to the Betaproteobacteria, most closely related to Polaromonas vacuolata (97·8 %) and Polaromonas naphthalenivorans (97·8 %). A polyamine pattern with 2-hydroxyputrescine and putrescine, as well as ubiquinone Q-8, were in agreement with characteristics of Betaproteobacteria. The presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, and major fatty acids C16 : 1
ω7c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 0 cyclo supported the affiliation of the two strains to the genus Polaromonas. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the two isolates from the two Polaromonas species with validly published names. They therefore represent a novel species, for which the name Polaromonas aquatica sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CCUG 39402T (=CIP 108776T).
Gracilibacillus orientalis sp. nov., a novel moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Carrasco I. J. , Márquez M. C. , Yanfen X. , Ma Y. , Cowan D. A. , Jones B. E. , Grant W. D. , Ventosa A.
Published: March 2006

Three Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, spore-forming rods, designated XH-63T, XH-62 and EJ-15, were isolated from two salt lakes located near Xilin Hot and Ejinor, in Inner Mongolia, China. The strains were strictly aerobic and motile, with spherical, terminal and deforming endospores. They grew at pH 5·0–9·0 (optimal growth at pH 7·5), between 4 and 45 °C (optimal growth at 37 °C) and at salinities of 1–20 % (w/v) total salts, growing optimally at 10 % (w/v) salts. They hadmeso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan and DNA G+C contents of 36·1–37·1 mol%. The polar lipid pattern of strain XH-63T, selected as the representative strain, consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and a phospholipid and two amino phospholipids of unknown structure. This strain possessed anteiso-C15 : 0and anteiso-C17 : 0as the major fatty acids (altogether representing 72·5 % of total) and MK-7 as the major menaquinone. 16S rRNA gene analysis of the three strains showed that they were within theGracilibacilluscluster, with highest sequence similarity (95·4–95·8 %) withGracilibacillus dipsosauri. Based on a combination of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, it is proposed that the three isolates represent a novel species of the genusGracilibacillus,Gracilibacillus orientalissp. nov. The type strain is strain XH-63T(=CCM 7326T=AS 1.4250T=CECT 7097T).
Yangia pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the Roseobacter clade from coastal sediment of the East China Sea
Authors: Dai Xin , Wang Bao-Jun , Yang Qing-Xiang , Jiao Nian-Zhi , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: March 2006

An aerobic, Gram-negative bacterial isolate, strain DX5-10T, was isolated from coastal sediment of the East China Sea. The taxonomy of strain DX5-10Twas studied by phenotypic and phylogenetic methods. Strain DX5-10Twas motile, formed faint-yellowish colonies and was positive for catalase reaction and weakly positive for oxidase reaction. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene of strain DX5-10Twas obtained and sequence analysis indicated that strain DX5-10Trepresented an independent lineage within theRoseobacterclade ofAlphaproteobacteria. Strain DX5-10Twas phylogenetically related to members of the generaRoseobacter,Loktanella,Roseisalinus,Silicibacter,Antarctobacter,Sulfitobacter,Salipiger,RuegeriaandRoseivivax, and the sequence identities among them were less than 95·0 %. The predominant respiratory ubiquinone of strain DX5-10Twas Q-10 and the DNA G+C content of strain DX5-10Twas 63·3 mol%. Therefore, strain DX5-10Trepresents a novel species of a novel genus, for which the nameYangia pacificagen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain DX5-10T(=CGMCC 1.3455T=JCM 12573T).
AggA is required for aggregation and increased biofilm formation of a hyper-aggregating mutant of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: De Windt Wim , Gao Haichun , Krömer Wolfgang , Van Damme Petra , Dick Jan , Mast Jan , Boon Nico , Zhou Jizhong , Verstraete Willy
Published: March 2006

Shewanella oneidensis COAG, a hyper-aggregating mutant of MR-1, was isolated from a rifampicin-challenged culture. Compared to the wild-type, COAG exhibited increased biofilm formation on glass carrier material. The role of surface-located proteins in the process of COAG auto-aggregation was confirmed by different proteolytic treatments of the aggregates. All of the tested proteolytic enzymes resulted in deflocculation within 3 h of incubation. In order to examine the altered expression of outer-membrane proteins in COAG, membrane-enriched cell preparations were analysed by proteomics and the protein pattern was compared to that of MR-1. From the proteomics results, it was hypothesized that the agglutination protein AggA, associated with the secretion of a putative RTX protein, was involved in the hyper-aggregating phenotype. These results were confirmed with a DNA microarray study of COAG versus MR-1. An insertional mutation in the S. oneidensis COAG aggA locus resulted in loss of the hyper-aggregating properties and the increased biofilm-forming capability. The insertional mutation resulted in strongly decreased attachment during the initial stage of biofilm formation. By complementing this mutation with the vector pCM62, expressing the aggA gene, this effect could be nullified and biofilm formation was restored to at least the level of the MR-1 wild-type.
RNA 3′-tail synthesis in Streptomyces: in vitro and in vivo activities of RNase PH, the SCO3896 gene product and polynucleotide phosphorylase
Authors: Bralley Patricia , Gust Bertolt , Chang Samantha , Chater Keith F. , Jones George H.
Published: March 2006

As in other bacteria, 3′-tails are added post-transcriptionally to Streptomyces coelicolor RNA. These tails are heteropolymeric, and although there are several candidates, the enzyme responsible for their synthesis has not been definitively identified. This paper reports on three candidates for this role. First, it is confirmed that the product of S. coelicolor gene SCO3896, although it bears significant sequence similarity to Escherichia coli poly(A) polymerase I, is a tRNA nucleotidyltransferase, not a poly(A) polymerase. It is further shown that SCO2904 encodes an RNase PH homologue that possesses the polymerization and phosphorolysis activities expected for enzymes of that family. S. coelicolor RNase PH can add poly(A) tails to a model RNA transcript in vitro. However, disruption of the RNase PH gene has no effect on RNA 3′-tail length or composition in S. coelicolor; thus, RNase PH does not function as the RNA 3′-polyribonucleotide polymerase [poly(A) polymerase] in that organism. These results strongly suggest that the enzyme responsible for RNA 3′-tail synthesis in S. coelicolor and other streptomycetes is polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). Moreover, this study shows that both PNPase and the product of SCO3896 are essential. It is possible that the dual functions of PNPase in the synthesis and degradation of RNA 3′-tails make it indispensable in Streptomyces.
Porphyromonas gingivalis enhances FasL expression via up-regulation of NFκB-mediated gene transcription and induces apoptotic cell death in human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Brozovic Suzana , Sahoo Rashmita , Barve Shirish , Shiba Hideki , Uriarte Silvia , Blumberg Richard S. , Kinane Denis F.
Published: March 2006

The interaction between epithelial cells and micro-organisms is often a crucial initiating event in infectious diseases. Infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative anaerobe, is strongly associated with severe periodontal disease. This bacterium possesses an array of virulence factors, some of which can induce apoptosis. The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family is involved in the regulation of cellular homeostasis, cell surface molecules involved in phagocytosis, Fas ligand (L) expression and activation of the caspase cascade resulting in DNA fragmentation and cell blebbing. The current study examined the role of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) in FasL-mediated apoptotic cell death in primary human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) induced by heat-killed P. gingivalis, probably through TLR signalling pathways. A marked up-regulation of TLR2 and Fas–FasL was detected in HGEC stimulated with P. gingivalis. Activation of NFκB by P. gingivalis in HGEC was demonstrated by an NFκB promoter luciferase assay as well as by phosphorylation of p65 as detected by Western blotting. Activation of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 resulted in apoptotic cell death of HGEC. The survival proteins c-IAP-1/c-IAP-2 were decreased in HGEC exposed to P. gingivalis. HGEC apoptosis induced by P. gingivalis was inhibited by an anti-human FasL monoclonal antibody. Blockade of NFκB by helenalin resulted in down-regulation of FasL whereas a caspase-8 inhibitor did not decrease FasL. Taken together, these studies show that P. gingivalis can induce epithelial cell apoptosis through Fas–FasL up-regulation and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8.
Absence of plasmids encoding adhesion-related proteins in non-insect-transmissible strains of Spiroplasma citri
Authors: Berho Nathalie , Duret Sybille , Renaudin Joël
Published: March 2006

In the plant-pathogenic mollicuteSpiroplasma citri, spiralin is the major lipoprotein at the cell surface and is thought to be one of the components involved in the interactions of the spiroplasma with its insect vector. With the aim of identifying surface proteins other than spiralin, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced by immunization of mice with the spiralin-defectiveS. citrimutant GII3-9a2. mAb 10G3 was found to react with several polypeptides of 43–47 and 80–95 kDa, all of which were detected in the detergent phase after Triton X-114 partitioning of proteins. Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) analyses of the two major polypeptides P47 and P80 of GII3-9a2, reacting with mAb 10G3, revealed that P47 was a processed product and represented the C-terminal moiety of P80. Search for sequence homologies revealed that P80 shared strong similarities with theS. citriadhesion-related protein P89 (Sarp1) ofS. citriBR3, and is one (named Scarp4a) of the eight Scarps encoded by theS. citriGII-3 genome. The eightscarpgenes are carried by plasmids pSci1–5. Western immunoblotting of proteins with mAb 10G3 revealed that, in contrast to the insect-transmissibleS. citristrain GII-3, the non-insect-transmissible strains ASP-1, R8A2 and 44 did not express Scarps. Southern blot hybridization experiments indicated that these strains possessed noscarpgenes, and did not carry plasmids pSci1–5. However,S. citristrain GII3-5, lacking pSci5, was still efficiently transmitted, showing that, in the genetic background ofS. citriGII-3, the pSci5-encoded genes, and in particularscarp2b,3band5a, are not essential for insect transmission. Whether plasmid-encoded genes are involved in transmission ofS. citriby its leafhopper vector remains to be determined.
Pectate lyase C from Bacillus subtilis: a novel endo-cleaving enzyme with activity on highly methylated pectin
Authors: Soriano Margarita , Diaz Pilar , Pastor Francisco I. Javier
Published: March 2006

The gene yvpA from Bacillus subtilis was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. It encoded a pectate lyase of 221 amino acids that was denominated PelC. The heterologously expressed enzyme was purified by His-tag affinity chromatography and characterized. PelC depolymerized polygalacturonate and pectins of methyl esterification degree from 22 % to 89 %, exhibiting maximum activity on 22 % esterified citrus pectin. It showed an absolute Ca2+ requirement and the optimum temperature and pH were 65 °C and pH 10, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of PelC showed 53 % identity to pectate lyase PelA from Paenibacillus barcinonensis, which was also characterized. Similarly to PelC, purified PelA showed activity on polygalacturonate and pectins with a high degree of methyl esterification. The two enzymes cleaved pectic polymers to a mixture of oligogalacturonates, indicating an endo mode of action. Analysis of activity on trigalacturonate showed that PelC cleaved it to galacturonic acid and unsaturated digalacturonate, whereas PelA did not show activity on this substrate. PelC and PelA showed high homology to a few recently identified pectate lyases of family 3 and form with them a cluster of small-sized pectate lyases from non-pathogenic micro-organisms.
In vivo characterization of the dTDP-d-desosamine pathway of the megalomicin gene cluster from Micromonospora megalomicea
Authors: Rodríguez Eduardo , Peirú Salvador , Carney John R. , Gramajo Hugo
Published: March 2006

In vivoreconstitution of the dTDP-d-desosamine pathway of the megalomicin gene cluster fromMicromonospora megalomiceawas achieved by expression of the genes inEscherichia coli. LC/MS/MS analysis of the dTDP-sugar intermediates produced by operons containing different sets of genes showed that production of dTDP-d-desosamine from dtdp-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose requires only four biosynthetic steps, catalysed by MegCIV, MegCV, MegDII and MegDIII, and that MegCII is not involved. Instead, bioconversion studies demonstrated that MegCII is needed together with MegCIII to catalyse transfer ofd-desosamine to 3-α-mycarosylerythronolide B.
Divergence in locomotor activity between two strains of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with contrasting stress responsiveness
Authors: Schjolden J. , Pulman K. G. T. , Pottinger T. G. , Metcalfe N. B. , Winberg S.
Published: February 2006

Individuals of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with a low cortisol response to stress showed higer locomotor activity compared to individuals with a high cortisol response.
Natural disturbance and life history: consequences of winterkill on fathead minnow in boreal lakes
Authors: Danylchuk A. J. , Tonn W. M.
Published: February 2006

Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of fathead minnow Pimephales promelas populations inhabiting four lakes that varied in the extent and frequency of winterkill were studied in the boreal region of western Canada. The lifespan of fathead minnows inhabiting lakes prone to winterkill was 1–2 years shorter than those in less disturbed lakes. In populations prone to winterkill, fish displayed faster growth rates and grew to a larger size‐at‐age, particularly during the first year of life. Although lower population densities in winterkill lakes probably contributed to this increased growth, adults in these populations tended to spawn earlier in the season than the smaller adults in more stable populations. Fathead minnows in lakes prone to winterkill also matured at an earlier age and allocated a greater proportion of their body mass to gonads than conspecifics in the more benign, stable lakes. These trends are consistent with predictions for organisms in variable, unpredictable environments and, because fathead minnows are tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions, suggest that variation in life‐history traits among populations is probably a product of both selection and phenotypic plasticity.
Plankton‐picking by the goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus(Mullidae), a specialized bottom forager
Authors: Krajewski J. P. , Bonaldo R. M.
Published: February 2006

Although goatfishes (Mullidae) include c. 50 specialized bottom foraging species, juvenile and adult spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus were recorded feeding on plankton on rocky reefs off southern and north‐eastern Brazil, respectively.
Diel spawning periodicity of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Jackson M. W. , Nieland D. L. , Cowan J. H.
Published: February 2006

Ovaries of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus were examined histologically to determine rates of oocyte maturation, diel spawning periodicity and whether lunar cycle influenced spawning rhythm. Hydration of red snapper oocytes began during the mid‐morning hours; c. 5 h was necessary for oocytes to become fully hydrated and ovulation occurred no more than 5 h after oocytes attained full hydration. Appearance of fresh postovulatory follicles after 1330 hours and the absence of hydrated oocytes after 1830 hours signified that red snapper spawning occurred during this 5 h period. In addition, evidence of a peak in spawning was seen near 1600 hours. Postovulatory follicles degenerated within a 24 h time period. A lunar spawning cycle was not evident.
Interannual variability in abundance and length of young coastal cod in the subtidal zone
Authors: Lekve K. , Enersen K. , Enersen S. E. , Gjøsæter J. , Stenseth N. Chr.
Published: February 2006

The year‐to‐year variability of total length and abundance of young codGadus morhuain the littoral zone of the Norwegian Skagerrak coast was dominant over spatial variability. The 0 year group cod was slightly larger in exposed areas than in protected areas. Contrary to expectations, the 0 year group cod was less abundant in the protected inner parts of the fjords. Although the natural variability was very large, exposed areas (the skerries) seemed to be the better area for the 0 year group cod, while for the 1 year group cod, no differences in abundance or growth could be identified indicating that they had adopted a mature pattern of movement, utilizing the entire fjord for feeding. Available habitat data indicated that the availability of shelter was a potential cause for the distributional pattern.
Electric‐induced mortality of newly transformed juvenile fishes in waters of different conductivity
Authors: Henry T. B. , Grizzle J. M.
Published: February 2006

In three experiments, each with three species of newly transformed juvenile fishes, the immediate mortality was determined after electrical exposure to 60 Hz pulsed DC in waters of different conductivity (Cw). With a constant applied power density (Da; 1·0–4·9 mW cm−3 depending on species) over a range of Cw(10–1020 μS cm−1), the results predicted that the highest fish mortality would occur at Cw of 65 μS cm−1 for bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, 74 μS cm−1 for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and at 140–175 μS cm−1 for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. In experiment 2, the voltage gradient (E) was maintained constant (2·5–8·0 peak V cm−1 depending on species) over the same range of Cw, and fish mortality increased with current density (J) or Da, which are directly related to Cw. In experiment 3, fish mortality did not differ when peak E(3 or 8 V cm−1 depending on species) and mean J(0·09 or 0·24 mA cm−2 depending on species) were held constant by changing pulse width in waters with different Cw(99, 165 or 495 μS cm−1). Fish mortality in this experiment was not significantly related to peak or mean transferred power density, and the ‘power transfer theory for electrofishing’ was not useful for predicting electrofishing mortality. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that mortality caused by exposure to electricity can be predicted more accurately with the variables peak E and mean J than with models requiring determination of effective conductivity of the fish.
Estimating the timing of growth rings in Atlantic cod otoliths using stable oxygen isotopes
Authors: Høie H. , Folkvord A.
Published: February 2006

A technique involving micro‐scale sampling of otolith carbonate and analyses of stable oxygen isotope composition was used to relate the zone appearance of the otolith to the seasonal temperature cycle. Otolith opacity could then be related to the timing of zone formation. Otoliths from two groups of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua held under known temperature conditions over a period of 4 and 6 years were examined. The otolith translucency followed the same pattern as the estimated temperature (from otolith δ18O values) in the yearly increments three and four, meaning that the translucent zones were deposited at the seasonal highest temperature in late summer and early autumn. The relative light intensities of otolith yearly increments five and six of older fish (deposited in the same years), however, were not significantly correlated to the estimated temperatures since increased otolith translucency also occurred at low temperatures. This might have been caused by stress in connection with gonad development or starvation during the spawning period. The results showed that this method of coupling otolith opacity and stable oxygen isotope composition can be used to estimate the timing of zone formations in otoliths.
Long‐distance downstream movements by homing adult chinook salmon
Authors: Keefer M. L. , Peery C. A. , Caudill C. C.
Published: February 2006

Unusually long downstream movements totalling several hundred kilometres to >1100 km were observed during upstream homing migrations of radio‐tagged spring chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia and Snake Rivers, U.S.A. Downstream migrants, identified by their repeated ascension and fallback over a series of large hydroelectric dams within the migration corridor, were primarily hatchery‐origin males.
Differences of tributyltin accumulation in the masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou between sea‐run and freshwater‐resident types
Authors: Ohji M. , Arai T. , Miyazaki N.
Published: February 2006

In order to examine the accumulation pattern of tributyltin (TBT) in relation to the migratory pattern, TBT concentrations in muscles and strontium (Sr) concentrations in otoliths were determined in both sea‐run and freshwater‐resident masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou. Both TBT and Sr concentrations in sea‐run masu salmon were significantly higher than those of freshwater‐residents.
Benefits of familiarity persist after prolonged isolation in guppies
Authors: Bhat A. , Magurran A. E.
Published: February 2006

The persistence of familiarity in the Trinidadian guppy Poecilia reticulata, reunited after prolonged periods of separation, was studied and benefits of this association were tested. Choice experiments following 5 weeks of isolation confirmed that the fish continued to prefer familiar group mates. Furthermore, guppies emerged more rapidly from a shelter in the presence of a familiar individual from which they had been isolated, as opposed to a completely unfamiliar individual. This experiment indicated that the benefits associated with the exploration of new surroundings in the presence of familiar fish were not transitory, and could persist over time periods that allow for shoal mixing and re‐assembly, or movement out of the home range.
Comparison of fish communities between above‐ and below‐dam sections of small streams; barrier effect to diadromous fishes
Authors: Katano O. , Nakamura T. , Abe S. , Yamamoto S. , Baba Y.
Published: February 2006

To analyse the effects of small‐scale dams on fish communities, species diversity, population density, biomass, migration over dams and trophic relationships were investigated in the above‐ and below‐dam sections of three Japanese streams. The dams were 1·5–3·9 m high, constructed within 400 m of the sea, and had no impoundment or fishway. Fish communities were mainly composed of diadromous fishes. Of the 17 species sampled, only a few species of gobies,Rhinogobiusspp. andGymnogobiusspp. were able to climb and migrate upstream over the dams. Consequently the number of species, and total density and biomass of fishes below the dams was high, but low above the dams. One of the most dominant fish below dams,Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis, predominantly fed on benthic algae, whereas other fishes preyed on benthic invertebrates. Trophic relationships above dams were very simple, the few species of gobies preying on chironomid larvae and other aquatic invertebrates.
Gustatory responses to feeding‐ and non‐feeding‐stimulant chemicals, with an emphasis on amino acids, in rainbow trout
Authors: Yamashita S. , Yamada T. , Hara T. J.
Published: February 2006

Specific receptor and fibre types of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss involved in the detection and discrimination of amino acids and a heterogeneous collection of compounds were investigated by recording the electrical activity of the maxillary branch of the facial nerve innervating taste buds inside the upper jaw. Proline (Pro), alanine (Ala), leucine (Leu), betaine (Bet) and 2‐amino‐3‐guanidinopropionic acid (Agp) were the major amino acids detected by the gustatory system. The two experimental approaches, concentration‐response curves and cross‐adaptations, showed that all amino acids were detected by three independent receptor types: Pro‐, Agp/Bet‐ and Leu‐receptors. Bile acids, the most potent stimulants recorded, were detected by a single receptor type independent of those for amino acids, with threshold concentrations of 10−12 M. Strychnine, quinine and tetrodotoxin may have partially shared a single receptor mechanism. The gustatory sensibility narrowly tuned towards the amino acid spectrum compared to those for a diverse array of non‐feeding stimulant chemicals, combined with feeding behaviour triggered primarily by vision and olfaction, suggest that in rainbow trout, and possibly other salmonid species, gustatory chemical cues, in addition to food finding and intake, play an important role in detecting poisonous prey and substances.
Influence of habitat structure and fish density on Atlantic salmonSalmo salarL. territorial behaviour
Authors: Blanchet S. , Dodson J. J. , Brosse S.
Published: February 2006

A laboratory stream experiment was performed to test the influence of young‐of‐ the‐year Atlantic salmonSalmo Salardensity on habitat selection (i.e. pools and riffles) and the combined effect of habitat and density on territoriality. Pools were preferred at low and medium fish density. At higher density, the saturation of the riffles led to an equal fish repartition in both habitats. Aggressive interactions increased according to fish density, and the level of aggression was significantly higher in the pools than in the riffles.
Why is there no sperm competition in a pipefish with externally brooding males? Insights from sperm activation and morphology
Authors: Ah‐King M. , Elofsson H. , Kvarnemo C. , Rosenqvist G. , Berglund A.
Published: February 2006

Nerophis ophidion sperm activation and morphology were investigated with the aim of explaining the apparent lack of sperm competition in this syngnathid with externally brooding males. Nerophis ophidion sperm were activated by a mixture of ovarian fluid and sea water, but not by sea water alone. This indicated that sperm were not shed into the water but needed to be released near the eggs, which probably restrained sperm competition.
Prey consumption rates and growth of piscivorous brown trout in a subarctic watercourse
Authors: Jensen H. , Amundsen P.‐A. , Elliott J. M. , Bøhn T. , Aspholm P. E.
Published: February 2006

Prey consumption rates of piscivorous brown troutSalmo truttawere studied in the Pasvik watercourse, which forms the border between Norway and Russia. Estimates of food consumption in the field were similar to or slightly less than maximum values from a bioenergetic model. The piscivore diet consisted mainly of vendaceCoregonus albulawith a smaller number of whitefishCoregonus lavaretus. Individual brown trout had an estimated mean daily intake ofc. 1·5 vendace and 0·4 whitefish, and a rapid annual growth increment of 7–8 cm year−1. The total population of brown trout >25 cm total length was estimated as 8445 individuals (0·6 individuals ha−1), giving a mean ± s.e. annual consumption of 1553880 ± 405360 vendace and 439140 ± 287130 whitefish for the whole watercourse. The rapid growth in summer of brown trout >25 cm indicated a high prey consumption rate.
Distribution and reproduction of the Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides Smitt around the Falkland Islands
Authors: Laptikhovsky V. , Arkhipkin A. , Brickle P.
Published: February 2006

Population characteristics of the Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides were investigated based on material collected from both trawl and longline fisheries in Falkland Islands’ waters. The fish occurred between 56 and 2122 m and attained 225 cm total length (LT). Males matured earlier, LT at 50% maturity was 86 cm for males v. 90 cm for females. Subadult fish foraged at depths of <600 m, whereas adult Patagonian toothfish lived at >600 m. Spawning occurred on slopes of the Burdwood Bank at c. 1000 m depth with a minor peak in May, and a major peak in July to August. Males arrived at the spawning grounds first. Between spawning peaks both sexes remained around the Burdwood Bank with males occurring at greater depths than females. The Patagonian toothfish in south‐east Patagonia and the Falkland Islands had a long juvenile and sub‐adult period in the relatively shallow and warm waters of the outer shelf and upper slope unlike that of juveniles in other Patagonian toothfish populations. The migratory life style of the south‐west Atlantic population is probably very different from that of other populations, which tend to be resident as they are inclined to inhabit the waters around oceanic islands and sea mounts with narrow shelf areas.
External attachment of data storage tags increases probability of being recaptured in nets compared to internal tagging
Authors: Rikardsen A. H. , Thorstad E. B.
Published: February 2006

Sea running Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus and anadromous brown trout (sea trout)Salmo trutta(420–2030 g) tagged with externally attached data storage tags (DST) had a higher total recapture rate (39 of 44, 89%) due to entanglement in bag nets at sea (90% of all recaptures), compared with internally tagged fish (12 of 18, 67%) that were mostly trapped when returning to their home river (75% of all recaptures). The internally tagged fishes therefore spent longer time at sea before recapture (median 33 days) than externally tagged fishes (median 8 days), and more DST‐data were collected. Therefore, in areas with high net fishing intensity, external tagging increases the chances of recapture, but less data may then be recorded by the tags due to a generally shorter period of data sampling.
Effects of the freshwater aquarium trade on wild fish populations in differentially‐fished areas of the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Gerstner C. L. , Ortega H. , Sanchez H. , Graham D. L.
Published: February 2006

Base‐line data were collected to examine the possible effects of the aquarium trade on Amazon fish populations in differentially‐fished locations in the Departmento of Loreto, Peru. Fish abundance, species diversity (richness) and biomass were quantified at three locations with differential fishing pressure, including the Rio Nanay (high pressure), Rio Apayacu and Rio Arambassa (medium) and Rio Yanayacu –Pacaya‐Samiria National Reserve (low). Seining results indicated that the location with the highest fishing pressure had reduced fish abundance, species diversity and biomass compared to the other locations. A similar trend was seen using minnow traps. There was no significant difference in abundance, diversity and biomass between the medium and low fishing pressure locations. Habitat differences (pH and conductivity) among the three locations accounted for <13% of the observed variation, and thus it seemed possible that some of the decline in the Rio Nanay location could be tentatively attributed to increased fishing pressure. Although effects of pollution and habitat alteration could not be ruled out, this is one of the first studies to provide quantitative data on the effect of the freshwater aquarium trade on wild fish populations. While results suggest success in the protection of fishes for the aquarium trade in Pacaya‐Samiria National Reserve, it also may be sustainable to establish limited levels of fishing, as was found in the medium fishing pressure locations, in order to promote economic opportunities and incentives for habitat preservation for indigenous communities.
Effects of handling and storage methods on the concentrations of elements in deep‐water fish otoliths
Authors: Swan S. C. , Geffen A. J. , Gordon J. D. M. , Morales‐Nin B. , Shimmield T.
Published: February 2006

Sagittal otoliths of Coryphaenoides rupestris(roundnose grenadier), Helicolenus dactylopterus(bluemouth) and Merluccius merluccius(European hake) were collected using a variety of handling and storage treatments and their elemental composition was examined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Some differences between element concentrations were identified between the control and treatment groups, most notably for the element Li. For H. dactylopterus and M. merluccius, Li concentrations were significantly higher in the otoliths extracted with metal forceps and stored in paper envelopes (treatment), compared to those from the same fishes that had been extracted using plastic forceps and stored in polyethylene vials (control). Lower concentrations of Ba and Cr were found in M. merluccius otoliths extracted from fish that had been stored frozen. The presence or absence of elemental concentrations above the instrumental limits of detection was noted, but no significant differences were identified between otolith pairs for any of the treatments. The differences between otolith pairs attributable to storage and handling effects are small compared to between‐area differences.
Prey experience of predation influences mortality rates at settlement in a coral reef fish, Pomacentrus amboinensis
Authors: McCormick M. I. , Holmes T. H.
Published: February 2006

Previous exposure to predators influenced the survival immediately after settlement in a coral reef damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis. Rapid learning of antipredator behaviour may in part have driven the rapid increase in survival in the days following this critical transition.
Temporal and spatial variation in potential and realized growth rates of age‐0 year northern rock sole
Authors: Hurst T. P. , Abookire A. A.
Published: February 2006

The possibility of prey limitations on the growth performance of age‐0 year northern rock sole Lepidopsetta polyxystra was evaluated at three sites along the north‐east coast of Kodiak Island, Alaska, U.S.A., by comparison of observed to potential growth rates. Growth potential was measured in the laboratory across the range of temperatures encountered by this species during the first summer of life. Growth potential (gL, mm day−1) increased with water temperature (T) between 2 and 13° C, according to: gL = 0·0151 + 0·3673·log10(T). There were significant differences in growth rate between the three field sites such that Holiday Beach fish were 7·1 mm longer than Shakmanof Beach fish by mid‐September, with Pillar Creek Cove fish of intermediate size. Temperature differences between sites accounted for less than half of this variation. The remainder may have been related to differences in prey availability among the sites in association with observed differences in sediment characteristics. In addition to the spatial variability, there was significant monthly variation in growth performance. Realized growth rates between July and August were in excess of 85% of potential. Between August and September, however, realized growth fell to 43–71% of potential indicating a decline in conditions for growth. The spatial variation in growth rates was not density‐dependent as the site with the highest fish densities (Holiday Beach) also supported the highest growth rates. The available data indicates that for this subtidal species, interannual variation in growth may be more important than site variation.
Techniques for identifying the epidural space: a survey of practice amongst anaesthetists in the UK
Authors: Wantman A. , Hancox N. , Howell P. R.
Published: February 2006

A postal survey of all UK members of the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association was carried out to ascertain their preferred method for identifying the epidural space in obstetric and non‐obstetric patients. Over 1200 questionnaires were returned (79.3% response rate). In obstetric patients, the single most common technique (used by 58% of anaesthetists) was continuous advancement of the epidural needle and loss of resistance with saline, followed by intermittent needle advancement with air (21%). A minority of respondents used other variants, including intermittent advancement with saline (16%) and continuous advancement with air (4%). Consultant anaesthetists showed greater variety in techniques used than did trainees (p < 0.001). Less than 5% of respondents used a paramedian approach, and these were almost exclusively senior staff. Only 48% of anaesthetists said they would try an alternative if they experienced difficulty with their preferred technique. A similar pattern was seen for lumbar epidurals in non‐obstetric surgical patients (89% used the same technique as in obstetrics), although for thoracic epidurals, 23% used a different technique to that which they would use for obstetrics, and the paramedian approach was more popular (21%). When inserting lumbar epidurals to supplement general anaesthesia in surgical patients, 18% of anaesthetists said they usually performed the block with the patient asleep, whereas for thoracic epidurals, this figure fell to 14%.
Volumetric assessment of left heart preload by thermodilution: comparing the PiCCO‐VoLEF® system with transoesophageal echocardiography*
Authors: Hofer C. K. , Ganter M. T. , Matter‐Ensner S. , Furrer L. , Klaghofer R. , Genoni M. , Zollinger A.
Published: February 2006

The new Volumetric Ejection Fraction monitoring system (VoLEF®), when combined with the Pulse Contour Cardiac Output monitoring system (PiCCO®) system, allows measurement of left and right heart end‐diastolic volumes by thermodilution. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the left heart end‐diastolic volume index determined by the VoLEF system (LHEDI) better reflects left ventricular end‐diastolic area index (LVEDAI) measured by transoesophageal echocardiography than does global end‐diastolic volume index (GEDI) measured by the PiCCO system alone. Following induction of anaesthesia, PiCCO, VoLEF and transoesophageal echocardiography measurements were performed before and after a fluid challenge in 20 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. Both left ventricular end‐diastolic area index and global end‐diastolic volume index, but not left heart end‐diastolic volume index, significantly increased after fluid administration. Mean bias ± 2 SD for ΔLHEDI–ΔLVEDAI was − 2.2 ± 32.0% and for ΔGEDI–ΔLVEDAI − 0.6 ± 16.8%. In contrast to global end‐diastolic volume index, the use of left heart end‐diastolic volume index determined by the VoLEF system cannot be recommended as an estimate of left ventricular preload.