bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological features of the lessepsian migrant Leonnates persicus (Polychaeta:
Nereididae) from the Levant coast of Turkey
Authors: Ergev Mehmet Betil , C¸inar Melih Ertan , Mutlu Erhan , Ergen Zeki
Published: January 2004

The seasonal distribution of Leonnates persicus was studied along depth transects
(10–200 m) of three stations located in the Levant Sea during February–November
2000. Leonnates persicus particularly dominated the slightly gravelly sand bottom of
stations between 10 and 150 m. Its distributional pattern showed a seasonal trend: it
inhabited depths between 40 and 150 m in February and May when surface temperature was
below 21°C, whereas it preferred shallower waters (10–60 m) during the warm
season (>29°C in August). The density of the species in the area varied between 10 and
130 ind m−2, with a maximum at 25–30 m off Erdemli in August.
The effect of photoperiod on the timing of larval release in the Mediterranean brood-care polychaete Eupolymnia nebulosa (Terebellida)
Authors: Nozais Christian , Duchêne Jean Claude , Charles François , Mas Sébastien
Published: January 2004

The effect of light–dark cycle on the timing of larval release from jelly masses of the Mediterranean polychaete Eupolymnia nebulosa (Terebellida) was investigated. The larval emergence from the jelly mass occurs mainly during daylight. Results suggest that the larvae of E. nebulosa do not track the light–dark cycle endogenously.
Cirral regeneration following non-lethal predation in two intertidal barnacle species
Authors: Harvey R. , Burrows M.T. , Speirs R.
Published: January 2004

The regeneration of cirri was followed in two common intertidal barnacle species, following non-lethal predation by an intertidal teleost. While >50% of damaged Semibalanus balanoides individuals showed some degree of cirral re-growth within 16 days, this level of regeneration was not reached in Chthamalus montagui until 32 days after removal of the cirri. Full re-growth of cirri required at least two moults in both species.
First record of Enoplometopus callistus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Nephropidae) in the Cape Verde Islands
Authors: Merino Sonia Elsy , Lindley J. Alistair
Published: January 2004

Enoplometopus callistus is reported for the first time from the Cape Verde Islands. In January 2001 two specimens were captured in depths of 100–150  m as by-catch in the lobster fisheries. One of them was dissected and kept in alcohol for future reference, the second one was put into an aquarium. The existing data on the distributions of the two Atlantic species of this genus, E. antillensis and E. callistus, indicate that the latter is restricted to the waters of the East Atlantic.
Decorating behaviour by the majid crab Tiarinia cornigera as protection against predators
Authors: Thanh Phan Due , Wada Keiji , Sato Michiko , Shirayama Yoshihisa
Published: January 2004

Although decorating behaviour is widely reported as a predator avoidance strategy among marine crabs, few studies have provided experimental evidence for this. Significance of decorating behaviour of the majid crab Tiarinia cornigera as antipredator response was examined by the field tethering and laboratory experiments. Survival of decorated crabs was significantly higher than that of non-decorated crabs after two days in an intertidal rock pool. In a laboratory experiment, crabs used more algae for decoration in the presence of predators (puffer fish) than when predators were absent. These data demonstrate that T. cornigera decorates with algae in response to predators to reduce predation pressure.
Analysis of the mero-carpopodite joint of the American lobster and snow crab. I. Apodeme surface area and muscle fibre pinnation angle
Authors: Mitchell S.C. , DeMont M.E.
Published: January 2004

The patterns and variability of pinnation angle along the length of apodemes, and the scaling of apodeme surface area, were investigated in the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) to assess the morphological variation between legs and species, and how these may affect force generation. Muscle fibre pinnation angle shows general patterns of decline along the disto-proximal axis of the apodeme, but the specific patterns of each apodeme or leg are highly variable. There is only small change in pinnation angle along the length of the apodeme or between flexed and extended positions. It appears that changes in pinnation angle are not of sufficient magnitude to contribute significantly to force generation in these pinnated muscle systems. The apodeme surface area as a function of carapace size shows positive allometry for all legs of the snow crab, and for some of the apodemes of legs 2, 3, and 5 of the lobster. The flexor apodeme within the snow crab is larger than the extensor in legs 2 to 4 implying a greater force generating ability in flexion than extension, and legs 2 to 4 all possess much larger apodemes than leg 5. The lobster indicates some specialization of apodeme surface area between the legs along the length of the body, with the anterior legs having larger flexor apodemes than extensor. This pattern is reversed for the last pair of legs. This suggests that each of the four walking legs of the lobster may generate approximately equal forces in extension, while leg 4 has the ability to generate greater forces in flexion than legs 2 or 3, which in turn likely produce larger forces than leg 5. The apodeme surface area is suggested to play a much greater role in determining force generation in crustacean walking legs.
Analysis of the mero-carpopodite joint of the American lobster and snow crab. II. Kinematics, morphometrics and moment arms
Authors: Mitchell S.C. , DeMont M.E.
Published: January 2004

This research reports on the kinematics of lobster and snow crab walking, documents changes in the moment arms of the mero-carpopodite joint during rotation, and examines scaling effects of morphological and mechanical variables in these crustacean species. Forward walking lobsters and lateral walking crabs were recorded and images analysed to describe the kinematics of these animals, and subsequently morphometric and moment arm measurements made. During forward walking the lobster maintains fixed mero-carpopodite joint angles during both the power and recovery strokes, though each of the walking legs maintains different joint angles. Legs 3 and 5 are maintained at angles which appear to equalize the flexor and extensor moment arms, and leg 4 joint angle appears to maximize the extensor moment arm. The snow crab has a joint excursion angle of between approximately 50° to 150° and, during flat bed walking, the leading and trailing legs move through similar excursion angles. The length of the meropodite for both species are longer for the anterior two leg pairs relative to the posterior two pairs and the rate of growth of the meropodite is largely isometric for the lobster while consistently increases with positive allometry in the crab. The flexor and extensor moment arms generated as the joint undergoes flexion/extension show two distinct patterns with the extensor moment arm being maximized at relatively low joint angles (55°–115°) and the flexor moment arm reaching a plateau at joint extension with angles between 95° and 155°. The flexor apodeme possesses the largest moment arms in all legs for both species, suggesting the flexors are able to generate greater torques. It appears that, mechanically, these laterally moving animals may be ‘pulling’ with the leading legs to a greater extent than ‘pushing’ with the trailing legs.
Spatial and temporal patterns in the moulting cycle of Liocarcinus arcuatus (Brachyura: Portunidae) in the Ría de Arousa, Spain
Authors: Muiño R. , González-Gurriarán E.
Published: January 2004

Moult cycle of Liocarcinus arcuatus in the Ría de Arousa (Galicia, north-west Spain) was analysed in relation to: (a) temporal changes; (b) spatial variability associated with both different environmental patterns (type of bottom, depth, etc.); (c) sex; and (d) body size. A total of 4275 females and 4103 males of L. arcuatus were caught in three different areas of the Ría de Arousa, selected as being representative of two types of habitat: a beach zone and two mussel raft culture zones (in the inner ría and in the outer area). Five moult stages were established on the basis of the degree of calcification in the exoskeleton. Only a small portion of the population (less than 15% in practically the whole year) were found monthly in one of the early postmoult stages (Stages A and B). Spatial and temporal variability of the moult cycle of L. arcuatus in the Ría de Arousa was found to be significant (P<0·001). There were no important spatial differences in the moult cycle of L. arcuatus females, by contrast, males showed a greater degree of spatial variability.
Can mineralogical features affect the distribution patterns of sessile gastropods? The Vermetidae case in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Schiaparelli S. , Guidetti P. , Cattaneo-Vietti R.
Published: January 2004

Spatial distribution patterns of two sessile gastropods belonging to Vermetidae, Vermetus triquetrus and Dendropoma petraeum, were studied in June 2001 in north-eastern Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea, Italy). Density of individuals was assessed within quadrats positioned on a shallow (0·1–1 m depth) rocky substrate of different lithological types (limestone and granite), at a hierarchy of spatial scales. Density of D. petraeum is significantly greater on granite than on limestone, while V. triquetrus does not show any differences related to rock type.
Trematode parasite influence on copper, iron and zinc content of polluted Littorina littorea: infection, host sex and time effects
Authors: Cross M.A. , Irwin S.W.B. , Fitzpatrick S. , Manga N.
Published: January 2004

Temporal variations in copper, iron and zinc levels in the periwinkle, Littorina littorea, were investigated to determine whether levels were affected by the sex of the organisms and/or by the presence of two species of trematode parasite. Significant monthly changes in concentrations of all these metals were found, with levels varying according to periwinkle sex and parasite infection. Periwinkles infected by either Cryptocotyle lingua or Renicola roscovita had reduced copper and iron concentrations compared to same-sex uninfected periwinkles, although infected periwinkles generally contained higher concentrations of zinc. Periwinkles infected by the more invasive C. lingua rediae had lower copper concentrations than those infected by R. roscovita sporocysts. These results clearly indicate that in areas of high parasite prevalence L. littorea is not an ideal metal-biomonitor.
Feeding rates of continually submerged Hydrobia ulvae vary during the daylight hours
Authors: Barnes R.S.K.
Published: January 2004

Feeding, as estimated by egestion rate, in coastal epibenthic mud snails Hydrobia ulvae living continually submerged in lagoon-like conditions varies significantly with time of day. Both in the field and in the laboratory, egestion rate is maximal around mid-day and minimal at twilight. This variation, here ranging in magnitude from mean lows of some nine faecal pellets h−1 to highs of 34 h−1, is consonant with likely rhythms of availability and productivity of their microphytobenthic food.
The non-indigenous mussel Musculista senhousia in an Adriatic lagoon: effects on benthic community over a ten year period
Authors: Mistri M.
Published: January 2004

The Asian date mussel, Musculista senhousia (Mytilidae), is a good example of a species that has dispersed outwards from its native area through human-mediated transport, establishing sustainable populations in distant parts of the world. The date mussel, which is endemic in the Western Pacific region, appeared and became very abundant in the Sacca di Goro, a brackish lagoon in the Po River Delta (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) in the early 1990s. Effects of M. senhousia on macrobenthic biodiversity were assessed over a ten year time period. At the study site, the increase in abundance and spread of M. senhousia resulted in an alteration of the pre-established macrobenthic community. Changes in benthic dynamics seemed apparent, through the inhibition of epifaunal, suspension-feeding taxa (Ficopomatus enigmaticus, Mytilaster minimus), and the enhancement of detritivores (Neanthes succinea, Streblospio shrubsolii, Microdeutopus gryllotalpa). It is hypothesized that the Asian date mussel was initially successful because it exploited a naturally disturbed, sparsely occupied environment, rather than interjecting itself among and displacing existing species. Musculista senhousia acted, at least initially, as a colonizer rather than an invader.
Occurrence of Musculista senhousia (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mastrototaro F. , Matarrese A. , D'Onghia G.
Published: January 2004

The first record of Musculista senhousia in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea) is reported. The species was mostly found on bottoms with pleustophytic algal felt where densities up to 3800 specimens per square metre were estimated. The sizes in the sampled population ranged from 5·16 to 30·59 mm. Two main modal components were detected around 11·67±0·67 mm and 18·00±2·38 mm.
Effects of hydraulic dredging on target species Chamelea gallina from the northern Adriatic Sea: physiological responses and shell damage
Authors: Marin M.G. , Moschino V. , Pampanin D.M. , Nesto N. , Ballarin L. , Casellato S. , Ros L. Da
Published: January 2004

The impact of experimental dredging was assessed on the venus clam Chamelea gallina from seabeds off the Lagoon of Venice. Commercial-sized clams were collected using high water pressure and mechanical sorting (HP), as in professional fishing, and low water pressure without sorting (LP). To highlight the effects of acute stress due to the different approaches in harvesting clams, various biological responses were evaluated at both organism and cell level. Filtration and respiration rates showed opposite behaviour, the former significantly decreasing, the latter increasing, when mechanical stress was higher. Consequently, lower values of scope for growth in HP clams were observed. The survival in air test exhibited significantly lower median survival time values (LT50) in more severely stressed animals. The haematocrit value and phagocytic index significantly decreased in HP samples, revealing a detrimental effect on mechanisms of immunological defence. Acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase activity was also affected by increasing mechanical stress, even though an opposite trend was shown in the two investigated enzymes. Lastly, higher damage levels were detected in shells of HP clams.
Reproductive cycle and size at sexual maturity of the commercial whelk Buccinum isaotakii in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ilano Anthony S. , Fujinaga Katsuaki , Nakao Shigeru
Published: January 2004

The reproductive cycle and size at sexual maturity of the commercial whelk Buccinum isaotakii in Funka Bay, southern Hokkaido, Japan, was examined using monthly samples of individuals collected from May 1999 until October 2000. Female and male sexual maturity was determined based on reproductive organ sizes and histological examination, and sex ratios did not differ from parity. There were parallel annual cycles in the size of the ovary and pallial oviduct, and an inverse cycle for the digestive gland. The testis and seminal vesicle showed inverse cycles. The peak in seminal vesicle size was at the same time as the peak in ovary and pallial oviduct. The size of the male digestive gland exhibited no evident cycle. Males were mature from May to October 1999 and from April to October 2000, and spent individuals first appeared in September 1999 and then decreased in numbers until June 2000. Sperm content and epithelium in seminal vesicle indicated that the copulating period started in March and lasted until August 2000. Ovarian maturation and oogenesis occurred from October 1999 onwards and peaked in January 2000, with egg laying occurring from May until September. An increase in temperature coincided with the advancement of spermatogenesis and the egg laying while the transfer of the sperm from the testis to the seminal vesicle in males and the maturation of ovaries in females coincided with a decrease in temperature.
New records of the giant squid Architeuthis dux in the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Cherel Yves
Published: January 2004

Only one specimen of Architeuthis dux was previously reported from the southern Indian Ocean. The present work adds ten new records of giant squid in the area. Two remains of fresh specimens have been collected from La Réunion Island (21°S) and Amsterdam Island (38°S) in tropical and subtropical waters, respectively. Eight other squid were identified from beaks found in stomach contents of sleeper sharks caught in Kerguelen waters (47 to 48°S) located in the southern Polar Frontal Zone. These new data together with published and unpublished information on the food of seabirds and marine mammals indicate that giant squid have a wide distribution throughout the southern Indian Ocean.
Life history traits of the temperate mini-maximalist Idiosepius notoides, (Cephalopoda: Sepioidea)
Authors: Tracey Sean R. , Steer Mike A. , Pecl Gretta T.
Published: January 2004

Age, growth and maturation of the temperate ‘mini-maximalist’ Idiosepius notoides from Tasmania is described and compared with those of its tropical congener Idiosepius pygmaeus. Using statolith increment analysis, growth of I. notoides was best described by a power curve with a maximum age of 115 days recorded. Males have a shorter lifespan than females, however growth rates were similar between the sexes. Idiosepius notoides grows to a larger size than its tropical counterpart. Onset of maturity in I. notoides occurred at an age of approximately 68 days for males and 88 days for females compared to 45–60 days for I. pygmaeus. Size at onset of sexual maturity was analogous between the two species, with males mature at approximately 6·5 mm mantle length (ML) and females at 14·0 mm ML. Idiosepius notoides, like I. pygmaeus, is a small short-lived sepioid with significant gender dimorphism and the capacity to spawn multiple times throughout its short life. This research supports the concept of similar cephalopod species living longer and growing larger in cooler environments.
Chaetognaths in the South Adriatic: vertical distribution and feeding
Authors: Batistić Mirna , Mikuš Josip , Njire Jakica
Published: January 2004

Feeding and vertical distribution of pelagic chaetognaths were studied at coastal and open-sea stations in the northern part of the South Adriatic Pit during five cruises from April 1993 to February 1995. Chaetognaths were more numerous in the upper 100 m, decreased conspicuously with depth, and were captured only rarely between 600 and 1000 m. Copepods were the main food for the most abundant species in all layers. Cannibalism was evident in all species. Feeding on fertilized chaetognath eggs by Pseudosagitta lyra and Mesosagitta decipiens is reported for the first time. The food containing ratio (FCR) and number of prey items per chaetognath (NPC) of Flaccisagitta enflata were highest during the reproductive period. Higher FCRs and NPCs for M. decipiens and P. lyra were noted below 100 m, where the contribution of older specimens increased with depth and the abundance of copepods decreased.
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme-like activity in a cephalochordate
Authors: Cobb Christopher S. , Rundle John , Frankling Susan C. , Brown J. Anne
Published: January 2004

The presence of angiotensin I-converting enzyme-like activity (ACELA) was investigated in whole
body homogenates of Branchiostoma lanceolatum using a highly sensitive fluorimetric assay. The
measured enzyme activity was inhibited by the two angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors,
captopril and enalapril, suggesting a biochemical pathway that could generate the angiotensins
observed in the central nervous system of amphioxus.
Body shape and trawl cod end selectivity for nine commercial fish species
Authors: Tosunoğlu Zafer , Özbilgin Yeliz Doğanyilmaz , Özbilgin Hüseyin
Published: January 2004

This study investigates the catch components of a commercially used demersal trawl cod end in Izmir Bay, and reveals some of the morphological characteristics of nine commercial fish species; red mullet (Mullus barbatus), hake (Merluccius merluccius), whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus), poor cod (Trisopterus minutus capelanus), tub gurnard (Trigla lucerna), common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), axillary sea bream (Pagellus acarne), picarel (Spicara smaris) and annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis) in relation to mesh size and shapes. Furthermore selectivity of 40-mm polyethylene netting cod end for red mullet, hake, common pandora, axillary sea bream, picarel and annular sea bream is presented. The results are discussed in a way to understand the probable effects of fish body shape on mesh selectivity.
Pontobdella muricata and Trachelobdella lubrica (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) on some marine fish in the Dardanelles, Turkey
Authors: Saglam Naim , Oguz Mehmet Cemal , Celik Ekrem Sanver , Doyuk Seydi Ali , Usta Ahmet
Published: January 2004

Fifteen individuals of four marine fish species (Torpedo marmorata, Raja clavata, Scorpaena porcus and Scorpaena scrofa) caught in the Dardanelles, Turkey, were examined for the leech Pontobdella muricata and Trachelobdella lubrica; 18 P. muricata and 23 T. lubrica were found on gills, at the base of the fins, and abdomen on 14 of the 15 fish.
Sound characteristics and the sound producing system in silver sweeper, Pempheris schwenkii (Perciformes: Pempheridae)
Authors: Takayama M. , Onuki A. , Yosino T. , Yoshimoto M. , Ito H. , Kohbara J. , Somiya H.
Published: January 2004

The sound characteristics and the sound producing system in silver sweeper, Pempheris schwenkii, are described. The main frequency component of the emitted sounds was 100–300 Hz, the mean duration of the sounds being 56 ms. The sounds were produced by paired extrinsic sonic muscles vibrating the swimbladder. The sonic muscles originated on the pterotic bones and extended to the anterodorsal surface of the swimbladder, and were innervated by two branches of the occipital nerves. Moreover significant sexual dimorphism of the sonic muscles was observed, those in males being three times as large as in females.
Morphology and cytology of the olfactory organs in small juvenile Dascyllus aruanus and Amphiprion ocellaris (Pisces: Pomacentridae)
Authors: Arvedlund Michael , Brolund Thea Marie , Nielsen Lis Engdahl
Published: January 2004

The olfactory organs in juvenile Dascyllus aruanus and Amphiprion ocellaris, studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), consisted of two bilaterally radial rosettes per specimen, fan-shaped, located medio-ventrally, one in each of two olfactory chambers. In D. aruanus the rosette comprises six lamellae, three on each side of a midline raphe; in A. ocellaris 12 lamellae, six on each side. In both species, the sensory regions in the lamellae are continuous, except for the margin of the lamellae, and richly covered with stereocilia. Areas with juvenile bipolar receptor cells were observed in both species. Two dissimilar types of olfactory receptor cells in the sensory epithelium: ciliated and microvillous were observed.
Ovarian atresia in the Mediterranean sardine, Sardina pilchardus sardina
Authors: Ganias K. , Somarakis S. , Koutsikopoulos C. , Machias A. , Theodorou A.
Published: January 2004

Histological analysis was used to describe and analyse the process of ovarian atresia in sardine (Sardina pilchardus sardina) from the central Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean). The spawning potential of females in relation to intensity of atresia was evaluated and the rate that the ovary passed from the active to inactive condition was followed in fish collected over an annual cycle. Early postspawning females, defined as those with 100% alpha-atretic oocytes, occurred throughout the spawning period; they had lower gonosomatic and hepatosomatic index, but similar total length compared to reproductively active females.
Reproductive biology of Rhabdosargus sarba (Sparidae) in Western Australian waters, in which it is a rudimentary hermaphrodite
Authors: Hesp S. Alex , Potter Ian C.
Published: January 2004

The reproductive biology of the tarwhine Rhabdosargus sarba has been studied in three very different environments in Western Australia, namely the lower reaches of the Swan River Estuary and marine waters at the same latitude, i.e. ≈32°S, and a large subtropical marine embayment (Shark Bay) approximately 800 km further north. A macroscopic and histological examination of the gonads demonstrated that R. sarba is typically a rudimentary hermaphrodite in Western Australian waters, i.e. the juveniles develop into either a male or female in which the ovarian and testicular zones of the gonads, respectively, are macroscopically undetectable. This contrasts with the situation in the waters off Hong Kong and South Africa where R. sarba is reported to be a protandrous hermaphrodite. Although R. sarba spawns between mid-late winter and late spring in each water body, the onset of spawning in the estuary is delayed until salinities have risen well above their winter minima. Although males and females attain sexual maturity at very similar lengths in the Swan River Estuary and Shark Bay, i.e. each L50 for first maturity lies between 170 and 177 mm total length (TL), they typically reach maturity at an earlier age in the former environment, i.e. 2 vs 3 years old. During the spawning period, only 25 and 12% of the males and females, respectively, that were caught between 180 and 260 mm TL in nearshore marine waters were mature, whereas 94 and 92% of the males and females, respectively, that were collected in this length-range over reefs, were mature. This indicates that R. sarba tends to move offshore when it has become ‘physiologically’ ready to mature. The L50s at first maturity indicate that the minimum legal length in Western Australia (230 mm TL) is appropriate for managing this species.
Predicting trophic position in sharks of the north-west Atlantic Ocean using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Estrada James A. , Rice Aaron N. , Lutcavage Molly E. , Skomal Gregory B.
Published: January 2004

Trophic positions (TP) were estimated for the blue shark (Prionace glauca), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) using stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). The basking shark had the lowest TP (3·1) and δ15N value (10·4‰), whereas the thresher shark had the highest values (4·5, 15·2‰). Mako sharks showed considerable variation in TP and isotopic values, possibly due to foraging from both inshore and offshore waters. Thresher sharks were significantly more enriched in δ15N than blue sharks and mako sharks, suggesting a different prey base. The δ13C values of thresher sharks and mako sharks varied significantly, but neither was significantly different from that of blue sharks. No statistical differences were found between our TP estimations and those derived from published stomach contents analyses, indicating that stable isotope data may be used to estimate the trophic status of sharks.
Findings of elasmobranch eggs in the stomachs of sperm whales and other marine organisms
Authors: Bor P.H.F. , Santos M.B.
Published: January 2004

The first records of thorny skate eggs in stomachs of sperm whales are described. Predation on elasmobranch eggs, especially by marine mammals, is reviewed.
Monitoring green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a coastal foraging area in Baja California, Mexico: multiple indices to describe population status
Authors: Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Jones T. Todd , Resendiz Antonio , Nichols Wallace J. , Chaloupka Milani Y.
Published: January 2004

From June 1995 to August 2002 we assessed green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population structure and survival, and identified human impacts at Bahía de los Angeles, a large bay that was once the site of the greatest sea turtle harvest rates in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Turtles were captured live with entanglement nets and mortality was quantified through stranding surveys and flipper tag recoveries. A total of 14,820 netting hours (617·5 d) resulted in 255 captures of 200 green turtles. Straight-carapace length and mass ranged from 46·0–100·0 cm (mean=74·3±0·7 cm) and 14·5–145·0 kg (mean=61·5±1·7 kg), respectively. The size–frequency distribution remained stable during all years and among all capture locations. Anthropogenic-derived injuries ranging from missing flippers to boat propeller scars were present in 4% of captured turtles. Remains of 18 turtles were found at dumpsites, nine stranded turtles were encountered in the study area, and flipper tags from seven turtles were recovered. Survival was estimated at 0·58 for juveniles and 0·97 for adults using a joint live-recapture and dead-recovery model (Burnham model). Low survival among juveniles, declining annual catch per unit effort, and the presence of butchered carcasses indicated human activities continue to impact green turtles at this foraging area.
A new apparatus for the direct measurement of otter trawling effects on the epibenthic and hyperbenthic macrofauna
Authors: Koulouri P.T. , Dounas C.G. , Eleftheriou A.S.
Published: January 2004

A towed trawl simulator sledge (TTSS2) for collecting quantitatively small macrobenthic animals disturbed by the passage of otter trawl groundrope typical of the local fishery is described and illustrated. The TTSS2 was towed from a surface vessel at a speed within the range of commercial trawls, incorporating three sampling nets that open and close by means of an electro-mechanical system. An odometer in contact with the seabed provided a continuous record of the trawled ground. The degree of efficiency of the TTSS2—by means of the attached groundrope that stirs up the surface of the bottom ahead of the nets—was tested in the northern continental shelf of Crete (eastern Mediterranean). Additional trials with a much heavier groundrope were also performed. Analysis and comparison of TTSS2 samples with endobenthic, hyperbenthic and planktonic samples collected by means of conventional sampling gears indicate the presence of a well-defined and distinct fauna in the plume of resuspended sediment behind the groundrope.
Is graded exercise better than cognitive behaviour therapy for fatigue? A UK randomized trial in primary care
Authors: RIDSDALE L. , DARBISHIRE L. , SEED P. T.
Published: January 2004

Background. Patients frequently present with unexplained fatigue in primary care, but there have been few treatment trials in this context. We aimed to test cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) for patients presenting to their family doctor with fatigue. Secondly, we described the outcome for a cohort of patients who presented to the same doctors with fatigue, who received standard care, plus a booklet.

Method. This was a randomized trial, followed by a prospective cohort study. Twenty-two practices in SE England referred 144 patients aged 16 to 75 years with over 3 months of unexplained fatigue. Self-rated fatigue score, the hospital anxiety and depression rating scale, functional impairment, physical step-test performance and causal attributions were measured. In the trial six sessions of CBT or GET were randomly allocated.

Results. In the therapy groups the mean fatigue score decreased by 10 points (95% confidence interval (CI)=−25 to −15), with no significant difference between groups (mean difference=−1·3; CI=−3·9 to 1·3). Fewer patients attended for GET. At outcome one-half of patients had clinically important fatigue in both randomized groups, but patients in the group offered CBT were less anxious. Twenty-seven per cent of the patients met criteria for CFS at baseline. Only 25% of this subgroup recovered, compared to 60% of the subgroup that did not meet criteria for CFS.

Conclusions. Short courses of GET were not superior to CBT for patients consulting with fatigue of over 3 months in primary care. CBT was easier ‘to sell’. Low recovery in the CFS subgroup suggests that brief treatment is too short.
The anisotropic seismic structure of the East European platform
Authors: Matzel Eric , Grand Stephen P.
Published: January 2004

We present models for the P and S velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath the East European platform including measurements of radial anisotropy. The models were obtained by full waveform inversion of 3‐component broadband seismograms from strike‐slip earthquakes located near the edge of the platform and recorded in Russia and Europe. We used direct and multiply reflected body wave arrivals (S, SS, P, PP) combined with fundamental mode Love and Rayleigh waves at source‐receiver distances between 15° and 50° to resolve mantle structure down to the 410 km discontinuity. The platform is underlain by a radially anisotropic mantle lid extending to a depth of 200 km with a largely isotropic mantle below. The model has a positive velocity gradient from 41 km to 100 km depth, and a relatively uniform velocity structure from 100 km to 200 km depth with high SH and PH velocities (4.77 km/s, 8.45 km/s). Shear anisotropy is uniform at 5% (βH > βV) from 41 to 200 km depth, drops to 2% from 200 to 250 km and is isotropic below that. The average shear velocity from 100 to 250 km is also uniform at 4.65 km/s and the drop in anisotropy is matched by a drop in βH to 4.70 km/s combined with an increase in βV to 4.60 km/s. Below 250 km there is a positive velocity gradient in both P and S velocity down to 410 km. P anisotropy is not well resolved, but P structure mimics the SH velocity structure, suggesting that P is also anisotropic within the lid.
The Norwegian Atlantic Current in the Lofoten basin inferred from hydrological and tracer data (129I) and its interaction with the Norwegian Coastal Current
Authors: Gascard Jean‐Claude , Raisbeck Grant , Sequeira Sandra , Yiou Françoise , Mork Kjell Arne
Published: January 2004

From three hydrological sections taken across the Lofoten Basin in May 2000, we estimated geostrophic transports of 7.2 Sv (Sverdrup = 106 m3 s−1) for the Norwegian Atlantic Current (NAC) and its division between northern (4.8 Sv) and eastern (2.4 Sv) branches. From 129I/127I concentration ratio measurements and transport estimations, we calculated 129I mass flux across the three sections. It appears that in the Lofoten Basin (a) 129I tracer‐laden Norwegian Coastal Current (NCC) is transporting northward 55 kg/y of 129I assuming a volume flux of 0.7 Sv, (b) the estimated mass fluxes of 129I by the NAC and the NCC are comparable, (c) the total mass flux of 129I by the NAC and NCC, accounts only for about 1/3 of the 129I annual discharge (350 kg/y) from two reprocessing plants based in France and UK. If these measurements are representative of annual mean, it suggests an important transfer of 129I outside the NAC/NCC system.
The origin of domes on Europa: The role of thermally induced compositional diapirism
Authors: Pappalardo Robert T. , Barr Amy C.
Published: January 2004

The surface of Jupiter's moon Europa is peppered by topographic domes, interpreted as sites of intrusion and extrusion. Diapirism is consistent with dome morphology, but thermal buoyancy alone cannot produce sufficient driving pressures to create the observed dome elevations. Instead, diapirs may initiate by thermal convection that induces compositional segregation. Exclusion of impurities from warm upwellings allows sufficient buoyancy for icy plumes to create the observed surface topography, provided the ice shell has a small effective elastic thickness (∼0.2 to 0.5 km) and contains low‐eutectic‐point impurities at the few percent level. This model suggests that the ice shell may be depleted in impurities over time.
Comparison of photometer and global MHD determination of the open‐closed field line boundary
Authors: Rae I. J. , Kabin K. , Rankin R. , Fenrich F. R. , Liu W. , Wanliss J. A. , Ridley A. J. , Gombosi T. I. , De Zeeuw D. L.
Published: January 2004

We compare open‐closed field line boundary positions from the BATS‐R‐US Global MHD model and CANOPUS photometer measurements of red‐line emissions. We choose intervals of steady interplanetary and ionospheric conditions in order to adhere to the “steady‐state” picture that we are trying to address. Nine intervals are chosen that correspond to stable IMF and auroral conditions that can be simulated with the MHD model. We find that on average, the steady‐state BATS‐R‐US MHD model provides an excellent estimate of the open‐closed field line boundary proxy as determined by the red‐line auroral emissions. Typical errors between the model calculations of the open‐closed field line boundary and the observations are within the inherent error in using the red‐line emissions.
Analysis of TEC data from the TOPEX/Poseidon mission
Authors: Jee Geonhwa , Schunk Robert W. , Scherliess Ludger
Published: January 2004

TOPEX/Poseidon mission has provided an extensive database of vertical TEC over the ocean since August 1992. Data from nearly 10 years of TOPEX TEC observations were analyzed to study the TEC climatology. First, TEC data were binned by season, geomagnetic activity, and solar activity to create longitudinally averaged TEC maps in magnetic latitude and local time. These maps show the annual and semiannual anomalies well known from climatological studies of NmF2 but lack the seasonal anomaly because of the longitudinally averaged binning. The equatorial anomaly is the most prominent feature in the maps, and they show strong TEC variations with solar activity but relatively weak variations with geomagnetic activity in our three Kp bins. Compared with the low solar activity conditions (F10.7 < 120), the TEC values for F10.7 ≥ 120 are much larger and the equatorial anomaly lasts longer into the night, up to midnight. During geomagnetically active periods, the TEC maps generally show a noticeable increase at low latitudes for F10.7 < 120, but this effect is barely detectable for F10.7 ≥ 120. Finally, three longitudinal bins (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic) were added in order to see how the TEC morphology varies with longitude. The TEC measurements display strong longitudinal variations that closely follow the longitudinal variation of the magnetic declination. In the southern Pacific, where the declination is positive and large, the diurnal TEC variations significantly differ from those in the other longitude sectors, where the magnetic declination is negative in the Southern Hemisphere. Also, at noon, the phase of the longitudinal TEC variation is typically opposite to that at midnight.
A critical condition in magnetotail pressure for leading to a substorm expansion onset: Geotail's observations
Authors: Nakai H. , Kamide Y.
Published: January 2004

Variations in the magnetotail total pressure are studied to search for the critical value leading to an onset of the major auroral breakup. Thirty‐seven sudden decreases in the total pressure in conjunction with the onsets of auroral breakups were identified to occur. These pressure events are termed as the magnetotail deflation in this study. Plotting the total pressure as a function of the Dst index, it is found that the data points obtained just prior to the deflation events are located near the upper limit of the entire data points. Confirming Nakai and Kamide [2003a], this implies that a magnetotail deflation is preferably triggered when the magnitude of the total pressure becomes greater than a threshold value, which is determined depending on the Dst index. The minimum values of the total pressure after the deflations are also examined. It is found that the difference in the total pressure between before and after deflations depends negatively on the Dst index. From these results it is estimated that the radius of the mid‐distant magnetotail reduces, on average, from 20 to 14 RE for Dst = 0 during the magnetotail deflation.
Relationships between surface and column aerosol radiative properties and air mass transport at a rural New England site
Authors: Slater J. F. , Dibb J. E.
Published: January 2004

Chemical, physical, and radiative properties of surface and vertical column aerosols were measured at a rural site in southern New Hampshire from July 2000 to September 2001. The primary objective was to determine how intensive and extensive aerosol properties vary in air masses originating in different upwind regions. The data set also allows for an investigation of some of the relationships between surface and column aerosol properties at the site, and provides an estimate of direct radiative forcing by aerosols during the study period. Extensive properties (e.g., optical depth and chemical concentration) were at maximum values during times of south‐southwest (S‐SW) transport, while minimum values were seen during north‐northeast (N‐NE) transport. Certain intensive properties such as fine particle mass scattering efficiency did not vary significantly between times of transport from different source regions. Mean optical depth (wavelength = 500 nm) was 0.24 during S‐SW transport, compared to 0.10 during N‐NE transport. The study period average scattering efficiency for (NH4)2SO4 was 6.54 ± 0.26 m2 g−1 (± standard error) and 3.36 ± 0.49 m2 g−1 for organic carbon, while the absorption efficiency of elemental carbon was 12.85 ± 0.80 m2 g−1. Top of the atmosphere aerosol direct radiative forcing was −0.35 ± 0.83 Wm−2 (±1 standard deviation) in winter 2000–2001 and −9.06 ± 3.77 Wm−2 in summer 2001, differences that can be primarily attributed to seasonal changes in surface reflectance (high in winter, low in summer) and the relatively low values of single scatter albedo observed in winter. The annual average direct radiative forcing was −5.14 ± 4.32 Wm−2. We generally observed a moderate correlation between surface and column aerosol light extinction, suggesting that vertical column aerosol radiative properties measured by surface‐based radiometers should be supplemented by boundary layer measurements of aerosol chemical, physical, and radiative properties to help understand the mechanisms contributing to global aerosol variability.
Developing long‐term single‐column model/cloud system–resolving model forcing data using numerical weather prediction products constrained by surface and top of the atmosphere observations
Authors: Xie Shaocheng , Cederwall Richard T. , Zhang Minghua
Published: January 2004

This study proposes another approach to develop multiyear single‐column model (SCM) and cloud system–resolving model (CSRM) forcing data from numerical weather prediction (NWP) model analyses constrained with the observed surface and top of the atmosphere measurements by using a variational analysis approach. In the approach the atmospheric state variables from NWP analyses are adjusted to balance the observed column budgets of mass, heat, moisture, and momentum rather than the NWP model‐produced budgets. The derived constrained NWP forcing data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rapid update cycle (RUC) analyses are evaluated by the “observed” forcing data derived from radiosonde and wind profiler data collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Southern Great Plains site under three selected cases: A strong convective case in the ARM summer 1997 intensive operational period (IOP), a moderate synoptic‐scale process‐dominated precipitation period in the spring 2000 IOP, and a nonprecipitation period in the late fall 2000 IOP. We show that the forcing data derived from the RUC analyses using ARM column constraints agree with the observed forcing reasonably well. The largest improvements are seen during precipitation periods since precipitation is a strong constraint used in the proposed approach. During the nonprecipitation period the improvements are moderate because the constraints are weak in the absence of precipitation. The constrained NWP forcing and the observed forcing, however, show better agreement during the moderate precipitation period and the nonprecipitation period than during the strong convective period. In SCM tests we show that most model errors revealed by the SCM driven by the observed forcing can be seen in the SCM driven by the constrained NWP forcing. These results suggest the feasibility of using the derived constrained NWP forcing data from RUC analyses for statistical studies of SCM/CSRM results over long time periods.
Probabilistic forecasting of geomagnetic indices using solar wind air mass analysis
Authors: McPherron Robert L. , Siscoe George
Published: January 2004

Measurements of the Sun's photospheric magnetic field can in principle be used to predict geomagnetic activity 1–3 days in advance. The accuracy of such predictions is low, however, because they do not include the north‐south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz), which is the most geomagnetically relevant parameter. Aside from that carried by large‐scale transients, IMF Bz is mainly a product of small‐scale, in‐transit turbulence and so is inherently unpredictable from solar measurements. Routine 1‐ to‐3‐day forecasts of geomagnetic activity based on deterministic algorithms are, therefore, not possible. Probabilistic forecasts offer the next best thing to deterministic forecasts, and air mass climatology offers a way to develop the advantages inherent in probabilistic forecasts for space weather applications. Here we address the IMF Bz indeterminacy problem (or better, get around it) by applying the concept of air mass climatology to the solar wind. We give criteria and statistics for solar wind air masses, which provide poof of concept for routine, midrange (1‐ to 3‐day) probabilistic air mass forecasts of daily levels of geomagnetic activity.
Transcriptional and translational control of ornithine decarboxylase during Ras transformation
Authors: SHANTZ Lisa M.
Published: January 2004

ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) activity is induced following ras activation. However, the Ras effector pathways responsible are unknown. These experiments used NIH-3T3 cells expressing partial-loss-of-function Ras mutants to activate selectively pathways downstream of Ras and examined the contribution of each pathway to ODC induction. Overexpression of Ras12V, a constitutively active mutant, resulted in ODC activities up to 20-fold higher than controls. Stable transfections of Ras partial-loss-of-function mutants and constitutively active forms of MEK (MAPK kinase) and Akt indicated that activation of more than one Ras effector pathway is necessary for the complete induction of ODC activity. The increase in ODC activity in Ras12V-transformed cells is not owing to a substantial change in ODC protein half-life, which increased by <2-fold. Northern-blot analysis and reporter assays suggested that the mechanism of ODC induction involves both a modest increase in the transcription of ODC mRNA and a much more considerable increase in the translation of mRNA into protein. ODC transcription was controlled through a pathway dependent on Raf/MEK/ERK (where ERK stands for extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) activation, whereas activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and the Raf/MEK/ERK pathways were necessary for translational regulation of ODC. The increase in ODC synthesis was accompanied by changes in phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E and its binding protein 4E-BP1. Results show that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway regulates phosphorylation of both proteins, whereas the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway affects only the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E phosphorylation.