bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding ecology and growth of O‐group flatfish (sole, dab and plaice) on a nursery ground (Southern Bight of the North Sea)
Authors: Amara R. , Laffargue P. , Dewarumez J. M. , Maryniak C. , Lagardére F. , Luzac C.
Published: April 2005

The food composition of O‐group sole Solea solea, dab Limanda limanda and plaice Pleuronectes platessa on a nursery ground at Gravelines, France, included 17–25 taxa. Sole (new settlers) fed mainly on harpacticoid copepods and when 50 mm in size, on polychaetes (Terebellidae). Dab (<40 mm) consumed mainly polychaetes (Magelonidae and Spionidae), and later amphipods, polychaetes (Spionidae) and Hydrozoa. O‐group plaice diet was dominated by polychaetes (Terebellidae), crustaceans and molluscs at all sizes. O‐group sole, dab and plaice did not compete for food resources, each species being specialized in different prey items. Growth rates during May‐July 1998 varied between 0·5 and 0·67 mm day−1 for sole, 0·12 and 0·24 mm day−1 for dab and 0·55 and 0·81 mm day−1 for plaice. For sole and plaice, these estimates were similar to those recorded in other nurseries and also close to the maximal growth predicted by experimental models. This suggests that their growth was not limited by food during the first summer of life.
Effect of acute and chronic ammonia and nitrite exposure on oxygen consumption and growth of juvenile big bellied seahorse
Authors: Adams M. B. , Powell M. D. , Purser G. J.
Published: April 2005

Juvenile big bellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis were exposed acutely and chronically to elevated ammonia and nitrite {24 h exposure: 0·01, 5·0, 10·1, 14·8 and 19·9 mg l−1 total ammonia‐nitrogen [TA‐N] and <0·001, 74·4, 99·2 and 123·6 mg l−1 [NO2‐N] nitrite‐nitrogen and 35 days exposure: 0·11, 0·55, 1·67 and 3·07 mg l−1 TAN and <0·001, 0·92, 4·67 and 9·10 mg NO2‐N l−1}. Significant (P<0·001) increases in oxygen consumption rate and ventilation frequency occurred at 14·8, 19·9 mg l−1 TA‐N and 99·2, 123·6 mg l−1 NO2‐N for acutely exposed fish. Oxygen consumption rate was significantly (P<0·05) elevated at 1·67 and 3·07 mg l−1 TA‐N in chronically treated fish and ventilation frequency increased significantly (P<0·05) at 0·55, 1·67, 3·07 mg l−1 TA‐N and 4·59, 9·10 mg l−1 NO2‐N. There were no significant differences in growth between controls and ammonia exposed fish. Mortalities occurred at 14·8, 19·9 mg l−1 TA‐N.
SSCP analysis of Mhc class IIB genes in the threespine stickleback
Authors: Binz T. , Reusch T. B. H. , Wedekind C. , Milinski M.
Published: April 2005

Due to its universality, speed, sensitivity, precision and reproducibility, PCR followed by fluorescence SSCP analysis represents an attractive tool for the characterization of Mhc class IIB genotypes and the estimation of DNA sequence variability of Mhc genes in natural stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus populations.
Male priming pheromone is present in bile, as well as urine, of female rainbow trout
Authors: Vermeirssen E. L. M. , Scott A. P.
Published: April 2005

The bile of sexually mature female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss has pheromonal activity which causes a significant increase in concentrations of 17,20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one in the plasma of males. Bile from male trout is inactive. The activity in the female bile binds to octadecylsilane and can be eluted with methanol. The synthetic bile acids, taurocholic acid and taurolithocholic acid, are inactive.
Taste responses of the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves to amino acids in the rainbow trout
Authors: Kohbara J. , Caprio J.
Published: April 2005

No significant differences were noted between responses of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss facial and glossopharyngeal nerves to 15 amino acids. Nine of these amino acids tested at 10−2 M were stimulatory, whereas only two tested at 10−3 M were effective gustatory stimuli. For both nerve systems, ≤10−3 M L‐proline was the most stimulatory amino acid, with an estimated threshold of 10−7 M; however, L‐α‐amino‐β‐guanidino‐propionic acid (estimated threshold of 3×10−3 M), was the most potent compound at 10−2 M. These results indicate that the same amino acids activate taste buds innervated by facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, respectively, and suggest that the same amino acids can be important in chemosensory feeding behaviour in the rainbow trout.
Hydroacoustic measurement of swimming speed of North Sea saithe in the field
Authors: Pedersen J.
Published: April 2005

Saithe Pollachius virens, tracked diurnally with a split‐beam echosounder, showed no relationship between size and swimming speed. The average and the median swimming speeds were 1·05 m s−1(±0·09 m s−1) and 0·93 m s−1, respectively. However, ping‐to‐ping speeds up to 3·34 m s−1 were measured for 25–29 cm fish, whose swimming speeds were significantly higher at night (1·08 m s−1) than during the day (0·72 m s−1). The high average swimming speed could be related to the foraging or streaming part of the population and not to potential weakness of the methodology. However, the uncertainty of target location increased with depth and resulted in calculated average swimming speeds of 0·15 m s−1 even for a stationary target. With increasing swimming speed the average error decreased to 0 m s−1 for speeds >0·34 m s−1. Species identity was verified by trawling in a pelagic layer and on the bottom.
Genetic evidence for historical continuity between populations of the Australian freshwater fish Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum (Atherinidae) east and west of the Great Dividing Range
Authors: McGlashan D. J. , Hughes J. M.
Published: April 2005

The freshwater Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum (Atherinidae) has a broad northern and south‐eastern Australian distribution, and has been divided into two sub‐species. Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus occurs in eastern and western flowing drainages of the southeast, while C. s. stercusmuscarum occurs in north eastern and northern flowing drainages. Four populations of each sub‐species were sampled from different river systems to examine if genetic diversity was consistent with this nomenclature or a previously proposed vicariance hypothesis. Allozyme data did not support the notion that the subspecies were genetically distinct, but the mtDNA data showed that haplotypes from one sub‐species, regardless of geography, were reciprocally monophyletic to haplotypes of the other subspecies. Thus, mtDNA genetic diversity was partitioned by prevailing taxonomy and the data suggest that C. s. fulvus populations in eastern and western flowing drainages may have had a relatively recent connection subsequently interrupted by geological events.
The threat of fishing to highly fecund fishes
Authors: Sadovy Y.
Published: April 2005

The last decade has witnessed a growing awareness that fishes can not only be severely overfished but could also be threatened with extinction through over‐exploitation. Among commercially important species, those particularly at risk are large and slow to mature, iteroparous and may have sporadic recruitment. The threat of extirpation or extinction may be greater if species are particularly valuable, have a limited geographical range, are part of mixed‐species fisheries, or are distributed solely within areas of intense fishing activity. Significantly, there is little empirical or theoretical basis for hypothesizing that highly fecund species are any less at risk than those of low fecundity, as is often assumed. Indeed, the use of fecundity in estimating reproductive output in long‐lived, highly fecund, pelagic egg‐producing species, may be deeply flawed. A general resistance to accepting that fecund marine fishes could become endangered through exploitation stems from poor understanding of population dynamics, especially in the early post‐settlement phase, coupled with assumptions of fishery models that ignore critical components of life history theory. Moreover, faith in the ability to manage exploited species effectively leads to the perception that severe declines are management, rather than conservation, issues. The growing list of threatened marine species and a realization of the many factors that place them at risk indicate the need to be precautionary about the possibility of extinction, and about the criteria used to assess such risk, with important implications for research, monitoring and management.
Home range size and use of space by Bermuda chub Kyphosus sectatrix (L.) in two marine reserves in the Soufrière Marine Management Area, St Lucia, West Indies
Authors: Eristhee N. , Oxenford H. A.
Published: April 2005

Marine reserves (MRs) are expected to conserve fish biodiversity and enhance fisheries production of surrounding areas through export of adult fish biomass. However, the extent to which these benefits occur is dependent on movement patterns of fish, for which there is a paucity of data, particularly for coral reef species. Eleven adult Kyphosus sectatrix were tracked [five in the Grand Caille marine reserve (MR) and six in the Petit Piton MR within the Soufrière Marine Management Area, St Lucia] from February to April 1999, using acoustic telemetry. Average number of days over which fish were tracked was 21.5 (range 5–51). Home range size of individuals, temporal use of space within the home range, and permeability of MR and habitat boundaries to fish movement were examined. Average minimum home range area of K. sectatrix was not significantly different between Grand Caille (30 514 m2) and Petit Piton (39 114 m2). However, the shape of home ranges was conspicuously different between the sites and reflected available reef shape. Individual home ranges overlapped strongly with those of other individuals at the same site, and use of space within the home range was generally restricted to a small number of preferred sites. Preferred sites were often shared among individuals and tended to be occupied at a specific time of day, with some sites were preferred in the morning and or afternoon, whilst others preferred during the middle of the day. Fidelity to a single sleeping‐shelter site was high at night. MR boundaries over contiguous reef at Grand Caille were frequently crossed with individuals spending, on average, 63% of their time (range 37–94) outside the MR. This demonstrates the need for the MR boundary at this site to be implemented farther offshore to encompass the reef, if the MR is to better protect K. sectatrix. At Petit Piton, where MR boundaries effectively encompass available reef, K. sectatrix spent, on average, only 11% of their time (range 0–40) outside the protected area. At Grand Caille boundaries were crossed more readily (individuals spent an average of 18% of their time off reef) than at Petit Piton where individuals spent an average of 0.7% of their time off reef.
Effects of marine reserve characteristics on the protection of fish populations: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Côté I. M. , Mosqueira I. , Reynolds J. D.
Published: April 2005

Meta‐analyses of published data for 19 marine reserves reveal that marine protected areas enhance species richness consistently, but their effect on fish abundance is more variable. Overall, there was a slight (11%) but significant increase in fish species number inside marine reserves, with all reserves sharing a common effect. There was a substantial but non‐significant increase in overall fish abundance inside marine reserves compared to adjacent, non‐reserve areas. When only species that are the target of fisheries were considered, fish abundance was significantly higher (by 28%) within reserve boundaries. Marine reserves vary significantly in the extent and direction of their response. This variability in relative abundance was not attributable to differences in survey methodology among studies, nor correlated with reserve characteristics such as reserve area, years since protection, latitude nor species diversity. The effectiveness of marine reserves in enhancing fish abundance may be largely related to the intensity of exploitation outside reserve boundaries and to the composition of the fish community within boundaries. It is recommended that studies of marine reserve effectiveness should routinely report fishing intensity, effectiveness of enforcement and habitat characteristics.
Comparative analysis of introgression at three marker classes: a case study in a stocked population of brown trout
Authors: Mezzera M. , Largiadèr C. R.
Published: April 2005

Comparative analysis of protein loci, microsatellite and mtDNA markers revealed generally comparable estimates for introgression and apparent admixture rates in stocked brown trout populations at two sites in the River Doubs (Rhône dainage, Switzerland), which are 10 km apart and which belong to the same management unit. At one site, a significant deviation between mtDNA and nuclear markers could be explained by stocking of F1 hybrids originating from crosses between hatchery females and males from the local population. Substantial differences between diagnostic protein loci and protein loci having non‐fixed private alleles indicated that caution must be exercised when using genetic markers not strictly diagnostic for the distinction of the populations under investigation. Congruent estimates of introgression and apparent admixture rates between diagnostic protein loci and presumed diagnostic microsatellite loci suggest that the latter can be regarded as reliable genetic markers for the estimation of introgression in Mediterranean brown trout populations stocked with trout of Atlantic origin. Significant differences in introgression and apparent admixture rates between the two sites and between age‐classes of one study site were observed. Introgression is suggested to depend on environmental factors. Significantly lower introgression rates in age‐class 2+ years as compared to juvenile trout might further indicate that introduced Atlantic brown trout and hybrids decrease in proportion between age‐classes 1+ and 2+ years.
The influence of increased line‐fishing mortality on the sex ratio and age of sex reversal of the venus tusk fish
Authors: Platten J. R. , Tibbetts I. R. , Sheaves M. J.
Published: April 2005

The age of sex reversal of the venus tusk fish Choerodon venustus, caught by line fishing at various locations on the southern Great Barrier Reef, indicated that C. venustus is capable of modifying its life cycle in response to increased mortality. The evidence suggests Masthead Reef fish, which experience the highest mortality, underwent sex reversal at a smaller size and younger age than at the other sites. The largest female fish, sexually transitional fish and males were smaller at Masthead Reef than at the Swains Reefs or One Tree Reef at Masthead Reef. There was also considerable overlap in the size of males and females within the exploited populations indicating that sex reversal is not initiated at a particular length but may have a social cause. The sex ratio of fish was essentially the same for fish fully susceptible to line fishing in the Swains and Masthead samples. Circumstantial evidence suggested that the absence of large males in a population may initiate sex reversal, indicating the maintenance of a constant sex ratio may have a social basis.
Population structure of odd‐broodline Asian pink salmon and its contrast to the even‐broodline structure
Authors: Hawkins S. L. , Varnavskaya N. V. , Matzak E. A. , Efremov V. V. , Guthrie C. M. , Wilmot R. L. , Mayama H. , Yamazaki F. , Gharrett A. J.
Published: April 2005

Most of the variation (99%) of Asian odd‐broodline pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, based on data at 32 variable (46 total) allozyme loci from 35 populations, occurred within populations. The remaining interpopulation variation was attributable to: (1) differences between northern (the northern Sea of Okhotsk, eastern Kamchatka Peninsula and western Kamchatka Peninsula) and southern (Hokkaido Island, Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island) populations; (2) differences between the southern areas; (3) low variation among populations within some areas. The pattern contrasted strongly with that observed for Asian even‐broodline populations, which had a strong structure, possibly related to geographic and oceanographic influences. Isolation‐by‐distance analyses of each of the two broodlines showed a stronger relationship (x 4·8) among even‐ than odd‐broodline populations. Allele frequency differences between even‐ and odd‐broodlines reflected the reproductive isolation of the broodlines. However, there were no fixed frequency differences which, considered with the differing population structures, suggests that migration‐drift equilibrium has not yet obtained in one or both broodlines. The structural differences also suggest it is likely that the even‐ and odd‐broodlines are of different ages and that one is derived from the other. Allozyme data do not provide a genealogical basis for identifying the ancestral lineage.
Age, growth and reproduction of Cobitis paludica in a seasonal stream
Authors: Oliva‐Paterna F. J. , Torralva M. M. , Fernández‐Delgado C.
Published: April 2005

In the Iberian endemic loach Cobitis paludica, in a small seasonal tributary of the Guadalquivir River, 65–70% of the total growth in length occurred in the first year of life. The maximum ages observed were 3+ years in males and 4+ years in females. Both sexes matured at the beginning of their second year of life. There was a significant difference from 1: 1 in the overall sex ratio of 412 males to 674 females. Spawning began in late March and ended in July. Cobitis paludica is a multiple spawner that releases a minimum of two batches of eggs per female each year. Once spawning had started, however, there was no recruitment from the stock of transparent oocytes to the mature stock. The number of eggs decreased from the first batch to the second, but there was no significant difference in the mean egg diameter between batches. Compared with other populations of this species, the present population, from a low latitude, is characterized by a low number of age groups, fast growth, early maturity and high fecundity in multiple spawnings. These life‐history characteristics are typical of species in unstable environments, where adult mortality is high, variable or unpredictable.
The effect of stomach fullness on food intake of whiting in the North Sea
Authors: Rindorf A.
Published: April 2005

The probability of a North Sea whiting Merlangius merlangus stomach containing fresh food was depressed when partially digested food was already present in the stomach. The lowered probability was detected even at levels where the fish was physiologically able to ingest an average meal. The feeding probability of c. 15% of the fish caught was predicted to be severely decreased at the level of partially digested food found in the stomachs. No effect of stomach fullness on meal size was found, indicating that the saturation is affecting search activity rather than prey or meal size selection. The diurnal pattern in food intake varied between the five sampling locations, presumably as a result of differences in prey availability.
Effect of genetic origin of the fish on in vitro proliferation of muscle myosatellite cells of rainbow trout
Authors: Valente L. M. P. , Paboeuf G. , Fauconneau B.
Published: April 2005

In two rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissstrains fed 5% of body mass for 1 week, no significant differences were observed between the two strains in thein vitroproliferation rate of myosatellite cells isolated from white axial muscle and studied for 8 days following the incorporation of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine. Nonetheless, the differentiation process and formation of myotubes started first in the strain displaying the fastest growth and the myotubes attained a more developed stage in these fish: more numerous and bigger myotubes. When the two strains were submitted to starvation for 1 week, the fast growing strain showed a faster response to the culture medium and a significantly higher proliferation rate than the slow growing one.
Eye colour in juvenile Atlantic salmon: effects of social status, aggression and foraging success
Authors: Suter H. C. , Huntingford F. A.
Published: April 2005

Status‐based differences in sclera colour in small groups of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, held in a semi‐natural environment over a 20 day period, became obvious 3 days after the start of the study and persisted for the 20 days. Dominant fish had pale sclera, and this pattern was very stable over the experimental period. In contrast, the sclera colour of subordinate fish (ranks 2–5) fluctuated from day to day. Median sclera colour offish ranked 4–5 darkened on days they received more aggression, and sclera of rank 2 fish were lighter on days on which they initiated more attacks. Changes in sclera colour of fish ranked 2–4 were more frequent during feeding periods than non‐feeding periods. This study confirms that the relationship between eye colour and status described in tanks is also seen in more natural environments, and also that colour change in juvenile salmonids is a complex response to local events.
Patterns of movement and habitat use by leafy seadragons tracked ultrasonically
Authors: Connolly R. M. , Melville A. J. , Preston K. M.
Published: April 2005

Nine adult leafy seadragons Phycodurus eques were tracked using ultrasonic telemetry for between 2‐10 days around West Island, Australia. All fish except one moved within well‐defined home ranges of up to 5 ha (using minimum convex polygon method). Short bursts of movement (at average velocities of 2‐17 m h−1) punctuated long periods (up to 68 h) without movement. The exceptional fish moved almost in a straight line away from its tagging location near the end of the tracking period, at a maximum velocity of 146 m h−1. There was no constant diel pattern in movements; some fish moved more at night, others during the day. The time leafy seadragons spent over particular habitats compared to the area of those habitats available at the study site was greater for Posidonia seagrass, about as expected for kelp‐covered reefs and bare sand patches, and less than expected for Amphibolis seagrass and boulders covered with brown algae. In searching for tagging effects, a comparison of movement immediately after tagging showed no difference with subsequent movements for most fish. The lack of tagging effect may be because the transmitter can be attached to the bony appendages away from the body of the fish. There was no sign of damage to fish upon removal of transmitters after tracking.
Assessing the statistical power of genetic analyses to detect multiple mating in fishes
Authors: Neff B. D. , Pitcher T. E.
Published: April 2005

A single‐sex model is presented that calculates the probability of detecting multiple mating (PrDM) given genetic data from the single genetic parent and a sample of its offspring. The model incorporates the effects of numbers of loci, alleles, offspring and genetic parents contributing to the multiple mating, all of which effect PrDM. The model is used to determine the actual number of loci and offspring that are required to detect multiply mated broods with high probability (80 and 95%). For example, if two sires contribute with equal fertilization success to multiply mated broods, then only 10 offspring and one locus with seven equally common alleles are required to ensure that 80% of multiple mated broods are detected. Ninety‐five per cent of multiple mated broods can be detected with 10 offspring and five loci with four equally common alleles. The utility of the model is demonstrated with biological examples addressing geographic variation in multiple paternity among natural populations of guppies Poecilia reticulata and mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki.
Spatial variability of trace elements in fish otoliths: comparison with dietary items and habitat constituents in seagrass meadows
Authors: Sanchez‐Jerez P. , Gillanders B. M. , Kingsford M. J.
Published: April 2005

Juvenile trumpetersPelates sexlineatus, two main prey items (amphipods and polychaetes) and seagrass constituents (detritus, young and old leaves ofZostera capricorni) were collected from two sites within six estuaries, to compare the spatial variability of elemental composition (Li, Mn, Sr, Cd, Ba and Pb). Average elemental values were lower in the fish otoliths except for Sr. Significant differences in elemental composition of otoliths were detected among estuaries (Mn and Pb). Spatial differences in concentrations of Cd were found in amphipods and polychaetes; the latter also showed differences for Ba and Pb. Detritus andZ. capricornileaves showed appreciable spatial differences for most of the elements. Spatial variability between sites was generally high. There were differences in the multivariate composition of trace elements found in the otoliths of fish among estuaries. One estuary was consistently separated from the other estuaries in the ordinations. Significant correlations were detected between concentrations of Mn in otoliths and concentrations in prey,Z. capricorniand detritus. A significant relationship was also detected between Pb in otoliths and detritus. There were significant correlations between concentrations of Mn, Sr and Ba in detritus and that in otoliths. The study demonstrated that trophic transfer and habitat constituents may be considered as a potential source for some of the elemental accumulation in fish otoliths.
Alleles of sAAT‐1,2* isoloci in brown trout: potential diagnostic marker for tracking routes of post‐glacial colonization in northern Europe
Authors: Makhrov A. A. , Skaala O. , Altukhov Yu.P.
Published: April 2005

Distribution alleles of sAAT‐1,2* isoloci in brown trout Salmo trutta populations of northern Europe revealed two glacial refugia, ‘Baltic’ and ‘Atlantic’.
Egg‐cases and size at hatching of Sympterygia acuta in the south‐western Atlantic
Authors: Oddone M. C. , Vooren C. M.
Published: April 2005

Ten egg‐cases of Sympterygia acuta were collected from the surf line at Cassino Beach, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and incubated in the laboratory. The egg‐cases and neonates (77–84 mm total length) are described.
In situ settlement behaviour of damselfish (Pomacentridae) larvae
Authors: Leis J. M. , Carson‐Ewart B. M.
Published: April 2005

Settlement‐stage damselfish (Pomacentridae) larvae of 13 species in seven genera were obtained from light traps at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Behaviour, observed in situ by SCUBA divers, of 245 larvae (6–13 mm, LS; 5–60 individuals per species) released individually within a few m of reefs during the day differed markedly among species. From 0–28% (range among 13 species) of individuals of each species swam away from the adjacent reefs without swimming to the reefs. Of those that swam to a reef, 0–75% settled. For three species, sufficient data were available to test the hypothesis that these percentages did not differ amongst reefs: the hypothesis was rejected in one species. From 0–75% of larvae that reached the reef were eaten, 0–63% subsequently left the reef and 0–60% were still swimming over the reef at the end of the observation period. Swimming speeds of all but one species were greater when swimming away from the reef than toward it. Most species exceeded average current speeds when swimming away from reefs, but not when swimming toward and over them. Average swimming depths were in the upper half of the water column for most species, and were somewhat greater where the water depths were greater. The time the larvae swam over the reef before settling and the distance swum varied greatly among species from 0 to a mean of 5.5 min and 43 m. Settlement habitats chosen differed amongst species, and in some species, they were very specific. Average settlement depth varied among species from 6–13.5 m. In one species, settlement depth varied between reefs. About half of the 53 observed interactions between larvae and reef resident fishes were predation attempts: fishes of eight species (six families) attacked larvae. The other interactions were aggressive approaches by 11 species of resident fishes, all but one of which were pomacentrids. Many of these aggressive interactions discouraged settlement attempts. Larvae of some species experienced no predatory or aggressive interactions, whereas in other species interactions averaged >0.6 per released larva. Species that swam more‐or‐less directly to settlement sites near the reef edge experienced more interactions. Even within the same family, settlement behaviour differed among species in nearly all measures.
Water temperature fluctuations and territoriality in the intertidal zone: two possible explanations for the elevational distribution of body size in Graus nigra
Authors: Hernández C. E. , Neill P. E. , Pulgar J. M. , Ojeda F. P. , Bozinovic F.
Published: April 2005

On the central coast of Chile, distribution of body size in Graus nigra varied with tidal pool height. With the objective of determining whether environmental temperature is one of the possible causes which explains the observed distribution pattern, two behavioural responses were analysed during an experimental period of increasing water temperature: number of opercular movements (an indirect measure of energy expenditure) and activity levels. The interactions of temperature × time and body size × time had a significant effect on the number of opercular movements. At low temperatures (13–15° C), large fish reached a maximum number of opercular movements, while small fish reached a maximum only at high temperatures (23–25° C). The interaction temperature × time had a significant effect on activity levels of different body sizes. In general, large fish appeared to be less active than small fish, however, at very high temperatures (24–26° C) all individuals increased their activity levels. These data indicate that small fish are acclimatized to live in a wider range of temperatures (13–23° C), and, for fish of all body sizes, the highest temperatures (23–26° C) probably constitute a suboptimal microhabitat. Strong territoriality was observed, with large individuals displacing smaller individuals. These data suggest that temperature is an important factor in explaining why large individuals are not present in high tidal pools (high temperatures), whereas territoriality explains why small individuals are not in low tidal pools (habitat of large individuals).
Introduction and comparison of two methods of assessment of coronary lesions in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Seierstad S L , Poppe T , Larsen S
Published: April 2005

This study investigated and compared quantitative and semi‐quantitative coronary lesion evaluation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. A total of 121 immature farmed and 47 sexually mature wild Atlantic salmon were included. Coronary arteries from all fish were morphometrically evaluated using a semi‐quantitative method. A subsample of 76 salmon was additionally evaluated using a quantitative method. Another subsample of 71 salmon was used for reliability testing of the semi‐quantitative method. Ten cross‐sections of coronary arteries located on the ventral surface of the bulbus arteriosus were semi‐quantitatively scored with regard to myointimal coronary lesions. Quantitative measurements comprised maximal intimal thickness and area lesion (%) while semi‐quantitative measurements comprised maximal intimal thickness and lesion degree (%). Scores for individual fish were expressed as the average of lesion score, denoted as mean range lesion. One person performed all evaluations blindly. Two pathologists tested repeatability of the semi‐quantitative lesion score measurements blindly. Both semi‐quantitative and quantitative variables increased significantly with increasing lesion score. Semi‐quantitative estimation gave significantly higher maximal intimal thickness values than quantitative measurement. Semi‐quantitative measurements were found to explain 63.2% of variation in quantitatively measured maximal intimal thickness. Due to lack of agreement, the two methods are not directly comparable and one method cannot replace the other. Repeatability within and between observers with regard to semi‐quantitative classification was very good with Kappa values larger than 61.5%. The semi‐quantitative method was a valid and reliable method for coronary lesion evaluation in Atlantic salmon.
Antigenicity of Streptococcus agalactiae extracellular products and vaccine efficacy
Authors: Pasnik D J , Evans J J , Panangala V S , Klesius P H , Shelby R A , Shoemaker C A
Published: April 2005

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major bacterial pathogen that is the cause of serious economic losses in many species of freshwater, marine and estuarine fish worldwide. A highly efficacious S. agalactiae vaccine was developed using extracellular products (ECP) and formalin‐killed whole cells of S. agalactiae. The vaccine efficacy following storage of S. agalactiae ECP and formalin‐killed S. agalactiae cells at 4 °C for 1 year was determined. The stored ECP containing S. agalactiae formalin‐killed cells failed to prevent morbidity and mortality among the vaccinated fish, and the relative percentage survival was 29. Serum antibody responses of the stored ECP and freshly prepared ECP against soluble whole cell extract of S. agalactiae indicated that significantly less antibody was produced in fish immunized with stored ECP and S. agalactiae cells than in those fish immunized with freshly prepared ECP and S. agalactiae cells at day 31 post‐vaccination. Silver staining of sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gels and immunostaining of Western blots with tilapia antiserum to S. agalactiae revealed that predominant 54 and 55 kDa bands were present in the freshly prepared ECP fraction. The 55 kDa band was absent from the stored ECP and new bands below 54 kDa appeared on the Western blot. The results of this study on S. agalactiae ECP provide evidence for a correlation between protection and antibody production to ECP and for the importance of the 55 kDa ECP antigen for vaccine efficacy.
Characteristics of Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar N2 Strains in Asia
Authors: Horita M. , Tsuchiya K. , Ooshiro A.
Published: April 2005

Ralstonia solanacearum biovar N2 strains isolated in Asia were compared by biochemical tests with biovar N2 strains from South America and biovar 2 (race 3) strains from Africa, America, Asia and Europe. Distinct differences were found between Asian and South American strains of biovar N2, and between Asian biovar N2 and biovar 2 strains with respect to their ability to utilize several carbon sources. Using cluster analysis based on repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction (rep‐PCR) genomic fingerprints, the Asian biovar N2 strains were divided into two groups, group 1 containing Japanese strains and group 2 containing Indonesian and Philippine strains. The fingerprints showed the genetic diversity of biovar N2 strains in Asia.
Antagonistic Effect of Fusarium oxysporum on Heterodera cruciferae
Authors: Mennan S. , Aksoy H. M. , Ecevit O.
Published: April 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. (isolate no. B6) on Heterodera cruciferae Franklin and its pathogenicity on cabbage plants. Fusarium oxysporum (B6) was isolated from cysts extracted from cabbage (Brassica olareacae L.) fields in Samsun (north part of Turkey). Healthy cysts obtained from mass culture in a growing chamber were placed on fungal colonies already formed in Petri dishes. The highest infection rate was observed 10 days after inoculation and reached 72%. Fusarium oxysporum also had the ability to penetrate through cysts wall. The effects of spore suspensions of Fusarium on H. cruciferae in cabbage plants were tested in pot experiments in growth chambers. Cabbages cyst nematode (CCN) eggs were first incubated in a fungal spore suspension (108–109 spores/ml) for 5 min and then introduced into pots containing sterilized soil and 3‐weeks‐old healthy cabbage plants. A positive effect was observed on plant height, fresh weight, fresh root weight, length and leaf area. Nematode numbers in the root system decreased within 2 months after artificial inoculations with Fusarium‐infected cysts. This suggests a negative, antagonistic effect between F. oxysporum and H. cruciferae.
Desmoplastic non‐infantile ganglioglioma
Authors: Onguru Onder , Celasun Bulent , Gunhan Omer
Published: April 2005

Desmoplastic ganglioglioma is a rare, markedly desmoplastic variant of ganglioglioma that usually presents in the first year of life. It is a mixed glial and neuronal cerebral tumor. A few cases of desmoplastic ganglioglioma have been  reported  in  non‐infantile  patients.  We  report  a  case of desmoplastic ganglioglioma in a 14‐year‐old boy. The patient presented with a large solid cystic mass with mild peritumoral edema in the right posterior parieto‐occipital region with direct contact to the falx cerebri. Histopathological examination revealed a low‐grade glial tumor with prominent desmoplasia including hypocellular collagenous areas. The tumor was well demarcated with respect to the surrounding brain. Ganglion cells with dysplastic features were present in the tumor and clustered in some areas. Focal lymphocytic infiltration was also observed. Mitotic activity was very low. Immunohistochemistry revealed glial fibrillary acidic protein positivity in the astrocytic cells hidden in the desmoplastic tissue. Synaptophysin and neuron specific enolase were positive in ganglion‐like neuronal cells. The MIB‐1 labeling index was less than 1%. This present case confirms that desmoplastic ganglioglioma can be present in young adult patients with its characteristic radiologic features.
Degeneration of the inferior olive in spinocerebellar ataxia 6 may depend on disease duration: Report of two autopsy cases and statistical analysis of autopsy cases reported to date
Authors: Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Oda Tatsuro , Yoshida Mari , Sasaki Hidenao , Haga Chie , Okino Hidemaro , Tominaga Itaru , Matsui Kenichi , Akiyama Haruhiko , Hashizume Yoshio
Published: April 2005

This report concerns a clinicopathological study of two autopsied patients with spinocerebellar ataxia 6 (SCA6), and a statistical analysis between neuronal loss of the inferior olive and disease duration of 15 SCA6 autopsy cases reported to date, including the two cases reported in this study. Cases 1 and 2 came from independent Japanese families. Case 1 developed gait disturbance at age 35 years and died at age 78 years; she had a CAG‐repeat expansion of the SCA6 gene (25/13). Case 2 presented with gait disturbance at age 68 years and died at age 78 years; he had an expanded CAG‐repeat of the SCA6 gene (22/13). Neuropathological examination of both cases disclosed not only neuronal loss of the Purkinje cells and inferior olive, but also some unnoticed features, including cactus‐like expansion of the dendrite of Purkinje cells and relative preservation of Golgi cells in the granular layer of the cerebellum. Exploratory statistical analysis between 11 SCA6 autopsy cases with neuronal loss in the inferior olive (average disease duration: 27 years) and four SCA6 autopsy cases without neuronal loss in the olive (average disease duration: 14.5 years) was investigated by Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival and log–rank test, retrospectively. Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival revealed an obvious difference between the two groups. Survival of 10 years after the disease onset was 90.9% in the former 11 SCA6 autopsy cases, but was 50% in the latter four SCA6 autopsy cases. Furthermore, a log–rank test on the two groups disclosed a significant difference (P = 0.0450). We postulate that the neuronal loss of the inferior olive in SCA6 may depend on disease duration.
Temporal bone chondroblastoma: A review
Authors: Bian Liu‐Guan , Sun Qing‐Fang , Zhao Wei‐Guo , Shen Jian‐Kang , Tirakotai Wuttipong , Bertalanffy Helmult
Published: April 2005

The objective of this paper was to review temporal bone chondroblastomas in regard to their presentation, radiographic findings, histopathology, and treatment. A case report of a 38‐year‐old man who presented with the left‐sided hearing impairment and temporal swelling was reviewed. A CT scan revealed an osteolytic lobulated expansile mass. MRI depicted two cystic components with fluid–fluid level and enhanced solid mass. Immunohistochemical study of S‐100 was performed using avidin‐biotin‐complex method. The tumor was totally removed, with eroded squamous bone and temporal muscle, via the left zygomatic‐extended middle fossa approach. The pathology of the tumor showed that the tumor cell was spindle‐shaped, along with multinucleated giant cells. These cells had oval to polygonal nuclei; some cells showed grooved nuclei. Intercelluar calcification and hemorrhagic components were also observed in the tumor. Tumor cells were strongly positive for S‐100 protein. Temporal bone chondroblastomas are extremely rare osseous tumors with only 45 cases previously reported in the published literature. They may be confused with more common lesions seen in the temporal bone. Diagnostic radiology, including CT and/or MRI, as well as immunohistochemical staining with S‐100 protein, may assist in making the diagnosis. Treatment is complete surgical excision with preservation of vital neurovascular structures.
Are rural adolescents necessarily at risk of poorer obstetric and birth outcomes?
Authors: Gaff‐Smith Mavis
Published: April 2005

Objective:  The purpose of the present study were to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adolescent women giving birth at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, and compare these with those with all adolescents in New South Wales.

Design:  An investigative approach.

Main outcome measures:  Obstetric complications, delivery intervention and adverse infant outcomes.

Setting:  Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

Participants:  One hundred and sixteen adolescents aged 15–19 years.

Results:  In relation to obstetric complications and infants with complications, the study sample was found to be representative of New South Wales adolescents. However, for type of delivery there was a higher rate of forceps delivery (12.3% (15) vs 4.7% (415) P = 0.0001), forceps rotation (4.1% (5) vs 0.9% (80) P = 0.004) and fewer normal vaginal deliveries (67.2% (82) vs 80.8% (7108) P = 0.006) at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that rural adolescents are at risk of delivery complications and are less likely to have a normal vaginal delivery. More research is required into obstetric and birth outcomes for the rural adolescent population.
A community‐based sports massage course for Aboriginal health workers
Authors: Vindigni Dein , Parkinson Lynne , Walker Bruce , Rivett Darren A. , Blunden Steve , Perkins Janice
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To pilot a community‐based and owned sports massage course for Aboriginal health workers (AHWs).

Design:  Descriptive, pilot educational intervention study.

Setting:  Rural, Indigenous Australian community.

Subjects:  AHWs working in a rural community.

Main outcome measures:  Cultural and logistical acceptability of the program to AHWs.

Results:  The course was delivered within a culturally acceptable framework with applicability for the evaluation of sports massage skills and knowledge changes in a larger sample.

Conclusion:  The sports massage course demonstrated its applicability in this rural Aboriginal community and it has the potential to be adapted and adopted in other similar settings.
Barriers to accessing ambulance services in rural Victoria for acute asthma: Patients’ and medical professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Morgans Amee , Archer Frank , Walker Tony , Thuma Evelyn
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To study the attitudes and perceptions of rural asthma patients and medical health professionals towards accessing ambulance services for acute asthma.

Design:  Health professional and patient based focus groups, audit of ambulance patient care records and self administered survey.

Setting:  Asthma patients and medical professionals from rural south‐western Victoria.

Results:  The audit of patient care records included 69 asthma case records, and identified short response times (mean, 7 min; SD, 5 min), and documented patient improvement in clinical status in response to ambulance treatment. The focus group analysis identified patient perceptions which act as barriers to accessing ambulance services in acute asthma. These included the perception of response time delays, ‘000’ call centre delays and misunderstanding of the role of paramedics, and when it is appropriate to call an ambulance for acute asthma. These perceptions were expressed by both patients and medical professionals, and both groups had poor knowledge of how and when to access ambulance services for acute asthma.

Conclusions:  The misperceptions expressed are of particular concern in a rural population where distance can cause prolonged response times to treatment, and patients who are acutely ill need to contact emergency services promptly and appropriately to improve patient health outcomes.
The family and nurse in partnership: Providing day‐to‐day care for rural cancer patients
Authors: Wilkes Lesley M. , White Kate
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To explore demands made on family members in managing symptoms and providing for the day‐to‐day care of relatives with cancer in rural New South Wales and how specialist palliative care nurses support these family members.

Design:  Cross sectional qualitative study.

Setting:  Seven health centres across rural New South Wales that cover a broad geographical area and reflect the diversity in economic conditions, population density and distance from three major urban centres in New South Wales.

Subjects:  The study involved two groups of participants. The first group consisted of one or more members of families of oncology patients who were accessed through health workers at the seven centres. Nineteen family members from 17 families were interviewed. The second group comprised 10 nursing staff working as specialist palliative care nurses across the same geographical area as the families.

Main outcome measures:  Physical care and symptom management were the two main areas of interest.

Results:  The rural experience of caring for palliative care patients was challenging, with support nurses needing to take into consideration all aspects of the patients’ and families’ living environments.

Conclusion:  There is a need for equipment and basic resources to be readily available to practitioners, funding for ongoing education and 24‐h care.
ETHICS AND SYNTHETIC GAMETES
Authors: TESTA GIUSEPPE , HARRIS JOHN
Published: April 2005

The recent in vitro derivation of gamete‐like cells from mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells is a major breakthrough and lays down several challenges, both for the further scientific investigation and for the bioethical and biolegal discourse. We refer here to these cells as gamete‐like (sperm‐like or oocyte‐like, respectively), because at present there is still no evidence that these cells behave fully like bona fide sperm or oocytes, lacking the fundamental proof, i.e. combination with a normally derived gamete of the opposite sex to yield a normal individual. However, the results published so far do show that these cells share some defining features of gametes. We discuss these results in the light of the bioethical and legal questions that are likely to arise would the same process become possible with human embryonic stem (hES) cells.
Worker displacement during the transition: Experience from Slovenia1
Authors: Orazem Peter F. , Vodopivec Milan , Wu Ruth
Published: April 2005

The Slovenian transition created labor displacements that were bigger than those experienced in North America in the 1980s. In Slovenia, probability of both layoffs and quits fell with worker tenure, firm profitability and expected severance costs. Individuals facing a higher probability of displacement accepted slower wage growth than otherwise comparable workers. The incentives to avoid displacement were strong – workers that actually were displaced faced a slow process of transiting out of unemployment with only one‐third finding re‐employment. Correcting for selection, real wage losses for displaced workers are comparable to those reported for displaced workers in North America.