Shaofei Jin, and Xiaodong Yan, and Heng Zhang, and Wei Fan

This paper describes the weight–length relationships (WLRs) and Fulton’s condition factors (K) of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in purse seine fisheries from three cruises in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO): August–September 2009 (AS09), November–December 2012 (ND12), and June–July 2013 (JJ13). The fork length and weight of a total of 1678 specimens were measured. The results showed that the fork length of more than 70% of specimens was below 60 cm (76% in AS09, 87% in ND12, an...

Antonio J del-Ama, and Ángel eGil-Águdo, and Jose L. Pons, and Juan C Moreno

Locomotor training has proved to provide beneficial effect in terms of mobility in incomplete paraplegic patients. Neuroprosthetic technology can contribute to increase the efficacy of a training paradigm in the promotion of a locomotor pattern. Robotic exoskeletons can be used to manage the unavoidable loss of performance of artificially-driven muscles. Hybrid exoskeletons blend complementary robotic and neuro-prosthetic technologies. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effects of ...

Ewa Burszta-Adamiak, and Ewa Fudali, and Janusz Łomotowski, and Karolina Kolasińska

Most of environmental benefits of green roofs results from the presence of a vegetation layer. However vascular plants quickly die in harsh urban conditions. This paper presents research involving moss species appearing spontaneously on green roofs in cities to test whether we can create a vegetation layer with simplifi ed structure introducing that moss. It was checked using two transplant methods and three models of such roofs. Research evidenced that moss Ceratodon purpureus Hedw. is able to ...

Rosabruna La Ferla, and Angelina Lo Giudice, and Giovanna Maimone

The abundance, morphotypes and biomass of the bacterial assemblages were investigated in the Ionian Sea by using two different methods: the epifluorescent microscopy technique for enumerating and sizing bacterial cells, and the determination of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Five bacterial morphotypes were distinguished: cocci, rods, coccobacilli, vibrios and spirillae. The proportions of cocci were higher than those of other morphotypes at every depth, ranging from 39% to 73%. Both rod-sh...

Balamurali Vasudevan, and Kaiser Sultani, and Christopher Cossette, and Brandon Burr

Purpose: To assess the response time associated with visual performance (VP) tasks in the presence of defocus in different presbyopic populations. Methods: 58 eyes between the ages of 35 and 50 years were studied. Subjects were categorized as pre-presbyopic (35–39 years), early-presbyopic (40–45 years), and mid-presbyopic (46–50 years). VP measurements obtained monocularly included distance and near high contrast (HC) and low contrast (LC) optotype recognition, and contrast threshold at 12 cpd f...

Jessica A. Schultz, and Ryan N. Cloutier, and Isabelle M. Côté

Echinoderm population collapses, driven by disease outbreaks and climatic events, may be important drivers of population dynamics, ecological shifts and biodiversity. The northeast Pacific recently experienced a mass mortality of sea stars. In Howe Sound, British Columbia, the sunflower star Pycnopodia helianthoides—a previously abundant predator of bottom-dwelling invertebrates—began to show signs of a wasting syndrome in early September 2013, and dense aggregations disappeared from many sites ...

S. D. Forestieri, and G. C. Cornwell, and T. M. Helgestad, and K. A. Moore, and C. Lee, and G. A. Novak, and C. M. Sultana, and X. Wang, and T. H. Bertram, and T. H. Bertram, and K. A. Prather, and K. A. Prather, and C. D. Cappa

The extent to which water uptake influences the light scattering ability of marine sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles depends critically on SSA chemical composition. The organic fraction of SSA can increase during phytoplankton blooms, decreasing the salt content and therefore the hygroscopicity of the particles. In this study, subsaturated hygroscopic growth factors at 85 % relative humidity (GF(85 %)) of predominately submicron SSA particles were quantified during two induced phytoplankto...

X. Zhao, and Y. Chen, and Z. Huang, and Z. Hu, and Y. Gao

There is a general lack of understanding of tsunami wave interaction with complex geographies, especially the process of inundation. Numerical simulations are performed to understand the effects of several factors on tsunami wave impact and run-up in the presence of gentle submarine slopes and coastal cliffs, using an in-house code, a constrained interpolation profile (CIP)-based model. The model employs a high-order finite difference method, the CIP method, as the flow solver; utilizes a VOF-ty...

Maria Corsini, and Panagiotis Margies, and Gerasimos Kondilatos, and Panos S. Economidis

Three exotic fish, Iniistius pavo (Labridae) and Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae), Lessepsian immigrants, and Seriola fasciata (Carangidae) of Atlantic origin, were recorded in the marine area of Rhodes Island (SE Aegean Sea, Greece). The first species is a new record for the Mediterranean Sea, the second is new for Greek waters, while the occurrence of the third is registered for the first time in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Kristen N. Lowitt

Fisheries make vital contributions to food security and food security is an important part of fisheries governance. However, there are relatively few in-depth studies examining the consequences of collapsed and changing fisheries for the food security of coastal communities. In this case study I use the concept of the coastal foodscape to look at the relationship between changing fisheries and community food security in the Bonne Bay region on the west coast of Newfoundland. I examine the social...

Z. Q. Wang, and Y. S. Chen, and B. Qi, and B. Yang

The ratio Φ=<i>k</i>_HC+OH[HC]/<i>k</i>_{NO_x+OH}[NO_x] is used as an indicator for the sensitivity of ozone production (<i>P</i>(O₃)) to HC and NO_x in the field campaign RISFEX 2003 (RIShiri Fall EXperiment 2003) at Rishiri Island (45.07° N, 141.12° E, and 35 m a.s.l.) in the sea of Japan during September 2003. Four different sensitivity regimes are obtained based on the indicator. The sensitivity is found to show a distinctive pattern...

Raghavendra Rao, and Kavitha Dasari, and Shrutakirthi D Shenoi, and C Balachandran, and P Dinesh

Gray Noella

Citing multiple threats to marine biodiversity and resources, the international marine conservation community is promoting greater adoption of marine protected areas (MPAs). Like terrestrial protected areas, MPAs are characterised by debates over the appropriate role for scientific input and citizen participation and how to balance concerns for both social equity and ecological effectiveness. This paper explores how such debates are influencing the framing of MPAs as a global policy tool, based ...

Maria Dencheva, and Asya Krasteva, and Tzvetelina Gueorgieva, and Angelina Kisselova

Theaim of this study was to determine the tongue-coating status (using modern index system), the degree of gingival hyperplasia, to register the observed oral lesions in 30 patients with replaced renal function (hemodialysis and renal transplanted).

Hooiveld Guido JEJ, and Vink Carolien, and Molthoff Jos, and Bunschoten Annelies, and Kuda Ondrej, and Franssen-van Hal Nicole LW, and Flachs Pavel, and van Schothorst Evert M, and Kopecky Jan, and Keijer Jaap

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular the long chain marine fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), are linked to many health benefits in humans and in animal models. Little is known of the molecular response to DHA and EPA of the small intestine, and the potential contribution of this organ to the beneficial effects of these fatty acids. Here, we assessed gene expression changes induced by DHA and EPA in the wildtype...

BEATRIZ TORO, and JORGE M. NAVARRO, and HERNÁN PALMA-FLEMING

Reduction in clearance rate was observed in the mussel Choromytilus chorus in relation to the degree of environmental pollution. Three sampling sites included the polluted San Vicente Bay, middling polluted Corral Bay, and weakly polluted Yaldad Bay in southern Chile. Pollution levels were estimated by quantitative analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mussel tissue from the three sites. Mussels from San Vicente showed lowest clearance rates and highest PAHs levels in both spri...

Godfrey Sasha B, and Schabowsky Christopher N, and Holley Rahsaan J, and Lum Peter S

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Following acute therapeutic interventions, the majority of stroke survivors are left with a poorly functioning hemiparetic hand. Rehabilitation robotics has shown promise in providing patients with intensive therapy leading to functional gains. Because of the hand's crucial role in performing activities of daily living, attention to hand therapy has recently increased.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper introduces a newly developed Hand Exoskeleton Rehabilitati...

Romero Eduardo, and Gómez Francisco, and Roa-Peña Lucia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>In virtual microscopy, a sequential process of captures of microscopical fields, allows to construct a virtual slide which is visualized using a specialized software, called the virtual microscopy viewer. This tool allows useful exploration of images, composed of thousands of microscopical fields of view at different levels of magnification, emulating an actual microscopical examination. The aim of this study was to establish the main pathologist's navigation patterns when exp...

Puts Martine TE, and Monette Johanne, and Girre Veronique, and Wolfson Christina, and Monette Michele, and Batist Gerald, and Bergman Howard

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There have been few prospective observational studies which recruited older newly-diagnosed cancer patients, and of these only some have reported information on the number needed to screen to recruit their study sample, and the number and reasons for refusal and drop-out. This paper reports on strategies to recruit older newly-diagnosed cancer patients prior to treatment into an observational prospective pilot study and to retain them during a six-month perio...

Carpenter Catherine L, and Duvall Karen, and Jardack Patricia, and Li Luyi, and Henning Susanne M, and Li Zhaoping, and Heber David

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Accumulation of excess body fat increases breast cancer risk after menopause. Whether the localized breast is differently influenced by adipose tissue compared to the rest of the body, has not been well studied. Our purpose was to demonstrate feasibility and preliminarily evaluate serum-based and localized breast biomarker changes resulting from a weight loss intervention among obese postmenopausal women.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a 12-week pilot con...

Eric Azabou, and Benjamin Rohaut, and Nicholas Heming, and Eric Magalhaes, and Régine Morizot-Koutlidis, and Stanislas Kandelman, and Jeremy Allary, and Guy Moneger, and Andrea Polito, and Virginie Maxime, and Djillali Annane, and Frederic Lofaso, and Fabrice Chrétien, and Jean Mantz, and Raphael Porcher, and Tarek Sharshar

Abstract Background Somatosensory (SSEP) and brainstem auditory (BAEP) evoked potentials are neurophysiological tools which, respectively, explore the intracranial conduction time (ICCT) and the intrapontine conduction time (IPCT). The prognostic values of prolonged cerebral conduction times in deeply sedated patients have never been assessed. Sedated patients are at risk of developing new neurological complications, undetected. In this prospective observational bi-center pilot study, we investi...

Aurelie Nguimmo-Metsadjio, and Barbara Atogho-Tiedeu, and Jean Jacques Noubiap, and Marie-Solange Evehe, and Rosine Djokam-Dadjeu, and Olivier Sontsa Donfack, and Dieudonne Nanfa, and Edith Pascale M. Mato, and Elvis Ndonwi Ngwa, and Magellan Guewo-Fokeng, and Priscille Pokam-Fosso, and Wilfred F. Mbacham, and Jean Claude Mbanya, and Eugene Sobngwi

Abstract Objective This study aimed at investigating the association between the rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene with obesity in a Cameroonian population. Method This was a case-control pilot study including 61 obese and 61 non-obese Cameroonian adults. Anthropometric indices of obesity, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and blood lipids were measured. The rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lengt...

Longfei Lu, and Lanlan Cai, and Nianzhi Jiao, and Rui Zhang

Abstract Background Erythrobacter comprises a widespread and ecologically significant genus of marine bacteria. However, no phage infecting Erythrobacter spp. has been reported to date. This study describes the isolation and characterization of phage vB_EliS-R6L from Erythrobacter. Methods Standard virus enrichment and double-layer agar methods were used to isolate and characterize the phage. Morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and a one-step growth curve assay was perfo...

Stefanie Friedrich, and Susanne Lüders, and Stephanie Gabriele Werner, and Anne-Marie Glimm, and Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester, and Gabriela Riemekasten, and Marina Backhaus, and Sarah Ohrndorf

Abstract Background Utilising fluorescence optical imaging (FOI), the distribution of an intravenously applied colouring agent indocyanine green (ICG) can be analysed with the potential to identify malperfusion by little to no tissue enhancement. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by the presence of digital ulcers reflecting progressive vasculopathy. The objective was to investigate the potential of FOI in the detection of disturbed microcirculation in the hands and fingers of patients wi...

Cécile Vors, and Jocelyne Drai, and Gaëlle Pineau, and Martine Laville, and Hubert Vidal, and Fabienne Laugerette, and Marie-Caroline Michalski

Abstract Background Postprandial hyperlipemia is recognized as a major cardio-metabolic risk factor, recently linked to the co-absorption of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharides with dietary lipids. This causes endotoxemia that is involved in the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance, but to date the impact of food formulation is unknown. We tested a novel concept that endotoxin absorption can be modulated by fat emulsified structure in the meal, and potentially differently in obese ...

Jan Hoffmann, and Gordon Wilmsmeier, and Y.H. Venus Lun

Quanchao Wang, and Yang Yu, and Jianbo Yuan, and Xiaojun Zhang, and Hao Huang, and Fuhua Li, and Jianhai Xiang

Abstract Background Due to the great advantages in selection accuracy and efficiency, genomic selection (GS) has been widely studied in livestock, crop and aquatic animals. Our previous study based on one full-sib family of Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) showed that GS was feasible in penaeid shrimp. However, the applicability of GS might be influenced by many factors including heritability, marker density and population structure etc. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate the major factors ...

Albrecht Götz, and Sven E. Kerwath, and Colin G. Attwood

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been advocated as a solution to the challenges of both conservation and modern fishery management, but their application remains controversial, partly because there are only general guidelines for evaluating their effectiveness. We propose a framework to specifically evaluate established MPAs in six steps. We tested the approach by reviewing published research and unpublished information on the Goukamma MPA in the centre of the South African temperate south coa...

Linlin Li, and Hungdu Lin, and Wenqiao Tang, and Dong Liu, and Baolong Bao, and Jinquan Yang

The objective of this study was to investigate 4 aquaculture populations Shanghai (SH), Hangzhou (HZ), Kaihua (KH) and Xianju (XJ) and one wild population Yingshan (YS) of spotted barbell (Hemibarbus maculates) to assess their genetic diversity level and investigate the genetic structure of the populations. The dendrogram and STRUCTURE revealed that the populations XJ, KH, and HZ jointly formed one cluster, to which the populations SH and YS were sequentially adhered. The genetic diversity of th...

P. Shekk

It was established that the qualitative composition of the fish fauna and conditions of living aquatic resources Tyligul estuary depend on hydrological and hydrochemical regime of the water and salinity of its waters. At present, the fish fauna of the estuary represented 37 species of fish. To increase fish production, improve quality and biodiversity of fish fauna recommended the introduction of a pond of some species of sturgeon, salmon, mullets, flounder, goby and other, for their establishme...

S. Sushko, and I. Nakonachnuj

Reflects the results of the stages of the study of bioclimatic and landscape-nanotechnik characteristics of the steppe zone of the North-Western part of the black sea region, as the formation of mosaic agrozootehnice mixed natural agroinnova Genesis. It is recommended to differentiate the dry steppe pjone only the territory South of the interfluve of the Dniester-Dnieper. A retrospective analysis allowed to argue that a significant amount of anthropogenic development in the process of transforma...

D. Gladun, and N. Chornenka, and S. Ostapchuk, and N. Raksha

Modern biotechnology provides continuous search for alternative sources of raw materials. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize trypsin-like enzymes from tissues of Antarctic marine aquatic organisms (krill, starfish, nemertines). Trypsin fraction was obtained by column chromatography on benzamidine-Sepharose. Proteolytic activity in the resulting fraction was revealed. Analysis of protein fractions was performed by disc-electrophoresis in a 10% polyacrylamide gel. The presence of...

H. Momtaz, and E. Rahimi, and S. Hajian, and M. Momeni

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in sea food samples in the Isfahan and Shahrekord townships in Iran. From September 2010 to April 2011, a total of 300 samples of fresh fish, shrimp, crab and lobster were obtained from randomly selected retail stores in the Isfahan and Shahrekord townships in Iran. The samples were tested for the presence of HAV using a reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction method. Out of the total number of sample...

Ksenia Pazdro

The post-doctoral thesis in earth sciences.

Gabriel Russo, and Diego Libkind, and Jose Paulo Sampaio, and Maria Van Broock

Se estudió la biodiversidad de levaduras presente en el ambiente acuático ácido del Río Agrio y el Lago Caviahue. En todas las muestras de agua analizadas se encontraron levaduras en concentraciones variables (25 - 1192 UFC L-1). Fueron aisladas un total de 202 cepas de levaduras, las cuales en base a estudios morfológicos y fisiológicos fueron asignadas a cinco géneros: Candida, Cryptococcus, Cystofilobasidium, Rhodotorula y Sporobolomyces. Los géneros Cryptococcus y Rhodotorula fueron los más ...

B. Alföldy, and J. B. Lööv, and F. Lagler, and J. Mellqvist, and N. Berg, and J. Beecken, and H. Weststrate, and J. Duyzer, and L. Bencs, and B. Horemans, and F. Cavalli, and J.-P. Putaud, and G. Janssens-Maenhout, and A. P. Csordás, and R. Van Grieken, and A. Borowiak, and J. Hjorth

The chemical composition of the plumes of seagoing ships was measured during a two week long measurement campaign in the port of Rotterdam, Hoek van Holland The Netherlands, in September 2009. Altogether, 497 ships were monitored and a statistical evaluation of emission factors (g kg⁻¹ fuel) was provided. The concerned main atmospheric components were SO₂, NO₂, NO_x and the aerosol particle number. In addition, the elemental and water-soluble ionic comp...

Bo-Hye Nam, and DongAhn Yoo, and Young-Ok Kim, and Jung Youn Park, and Younhee Shin, and Ga-hee Shin, and Chan-Il Park, and Heebal Kim, and Woori Kwak

Abstract Red sea bream, a popular fish resource in Korea and Japan, is being bred in fish farms of the two countries. It is hypothesized that the genomes of red sea bream are influenced by decades of artificial selection. This study investigates the impact of artificial selection on genomes of red sea bream. Whole genome sequencing was conducted for 40 samples of red sea bream either from Ehime, Nagasaki and Tongyeong fish farms or from the wild. Population stratification based on whole genome d...

Hashem M. Aboul-Ela, and Ahmed M. Salah El-Din, and Ahmed A. Zaater, and Mohamed Shehab, and Ossama A. El Shahawy

Abstract Background Acute hydrocephalus can cause neurological deterioration after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Predicting which patient would require shunting is challenging. Methods This prospective study was conducted upon twenty patients who suffered acute hydrocephalus due to subarachnoid hemorrhage of ruptured aneurysms. Surgical or non-surgical management of hydrocephalus was conducted. Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) was assessed, and hydrocephalus was graded by bicaudate index. F...

Subhamita Maitra, and Kanchan Mukhopadhyay

Abstract Background In different ethnic groups, birth related factors have shown significant influence in the etiology of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on these interesting findings, we aimed to investigate association between different pre- and post natal variables and ADHD associated traits in Indian subjects. Methods ADHD Probands recruited based on the DSM-IV, were assessed by the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale for behavioral problem (BPr), inattention (IA), hyperactiv...

Barnaby D. Dunn, and Emily Widnall, and Nigel Reed, and Rod Taylor, and Christabel Owens, and Anne Spencer, and Gerda Kraag, and Gerjo Kok, and Nicole Geschwind, and Kim Wright, and Nicholas J. Moberly, and Michelle L. Moulds, and Andrew K. MacLeod, and Rachel Handley, and David Richards, and John Campbell, and Willem Kuyken

Abstract Background While existing psychological treatments for depression are effective for many, a significant proportion of depressed individuals do not respond to current approaches and few remain well over the long-term. Anhedonia (a loss of interest or pleasure) is a core symptom of depression which predicts a poor prognosis but has been neglected by existing treatments. Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) has been co-designed with service users to better target anhedonia alongside other ...

Ki Wook Lee, and Hee Sung Kim, and Pil Youn Kim, and Hae Seung Jeong, and June Kim, and Ah-Yeong Yun, and Sung Hwoan Cho

Abstract Substitution effect of white radish’ by-product (WRB) and tunic of sea squirt (TSS) for Undaria in feed on growth and carcass composition of abalone was determined. Eight-hundred forty juveniles were distributed into 12 containers. Three formulated diets were prepared in triplicate. A 15% Undaria was included in the control diet. The 15% Undaria was substituted with a same amount of WRB and TSS, referred to as the DRG and TSS diets, respectively. Finally, dry Undaria was also prepared t...

Craig R. McClain

Several calls to action urge scientists and science communicators to engage more with online communities. While these calls have been answered by a high percentage of scientists and science communicators online, it often remains unclear what are the best models for effective communication. Best practices and methods for online science communication can benefit from experimental and quantitative research addressing how and when users engage with online content. This study addresses with quantitat...

Dean Kaptsis, and Daniel L. King, and Paul H. Delfabbro, and Michael Gradisar

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is positioned in the appendix of the DSM-5 as a condition requiring further study. The IGD criteria refer to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, or sadness, that follow cessation of Internet gaming (APA, 2013). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the nature of Internet gaming withdrawal symptoms, if they occur, under gaming abstinence conditions. This study employed a repeated-measures protocol to examine the cognitive-affective rea...

M. Keshvardoostchokami, and L. Babaei, and A.A. Zamani, and A.H. Parizanganeh, and F. Piri

In this study, an easy synthesized method for preparation of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as a bio-sorbent has been applied. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction; Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to survey of morphological structure and the functional groups characterization. The histogram of frequency of particle size confirmed that medium size of the synthesized nanoparticles ...

K. W. Fomba, and K. Müller, and D. van Pinxteren, and L. Poulain, and M. van Pinxteren, and H. Herrmann

The first long-term aerosol sampling and chemical characterization results from measurements at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory (CVAO) on the island of São Vicente are presented and are discussed with respect to air mass origin and seasonal trends. In total 671 samples were collected using a high-volume PM₁₀ sampler on quartz fiber filters from January 2007 to December 2011. The samples were analyzed for their aerosol chemical composition, including their ionic and organic cons...

Daniela Rabellino, and Sherain Harricharan, and Paul A. Frewen, and Dalila Burin, and Margaret C. McKinnon, and Ruth A. Lanius

Background: Early traumatic experiences are thought to be causal factors in the development of trauma-related dissociative experiences, including depersonalization and derealization. The rubber hand illusion (RHI), a well-known paradigm that measures multi-sensorial integration of a rubber hand into one's own body representation, has been used to investigate alterations in the experience of body ownership and of body representation. Critically, however, it has never been studied in individuals w...

Edvard Elias de Souza Filho, and Edgardo Manuel Latrubesse, and Samia Aquino

O rio Araguaia se constitui no principal sistema fluvial que percorre o Brasil central. Neste artigo, são apresentadas algumas observações sobre o seu comportamento hidrogeomorfológico e suas aplicações no estudo de ecossistemas aquáticos. Os resultados foram gerados pelo processamento de dados de vazão de uma série histórica de 35 anos de registro (1970 a 2004), em nove estações hidrológicas, envolvendo o alto, médio e baixo curso. A distribuição de vazões no curso médio resulta atípica nas che...

José Angel Alvarez Perez, and Daniela Cordella de Aguiar, and João Antônio Teixeira dos Santos

Statolith and gladius were investigated for their suitability as tools for age and growth studies in the loliginid squid Loligo plei off southern Brazil. Statoliths when polished, revealed a series of concentric increments deposited around a nucleus. Consistent increment counts covered the squid's entire life-time and could be considered suitable for individual age estimation. Growth increments were observed on the dorsal surface as delimited by consecutive marks formed during low growth periods...

Benjamin Carvalho Teixeira Pinto, and Francisco Gerson Araújo

A index of biotic integrity (IBI) was applied to assess the ecological health at seven sites of ca. 338 km extension of the Paraíba do Sul river, in bracketing a large urban-industrial complex. The aim was to evaluate the index response to changes in environmental quality during two seasons (winter/dry versus. summer/wet). Eight metrics were selected to IBI in three categories: 1) species richness and habitat composition; 2) indicator species; and 3) trophic structure. The IBI, based on the leas...

L.E. Gutierrez, and R.C.M. da Silva

Total fat and fatty acid composition of seven fresh-water and nine marine fish commercially important in Brazil were determined. Palmitic acid was the predominant saturated fatty acid in both freshwater and marine fish. In the fat from freshwater fish the total C-16 fatty acids were higher than in marine fish. Oleic acid was the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid and it was found in higher levels in freshwater fish. The data revealed that most freshwater fish from Brazil examined were a po...