Changes in local free-living parasite populations in response to cleaner manipulation over 12 years.

Predation on parasites is an important ecological process, but few experimental studies have examined the long-term impacts on the prey. Cleaner fish prey upon large numbers and selectively feed on the larger individuals of the ectoparasitic stage of gnathiid isopods. Removal of cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus for 1.5-12.5 years negatively affects coral reef fishes, but the mechanism is unclear. A reduction in local parasite populations or the size of individual parasites would benefit all susceptible fishes. We tested whether cleaner presence reduces local gnathiid populations using 18 patch-reefs distributed between two sites (both at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef) which were maintained cleaner-free or undisturbed for 12 years. Using emergence traps (1 m2), free-living gnathiid stages were sampled before and after cleaner fish were removed during the day and night, up to 11 times over the course of the experiment. There were effects of the removal in the predicted direction, driven largely by the response at one site over the other involving 200% more gnathiids, but manifested only in the daytime sampling after 4 months. There was also a main effect (36%) for the shared sample dates at both sites after 12 years. Gnathiid size occasionally differed with cleaner presence, but in no consistent way over time. Contrary to our predictions, changes in free-living gnathiid population numbers and their size structure rarely reflected the changes in fish populations and individuals observed on cleaner-free reefs. Therefore, evidence that this predator alone regulates gnathiids remains limited, suggesting other contributing processes are involved.

Reconstruction of larval origins based on genetic relatedness and biophysical modeling.

The assessment of the mechanisms and patterns of larval connectivity between geographically separated populations leads to a better understanding of benthic marine population dynamics, especially in commercially valuable species. This study investigated for the first time the fine-scale temporal genetic variability of new settlers and their origins in a benthic marine organism with one of the longest pelagic larval phases, the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus). We genotyped newly settled postlarvae in the Florida Keys and adults of spiny lobster from the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean Sea. We identified strong larval connectivity between Dominican Republic, Belize, Nicaragua, the Florida Keys, and West-Florida. The larval dispersal modeling suggests that Florida's lobster population could receive recruits from within and from other areas outside its state and national maritime boundaries. The genetic analyses refine the oceanographic model indicating that the connectivity patterns described could also result from unknown parental populations sourcing adults and postlarvae in different spawning seasons to the Florida Keys. We discuss the importance of small temporal scales to identify patterns in larval export. Our findings are significant on two levels. From the larval dispersal perspective, genetic results and biophysical modeling identify patterns of gene flow enhancing persistence of local populations. From an economic and fishery perspective, P. argus is the most important commercial species in the Caribbean and our results inform how considering larval source and sink dynamics across international boundaries could improve management plans at local, national, and regional levels.

Transitional behavior in hydrodynamically coupled oscillators.

In this article we consider the complete set of synchronized and phase-locked states available to pairs of hydrodynamically coupled colloidal rotors, consisting of spherical beads driven about circular paths in the same, and in opposing senses. Oscillators such as these have previously been used as coarse grained, minimal models of beating cilia. Two mechanisms are known to be important in establishing synchrony. The first involves perturbation of the driving force, and the second involves deformation of the rotor trajectory. We demonstrate that these mechanisms are of similar strength, in the regime of interest, and interact to determine observed behavior. Combining analysis and simulation with experiments performed using holographic optical tweezers, we show how varying the amplitude of the driving force perturbation leads to a transition from synchronized to phase-locked states. Analogies with biological systems are discussed, as are implications for the design of biomimetic devices.

A systemic reaction following exposure to a pyrethroid insecticide.

The pyrethroids are a group of pesticides in wide use around the world. They are felt to be safer than the organophosphates. We report a case of an acute systemic reaction in a farmer following exposure to the synthetic pyrethroid flumethrine.

Evaluation of endometrial biopsy using an aspiration curet without cervical tenaculum.

In a study of 132 women having endometrial biopsy with either a Novak or Randall aspiration curet before hysterectomy, a tenaculum was not used initially if the curet could be passed easily through the cervix. One biopsy specimen was taken from the anterior endometrium and one from the posterior endometrium. Biopsy was successful in 80 women (61%) and unsuccessful in 52 (39%). Women who are premenopausal, who do not have cervical stenosis, and who have a uterus that sounds to 3.5 inches or less are significantly more likely to have a successful biopsy. Excluding six women in whom the curet could not be passed through the cervix, adequate tissue for histologic evaluation was obtained in 101 of 126 women (80%). Furthermore, endometrial biopsy accurately reflected histopathologic features of the surgical specimen in 98% (98/101) of the women who had sufficient tissue obtained for evaluation. Endometrial biopsy done with an aspiration curet but without placing a tenaculum on the cervix should be attempted in women who require evaluation. Endometrial biopsy would appear to rival dilation and curettage for obtaining endometrial tissue that accurately reflects endometrial histopathology.

MM 55266 and MM 55268, glycopeptide antibiotics produced by a new strain of Amycolatopsis. Isolation, purification and structure determination.

Two novel glycopeptide antibiotics MM 55266 and MM 55268 containing fatty acid acyl functions, and of molecular formula C86H89N8O35Cl5 and C87H91N8O35Cl5, respectively, have been isolated and identified from a complex produced by Amycolatopsis sp. NCIB 40089. Fermentation conditions for their production, and methods for their isolation are described. Structures have been deduced by use of COSY and NOE NMR techniques and supported by chemical degradation studies. Both glycopeptides possessed good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms.

MM 47761 and MM 49721, glycopeptide antibiotics produced by a new strain of Amycolatopsis orientalis. Isolation, purification and structure determination.

Two glycopeptide antibiotics MM 47761 and MM 47921 have been isolated from Amycolatopsis orientalis NCIB 12608. Fermentation conditions for their production, and methods for their isolation are described. The metabolites have been characterised by physio-chemical and biological properties and the structure determined by a combination of chemical degradation, COSY and NOE NMR studies. Both metabolites showed good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms.

The biosynthetic implications of acetate and glutamate incorporation into (3R,5R)-carbapenam-3-carboxylic acid and (5R)-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylic acid by Serratia sp.

Two new beta-lactams have been isolated from strains of Serratia and Erwinia sp. and identified as (3R,5R)- and (3S,5R)-carbapenam-3-carboxylic acid. These novel carbapenams lack antibacterial activity, are resistant to both beta-lactamases I and II from Bacillus cereus and are not detected by the lactamase induction assay. Radiolabelled and stable isotope experiments have established that both metabolites together with the antibiotic 5R-carbapenem-3-carboxylic acid are glutamate and acetate derived. A number of possible pathways for the biosynthesis of these compounds as well as their relationship to the more complex members of the carbapenem family of beta-lactam antibiotics are discussed.

New quinone antibiotics of the granaticin type, isolated from Streptomyces lateritius. II. Structure determination.

A number of new granaticin type quinone antibiotics have been isolated from Streptomyces lateritus ATCC 19913. Spectroscopic evidence is presented which has led to the structure elucidation of three new antibiotics and the chemical relationship between members of the granaticin series has been studied.

MM 42842, a new member of the monobactam family produced by Pseudomonas cocovenenans. I. Identification of the producing organism.

A bacterial soil isolate designated 326-32B produces a new member of the monobactam series of antibiotics, MM 42842, and the bulgecins. Identification studies show isolate 326-32B to be a strain of Pseudomonas cocoveneans which is a species previously noted for the production of toxoflavin. A description of P. cocovenenans does not appear to have been previously published and the identify of strain 326-32B was established by means of a direct comparison with the deposited organism P. cocovenenans NCIB 9450. The properties of strain 326-32B, and P. cocovenenans NCIB 9450 were compared with those of the monobactam and bulgecin producing organisms Pseudomonas acidophila ATCC 31363 and Pseudomonas mesoacidophila ATCC 31433. The four organisms were found to share certain properties, including the ability to grow at pH 4.0.

MM 42842, a new member of the monobactam family produced by Pseudomonas cocovenenans. II. Production, isolation and properties of MM 42842.

A new member of the monobactam family of beta-lactam antibiotics, designated MM 42842, has been detected in a culture of Pseudomonas cocovenenans. The production, isolation and some properties of the antibiotic are described. Structural studies show MM 42842 to be closely related to the previously described antibiotic sulfazecin.

Some thoughts about therapeutic change in families at adolescence (a psychoanalytic approach).

This paper draws on recent psychoanalytic concepts to understand some of the obstacles that may obstruct the major life tasks of adolescence, the achievement of emotional separateness and differentiation. It describes how the family therapist may learn to recognise projective identifications emanating from families and how by means of the therapists' containment and interpretation hitherto unconscious aspects of family life may become available to the family and start to unblock the functioning of family members.

MM 14201, a new epoxyquinone derivative with antibacterial activity produced by a species of Streptomyces.

A new antibiotic designated MM 14201 has been detected in a culture of Streptomyces sp. NCIB 11813. Methods for the production and purification of MM 14201 are described. Biological evaluation has shown it has broad spectrum antibacterial activity being most effective against Serratia and Pseudomonas sp. Structural studies are reported which have demonstrated MM 14201 is a new epoxyquinone derivative.