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discovery of an opportunistic starfish pathogen, orchitophrya stellarum, in captive blue crabs, callinectes sapidus.histophagous scuticociliate infections were discovered in blue crabs, callinectes sapidus, held in research facilities at the virginia institute of marine science. ciliates were observed infecting every tissue examined including the gills, heart, muscle, hepatopancreas, and epidermis. hemolymph smears and histological tissue sections indicated a morphological similarity to mesanophrys chesapeakensis, the only recorded histophagous ciliate infecting blue crabs. however, subsequent analysis of the ...201323954308
effect of meal size and body size on specific dynamic action and gastric processing in decapod crustaceans.meal size and animal size are important factors affecting the characteristics of the specific dynamic action (sda) response across a variety of taxa. the effects of these two variables on the sda of decapod crustaceans are based on just a couple of articles, and are not wholly consistent with the responses reported for other aquatic ectotherms. therefore, the effects of meal size and animal size on the characteristics of sda response were investigated in a variety of decapod crustaceans from dif ...201323916818
fecundity, reproductive seasonality and maturation size of callinectes sapidus females (decapoda: portunidae) in the southeast coast of brazil.c sapidus fisheries has a significant influence on the economy of some countries in north america and has a relative extensive literature in these regions. however, only few papers discuss the ecology of c. sapidus in the south atlantic, despite its economic importance in that region. we studied the fecundity, reproductive seasonality and maturation size of c. sapidus females captured in the southeast coast of brazil from january to december 2002. females were separated, weighted (wt), and cepha ...201323885578
a multi-scale strategy for discovery of novel endogenous neuropeptides in the crustacean nervous system.the conventional mass spectrometry (ms)-based strategy is often inadequate for the comprehensive characterization of various size neuropeptides without the assistance of genomic information. this study evaluated sequence coverage of different size neuropeptides in two crustacean species, blue crab callinectes sapidus and jonah crab cancer borealis using conventional ms methodologies and revealed limitations to mid- and large-size peptide analysis. herein we attempt to establish a multi-scale str ...201323806756
ecdysone and retinoid-x receptors of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: cloning and their expression patterns in eyestalks and y-organs during the molt cycle.crustacean molting is known to be regulated largely by ecdysteroids and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) neuropeptide family including molt-inhibiting hormone (mih) and chh. the surge of 20-oh ecdysone and/or ponasterone a initiates the molting process through binding to its conserved heterodimeric nuclear receptor: ecdysone receptor (ecr) and ultraspiracle (usp)/retinoid-x receptor (rxr). to better understand the role of ecdysteroids in the molt regulation, the full-length cdnas of the bl ...201323764560
a comparison of two methods for colorimetric in situ hybridization using paraffin-embedded tissue sections and digoxigenin-labeled hybridization probes.two methods for colorimetric in situ dna probe hybridization (cish) assays on paraffin-embedded tissue sections were compared. the heated method used heat (90-100°c) to denature dna in the sample prior to probe hybridization, while the unheated method used a standard hybridization temperature of 42°c. both procedures were tested on tissue samples that harbored the mollusk protozoan pathogens perkinsus marinus, p. chesapeaki, or haplosporidium nelsoni, the protozoan and bacterial fish pathogens m ...201323697605
locomotory fatigue during moderate and severe hypoxia and hypercapnia in the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus.the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus (rathbun), is a highly mobile crustacean that must locomote to find food, evade predators, find mates, and avoid adverse conditions such as hypoxia. in this study we tested the effects of two levels of hypoxia (10.4 kpa, 50% air saturation = moderate hypoxia; 4 kpa, 20% air saturation = severe hypoxia) and hypercapnic hypoxia (50% air saturation o(2) with pco(2) = 2 kpa) on fatigue during sustained continuous exercise. fatigue was induced by an exercis ...201323677972
locomotory fatigue and size in the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus. 201323677971
variation in spatial and temporal incidence of the crustacean pathogen hematodinium perezi in environmental samples from atlantic coastal bays.hematodinium perezi, a parasitic dinoflagellate, infects and kills blue crabs, callinectes sapidus, along the atlantic and gulf coasts of the united states. the parasite proliferates within host hemolymph and tissues, and also produces free-swimming biflagellated dinospores that emerge from infected crabs. infections in c. sapidus recur annually, and it is not known if biotic or environmental reservoirs contribute to reinfection and outbreaks. to address this data gap, a quantitative pcr assay b ...201323641869
semi-automated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric imaging platform for enhanced detection and improved data analysis of complex peptides.a semi-automated analytical platform featuring the coupling of monolithic reversed-phase liquid chromatography (rplc) to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (maldi msi) has been developed and evaluated. this is the first time that lc separation is readily coupled to ms imaging detection for the analysis of complex peptide mixtures both qualitatively and quantitatively. methacrylate-based monolithic column with c12 functional groups is fabricated for fast rplc s ...201323623366
molecular cloning of a plasma membrane ca²⁺ atpase (pmca) from y-organs of the blue crab (callinectes sapidus), and determination of spatial and temporal patterns of pmca gene expression.existing data indicate that a stage-specific increase in intracellular free ca(2+) stimulates ecdysteroid production by crustacean molting glands (y-organs). the concentration of ca(2+) in cytosol is controlled mainly by proteins intrinsic to the plasma membrane and to the membranes of organelles. several families of proteins are involved, including ca(2+) channels, ca(2+) pumps (atpases), and ca(2+) exchangers. the family of ca(2+) pumps includes plasma membrane calcium atpases (pmcas). as a st ...201323545309
conservation in the first internal transcribed spacer (its1) region of hematodinium perezi (genotype iii) from callinectes sapidus .hematodinium spp. infections have been reported from blue crabs callinectes sapidus in high-salinity waters of the usa from new jersey to texas. recently, h. perezi (genotype iii) has been proposed as the parasite species and genotype infecting blue crabs from virginia; however, it is unknown whether this same genotype is present in blue crabs from other locations. to address this question, we collected 317 blue crabs from massachusetts, virginia, georgia, florida, louisiana, and texas to test f ...201323482386
identification of the major allergens of charybdis feriatus (red crab) and its cross-reactivity with portunus pelagicus (blue crab).tropomyosin and arginine kinase have been identified as the major allergens in multiple species of crab. charybdis feriatus is an important commercial crab in this country.201223393908
plastic parasites: extreme dimorphism creates a taxonomic conundrum in the phylum microsporidia.in this paper, we combine field observations of highly statistically significant co-occurrence with histopathological, ultrastructural and molecular phylogenetic analyses, to provide evidence for extreme morphological plasticity in a microsporidium parasite infecting the musculature of marine crabs. the parasite appears to alternate between lineages that culminate in production of either bizarre needle-like spores in the peripheral sarcoplasm of heart and skeletal muscle fibres (reminiscent of n ...201223262304
mass spectrometric evaluation of neuropeptidomic profiles upon heat stabilization treatment of neuroendocrine tissues in crustaceans.tissue heat stabilization is a vital component in successful mammalian neuropeptidomic studies. heat stabilization using focused microwave irradiation, conventional microwave irradiation, boiling, and treatment with the denator stabilizor t1 have all proven effective in arresting post-mortem protein degradation. although research has reported the presence of protein fragments in crustacean hemolymph when protease inhibitors were not added to the sample, the degree to which post-mortem protease a ...201323227893
mapping of neuropeptides in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system by imaging mass spectrometry.considerable effort has been devoted to characterizing the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system (stns) with great emphasis on comprehensive analysis and mapping distribution of its diverse neuropeptide complement. previously, immunohistochemistry (ihc) has been applied to this endeavor, yet with identification accuracy and throughput compromised. therefore, molecular imaging methods are pursued to unequivocally determine the identity and location of the neuropeptides at a high spatial resolu ...201323192703
new functions of arthropod bursicon: inducing deposition and thickening of new cuticle and hemocyte granulation in the blue crab, callinectes sapidus.arthropod growth requires molt-associated changes in softness and stiffness of the cuticle that protects from desiccation, infection and injury. cuticle hardening in insects depends on the blood-borne hormone, bursicon (burs), although it has never been determined in hemolymph. whilst also having burs, decapod crustaceans reiterate molting many more times during their longer life span and are encased in a calcified exoskeleton, which after molting undergoes similar initial cuticle hardening proc ...201223029467
use of fully biodegradable panels to reduce derelict pot threats to marine fauna.fishing pots (i.e., traps) are designed to catch fish or crustaceans and are used globally. lost pots are a concern for a variety of fisheries, and there are reports that 10-70% of deployed pots are lost annually. derelict fishing pots can be a source of mortality for target and bycatch species for several years. because continual removal of derelict gear can be impractical over large spatial extents, modifications are needed to disarm gear once it is lost. we tested a fully biodegradable panel ...201222988935
evaluation of parenteral drugs for anesthesia in the blue crab (callinectes sapidus).the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several parenteral anesthetics in blue crabs (callinectes sapidus). thirty-one animals were administered one or more of the following drugs by injection into the hemolymph (i.v.) through an arthrodial membrane: etomidate, ketamine, lidocaine, pentobarbital, propofol, tiletamine-zolazepam, xylazine, and ketamine-xylazine. a subset of crabs received intracardiac ketamine. etomidate had no effect. lidocaine effects were ultrasho ...201122946408
cloning of aquaporin-1 of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: its expression during the larval development in hyposalinity.ontogenetic variation in salinity adaptation has been noted for the blue crab, callinectes sapidus, which uses the export strategy for larval development: females migrate from the estuaries to the coast to spawn, larvae develop in the ocean, and postlarvae (megalopae) colonize estuarine areas. we hypothesized that c. sapidus larvae may be stenohaline and have limited osmoregulatory capacity which compromises their ability to survive in lower salinity waters. we tested this hypothesis using hatch ...201222943628
pressure-assisted capillary electrophoresis coupling with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometric imaging for quantitative analysis of complex peptide mixtures.herein, we report a pressure-assisted capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometric imaging (pace-msi) platform for peptide analysis. this new platform has addressed the sample diffusion and peak splitting problems that appeared in our previous groove design, and it enables homogeneous deposition of the ce trace for high-throughput maldi imaging. in the coupling of ce to msi, individual peaks (m/z) can be visualized as discrete colored image regions and extracted from the ms imaging data, thus el ...201222891936
a neighboring plant species creates associational refuge for consumer and host.examples of plant-animal and plant-plant associational defenses are common across a variety of systems, yet the potential for them to occur in concert has not been explored. in salt marshes in the gulf of mexico, the marsh periwinkle (littoraria irrorata) is an abundant and conspicuous member of the community, climbing up the stems of marsh plants to remain out of the water at high tide. though littoraria are thought to primarily utilize stems of marsh cordgrass spartina alterniflora as a source ...201222834381
temporal distribution of genetically homogenous 'free-living' hematodinium sp. in a delmarva coastal ecosystem.significant damage to crustacean fisheries worldwide has been associated with hematodinium sp. it has been postulated that hematodinium sp. requires passage through the water column and/or intermediate hosts to complete its life cycle. thus, an understanding of the prevalence and seasonality of hematodinium sp. within environmentally-derived samples should yield insight into potential modes of disease transmission, and how these relate to infection cycles in hosts.201222828185
biotic structure indirectly affects associated prey in a predator-specific manner via changes in the sensory environment.indirect effects, which can be either positive or negative, may be important in areas containing biotic structure, because such structure can provide refuge and habitat, produce additional sensory cues that may attract predators, and modify the sensory landscape in which predator-prey interactions occur. to determine the indirect effects of biotic structure on prey populations, we assessed predation on patches of hard clams (mercenaria mercenaria) by large odor-mediated blue crab (callinectes sa ...201322821422
assessment of metal concentrations in muscles of the blue crab, callinectes danae s., from the santos estuarine system.this study determined the concentrations of eleven metals in the blue crab, callinectes danae, from nine sites in the santos estuarine system of sao paulo state, brazil. the results were compared to guidelines established in the united states, europe and brazil for the safety of human consumers. muscles of blue crabs were removed by dissection and concentrations of al, cd, co, cr, cu, fe, hg, mn ni, pb and zn were determined. in general, the concentrations of metals were low, and the crabs were ...201222782356
absence of ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition but presence of bongkrekate-sensitive nucleotide exchange in c. crangon and p. serratus.mitochondria from the embryos of brine shrimp (artemia franciscana) do not undergo ca(2+)-induced permeability transition in the presence of a profound ca(2+) uptake capacity. furthermore, this crustacean is the only organism known to exhibit bongkrekate-insensitive mitochondrial adenine nucleotide exchange, prompting the conjecture that refractoriness to bongkrekate and absence of ca(2+)-induced permeability transition are somehow related phenomena. here we report that mitochondria isolated fro ...201222768139
bioinspired algorithm for autonomous sensor-driven guidance in turbulent chemical plumes.we designed and implemented a control algorithm for sensor-mediated chemical plume tracking in a turbulent flow environment. in our design, we focused on development of a signal processing strategy capable of replicating behavioral responses of actively tracking blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) to chemical stimuli. the control algorithm is evaluated in a hardware platform that allows motion in two directions (i.e. forward-back and left-right). the geometric arrangement of the sensor array is ins ...201222728917
stage-specific changes in calcium concentration in crustacean (callinectes sapidus) y-organs during a natural molting cycle, and their relation to the hemolymphatic ecdysteroid titer.secretion of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean y-organs is suppressed by molt-inhibiting hormone (mih). the suppressive effect of mih on ecdysteroidogenesis is mediated by one or more cyclic nucleotide second messengers. in addition, existing data indicate that ecdysteroidogenesis is positively regulated (stimulated) by intracellular ca(++). despite the apparent critical role of calcium in regulating ecdysteroidogenesis, the level of ca(++) in y-organ cells has not been previously measu ...201222683690
the geography of mercury and pcbs in north carolina's local seafood.mercury and pcbs are used by non-governmental organizations and federal agencies to inform seafood safety recommendations. pollution dynamics suggest recommendations on the national scale may be too large to be accurate. we tested softshell and hardshell blue crab, white and pink shrimp, oysters, clams, spot, and mullet from fishers in each of the three north carolina fishery districts. we measured mercury using epa method 7473 and pcbs using a commercially available elisa kit. over 97% of sampl ...201222658912
gene transcripts encoding hypoxia-inducible factor (hif) exhibit tissue- and muscle fiber type-dependent responses to hypoxia and hypercapnic hypoxia in the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus.hypoxia inducible factor (hif) is a transcription factor that under low environmental oxygen regulates the expression of suites of genes involved in metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, immune function, and growth. here, we isolated and sequenced partial cdnas encoding hif-α and arnt/hif-β from the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus, an estuarine species that frequently encounters concurrent hypoxia (low o(2)) and hypercapnia (elevated co(2)). we then examined the effects of acute expo ...201222643338
mass spectrometric elucidation of the neuropeptidome of a crustacean neuroendocrine organ.the blue crab callinectes sapidus has been used as an experimental model organism for the study of regulation of cardiac activity and other physiological processes. moreover, it is an economically and ecologically important crustacean species. however, there was no previous report on the characterization of its neuropeptidome. to fill in this gap, we employed multiple sample preparation methods including direct tissue profiling, crude tissue extraction and tissue extract fractionation by hplc to ...201222627023
prevalence, characterization and sources of listeria monocytogenes in blue crab (callinectus sapidus) meat and blue crab processing plants.seven blue crab processing plants were sampled to determine the prevalence and sources of listeria spp. and listeria monocytogenes for two years (2006-2007). a total of 488 raw crabs, 624 cooked crab meat (crab meat) and 624 environmental samples were tested by standard methods. presumptive listeria spp. were isolated from 19.5% of raw crabs, 10.8% of crab meat, and 69.5% of environmental samples. l. monocytogenes was isolated from 4.5% of raw crabs, 0.2% of crab meat, and 2.1% of environmental ...201222608232
oesophageal chemoreceptors of blue crabs, callinectes sapidus, sense chemical deterrents and can block ingestion of food.decapod crustaceans such as blue crabs possess a variety of chemoreceptors that control different stages of the feeding process. all these chemoreceptors are putative targets for feeding deterrents that cause animals to avoid or reject otherwise palatable food. as a first step towards characterizing the chemoreceptors that mediate the effect of deterrents, we used a behavioral approach to investigate their precise location. data presented here demonstrate that chemoreceptors located on the anten ...201222539737
interactions between multiple recruitment drivers: post-settlement predation mortality and flow-mediated recruitment.dispersal is a primary driver in shaping the future distribution of species in both terrestrial and marine systems. physical transport by advection can regulate the distance travelled and rate of propagule supply to a habitat but post-settlement processes such as predation can decouple supply from recruitment. the effect of flow-mediated recruitment and predation on the recruitment success of an intertidal species, the eastern oyster crassostrea virginica was evaluated in two-replicated field ex ...201222493734
poly(glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) based immobilized ph gradient capillary isoelectric focusing coupling with maldi mass spectrometry for enhanced neuropeptide analysis.herein, we report an immobilized ph gradient (ipg) capillary isoelectric focusing-matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (cief-maldi ms) platform designed for the separation of complex neuropeptides. this platform features a poly(glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) (gma-dvb)-based monolithic column for cief separation. different from regular cief, carrier ampholytes are preimmobilized on the monolithic surface instead of being added to the sample. an off-line coupling of ...201222451059
advances in our understanding of the global diversity and distribution of hematodinium spp. - significant pathogens of commercially exploited crustaceans.hematodinium species are parasitic dinoflagellates known to infect a growing number of marine crustacean genera from around the world, many of which support important commercial fisheries. affected hosts undergo dramatic pathological alterations to their organs, tissues and hemolymph. there are no known control measures for this disease. economically important wild fished hosts known to be susceptible to hematodinium spp. include tanner crabs chionoecetes bairdi and snow crabs chionoecetes opili ...201222433998
the male blue crab, callinectes sapidus, uses both chromatic and achromatic cues during mate choice.in the blue crab, callinectes sapidus, claw color varies by sex, sexual maturity and individual. males rely in part on color cues to select appropriate mates, and these chromatic cues may be perceived through an opponent interaction between two photoreceptors with maximum wavelength sensitivities at 440 and 508 nm. the range of color discrimination of this dichromatic visual system may be limited, however, and it is unclear whether male blue crabs are capable of discriminating the natural variat ...201222399664
a preliminary assessment of metal bioaccumulation in the blue crab, callinectes danae s., from the sao vicente channel, sao paulo state, brazil.the concentrations of metals in tissues of callinectes danae were evaluated, aiming to determine the bioaccumulation process of this species. gills presented the highest mean concentrations for most metals, except for hg (<lod) and zn (13.293 μg g(-1)). according to results of the principal component analysis, the type of tissue was distinguished due to the concentrations of metals. an evaluation of individuals from other sites of the santos estuarine system (where the sao vicente channel is inc ...201222349281
the effect of salinity on experimental infections of a hematodinium sp. in blue crabs, callinectes sapidus.the parasitic dinoflagellate hematodinium sp. parasitizes blue crabs along the atlantic seaboard of the united states. infections in blue crabs have only been reported from waters where salinity is >11 practical salinity units (psu). blue crabs maintain a hyperosmotic internal concentration at low salinities (0-5 psu), roughly comparable to 24 psu, and should be capable of maintaining an infection in low-salinity waters even if hematodinium spp. cells are intolerant of low salinities. we tested ...201222257093
discovery and functional study of a novel crustacean tachykinin neuropeptide.tachykinin-related peptide (trp) refers to a large and structurally diverse family of neuropeptides found in vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. these peptides have various important physiological functions, from regulating stress in mammals to exciting the pyloric (food filtering) rhythm in the stomatogastric nervous system (stns) of decapod crustaceans. here, a novel trp, which we named calstrp (callinectes sapidus trp), ypsgflgmramide (m/z 1026.52), was identified and de novo sequenc ...201122247794
a novel putative lipoprotein receptor (caslpr) in the hemocytes of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: cloning and up-regulated expression after the injection of lps and lta.the full-length cdna encoding a putative lipoprotein receptor (caslpr) was isolated from the hemocytes of callinectes sapidus using 5' and 3' races. the open reading frame for caslpr contains a precursor of putative caslpr consisting of 1710 amino acid residues including 22 amino acid residues of the signal peptide (22 amino acids). mature caslpr (1688 amino acids with 5.6% of phosphorylation sites) has multiple, putative functional domains: five low-density lipoprotein receptor domains in the n ...201122155280
lack of transmission of hematodinium sp. in the blue crab callinectes sapidus through cannibalism.hematodinium spp. are parasitic dinoflagellates of marine crustaceans. outbreaks of hematodinium sp. have impacted commercial landings of the blue crab callinectes sapidus in the coastal bays of virginia and maryland (usa), with seasonal peaks in prevalence reaching 85%. the life cycle and transmission routes of the parasite in blue crabs are poorly understood. cannibalism and waterborne transmission may be routes of transmission, although little conclusive evidence has been reported for these m ...201122132503
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Hematodinium perezi (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales), a Dinoflagellate Parasite of the Harbour Crab, Liocarcinus depurator.Hematodinium perezi Chatton and Poisson (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales) is reported from one of its type hosts, Liocarcinus depurator, from Rye Bay in the English Channel, a site in a similar geographical location to that of the type description. The histology and ultrastructure of vegetative trophont stages, and rDNA sequences of the parasite infecting this host are reported for the first time. Ultrastructurally, H. perezi was confirmed by the presence of condensed chromatin profiles, trichocysts, a ...201122092696
A second copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus: Cloning and up-regulated expression in the hemocytes after immune challenge.The full-length cDNA (1362 nucleotides, GenBank JF736621) encoding an extracellular copper zinc superoxide dismutase initially isolated from an EST library of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus was characterized using 3' RACE and named Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2. The open reading frame of Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2 contains 203 deduced amino acids with the conserved active catalytic center for copper and zinc binding and the post-translational modification at two putative N-glycosylation and nine phosphorylation sites ...201222056499
Comparison of automated BAX PCR and standard culture methods for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in blue Crabmeat (Callinectus sapidus) and blue crab processing plants.This study compared the automated BAX PCR with the standard culture method (SCM) to detect Listeria monocytogenes in blue crab processing plants. Raw crabs, crabmeat, and environmental sponge samples were collected monthly from seven processing plants during the plant operating season, May through November 2006. For detection of L. monocytogenes in raw crabs and crabmeat, enrichment was performed in Listeria enrichment broth, whereas for environmental samples, demi-Fraser broth was used, and th ...201122054196
Marine debris impacts to a tidal fringing-marsh in North Carolina.We evaluated injuries to Spartina alterniflora by debris items common to North Carolina coastal waters as a function of debris type (wire blue crab pots, vehicle tires, and anthropogenic wood) and deployment duration, and monitored S. alterniflora recovery following debris removal. Injuries sustained by S. alterniflora and subsequent recovery, varied considerably between debris types. Differences were likely due to dissimilarities in the structure and composition of debris. Tires caused an immed ...201122051039
properties of bacteria that trigger hemocytopenia in the atlantic blue crab, callinectes sapidus.in the blue crab callinectes sapidus, injection with the bacterial pathogen vibrio campbellii causes a decrease in oxygen consumption. histological and physiological evidence suggests that the physical obstruction of hemolymph flow through the gill vasculature, caused by aggregations of bacteria and hemocytes, underlies the decrease in aerobic function associated with bacterial infection. we sought to elucidate the bacterial properties sufficient to induce a decrease in circulating hemocytes (he ...201122042435
Na?,K?-ATPase activity in the posterior gills of the blue crab, Callinectes ornatus (Decapoda, Brachyura): modulation of ATP hydrolysis by the biogenic amines spermidine and spermine.We investigated the effect of the exogenous polyamines spermine, spermidine and putrescine on modulation by ATP, K?, Na?, NH4? and Mg²? and on inhibition by ouabain of posterior gill microsomal Na?,K?-ATPase activity in the blue crab, Callinectes ornatus, acclimated to a dilute medium (21‰ salinity). This is the first kinetic demonstration of competition between spermine and spermidine for the cation sites of a crustacean Na?,K?-ATPase. Polyamine inhibition is enhanced at low cation concentratio ...201121972069
histopathological characterization and in situ detection of callinectes sapidus reovirus.a reovirus (tentatively designated as callinectes sapidus reovirus, csrv) was found in the blue crabs c. sapidus collected in chesapeake bay in 2005. histological examination of hepatopancreas and gill from infected crabs revealed eosinophilic to basophilic, cytoplasmic, inclusions in hemocytes and in cells of connective tissue. a cdna library was constructed from total rna extracted from hemolymph of infected crabs. one clone (designated as csrv-28) with a 532-bp insert was 75% identical in nuc ...201121925184
in vitro culture and developmental cycle of the parasitic dinoflagellate hematodinium sp. from the blue crab callinectes sapidus.summaryhematodinium is a genus of parasitic dinoflagellates whose species have caused significant mortalities in marine crustacean fisheries worldwide. a species of hematodinium infects the blue crab, callinectes sapidus on the eastern seaboard of the usa. the mode of transmission of the parasite in blue crabs is unknown. we established several continuous in vitro cultures of hematodinium sp. isolated from the haemolymph of infected blue crabs. one isolate has been continuously maintained in our ...201121902874
The spatial and temporal patterns of odors sampled by lobsters and crabs in a turbulent plume.Odors are dispersed across aquatic habitats by turbulent water flow as filamentous, intermittent plumes. Many crustaceans sniff (take discrete samples of ambient water and the odors it carries) by flicking their olfactory antennules. We used planar laser-induced fluorescence to investigate how flicking antennules of different morphologies (long antennules of spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus; short antennules of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus) sample fluctuating odor signals at different position ...201121865526
effects of molting on the visual acuity of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus.in crustaceans with compound eyes, the corneal lens of each facet is part of the exoskeleton and thus shed during molting. here we used an optomotor assay to evaluate the impact of molting on visual acuity (as measured by the minimum resolvable angle, α(min)) in the female blue crab, callinectes sapidus. we found that visual acuity decreases substantially in the days prior to molting and is gradually recovered after molting. four days prior to molting, α(min) was 1.8 deg (n=5), a value approxima ...201121865518
diet selectivity of juvenile blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) in chesapeake bay.shallow coves in chesapeake bay have abundant food and serve as nursery grounds for juvenile blue crabs. in this study, we examined the relationships between the diet of very small (4-40 mm cw) juvenile blue crabs and the benthic infauna in shallow, unvegetated nursery coves. we compared infauna in benthic samples with gut contents of juvenile blue crabs from six shallow coves in each of two sub-estuaries (rappahannock and york rivers) in chesapeake bay, virginia, usa. benthic communities differ ...201121859782
oyster reefs as natural breakwaters mitigate shoreline loss and facilitate fisheries.shorelines at the interface of marine, estuarine and terrestrial biomes are among the most degraded and threatened habitats in the coastal zone because of their sensitivity to sea level rise, storms and increased human utilization. previous efforts to protect shorelines have largely involved constructing bulkheads and seawalls which can detrimentally affect nearshore habitats. recently, efforts have shifted towards "living shoreline" approaches that include biogenic breakwater reefs. our study e ...201121850223
the role of alternate hosts in the ecology and life history of hematodinium sp., a parasitic dinoflagellate of the blue crab (callinectes sapidus).abstract abstract: hematodinium sp. infections are relatively common in some american blue crab (callinectes sapidus) populations in estuaries of the western atlantic ocean. outbreaks of disease caused by hematodinium sp. can be extensive and can cause substantial mortalities in blue crab populations in high salinities. we examined several species of crustaceans to determine if the same species of hematodinium that infects c. sapidus is found in other crustaceans from the same localities. over a ...201121812642
revisiting the reticulum: feedforward and feedback contributions to motor program parameters in the crab cardiac ganglion microcircuit.the neurogenic heartbeat of crustaceans is controlled by the cardiac ganglion (cg), a central pattern generator (cpg) microcircuit composed of nine neurons. in most decapods, five 'large' motor neurons (mns) project from the cg to the myocardium, where their excitatory synaptic signals generate the rhythmic heartbeat. the processes of four 'small' premotor neurons (pmns) are confined to the cg, where they provide excitatory drive to the mns via impulse-mediated chemical signals and electrotonic ...201121775716
comparison of metal concentrations in tissues of blue crab, callinectes sapidus from mediterranean lagoons.this study was performed to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle and gill of blue crab, callinectes sapidus from dörtyol lake, akyatan lagoon, paradeniz lagoon and çamlik lagoon from the northeastern coastal area of mediterranean sea. so, the levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, aluminum and zinc in tissues of specimens from the lagoons were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. the metal concentrations found in muscle tissue v ...201121755288
discovery and characterization of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone precursor related peptides (cprp) and orcokinin neuropeptides in the sinus glands of the blue crab callinectes sapidus using multiple tandem mass spectrometry techniques.the crustacean sinus gland (sg) is a well-defined neuroendocrine site that produces numerous hemolymph-borne agents including the most complex class of endocrine signaling molecules-neuropeptides. via a multifaceted mass spectrometry (ms) approach, 70 neuropeptides were identified including orcokinins, orcomyotropin, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) precursor-related peptides (cprps), red pigment concentrating hormone (rpch), pigment dispersing hormone (pdh), proctolin, rfamides, ryamides, ...201121740068
influence of diffuse and chronic metal pollution in water and sediments on edible seafoods within ondo oil-polluted coastal region, nigeria.the bioconcentration levels of 3 non-essential elements (pb, cd and ni) have been investigated in three different seafoods; fish (tilapia zilli), crab (callinectes sapidus) and periwinkle (littorina littorea), to investigate the ecosystem health status in ondo oil-polluted coastal region, nigeria. the seafood samples were chosen based on their popularity as a food source and the potential of the species to contain high levels of metals based on past research results. metal concentrations in the ...201121714630
Membrane-assisted capillary isoelectric focusing coupling with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Fourier transform mass spectrometry for neuropeptide analysis.Herein we report a highly efficient and reliable membrane-assisted capillary isoelectric focusing (MA-CIEF) system being coupled with MALDI-FTMS for the analysis of complex neuropeptide mixtures. The new interface consists of two membrane-coated joints made near each end of the capillary for applying high voltage, while the capillary ends were placed in the two reservoirs which were filled with anolyte (acid) and catholyte (base) to provide pH difference. Optimizations of CIEF conditions and com ...201121696746
identifying exoskeleton proteins in the blue crab from an expressed sequence tag (est) library.a blue crab (callinectes sapidus) expressed sequence tag project was designed for multiple purposes including discovery of genes for cuticular (exoskeletal) proteins, some of which may regulate mineralization. one of the expression libraries sequenced was from the hypodermis (the epithelium depositing the cuticle). rnas used for cdna synthesis were pooled from arthrodial and mid-dorsal hypodermis at both pre-ecdysis and post-ecdysis. this ensured representation from both calcifying and non-calci ...200621672801
parasitic crustaceans as vectors of viruses, with an emphasis on three penaeid viruses.parasitic crustaceans serve as both hosts and vectors of viruses as well as of parasites and other microbial pathogenic agents. few of the presumably numerous associations are known, but many can be anticipated. recently, branchiurans and gnathiid isopods have been documented to host helminths and blood parasites. because the agents can be observed readily with a microscope, these are better recognized than are the smaller viral, bacterial, and fungal agents. some agents are harmful to the host ...200921669853
prophenoloxidase activating enzyme-iii from giant freshwater prawn macrobrachium rosenbergii: characterization, expression and specific enzyme activity.the prophenoloxidase activating system is an important innate immune response against microbial infections in invertebrates. the major enzyme, phenoloxidase, is synthesized as an inactive precursor and its activation to an active enzyme is mediated by a cascade of clip domain serine proteinases. in this study, a cdna encoding a prophenoloxidase activating enzyme-iii from the giant freshwater prawn macrobrachium rosenbergii, designated as mrproae-iii, was identified and characterized. the full-le ...201121614523
cloning of an insulin-like androgenic gland factor (iag) from the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: implications for eyestalk regulation of iag expression.in malacostracan crustaceans, sex differentiation is uniquely regulated by a hormone secreted by the male-specific androgenic gland (ag). an isopod ag hormone was the first to be structurally elucidated and was found to belong to the insulin superfamily of proteins. recently, it has been found that the ags of several decapod crustaceans express insulin-like androgenic gland factors (iags), whose function is believed to be similar to that of the isopod ag hormone. here we report the isolation fro ...201121596044
evaluation of potential relationships between chemical contaminants in sediments and aquatic organisms from the lower passaic river, new jersey, usa.the lower passaic river, new jersey, usa, a tidal tributary to newark bay and part of the new york and new jersey harbor estuary, is contaminated with a variety of persistent organic pollutants (pops) due to nearly two centuries of heavy industrialization and urbanization. resident aquatic organisms are exposed to, and can bioaccumulate, a variety of chemical contaminants from sediments, water and other organisms. in the present study, the relationships between selected pops detected in both sur ...201121520249
staying the course: chemical signal spatial properties and concentration mediate cross-stream motion in turbulent plumes.this study examined the role of broadly distributed sensor populations in chemosensory searching, especially cross-stream heading adjustment. we used three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence to collect chemical concentration data simultaneously with behavior observations of actively tracking blue crabs (callinectes sapidus). our analysis indicates that the spatial distribution of the odorant concentration field is necessary and sufficient to mediate correct cross-stream motion, although conc ...201121490259
getting ahead: context-dependent responses to odorant filaments drive along-stream progress during odor tracking in blue crabs.the chemosensory signal structure governing the upstream progress of blue crabs to an odorant source was examined. we used a three-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence system to collect chemical concentration data simultaneously with behavior observations of actively tracking blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) in a variety of plume types. this allowed us to directly link chemical signal properties at the antennules and legs to subsequent upstream motion while altering the spatial and temporal in ...201121490258
radiation inactivation of foodborne pathogens on frozen seafood products.foodborne illness due to consumption of contaminated seafood is, unfortunately, a regular occurrence in the united states. ionizing (gamma) radiation can effectively inactivate microorganisms and extend the shelf life of seafood. in this study, the ability of gamma irradiation to inactivate foodborne pathogens surface inoculated onto frozen seafood (scallops, lobster meat, blue crab, swordfish, octopus, and squid) was investigated. the radiation d(10)-values (the radiation dose needed to inactiv ...201121477481
comparative distribution, sourcing, and chemical behavior of pcdd/fs and pcbs in an estuary environment.pcdd/f and pcb field data (1041 samples) in five media (dissolved, suspended sediment, bed sediment, catfish, and blue crab) were studied to explore dual contaminant patterns in the houston ship channel, texas, usa. pcdd/fs showed greater concentration than pcbs in suspended sediments while pcbs were higher in apparent dissolved (truly dissolved+doc-associated), fish, and crab. pcdd/fs at nearly all locations contributed more strongly to dioxin-like toxicity. the fraction of pcb teq was, however ...201121440284
physicochemical properties of double-stranded rna used to discover a reo-like virus from blue crab callinectes sapidus.mortality among blue crab callinectes sapidus in soft shell production facilities is typically 25% or greater. the harvest, handling, and husbandry practices of soft shell crab production have the potential to spread or exacerbate infectious crab diseases. to investigate the possible role of viruses in soft shell crab mortalities, we took advantage of the physicochemical properties of double-stranded rna (dsrna) to isolate a putative virus genome. further characterization confirmed the presence ...201021290893
bacterial diseases of crabs: a review.bacterial diseases of crabs are manifested as bacteremias caused by organisms such as vibrio, aeromonas, and a rhodobacteriales-like organism or tissue and organ tropic organisms such as chitinoclastic bacteria, rickettsia intracellular organisms, chlamydia-like organism, and spiroplasma. this paper provides general information about bacterial diseases of both marine and freshwater crabs. some bacteria pathogens such as vibrio cholerae and vibrio vulnificus occur commonly in blue crab haemolymph ...201121215353
effect of salinity on survival and growth of blue crab, callinectes amnicola from lagos lagoon, nigeria.the effect of salinity on the survival and growth of callinectes amnicola (de rocheburne) from the lagos lagoon, nigeria was monitored in the laboratory for 22 weeks. the crabs were euryhaline and tolerated a salinity range of 5 to 25 per thousand and had 90% survival at 15 and 20 per thousand. the highest gain in weight (173.0%) and carapace width (56.1%) was obtained at salinity of 15 per thousand. the highest specific growth rate (1.98) was obtained at 15 per thousand, while the lowest specif ...201021186720
primary structure and cellular localization of callinectin, an antimicrobial peptide from the blue crab.we report the complete amino acid sequence of callinectin, a 32 amino acid, proline-, arginine-rich antimicrobial peptide (amp) with four cysteines and having the sequence wnsnrrfrvgrppvvgrpgcvcfrapcpcsny-amide. the primary structure of callinectin is highly similar to arasins, amps recently identified in the small spider crab (hyas araneus). callinectin exists in three isomers that vary in the functional group on the tryptophan (w) residue. the most prevalent isomer had a hydroxy-n-formylkynure ...201021115038
acute toxicity, accumulation and tissue distribution of copper in the blue crab callinectes sapidus acclimated to different salinities: in vivo and in vitro studies.in vivo and in vitro studies were performed to evaluate acute toxicity, organ-specific distribution, and tissue accumulation of copper in callinectes sapidus acclimated to two different experimental salinities (2 and 30 ppt). blue crabs were quite tolerant to copper. acute dissolved copper toxicity (96-h lc(50) and its corresponding 95% confident interval) was higher at salinity 2 ppt (5.3 (3.50-8.05) μm cu) than at 30 ppt (53.0 (27.39-102.52) μm cu). the difference between salinities can be com ...201020952078
changes in intracellular calcium concentration in crustacean (callinectes sapidus) y-organs: relation to the hemolymphatic ecdysteroid titer.secretion of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean y-organs is negatively regulated (inhibited) by molt-inhibiting hormone (mih), a neuropeptide produced by neurosecretory cells in eyestalk ganglia. the inhibitory effect of mih is mediated by one or more cyclic nucleotide second messengers. in addition, available data indicate that ecdysteroidogenesis is positively regulated (stimulated) by intracellular calcium. however, despite the apparent critical role of calcium in regulating ecdystero ...201120938968
mrna expression and activity of ion-transporting proteins in gills of the blue crab callinectes sapidus: effects of waterborne copper.waterborne cu effects on the transcription of genes encoding ion-transporting proteins and the activities of these proteins were evaluated in gills of the blue crab callinectes sapidus acclimated to diluted (2‰) and full (30‰) seawater. crabs were exposed (96 h) to an environmentally relevant concentration of dissolved cu (0.78 µm) and had their posterior (osmoregulating) gills dissected for enzymatic and molecular analysis. endpoints analyzed were the activity of key enzymes involved in crab os ...201120928920
molecular characterization and expression analysis of extracellular copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene from swimming crab portunus trituberculatus.an extracellular cuznsod cdna was cloned from the haemocytes of swimming crab portunus trituberculatus by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt-pcr) and rapid amplification of cdna end (race) method. analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed that the eccuznsod full-length cdna consisted of 965 bp with an open reading frame of 579 bp. it encoded a polypeptide of 192 amino acids which had a predicted molecular weight of 20.0 kda and with an estimated pi of 6.23. the deduced amin ...201120848212
molecular cloning of a putative crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) isoform from extra-eyestalk tissue of the blue crab (callinectes sapidus), and determination of temporal and spatial patterns of chh gene expression.crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) is a polypeptide neurohormone involved in regulation of multiple physiological processes. we report here the cloning from thoracic ganglia of the blue crab (callinectes sapidus) a cdna (cschh-2) encoding a putative chh isoform (cschh-2). cschh-2 is structurally similar to a putative preprochh (cschh-1) previously cloned from eyestalk ganglia of c. sapidus. the two preprohormones possess an identical signal peptide and chh precursor related peptide, but diff ...201020691651
water quality trends in the delaware river basin (usa) from 1980 to 2005.in 1940, the tidal delaware river was "one of the most grossly polluted areas in the united states." during the 1950s, water quality was so poor along the river at philadelphia that zero oxygen levels prevented migration of american shad leading to near extirpation of the species. since then, water quality in the delaware basin has improved with implementation of the 1961 delaware river basin compact and 1970s federal clean water act amendments. at 15 gages along the delaware river and major tri ...201120665109
molecular cloning and characterization of a serine proteinase homolog prophenoloxidase-activating factor in the swimming crab portunus trituberculatus.serine proteinase homologues (sphs), as one of prophenoloxiase-activating factors (ppafs), play critical roles in innate immunity of crabs. based on an est from the eyestalk full length cdna library, the complete cdna (designated as ptsph) and genomic dna of sph from the swimming crab portunus trituberculatus were cloned in this study. the estimated molecular weight of mature ptsph (354 amino acids) was 38.7 kda and its isoelectric point was 5.08. multiple sequence alignment revealed that ptsph ...201020633654
hydrodynamic sensory stressors produce nonlinear predation patterns.predators often have large effects on community structure, but these effects can be minimized in habitats subjected to intense physical stress. for example, predators exert large effects on rocky intertidal communities on wave-protected shores but are usually absent from wave-swept shores where hydrodynamic forces prevent them from foraging effectively. the physical environment also can affect predation levels when stressors are not severe enough to be physically risky. in these situations, envi ...201020503871
expressed sequence tags from normalized cdna libraries prepared from gill and hypodermal tissues of the blue crab, callinectes sapidus.expressed sequence tags (ests) were produced from two normalized cdna libraries from the blue crab, callinectes sapidus. the gill library represented pooled rna from respiratory and transporting gills after acclimation to either high or low salinity. the hypodermis library was from arthrodial and dorsal tissue from both pre- and post-molt crabs. random clones were single-pass sequenced from the 5'-ends, resulting in 11,761 high quality ests averaging 652 bases. all the ests were assembled using ...200620483251
a novel stress distribution organ in the arthropod exoskeleton.the vertebrate endoskeleton possesses a massive internal network of load-distributing trabeculae that in most locations accounts for the vast majority of bone cross sectional area. in contrast, arthropods rely on the external cuticle and its intermittent outpocketings to distribute the daily stresses of physiological loading. one of the constraints of the arthropod exoskeleton is the necessity to house the musculature involved in locomotion, feeding and etc. because of this lack of an extensive ...201020478397
molecular detection of hematodinium sp. in northeast pacific chionoecetes spp. and evidence of two species in the northern hemisphere.hematodinium is a genus of parasitic dinoflagellates that infects crustaceans worldwide including tanner crabs chionoecetes bairdi and snow crabs c. opilio in the northeast pacific ocean. the present study describes the optimization of a pcr-based assay for the detection and monitoring of hematodinium sp. in snow and tanner crabs. two fragments, 1682 and 187 bp, were amplified from the 18s ribosomal dna region of the parasite. the assay performed well in 6 additional decapod species (1 lobster a ...201020402233
the metal-binding properties of the blue crab copper specific cumt-2: a crustacean metallothionein with two cysteine triplets.most crustacean metallothioneins (mts) contain 18 cys residues and bind six divalent metal ions. the copper-specific cumt-2 (mtc) of the blue crab callinectes sapidus with 21 cys residues, of which six are organized in two uncommon cys-cys-cys sequences, represents an exception. however, its metal-binding properties are unknown. by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques we show that all 21 cys residues of recombinant mtc participate in the binding of cu(i), zn(ii), and cd(ii) ions, indicatin ...201020361221
combining capillary electrophoresis matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and stable isotopic labeling techniques for comparative crustacean peptidomics.herein we describe a sensitive and straightforward off-line capillary electrophoresis (ce) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (maldi-ms) interface in conjunction with stable isotopic labeling (sil) technique for comparative neuropeptidomic analysis in crustacean model organisms. two sil schemes, including a binary h/d formaldehyde labeling technique and novel, laboratory-developed multiplexed dimethylated leucine-based isobaric tagging reagents, have been evaluated in ...201020334868
the nemertean carcinonemertes as an indicator of the spawning history of the host, callinectes sapidus. 194720294088
anatomy and histology of the male reproductive system of callinectes sapidus rathbun. 194720258886
nuclear dna content variation associated with muscle fiber hypertrophic growth in decapod crustaceans.we tested the hypothesis that hypertrophic muscle growth in decapod crustaceans is associated with increases in both the number of nuclei per fiber and nuclear dna content. the dna-localizing fluorochrome dapi (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and chicken erythrocyte standards were used with static microspectrophotometry and image analysis to estimate nuclear dna content in hemocytes and muscle fibers from eight decapod crustacean species: farfantepenaeus aztecus, palaemonetes pugio, panulirus arg ...201020237594
evaluation and management of blue crab callinectes sapidus (rathbun, 1896) (decapoda-portunidae) fishery in the estuary of cananéia, iguape and ilha comprida, são paulo, brazil.the estuary of cananéia, iguape and ilha comprida is a part of the estuarine lagoon system of cananéia, iguape and paranaguá, on the south coast of são paulo state, brazil. it has been recognised for its high standards of environmental conservation. the objective of this paper was to assess the blue crab (callinectes sapidus) fishing in the region, from january 1998 to december 2006, and obtain supportive data to implement technical rules for the rational exploitation and resulting conservation ...201020231958
n,n-dimethyl leucines as novel isobaric tandem mass tags for quantitative proteomics and peptidomics.herein, we describe the development and application of a set of novel n,n-dimethyl leucine (dileu) 4-plex isobaric tandem mass (ms(2)) tagging reagents with high quantitation efficacy and greatly reduced cost for neuropeptide and protein analysis. dileu reagents serve as attractive alternatives for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (itraq) and tandem mass tags (tmts) due to their synthetic simplicity, labeling efficiency, and improved fragmentation efficiency. dileu reagent re ...201020218596
a community-based assessment of seafood consumption along the lower james river, virginia, usa: potential sources of dietary mercury exposure.the use of community-based participatory research (cbpr) methods to conduct environmental exposure assessments provides valuable insight about disparities in seafood consumption and contaminant exposure. ninety-five community-specific seafood consumption surveys were administered to low-income african-american women (ages 16-49) residing in the southeast community of newport news, va, usa, for the purpose of assessing potential dietary mercury exposure. only the results of the seafood consumptio ...201020129605
bioinformatic analyses of the publicly accessible crustacean expressed sequence tags (ests) reveal numerous novel neuropeptide-encoding precursor proteins, including ones from members of several little studied taxa.ests have been generated for many crustacean species, providing an invaluable resource for peptide discovery in members of this arthropod subphylum. here, these data were mined for novel peptide-encoding transcripts, with the mature peptides encoded by them predicted using a combination of online peptide prediction programs and homology to known arthropod sequences. in total, 70 mature full-length/partial peptides representing members of 16 families/subfamilies were predicted, the vast majority ...201020064519
molecular keys unlock the mysteries of variable survival responses of blue crabs to hypoxia.hypoxia is a major stressor in coastal ecosystems, yet generalizing its impacts on fish and shellfish populations across hypoxic events is difficult due to variability among individuals in their history of exposure to hypoxia and related abiotic variables, and subsequent behavioral and survival responses. although aquatic animals have diverse physiological responses to cope with hypoxia, we know little about how inter-individual variation in physiological state affects survival and behavioral de ...201020035435
crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) neuropeptidesfamily: functions, titer, and binding to target tissues.the removal of the eyestalk (s) induces molting and reproduction promoted the presence of regulatory substances in the eyestalk (es), particularly medulla terminalis x-organ and the sinus gland (mtxo-sg). the pcr-based cloning strategies have allowed for isolating a great number of cdnas sequences of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) neuropeptides family from the eyestalk and non-eyestalk tissues, e.g., pericardial organs and fore- and hindguts. however, the translated corresponding neurope ...201020026335
the importance of color in mate choice of the blue crab callinectes sapidus.visual displays often play a large role in animal communication, particularly in sexual interactions. the blue crab callinectes sapidus is both colorful and highly visually responsive, yet almost all studies of their courtship have focused on chemical cues. in the blue crab's underwater environment, however, visual cues may function more rapidly and over a longer distance than chemical cues. given that blue crabs are aggressive and cannibalistic, visual cues may therefore allow blue crabs to qui ...200919880739
environmental and physiological controls of blue crab avoidance behavior during exposure to hypoxia.generalizing the impacts of hypoxia on aquatic animal populations is difficult due to differences in behavioral and physiological responses among individuals as well as varying hydrodynamics of hypoxic events. information on which environmental cues animals use to avoid hypoxia and how abiotic covariates and physiology influence avoidance behavior is lacking. our laboratory flume studies quantified the interacting effects of hydrography (dissolved oxygen [do], temperature, and salinity), hydrody ...200919875821
derived photosensitive pigments from invertebrate eyes.the red pigment in the eyes of the squid, blue crab, and horseshoe crab becomes photosensitive when treated with formalin, and bleaches in the light. the resulting change in density is approximately symmetrical around a maximum at 480 mmicro in the blue green. this difference absorption spectrum is in rough agreement with the spectral sensitivity of the cephalopod eye and differs only slightly from the difference absorption spectrum of vertebrate visual purple. the formalin-sensitized pigment is ...194319873349
bite force and performance in the durophagous bonnethead shark, sphyrna tiburo.bite force, a measure of performance, can be used to link anatomical form and function. earlier studies have shown bite force to have a significant influence on dietary constraints and ontogenetic shifts in resource utilization. the bonnethead shark, sphyrna tiburo, is a durophagous member of the family sphyrnidae. its diet in south florida waters consists almost entirely of blue crabs, which are crushed or ingested whole. this abundant coastal predator's feeding mechanism is specialized for the ...201019844984
energy metabolism and metabolic depression during exercise in callinectes sapidus, the atlantic blue crab: effects of the bacterial pathogen vibrio campbellii.callinectes sapidus (rathbun), the atlantic blue crab, commonly harbors low to moderate amounts of bacteria in hemolymph and other tissues. these bacteria are typically dominated by vibrio spp., which are known to cause mortality in the blue crab. the dose-dependent lethality of an isolate of vibrio campbellii was determined in crabs; the mean 48 h ld(50) (half-maximal lethal dose) was 6.2 x 10(5) colony forming units g(-1) crab. injection of a sublethal dose of v. campbellii into the hemolymph ...200919837884
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