Adaptive responses of embryos and larvae of the heart-shaped sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinocardium cordatum</Emphasis> to temperature and salinity changes

The combined effects of temperature (8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22 and 25°C) and a salinity decrease from 36 to 12‰ on the development of the sea urchin Echinocardium cordatum (Pennant) were studied. Embryonic development proved to be the process most vulnerable to a salinity decrease. It was completed successfully at 8–20°C within a narrow salinity range of 36–28‰ Larvae at the most resistant stage, the blastula, survived at 12–22°C and a salinity of 36–18‰. Larvae at the most sensitive stage, pluteus I with the first pair of arms, died even in a favorable environment, a temperature of 17–20°C and a salinity of 34–28‰. That may be related to qualitative alterations during skeleton formation and to transition to phytoplankton feeding. The resistance of larvae to variations in environmental factors gradually increased in the pluteus II and III stages; however, it significantly decreased before the settling of the larvae. Larvae that were 37 days old survived at a temperature of 14–20°C within a salinity range of 36–22‰ and at 22 and 25°C, they survived at a salinity of 36–24‰; however, all the larvae became abnormal at 25°C. The larvae settled earlier on sand inhabited by adult individuals of E. cordatum than on sand from other locations, and they settled faster at 20–25°C, than at 14 and 17°C. The juveniles, if lacking an opportunity to burrow in the sand, died within 14 days after settling.     

Responses of Embryos and Larvae of the Starfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asterias amurensis</Emphasis> to Changes in Temperature and Salinity

We studied the effects of different combinations of temperature (5, 10, 14, 17, 20, and 22°C) and salinity (from 32 to 8‰) on the development of the starfish Asterias amurensis Lutken from Vostok Bay, Sea of Japan. Embryonic development is the most vulnerable stage; it passes successfully at 10–17°C and the salinity range of 32 to 26‰. Blastulae are the most tolerant of changing environmental factors. They survive and develop at the temperatures of 5–17°C and in the salinity range of 32–18‰. Gastrulae and bipinnariae survive under higher temperature values and salinity from 32 to 20‰. The tolerance for decreased salinity during the process of fertilization and in the latest stage of development, the brachiolaria with the developing juvenile starfish, was confined to the salinity range of 32–22‰, which agrees with the tolerance of adult starfish Asterias amurensis. Thus, for normal development of the Amur starfish in the early stages, some particular conditions of temperature and salinity are required. This is, probably, due to adaptive capabilities of each developmental stage and the peculiarities of the ecological conditions at particular depths.     

Development of the sand dollar <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scaphechinus mirabilis</Emphasis>

Under laboratory conditions, the development of larvae of the sand dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis (Agassiz) took 28.5–29 days from fertilization to settling and the end of metamorphosis at a temperature 20°C and salinity 32.2–32.6‰ The cleavage divisions were completed in 12 hours after fertilization (AF) by the release of free swimming ciliary blastula from the egg membrane. The larvae attained pluteus I stage with one pair of arms at an age of 40 hours. In 4.5–5 days the pluteus II stage with three pairs of arms, and in 9 days the pluteus III stage with four pairs of arms were formed. On the 20–21st day AF the larvae developed a vestibule, in which the adult skeleton rudiments, spicules, plates and pedicellariae were formed on the 26–27th day AF. The size of the larvae at an age of 22.5 days was 1064.3 ± 44.7 μm. The settling of larvae was recorded on the 28–29th day of development. Most of the larvae completed their metamorphosis in 4.5–5 hours after settling.     

Comparative morphology of larvae of coastal crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Varunidae)

The larval development of three crabs of the Varunidae family, (Hemigrapsus sanguineus, H. penicillatus, and H. longitarsis), widely spread in Russian waters of the Sea of Japan, were studied under laboratory conditions. At a temperature of 20–22°C and a salinity of 32‰ about 30% of larvae a complete developmental cycle, including five zoeal stages and megalopa, took from 22 to 30 days. All larval stages are illustrated and described in detail. Zoea I and zoea II of the studied crabs are not distinguishable. Zoea III–V of these species differ in the number of dorsomedial setae on the abdominal somite I and in the number of setae on the posterodorsal arch. The megalopae of three Hemigrapsus species possess a different number of segments, aesthetascs and setae on the antennular exopod. In spite of the great similarity of larvae of genera Hemigrapsus and Eriocheir, the latter possesses a number of distinctive features in all developmental stages, supporting the separation of these genera.     

Physiological responses of a green algae (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva prolifera</Emphasis>) exposed to simulated acid rain and decreased salinity

In order to evaluate the combined effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) and salinity on the physiological responses of macroalgae, Ulva prolifera was cultured under three salinity treatments (5, 10, 25 ‰) and at different pH, i.e., at pH 4.4 (C), pH 4.4(F), where the pH of the culture increased from 4.4 to approximately 7.8 during the cultivation period, or in absence of SAR at pH 8.2(C), at 100 μmol(photon) m^–2 s^–1 and 20°C. Compared to 25‰ salinity, Relative growth rate (RGR) of U. prolifera was enhanced by 10‰ salinity, but decreased by 5‰ salinity. No significant differences in RGR were observed between the pH 8.2(C) and pH 4.4(F) treatments, but the chlorophyll a content was reduced by SAR. Negative effects of SAR on the photosynthesis were observed, especially under low salinity treatments. Based on the results, we suggested that the U. prolifera showed a tolerance to a wide range of salinity in contrast to the low pH induced by acid rain.     

Resistance of the heart sea urchin Echinocardium cordatum (Echinoidea: Spatangoida) to extreme environmental changes

The ability to survive under extreme environmental conditions was studied in the adults of the heart sea urchin Echinocardium cordatum (Pennant). At seawater temperatures of 13.3 to 14.8°C and salinity of 33.2–33.4‰, being devoid of the possibility to burrow into the sand or eat, some sea urchins died on day 5 and all individuals had perished by the end of day 8. At a temperature of 19°C, the salinity tolerance range of adults was limited to 33–28‰. Only 30 to 20% of sea urchins transferred to a solid substrate survived for 7 days at a salinity of 33 to 24‰, but all of them perished toward the end of day 8.     

Distribution pattern of Polar cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Boreogadus saida</Emphasis>) larvae and larval fish assemblages in relation to oceanographic parameters in the northern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea

Polar cod, Boreogadus saida, is a key species in the Arctic Ocean ecosystem. We examined the distribution pattern of B. saida and other fish larvae in relation to oceanographic parameters, including sea surface temperature and salinity (SST and SSS), the mode of temperature and salinity within the water column (F _temp and F _sal), and the temporal duration between the date of sea ice retreat and the date of field surveys (dSRT) in the northern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea during the summers of 2008 and 2013. Sampling was conducted onboard the T/S Oshoro-Maru using a bongo net for 2 years. At sampling stations, the temperature and salinity were measured using conductivity-temperature-depth profiler casts. We calculated dSRT from satellite derived polar gridded sea ice concentration data. A total of 1186 individuals comprising 7 families and 16 species were collected, with B. saida (35 %) and Ammodytes hexapterus (27 %) dominating the catch in number. Based on the species composition (cluster analysis), the sampling stations were divided into four groups. Pleuronectidae dominated group A, which was characterized by relatively high temperature (SST and F _temp), while B. saida dominated group B, characterized by low temperatures. A. hexapterus dominated group C and D, which had similar temperatures and salinities, but group C had a shorter dSRT than group D. The latter was also differentiated by the presence of Lumpenus sp. B. saida, which were most abundant in regions where temperatures ranged from ?2 to 0.5 °C. These results, the geographical variation of group B sampling stations, suggest there are two separate spawning areas characterized by similar fish communities and related to consistently cold bottom temperatures. Moreover, stations with a higher abundance of smaller sized larval B. saida were characterized by a short dSRT, whereas stations with a lower abundance and a larger size were characterized by a long dSRT.     

Influence of abiotic factors on the structure of the population of the brown alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fucus vesiculosus</Emphasis> in East Murman (Barents Sea)

The peculiarities of the structure of the population of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus in East Murman at different combinations of abiotic factors were studied. Salinity below 10‰ and high surf activity reduced the average life span of the plants (to 1 year) and caused a significant predominance of female specimens (60–90% of the fertile specimens). The proportion of female specimens increased with age. The greatest average age (3 branchings) and the highest survival of F. vesiculosus occurred in the wave-protected parts of bays. The distribution of F. vesiculosus was related to water movement intensity, salinity, and substrate type. The size-weight characteristics of F. vesiculosus thalli were decreased during maximum salinity fluctuations. The optimal conditions for this species were those existing on a weakly protected shore with short-term fluctuations of salinity (24–25‰).     

The combined effect of temperature and salinity on development of the sea star Asterina pectinifera

The effect of various combinations of temperature, which increases from 14°C up to 25°C in the summer season, and salinity, which varies from 34 to 12‰ in the early stages of development of the sea star Asterina (= Patiria) pectinifera (Müller et Troschel) from Vostok Bay, Sea of Japan, was studied. The most vulnerable process in the early ontogenesis of A. pectinifera is its embryonal development, which is completed successfully within narrow ranges of temperature (20–22°C) and salinity (34–26‰). The ability of gametes to fertilize was retained in wider ranges of temperature and salinity. The dipleurula was the most responsive of the larval stages; the resistance of blastula, bipinnaria, and brachiolaria at ages of 12.5 and 15.5 days was almost the same for fluctuations of temperature from 14 up to 25°C and salinity from 34 to 18 and 16‰ Settling of the brachiolaria and completion of metamorphosis were also responsive to variations in the environmental factors. Settling of the larvae was faster at 17°C without illumination (on the 22nd–24th days of development) than at 22°C with the day-night mode (27th–28th day of development). The lack of light apparently had a positive effect on the settling of the brachiolaria.     

Density dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notholca squamula salina</Emphasis> Focke (Rotifera) in Lake Wujka,a freshwater Antarctic lake

The Antarctic Lake Wujka (62°09′28.3″S, 58°27′56.3″W), a shallow water body (Z _m  = 1.38 m), situated at c.15 m from the seashore was sampled at two points (Sp 1 and Sp 2) at 3-day intervals from December 2003 to June 2004. The two sampling points differing in location and depth: Sp 1 (Z _m  = 0.50 m) was the shallowest site, located near the lake outlet, while Sp 2 (Z _m  = 1.38 m) was the deepest spot of the lake. The population density of Notholca squamula salina peaked in June (at 114 ind. l^?1) at Sp 1, while at Sp 2 peaked in January (80 ind. l^?1) and May (150 ind. l^?1). Spearman non-parametric correlations with temperature, salinity, total dissolved solids, conductivity and pH revealed effects that characterize N. squamula salina as a species capable of surviving in a range of aquatic environments, but with a preference for high salinity, food and low temperature. It occurred in highest numbers when the diatom Achnanthes lanceolata var. rostrata (Øestrup) Hust., normally a benthic species, was stirred up into the water during storms that also raised the lake’s salinity to above 20 psu.     

Distribution of bacteriochlorophyll between the pigment-protein complexes of the sulfur photosynthetic bacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allochromatium minutissimum</Emphasis> depending on light intensity at different temperatures

Variation of the distribution of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a) between external antenna (LH2) and core complexes (LH1 + RC) of the photosynthetic membrane of the sulfur bacterium Allochromatium minutissimum was studied at light intensities of 5 and 90 Wt/m² in the temperature range of 12–43°C. The increase of light intensity was shown to result in a 1.5-to 2-times increase of a photosynthetic unit (PSU). PSU sizes pass through a maximum depending on growth temperature, and the increase of light intensity (5 and 90 Wt/m²) results in a shift of the maximal PSU size to higher temperatures (15 and 20°C, respectively). In the narrow temperature interval of ～14–17°C, the ratio of light intensity to PSU size is typical of phototrophs: lower light intensity corresponds to larger PSU size. The pattern of PSU size change depending on light intensity was shown to differ at extreme growth temperatures (12°C and over 35°C). The comparison of Alc. minutissimum PSU size with the data on Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodopseudomonas palustris by measuring the effective optical absorption cross-section for the reaction of photoinhibition of respiration shows a two to four times greater size of light-harvesting antenna for Alc. minutissimum, which seems to correspond to the maximum possible limit for purple bacteria.     

Optimization of environmental parameters for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis salina</Emphasis> growth and lipid content using the response surface method and invading organisms

Algae biofuel has the potential to replace fossil fuels. However, cultivation and productivity of target algae need improvement, while controlling undesired organisms that can lower the efficiency of production systems. A central composite design and response surface model were utilized to predict cultivation optima of marine microalga, Nannochloropsis salina, under a suite of environmental parameters. The effects of salinity, pH, and temperature and their interactions were studied on maximum sustainable yield (MSY, a measure for biomass productivity), lipid content of N. salina, and invading organisms. Five different levels of each environmental predictor variable were tested. The environmental factors were kept within ranges that had previously been determined to allow positive N. salina growth (14.5–45.5 PSU; pH 6.3–9.7; 11–29 °C). The models created for this experiment showed that N. salina’s MSY and lipid content are not strongly affected over the broad range of salinity and temperature values. Calculated optima levels were 28 PSU/20 °C for MSY and 14.5 PSU/20 °C for lipid accumulation, but neither value significantly influenced the model. However, pH was the most important factor to influence algae productivity, and pH optimum was estimated around 8. Both MSY and lipid content were strongly reduced when pH deviated from the optimum. Occurrence of invading organisms seemed stochastic, and none of the environmental factors studied significantly influenced abundance. In conclusion, pH should be kept around 8 for maximum productivity of N. salina. Temperature and salinity should be kept around 20 °C and 28 PSU; however, moderate variations are not too much of a concern and might enhance lipid content of N. salina.     

Diversity in growth patterns among strains of the lethal fungal pathogen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</Emphasis> across extended thermal optima

The thermal sensitivities of organisms regulate a wide range of ecological interactions, including host–parasite dynamics. The effect of temperature on disease ecology can be remarkably complex in disease systems where the hosts are ectothermic and where thermal conditions constrain pathogen reproductive rates. Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a lethal fungal disease that is influenced by temperature. However, recent temperature studies have produced contradictory findings, suggesting that our current understanding of thermal effects on Bd may be incomplete. We investigated how temperature affects three different Bd strains to evaluate diversity in thermal responses. We quantified growth across the entire thermal range of Bd, and beyond the known thermal limits (T _max and T _min). Our results show that all Bd strains remained viable and grew following 24 h freeze (?12 °C) and heat shock (28 °C) treatments. Additionally, we found that two Bd strains had higher logistic growth rates (r) and carrying capacities (K) at the upper and lower extremities of the temperature range, and especially in low temperature conditions (2–3 °C). In contrast, a third strain exhibited relatively lower growth rates and carrying capacities at these same thermal extremes. Overall, our results suggest that there is considerable variation among Bd strains in thermal tolerance, and they establish a new thermal sensitivity profile for Bd. More generally, our findings point toward important questions concerning the mechanisms that dictate fungal thermal tolerances and temperature-dependent pathogenesis in other fungal disease systems.     

The ontogeny of the oribatid mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nanhermannia coronata</Emphasis> (Acari,Oribatida, Nanhermanniidae)

The ontogeny of the oribatid mite Nanhermannia coronata (Oribatida, Nanhermanniidae) was studied in the laboratory. At a temperature of 22–23°C and air humidity 100%, the entire life cycle from egg to adult lasted for 105–124 days. N. coronata juveniles and females are described. The diagnostic characters of the chaetom of N. coronata and N. nana larvae and nymphs are given. Morphological differences between N. coronata and N. nana allow distinguishing these species at all active stages.     

Novel halotolerant bacterium from cryopeg in permafrost: Description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Psychrobacter muriicola</Emphasis> sp. nov.

A novel halotolerant psychrotrophic gram-negative bacterium, strain 2pS, was isolated from lenses of water brine in Arctic permafrost (cryopeg). The optimal growth of the new strain was observed at 16–18°C; the maximal and minimal growth temperatures were 37°C and ?2°C, respectively. The pH growth range was 5.8 to 8.5 (optimum 6.5–7.5) and the range of medium salinity was 0 to 100 g/l (optimum 3–8 g/l NaCl). The strain 2pS did not produce acid from carbohydrates and utilized acetate, yeast extract, pyruvate, glutarate, fumarate, caproate, heptanoate, butyrate, malate, DL-lactate, citrate, L-proline, L-tyrosine, butanol, and dulcitol as the sole carbon and energy sources. The major fatty acids of the cell wall at optimal growth temperature were C_18:1ω7 and C_18:1ω9. The G+C DNA base content was 46.0 mol.%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the studied strain was the closest (97% similarity) to Psychrobacter nivimaris DSM 16093^T, a halotolerant psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from the Arctic sea’s ice. Genotypic and phenotypic differences of the new bacterium from closely related species lead to the conclusion that strain 2pS belongs to a novel species of the genus Psychrobacter: Psychrobacter muriicola sp. nov.     

Thermotolerant oil-degrading bacteria isolated from soil and water of geographically distant regions

Oil-degrading bacteria were isolated from soil and water samples taken in Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Antarctic; 13 of 86 strains proved to be thermotolerant. These bacteria utilized crude oil at 45–50°C; their growth optimum (35–37°C) and range (20–53°C) differ from those of mesophilic bacteria. Thermotolerant strains were identified as representatives of the genera Rhodococcus and Gordonia. It was shown that their ability to degrade petroleum products does not differ at 24 and 45°C. The strains Rhodococcus sp. Par7 and Gordonia sp. 1D utilized 14 and 20% of the oil, respectively, in 14 days at 45°C. All of the isolated thermotolerant bacteria grew in a medium containing 3% NaCl; the medium for the strains Gordonia amicalis 1B and Gordonia sp. 1D contained up to 10% NaCl. The bacteria G. amicalis and Rhodococcus erythropolis were able to utilize crude oil and individual hydrocarbons at higher (up to 50°C) temperatures.     

The morphology and ecology of the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi Sarno et Zingone, 2005 from the Sea of Japan

Diatoms of the genus Skeletonema were found in bottle samples of phytoplankton that were collected in Paris Bay (Bosfor-Vostochny Strait, the Sea of Japan) in June–December 2013 at a water temperature of–1.8 to 21.6°C and a salinity of 25.4–33.2‰. Using electron microscopy, we identified the predominant species of the autumn phytoplankton bloom as S. marinoi Sarno et Zingone. This is the first find of the species in the marine waters of Russia. The morphology of S. marinoi is described; further data on its ecology and distribution are provided.     

Development of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cleruchoides noackae</Emphasis>, an egg-parasitoid of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thaumastocoris peregrinus</Emphasis>, in eggs laid on different substrates,with different ages and post-cold storage

Cleruchoides noackae Lin and Huber (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is an egg parasitoid of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae). The parasitism and development of C. noackae was studied in T. peregrinus eggs of different ages, laid on eucalyptus leaves or paper towel and stored at 5 °C. The emergence, sex ratio and development of C. noackae and hatched nymphs of T. peregrinus were evaluated. This parasitoid had an emergence rate higher than 60% from zero to one, one to two, and two to three-day old eggs and lower than 10% for those 3–4 and 4–5 days old. The female proportion was 78% and the egg-adult period for C. noackae was 19.5 days. The use of T. peregrinus eggs up to three days old, laid on paper towel and stored at 5 °C for 14 days did not affect the biological parameters of C. nockae and should be used for mass rearing of this parasitoid.     

Spatial and temporal variations in airborne <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ambrosia</Emphasis> pollen in Europe

The European Commission Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action FA1203 “SMARTER” aims to make recommendations for the sustainable management of Ambrosia across Europe and for monitoring its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The goal of the present study is to provide a baseline for spatial and temporal variations in airborne Ambrosia pollen in Europe that can be used for the management and evaluation of this noxious plant. The study covers the full range of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. distribution over Europe (39°N–60°N; 2°W–45°E). Airborne Ambrosia pollen data for the principal flowering period of Ambrosia (August–September) recorded during a 10-year period (2004–2013) were obtained from 242 monitoring sites. The mean sum of daily average airborne Ambrosia pollen and the number of days that Ambrosia pollen was recorded in the air were analysed. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated regardless of the number of years included in the study period, while trends are based on those time series with 8 or more years of data. Trends were considered significant at p < 0.05. There were few significant trends in the magnitude and frequency of atmospheric Ambrosia pollen (only 8% for the mean sum of daily average Ambrosia pollen concentrations and 14% for the mean number of days Ambrosia pollen were recorded in the air). The direction of any trends varied locally and reflected changes in sources of the pollen, either in size or in distance from the monitoring station. Pollen monitoring is important for providing an early warning of the expansion of this invasive and noxious plant.     

Properties of Probiotics <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kocuria</Emphasis> SM1 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodococcus</Emphasis> SM2 Isolated from Fish Guts

This study characterized probiotics Kocuria SM1 and Rhodococcus SM2, which were recovered from the intestinal microbiota of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum). The cultures were Gram-positive, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative cocci or rods. Cell multiplication of SM1 and SM2 was observed at 4–37 °C (45 °C for SM1), in 0–20% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 2–11. The viability was not affected when exposed to pepsin at pH 2.0 and 3.0, and pancreatin at pH 8.0. Neither isolates were chrome azurol S-positive for siderophore production. Of the 19 common enzymes analysed using the API-ZYM system, only 8 were evident in the culture of SM1 compared to 11 enzymes for SM2. The secondary metabolites of both probiotics were inhibitory to Acinetobacter baumannii, Vibrio anguillarum and V. ordalii; SM2 inhibited Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. SM2 was resistant to penicillin and sulphatriad, out of six antimicrobial agents; SM1 was resistant to sulphatriad. These results suggest that Kocuria SM1 and Rhodococcus SM2 are able to grow over a wide range of temperature, salinity and pH, including in conditions that mimic the gastrointestinal environment of fish and produce extracellular enzymes that may have a role in the host digestive processes. Importantly, Rhodococcus SM2 displays a high degree of bacteriocinogenic potential against multi-drug-resistant human pathogens that have never been documented among the gut microbiota of fish.