Commercial SQUID Research Articles

Authentication of the species identity of squid rings using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS-based lipidome fingerprinting and chemoinformatics

Species mislabeling of commercial loliginidae squid can undermine important conservation efforts and prevent consumers from making informed decisions. A comprehensive lipidomic fingerprint of Uroteuthis singhalensis, Uroteuthis edulis, and Uroteuthis duvauceli rings was established using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based lipidomics and chemoinformatics analysis. The principal component analysis showed a clear separation of sample groups, with R2X and Q2 values of 0.97 and 0.85 for ESI+ and 0.96 and 0.86 for ESI-, indicating a good model fit. The optimized OPLS-DA and PLS-DA models could discriminate the species identity of validation samples with 100 % accuracy. A total of 67 and 90 lipid molecules were putatively identified as biomarkers in ESI+ and ESI-, respectively. Identified lipids, including PC(40:6), C14 sphingomyelin, PS(O-36:0), and PE(41:4), played an important role in species discrimination. For the first time, this study provides a detailed lipidomics profile of commercially important loliginidae squid and establishes a faster workflow for species authentication.

Impact of climate change on the distribution and habitat suitability of the world’s main commercial squids

Climate change is expected to have major negative effects on marine life across phylogenetic groups. Cephalopods, however, have life history characteristics that suggest they may benefit from certain climate change scenarios. Of all cephalopods, squids reach the greatest biomasses; as a result, they are of substantial importance for human and predator consumption. To test the hypothesis that the effects of climate change are beneficial for commercial squid, we used species distribution models on climate scenarios for the period between 2000 and 2014, as well as the years 2050 and 2100 (RCP [representative concentration pathway] 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5; CMIP5). Our results suggest that consequences of climate change scenarios are species specific. In the North Pacific and Northwest Atlantic, squid’s habitat suitability may increase (from + 0.83% [Doryteuthis pealeii] to + 8.77% increase [Illex illecebrosus]), while it is predicted to decrease in other regions (from − 1.03% [Doryteuthis opalescens] to − 15.04% decrease [Loligo reynaudii]). Increases in habitat suitability occurred mostly at higher latitudes (north of 50° N), while suitable habitat decrease was predicted for the tropical regions. These shifts in future habitat suitability were stronger under harsher emission scenarios. Starting in 2050 (with RCP scenarios 4.6, 6.0 and 8.5), as a result of warming of the Arctic, squid habitat may increase along both coasts of North America. In the Southern Hemisphere, squids may lose habitat with no poleward habitat alternatives to move into. Contrary to our hypothesis, these commercial squid do not stand to benefit from climate change. Since these squid are an important food source for marine megafauna and humans, it is imperative that climate change biogeographic impacts are considered for a sustainable management of this important group of molluscs.

Cadmium, lead, and mercury in two commercial squid species from the north Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean): contamination levels and health risk assessment

In this study, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and total mercury (Hg) concentrations in European squids (Loligo vulgaris) and flying squids (Todarodes sagittatus) from the northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) were analyzed. The risk of the Italian population being exposed to potentially hazardous metal concentrations through the consumption of these products was also assessed. Compared to European squids, flying squids showed three times higher total Hg concentrations and one hundred times higher Cd concentrations to the point that more than 6 and 25% of the samples exceeded the maximum Hg and Cd limits established by the current legislation. From the evaluation of dietary exposure levels, it emerged that the consumption of flying squids was associated with the highest Pb intake by children and, consequently, with the lower margin of exposure values in relation to the risk of neurotoxicity (margin of exposure=33). Consumption of flying squids, especially by children, was also associated with higher intakes of Cd, inorganic, and methyl-Hg, which, respectively, accounted for 156, 113, and 23% of the tolerable weekly intakes established for these contaminants at European level. The obtained results raise concern and it may be necessary to provide specific dietary advice on the moderate dietary consumption of some cephalopod species, especially to the youngest and most vulnerable segment of the population. However, besides the highly conservative deterministic method adopted in this study, a refined consumer exposure assessment should be performed through the probabilistic methodology, which is more suitable to represent the real exposure scenario.

Acceptability and Shelf-life Testing of Newly Formulated Crab Balls from Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)

Meatballs made from fishery products such as fish, shrimp, and squid are among the popular street foods in Asia. To meet the increasing demand for these street foods, there is a need to develop/formulate new balls out of fishery products. Hence, in this study, crab balls from blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) were formulated and standardized using three formulations (meat and binder ratio): Formulation A (50:50), Formulation B (60:40), and Formulation C (70:30). Sensory attributes such as flavor, color, texture (juiciness and chewiness), and general acceptability of the three formulations were evaluated by sensory panelists. Selected formulation was further analyzed in terms of shelf-life testing and comparison with the existing commercial squid ball. Consumer testing was also done to determine the feasibility of the formulated crab ball. Results revealed that Formulations B and C received the highest overall score of sensory attributes (p

Ascaridoid nematodes infecting commercially important marine fish and squid species from Bangladesh waters in the Bay of Bengal

Parasitic ascaridoid nematodes occur in a wide range of marine organisms across the globe. Some species of the anisakid family (Ascaridoidea: Anisakidae) can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans (i. e. anisakidosis). Despite their importance as potentially hazardous parasites, the occurrence and infection characteristics of ascaridoids are still poorly known from many host species and geographical areas. This study investigated the diversity and infection levels of ascaridoid parasites in various commercial fish and squid host species off Bangladesh. Fish and squid specimens were visually inspected for nematodes using the UV-press method. Nematodes were assigned to genus level based on morphology and identified by sequence analyses of the entire ITS region and partial 28S rDNA and mtDNA cox2 genes. Third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis typica occurred at low prevalence (P = 10% and 8%, respectively) in the viscera of Selar crumenophthalmus and Trichiurus lepturus, while Hysterothylacium amoyense occurred in the viscera of Sardinella fimbriata (P = 1%) and the viscera and muscle of Harpadon nehereus (P = 32%) and T. lepturus (P = 76%). Lappetascaris sp. Type A L3 occurred in the mantle of the squid Uroteuthis duvaucelii (P = 11%). Anisakis and Lappetascaris species, and H. amoyense were firstly identified in the Bay of Bengal. The potentially zoonotic A. typica was only found in fish viscera. Hysterothylacium amoyense and Lappetascaris sp., both generally regarded as non-zoonotic, occurred at low prevalence in the muscle or mantle of fish or squid, respectively. Since consumption of raw or lightly processed seafood seems to be rare in Bangladesh, the risk of acquiring anisakidosis from consuming fishery products from off Bangladesh appears to be low. Due to its reddish appearance, the visual presence of H. amoyense larvae in fish flesh may represent a food quality issue.

Integrated Optically Pumped Magnetometer for Measurements within Earth’s Magnetic Field

We present a portable optically pumped magnetometer instrument for ultra-sensitive measurements within the Earth's magnetic field. The central part of the system is a sensor head operating a MEMS-based Cs vapor cell in the light-shift dispersed Mz mode. It is connected to a compact, battery-driven electronics module by a flexible cable. We briefly review the working principles of the device and detail on the realization of both, sensor head and electronics. We show shielded and unshielded measurements within a static magnetic field amplitude of 50 uT demonstrating a noise level of the sensor system down to 140 fT/\sqrt{Hz} and a sensor bandwidth of several 100 Hz. In a detailed analysis of sensor noise we reveal the system to be limited by technical sources with straightforward strategies for further improvement towards its fundamental noise limit of 12 fT/\sqrt{Hz}. We assess the parameters defining the sensor bandwidth by theoretical modeling based on the Bloch equations. Finally, we compare our sensors' performance to a commercial SQUID system in a measurement environment typical for geomagnetic observatory practice and geomagnetic prospection.

Design of Opposed-Anvil-Type High-Pressure Cell for Precision Magnetometry and Its Application to Quantum Magnetism

We have developed a much sensitve technique to conduct magnetometry under ultrahigh pressures up to 6.3~GPa, which can detect a weak volume susceptibilities as small as $\sim 10^{-4}$. An opposed-anvil-type high-pressure cell is designed by numerical analysis to give nearly zero magnetic response, in a commercial SQUID magnetometer. We introduced procedures for subtracting background contributions from a high-pressure cell by taking displacements of the cell parts into account, and found a way of resolving tiny magnetism of a sample from given magnetometer response curves. A non-magnetic material, binderless tungsten carbide ceramic, is employed. To increase sample-signal-to-background ratio further, a conical shaped gasket and cupped anvils are introduced, yielding nearly ten times better space efficiency. The new set-up and analysis are applied to measure the paramagnetic susceptibilities of spin orbit entangled moment under pressures.

Identification of benthic egg masses and spawning grounds in commercial squid in the English Channel and Celtic Sea: Loligo vulgaris vs L. forbesii

European squid, Loligo vulgaris and veined squid, Loligo forbesii have nearly coinciding distributions in the northeast Atlantic, a similar reproductive seasonality, and largely overlapping depth ranges of spawning grounds. There are no unambiguous criteria to distinguish between egg masses of both species. This pioneering study was focused on the Celtic Sea and western part of the English Channel and combined both research survey data and observations by recreational divers (“citizen science”). Loligo vulgaris was found to reproduce there in late winter – spring; distribution of egg masses coincided with a bottom temperature range of 8.5−10 °C and bottom salinities of 35–35.5 psu. No L.forbesii egg masses were found across the study area though they are known from literature to occur in deeper areas further west. Based on original material and data from the literature, we provide a guideline to distinguish between egg masses of both squids based on egg size and embryonic stage as a tool to map species-specific spawning grounds, towards improved understanding of population structure, migrations and development of fisheries management measures.

Factors affecting mercury concentrations in two oceanic cephalopods of commercial interest from the southern Caribbean

Mercury (Hg) concentrations have significantly increased in oceans during the last century. This element accumulates in marine fauna and can reach toxic levels. Seafood consumption is the main pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity in humans. Here, we analyzed total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in two oceanic squid species (Ommastrephes bartramii and Thysanoteuthis rhombus) of an increasing commercial interest off Martinique, French West Indies. Stable isotope ratios reveal a negative linear relationship between δ15N or δ13C in diamondback squid samples. No significant trend was observed between δ34S values and T-Hg concentrations, contrasting with the sulfate availability and sulfide abundance hypotheses. This adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting Hg methylation via sulfate-reducing bacteria is not the main mechanism driving Hg bioavailability in mesopelagic organisms. All squid samples present T-Hg levels below the maximum safe consumption limit (0.5 ppm), deeming the establishment of a commercial squid fishery in the region safe for human consumption.

Temperature effects on size, maturity, and abundance of the squid Illex argentinus (Cephalopoda, Ommastrephidae) on the Patagonian Shelf

Cephalopod fisheries have expanded over the last decade. They are characterised by annual uncertainty in yield quantity and quality. This is attributed to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature combined with the semelparous life strategy (one reproductive cycle during life) of the majority of squid species. We determined the effect of environmental temperature on several individual- and population-level characteristics of Illex argentinus, a squid species in the South Atlantic that sustains one of the largest commercial squid resources in the world. The effect of temperature on dorsal mantle length, proportion of mature females, and abundance was determined in the context of the I. argentinus life cycle periods, and migration patterns. This was achieved by performing 520 linear regressions using a 20-year time series of fisheries data and monthly temperature data from the key regions associated with I. argentinus life cycle on the Patagonian Shelf in the Southwest Atlantic. Temperatures above 17.5 °C in the hatching grounds lead to smaller and less mature females in the Falkland Islands waters, during the feeding period. Larger females, a higher proportion of mature and maturing females, and a lower abundance of I. argentinus were found in the Falkland Islands waters when temperatures in the migration areas were higher than 13.5 °C. These findings will aid in the forecasting and assessment for future fishing seasons of this vital squid resource in the Southwest Atlantic.

Evaluation of α-Chitosan from Crab Shell and β-Chitosan from Squid Gladius Based on Biochemistry Performance

The objective of this study is to innovatively evaluate the biochemistry performance of α-chitosan from Portunus trituberculatus shell and β-chitosan from Illex argentinus squid gladius by using the weighted composite index method, and provide a theoretical basis for better development and utilization of chitosan biomedical materials. To build a composite evaluation system, seven key indicators, including molecular weight (Mw), deacetylation degree (DD), water binding capacity (WBC), fat binding capacity (FBC), thermal stability (TS), primary structure and secondary structure, which significantly affect chitosan biochemical characteristics, were determined and analyzed. The viscosity average Mw of chitosan was in the range of 22.5–377.1 kDa, and the DD was 83.4–97.8%. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of commercial chitosan (CS), crab chitosan (CSC) and squid chitosan (CSS) showed a downward trend in TS, while WBC and FBC showed an obvious upward trend. FT-IR had a similar profile in peak shape, but the peak position slightly shifted. CD indicated that chitosan maintained the double helix structure and multiple secondary structural elements. The composite weighted index values of CS, CSC and CSS were 0.85, 0.94 and 1.31 respectively, which indicated that the CSS biochemistry performance was significantly better than CSC, and β-chitosan has great potential in biomedical materials.

Northern Shortfin Squid (Illex illecebrosus) Fishery Footprint on the Northeast US Continental Shelf

Northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) have presented a challenge for US fishery management because of their life history traits and broad population distribution. They are characterized by a short semelparous lifespan and high interannual variability in recruitment. Much of the stock resides outside of the boundaries of existing US fisheries surveys and US fishing effort. Based on the annual migration pattern and broad geographic distribution of shortfin squid, it is believed that the US squid fishery in the Mid-Atlantic has not had a substantial impact on the stock; however, recent catches are viewed as tightly constrained by quotas. To better estimate the potential impact of fishing on the resource, we worked with industry representatives, scientists, and managers to estimate the availability of the northern shortfin squid stock on the US continental shelf to the US fishery. Taking a novel analytical approach, we combine a model-based estimate of the area occupied by northern shortfin squid with the empirical US commercial shortfin squid fishery footprint to produce estimates of the area of overlap. Because our method overestimates the fishery footprint and underestimates the full distribution of the stock, we suggest that our estimates of the overlap between the area occupied by the squid and the fishery footprint is a way to develop a conservative estimate of the potential fishery impact on the stock. Our findings suggest a limited degree of overlap between the US fishery and the modeled area occupied by the squid on the US continental shelf, with a range of 1.4–36.3%. The work demonstrates the value of using high-resolution, spatially explicit catch and effort data in a species distribution model to inform management of short-lived and broadly distributed species, such as the northern shortfin squid.

Magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of Ln0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (Ln = Pr, Bi) manganite

In this paper we compare the magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties of Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (PCMO) and Bi0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (BCMO) charge ordered manganites. PCMO and BCMO samples were prepared by solid state reaction method. A commercial SQUID magnetometer was used to study the dc-magnetization in the temperature range of 10-300 K. The EPR experiments were carried out using a commercial X-band (frequency ∼ 9.4 GHz) spectrometer in the temperature range 4 K – 300 K. Marked differences are found when the magnetic and EPR properties of rare earth (PCMO) and bismuth based manganites (BCMO) are compared. The temperature dependent resonance fields of PCMO and BCMO samples are seen to be opposite to each other. PCMO shows the resonance field behavior similar to other charge ordered manganites, i.e., decreases with the decrease in temperature whereas the resonance field of BCMO increases with a decrease in temperature. The opposite behavior of resonance field could be due to the different magnetic structures present in the BCMO manganite.

Using statolith shape analysis to identify five commercial Loliginidae squid species in Chinese waters

Identification of squids in the family Loliginidae is a time-consuming exercise because of the highly overlapping distributions of species and their overall similarity (fin shape and size, sucker ring dentition, and color). Identifying squid based on statolith morphology is considered more accurate than identifying species based on beaks or gladius morphology. We report and compare the statolith shape of five commercially Loliginidae squid (Uroteuthis (Photololigo) duvaucelii, U. edulis, U. chinensis, Loliolus beka, L. japonica) to determine how well these structures discriminate species. Based on statolith morphology, variation in the lateral and dorsal domes enables an 84.8% success rate at classifying species. Environmental factors correlate with statolith shape, and for vertically migrating squid, statolith relative size decreases with increased depth of habitation. Statolith morphology can be used to effectively and accurately identify species of Loliginidae squid occurring in Chinese waters, and may prove valuable for identifying and managing squid resources.

Effects of 800 MeV Xe Irradiation on 2H-NbSe2 Single Crystals

Effects of artificial defects on 2H-NbSe2 single crystals introduced by 800 MeV Xe irradiation with a dose equivalent matching field B Φ up to 8 T were studied. The bulk magnetization measurements performed by a commercial SQUID magnetometer reveal strong enhancement of critical current density in NbSe2 after introducing defects by 800 MeV Xe irradiation. T c is found to be robust against the 800 MeV Xe irradiation, while c-axis lattice parameter shows an obvious increase with increasing B Φ.

Spatio-temporal variations in the potential habitat of a pelagic commercial squid

An integrated habitat suitability index (HSI) model was developed for a pelagic commercial squid Ommastrephes bartramii in the Northwest Pacific Ocean based on three crucial environmental variables: sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a concentration (Chla) and sea surface height (SSH). The model was established by data from 2006 to 2014 and validated by data in 2015 on the basis of fishing effort and CPUE (catch-per-unit-effort). Results suggested that the HSI model had good capacity to predict habitat suitability for O. bartramii . Squid habitat quality showed significant monthly variation, the ranges of suitable habitats in July and August were much larger than those in September. Besides, the latitudinal location of suitable habitats gradually moved northward from July to September. Further, the spatial extents of potential habitat of O. bartramii across months were strongly regulated by favorable environmental conditions. The variability trends of monthly CPUE and LATG (latitudinal distribution of fishing efforts) were closely associated and consistent with spatio-temporal habitat variations during 2006–2015. Moreover, climate variability strongly affected habitat variations and squid stocks. Relative to the El Niño event in 2015, the La Niña event in 2007 yielded expanded suitable habitat from July to September, consequently, the CPUE was much higher. And the potential high-quality habitats in 2007 mainly located in northern regions except July comparing to 2015, leading to the higher latitudinal distribution of LATG in August and September 2007. Our findings indicated that O. bartramii habitats obviously varied from month to month and were largely affected by environmental changes. • Habitat patterns of Ommastrephes bartramii was examined by habitat modeling approach. • Spatio-temporal variations of O. bartramii habitats showed monthly patterns. • Climatic and environmental variability strongly affected O. bartramii habitats.

A SQUID-Based Picovoltmeter for Quantum Resistors

We present a sensitive voltage amplifier suited for measurements of source impedances in the k $$\Omega$$ range at dilution refrigerator temperatures. The circuit is based on a commercial dc SQUID, an impedance matching transformer, and it works on the principle of negative feedback. At 10 mK, the amplifier contribution to the noise is only 17 $$\text{pV/}\sqrt{\text{ Hz }}$$ , which is negligible in comparison with the fluctuations of the thermal voltage of a 3.25 k $$\Omega$$ metallic source resistor. Various circuit parameters of the amplifier are discussed.

Effect of feeding stimulants on growth performance, feed intake and appetite regulation of mandarin fish,Siniperca chuatsi

Mandarin fish is a typical carnivorous fish, it can accept artificial diet after domestication, which is significantly essential to optimize its artificial diet. Nevertheless, only few studies were conducted on artificial diet of mandarin fish. Therefore, an 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of feeding stimulants on growth performance, feed intake and appetite regulation of mandarin fish. In this trial, six diets were formulated, a basal diet contained 80% of Fish Meal without feeding stimulants, named as Control, 0.4% inosinic acid meal, 0.4% L‐Alanine meal, 3% Yeast meal, 3% a commercial squid extract meal and 0.4% betaine meal were added into the basal diet to make five experimental diets, which were named as IM, AM, YM, SVO and BM respectively. At the end of feeding trial, SVO group showed higher feed intake, up‐regulated mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and down‐regulated mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocorticoid (POMC) significantly as compared to control group, which suggested that squid extract improved feed acceptability and promoted appetite in mandarin fish. Similarly, compared to control group, SVO group showed low food conversion ratio, high weight gain and SGR, indicated that squid extract enhanced the growth performance. Our results suggested that the appropriate level of squid extract addition could contribute to optimize artificial diet in mandarin fish.

Note: Commercial SQUID magnetometer-compatible NMR probe and its application for studying a quantum magnet.

We present a compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe which is compatible with a magnet of a commercial superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer and demonstrate its application to the study of a quantum magnet. We employ trimmer chip capacitors to construct an NMR tank circuit for low temperature measurements. Using a magnetic insulator MoOPO4 with S = 1/2 (Mo5+) as an example, we show that the T-dependence of the circuit is weak enough to allow the ligand-ion NMR study of magnetic systems. Our 31P NMR results are compatible with previous bulk susceptibility and neutron scattering experiments and furthermore reveal unconventional spin dynamics.

Potential use of stable isotope and fatty acid analyses for traceability of geographic origins of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas).

Squid is an important seafood resource for Asian and European countries. With the continuous development of processed squid products, an effective traceability system has become increasingly prominent. Here, we attempt to trace the fishery products of the main target species, jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas), by using biochemical tracers. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13 C and δ15 N values) and fatty acid profiles were identified in squid from three harvest locations in the eastern Pacific Ocean by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, respectively. Comparative analysis was used to evaluate the geographic variations in tracers and to identify the suitable discriminatory variables among origins. Significant spatial variations were found in isotopic values and fatty acid profiles in squid muscle tissues, possibly because of different food availability and/or oceanographic conditions that each group experiences at a given location. The stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that δ15 N, C16:1n7, C17:1n7, C18:2n6, C20:1 and C20:4n6 were effective variables at differentiating origin. Combined use of stable isotope ratios and fatty acid analyses could trace geographic origins of jumbo squid. This study provides an alternative approach for improving authenticity evaluation of commercial squid products.