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Jose Micabalo Oclarit, PhD.

Doc Oclarit

Dr. Jose M. Oclarit

PERSONAL DATA

Name :  Dr.  Jose Micabalo Oclarit

Date of Birth : August 31, 1957

Place of Birth:  Saray, Salay, Misamis Oriental, The Philippines

Civil Status :   Married

Religion :        Seventh-Day Adventist (since 1974)

Wife :   Evelyn Rondina Frasco

Son : Jose Mikhael Frasco Oclarit

DR. JOSE MICABALO OCLARIT

Dr. Jose Micabalo Oclarit is an eminent, distinguished scientist and professor in the scientific community both internationally and nationally. His specialty includes Medical Biochemistry, Medical Physiology, Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy. Presently, he is full time Professor of Medicine & Biochemistry at the Mathias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine of Southwestern University, Cebu City, teaching subjects in Medical Physiology and Biochemistry. Lately, he is also adjunct Professor of Medical Biochemistry at the Cebu Doctors University College of Medicine in Cebu City. On top of his teaching post, he also served (on part-time basis) as Medical Consultant and the Vice President for Research & Development of the Vital C Health Products, Inc. Recently, he is designated as the Director for Research of the Don Matias H Aznar Memorial College of Medicine for the Southwestern University (SWU-MHAMCM). Previously, he also served as Professor at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology of the College of Medicine, Mindanao State University, Mindanao Philippines from 1986 to 2007.

For 28 years, he held a tenure track position as Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, College of Science & Mathematics in 1981 to 2008. From 2008-2011, he was recruited as Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Mountain View College (an international school of the Department of Education of Seventh-Day Adventist World-wide), Valencia City, Bukidnon. Also in 2008, he joined the group called the Integrated Health Care Center (IHCC), in Colton, California under the leadership of Dr. Ariel Garcia and Dr. Vigilanda M. Solijon. He also teaches Medical Physiology under the program leading to the degree of Missionary Natural Doctors (MND) offered by the Center since 2010. At the center, Dr. Oclarit was exposed to about 32 modalities of diagnosis and treatment at IHCC including treatment of cancers, thyroid diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and other degenerative maladies

He first started Zoology- Premedical course in 1979 at the Mindanao State University, but finally finished a Baccalaureate degree in Marine Biology. He then earned his Master of Science major in Human Physiology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City in 1987 as a National Science Scholar under the auspices of the National Science Development Board (now the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines). In 1994, he obtained his PhD in Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Japan. He had also obtained three postdoctoral degrees: (1) Genetic Engineering and Sequencing of bacterial genes that are producing antibiotics and (2) the Biochemistry of Essential Fatty Acids such as the DHA and EPA both at the Agency of Science and Technology of Japan from 1995-1999 and (3) in 2000-2001 he studied the mechanisms and role of calcium in depressed patients under the tutorship of Dr. John Crayton and Dr. Lukaz Konopka at the Edward Hines Veterans Hospital in Chicago Illinois, U.S.A.

In 1996, he was awarded as one of the Outstanding Young Scientists of the Philippines in the area of Applied Biochemistry by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), an honorific institution affiliated with the Royal Society of London, England and the highest collegial academic body here in the Philippines, for his outstanding contribution in the world science having discovered two novel (new) compounds: one anticancer agent against human blood cells and the other an antibiotic. At the time when was recognized as a pre-eminent scientist he was then listed as one of the WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD since 1996 up to present. The world has also recognized him as top Marine Biotechnologist in the Philippines along with another scientist at the University of the Philippines.

In year 2000, he was also awarded as the most Outstanding Researcher in Industry and Energy by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research & Development in year 2000 for his discovery of an anti-tuberculosis drug from a marine organism. He has written several papers in the international and national journals and earned numerous other awards and scientific publications in science and technology over the last 30 years. Remarkably, Dr. Oclarit had been invited as International Speaker of various international symposia abroad in the field of biomedical sciences and biotechnology. He had been lecturing several times in Europe (in the Netherlands-1998, in Spain -2003, and in Scotland – 2007, Bremen Germany – 2009), Japan (1996), Indonesia (1998, 2008), Thailand (1999), in the United States of America (2008, 2009, 2010), Bangladesh (2010); Hongkong (2011); Singapore (2011), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (December 2011), and Indonesia (2012). In May 8-23, 2014 he was sent to Accra, Ghana, Africa to lecture on the importance of alkaline Vitamin C and other supplements in intervening and managing diseases. In 2005-2007, he was commissioned by the national government to do research on omega-3 fatty acids at the International Biotechnology Research Center in Tigbauan, Iloilo (SEAFDEC).

Recently, he is still pursuing the anti-tubercular drug development, sequel to what he discovered in year 2000. He had been engaged on researches on natural products against diabetes in collaboration with Dr. Phil Crews of the Department of Chemistry, University of California in Santa Cruz, U.S.A. Also recently, he is doing clinical studies on the megadose treatment of alkaline vitamin C (Vital C), carageenan, natural products chemistry particularly bioactive substances and metabolites from marine sponges, and isolation of omega-3 compounds from special groups of microorganisms that he had discovered and isolated. Also he is presently involved in other aspects of pharmacognosy and pharmacodynamics of novel substances.

Dr. Oclarit is active as Life-Time member in several scientific organizations: Permanent member of the (a) National Research Council of the Philippines, the premier research body of the Philippines, (b) The American Society of Microbiology, (c) Philippine Society of Microbiology, (d) Federation of Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology affiliated that of the International Union of Biochemistry, (e) The Outstanding Scientist Association of the Philippines. In 2012, he became a member of the Philippine Association of Academic Biochemists (an association of all medical professionals who are teaching Medical Biochemistry subject) all throughout the Philippines. Also, a member of the European Union of Biotechnologists, and also an active member of the Federation of Institutions for Marine and Freshwater Sciences (a national organization of marine scientists in the Philippines). In year 2007, he was accepted as full member of the world’s biggest and most prestigious scientific organization in science and technology, the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE), and the Oceanic Engineering Society. He also served as international referee for the scientific articles published in many international journals and international reader of PhD dissertations of Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India and other in international universities.

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Post Doctoral Experience on Calcium Regulation related to Depression and other Neurological Disorders (November 1, 2001 to February 2002), under the tutorship of Dr. Lukasz Konopka, Edward Hines, Jr Hospital for Veterans Affairs, Hines, Illinois, U.S.A.

Post Doctoral Fellow in Molecular Biology and Fatty Acid Analysis (1996-1997) at the Chugoku National Industrial Research Institute (now the National Institute for Advanced Science and Technology), Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Title of Researches: (1) 16S rDNA Sequencing of Bacterial genes that are producing Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA); (2) Isolation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) from the marine bacteria associated with marine sponges found in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.Ph.D. Applied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (1994), Department of Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima, Japan. Title of Research: Chemical and Biological Studies of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Marine sponges of Japan.M.Sc. Biology (Physiology) (1987) – Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines, College of Science, Diliman, Quezon City, the Philippines. Title of Research: Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of the some selected marine Sponges of Lanao Norte, Philippines.B.S. Zoology/Marine Biology (1979) – Department of Biology, Mindanao State University, Marawi City, the Philippines

MAJOR AWARDS, DISTINCTIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS RECEIVED

1. National Outstanding Young Scientist of the Philippines Award (Applied Biochemistry) for 1996. The most prestigious award of science in the Philippines, awarded yearly by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the highest collegial body of Philippine Science which is also affiliated that of the Royal Society of London, England. This award was given in grateful recognition of an outstanding contribution to science for having discovered two novel compounds: (1) Clathrynamide, and anticancer agent against human myeloid cells. This is found in the 1st chapter of his PhD dissertation and is published in the international Journal of organic chemistry, Tetrahedron Letters. Please see this entry under the list of publications elsewhere in this curriculum vitae; (2) 7,7-bis (3-indolyl-p-cresol), a novel antibiotic against Gram-positive bacteria. This is found in the 4th chapter of his PhD. dissertation and published in the international Journal, the Natural Products Letters (see entry of this under the list of publication). Both molecules were patented in Japan by Ajinomoto and Suntory companies, respectively, since they were the ones who has funded the research projects we have.

2. National Outstanding Researcher in Industry and Energy for the year 2000 (National Level – First Place) Awarded by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD), one of the sectoral councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This award was given after a very stiff competition from the regional level and then at the national level. The award was given in recognition for the discovery of an antituberculosis drug obtained and isolated from a certain species of sponge, Dysidea sp.

3. Regional Outstanding Research Award In Industry and Energy for the year 2000 (Mindanao Competition- First Place). This award was given by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) in recognition of the discovery of an tubercular drug from the marine sponge obtained in Camiguin Island, the Philippines.

4. Regional-Zonal Best Paper Awardee (First Place) 1999. Awarded by the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) another sectoral council of the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines. The award was given in recognition for the best research in marine science during the 4th Zonal Review of R & D of PCAMRD held in November of 1999 at Iligan City, the Philippines. (Zonal or Regional Level)

5. National Best Paper Awardee (4th Place) 2000 National Level. A paper on the “Polybrominated antibiotic compounds from marine sponges of Camiguin Island Philippines. Awarded during the Annual Scientific meeting of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, January 2000, Manila, Philippines.

6. Regional Best Paper 1st Place Awardee 2005 of the paper entitled: “Antimycotic Activity of DNA-Binding Metabolite Isolated from Sandfish (Holothuria scabra) Cuverian tubules”. Awarded by the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research & Development during the 10th Zonal IV R D & E Review and Planning Workshop held at the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, last October 13-15, 2005.

7. Best Paper 1st Place Awardee 2005 (Professional Category) of the paper entitled: “Antimycotic Activity of DNA-Binding Metabolite Isolated from Sandfish (Holothuria scabra) Cuverian tubules”. Awarded by the Federation of Institutions for Marine and Freshwater Sciences (FIMFS) held during its 37th Annual Convention held at the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental last October 13-15, 2005.

8. Outstanding Professor (Teacher) of the University in 1997 in the field of Applied Biochemistry. The award was given by the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, The Philippines on occasion of its 26th Foundation Day celebration. This award was given in recognition of my outstanding contribution in the field of applied biochemistry, natural products chemistry, and molecular biology program of the University. It was through my efforts that the Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was established at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.

9. Outstanding Recognition for Science and Technology in 1994. The award was given by the Government in the City of Iligan in grateful recognition and commendation of my achievements in field of science and technology. This award was also given in recognition of my being a scholar and researcher in biological and allied sciences.

10. National Outstanding Achievement Award (in Microbiology) in 1999. The Philippine Association of Japanese Ministry of Education Scholars (PHILAJAMES), in collaboration with the Japanese Information and Cultural Center (JICC), Manila, has awarded scholars who have outstanding achievements and contribution in each respective field of specialization that also brought prestige and honor for the country in general.

11. International Distinction having been cited as Scientist in Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Cited in the WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003.

12. Scholar MONBUSHO (Japanese Ministry of Education and Science) SCHOLAR (1990-1994). I emerged as No. 1 among all the applicants of the scholarship competition in the southern Philippines. This scholarship has enabled me to undertake my doctoral work at Hiroshima University, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Department of Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hiroshima, Japan.

13. National Science Scholar (1980-1984) – I was awarded the National Science Scholarship by the National Science Development Board (NSDB) now presently called the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines after taking a rigorous screening both written and oral examinations conducted nation-wide in the field of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English. I emerged as the only scholar for that year 1980 in the field of Biology. This scholarship has enabled me to undertake my master’s degree at the most prestigious institution of higher learning in the country, the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

14. MSU SCHOLAR. The Mindanao State University (MSU) Scholarship is held every year and I became one of the recipients of that scholarship in the year 1974. MSU is the second largest national university in the Philippines. Through this scholarship I was able to finish my baccalaureate degree, without which, I could not have finished a college education.

15. Consistent Honor Graduate – having been Valedictorian in the primary and elementary grades, First Honors in high school and with Special Distinction in Science and Mathematics at the collegiate level.

16. International-Grand Award Winner On Research in Microbiology (2nd Place), during the 53rd International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held at Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A. last May 11-16, 2002. This is the Science Olympics of all science fairs world-wide every year participated by 40 countries and 50 states of the United States of America.

17. National Award Winner – First Prize Research on Wonder Drug from Sibukao tree (Ceasalpenia sapan) – National Invention Week, November 18-25, 2002, Pasay City.

18. National Award winner – First Prize, Wonder Drug from Sibukao Tree (Ceasalpenia sapan), INTEL Philippines Science and Engineering Fair, UP Diliman, Quezon City, February 17-21, 2003.

19. National Award Winner – First Prize, Antibiotic-producing Microbial Isolates from Marine Sponges of Mindanao – National Invention Week held at the Philippine Trade Center, on November 25-29, 2003, Manila Philippines. This research was a recipient of two major awards: Philipps Philippines and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Best Research in Industry (both award titles garnered the First Prize award). This research was presented at the Malacañang Palace during the awarding ceremonies on November 29, 2003.

20. Award Winner Adviser and Consultant – First Prize Winner of the INTEL Philippine Science and Engineering Fair (Regional Level), held on Dec. 12-13, 2004 at CARAGA Region, Butuan City in the research entitled: The neuromuscular blocking effect of hairy “Galinsoga” plant extract, a potential anti-epileptic substance.

21. Award Winner Adviser- First Prize Winner of the SIBOL Award (Regional Competition) held at Davao City last October 17-19, 2006.

22. Outstanding Salayano Award (2005) – An award of given by the initiative of Vice- Mayor Dr. Rene Rafisura through the Salay Handmade Paper Industries, Inc. given in December 2005.

23. Best Research Paper (First Place) – entitled Development Historicity and Saccharide Heterogeneity on a Philippine Thraustochytrid Strain OT 01: A Rich omega-3 Producer and its Implications in biotechnological applications. First Region-wide Best Research Congress, Region 10 and Commission on Higher Education, Council of Deans of Graduate Schools in Region 10. Dec. 1, 2007.

MAJOR RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS

1. Discovered New Source of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids such as Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Arachidonic Acid (AA) from Philippine Thraustochytrids (Heterokonts) of Central and Southern Philippines. -on the upscaling phase of the project.

2. Piloting of DHA Production from Thraustochytrids through Industrial Chemical Isolation.3. Discovered two novel compounds from marine sponges: one anti-cancer agent and another antibiotic against Gram-positive bacteria.4. Discovered, anti-fungal compounds from marine sponge, Theonella sp. (patent pending), Prof. Catherine Puno, Co-author.5. Discovered anti-tubercular drugs from a marine sponge Dysidea sp. (patent pending). Dr. Marvelisa Carmona, Co-author, Engr. Josephus Monsalud, Collaborator; Dr. Yukiho Yamaoka, Collaborator.6. Discovered several antibiotic-producing microbial isolates from marine sponges (patent pending) – Batbatan Co-author.7. Discovered broad spectrum antibiotic substance from the marine sponge, Thorecta sp., Co-author Pilar de la seña.8. Discovered a metabolite from Holothuria scabra, that binds with DNA controlling the cell division of eukaryotic cells: an important lead to the discovery of anticancer and antitumor agents.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

  1. Apao, Monabelle and Oclarit, Jose M. 2013. Fractionation and Quantitative Analysis of Different Lipid Components of Schizochytrium sp (POL01 strain). Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology.
  2.  Lucena, Mary Ann, E.B. Metillo and J. M. Oclarit*. 2012. Prevalence of CTX-M extended spectrum ß-lactamase Enterobacteriacea at a private tertiary hospital in the Southern Philippines. Phil. Journal of Science Vol 141 (1):117-121.
  3.  Oclarit, J.M., N. L. Hepowit, and C.G. Batbatan. 2011. Developmental Historicity and Saccharide heterotrophy of Schyzochytrium sp OTO1: Implication of biotechnological application. Asia Life Science.
  4.  Oclarit, J.M. Metillo, E.B. and Battung, Mary Jocelyn. 2011. Increased Biomass and Absorption of Used Diesel Oil by Thraustochytrids. Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering. pp 1-4.
  5.  Oclarit, J. M. and Ian Benje M. Belarmino. 2009. Quantitative Analysis of Omega-3 Alipathic Acid from Schizochytrium grown under Different Spectral Photo Emissions. Oceans 2009. Bremen, Germany. (Proceedings).
  6.  H. Fuse, K. Murakami, ML Carmona, and Jose M. Oclarit. 2000. Use of sponge as an adsorbent of Cd, Cu, Ni, Co ions in water. Nippon Kagaku.
  7.  Oclarit, J.M. 2008. Insulin and Mitochondrial Functions: Implications on Fasting and Reflections on Sabbath Keeping. Christ in the Classroom Series Vol 38. Loma Linda University, California, U.S.A.
  8.  Balala, Arvin C. and J. M. Oclarit. 2007. Toxic heavy metal biosorption by some marine bacteria isolated from the sediments of industrial effluents of Iligan Bay. Annals of Tropical Rresearch Vol. 29 (2). Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines.
  9.  Pangan, Abigail Clarice G., Frederick A. Uy, and Jose M. Oclarit. 2008. Antimicrobial properties of some marine sponges (Porifera) from Mactan, Cebu, Philippines. Philippine Scientist Vol. 44.
  10.  Oclarit, J.M. and N. L. Hepowit. 2007. DNA Amplicons Using arbitrary primers distinguish polymorphic loci among mangrove Thraustochytrid Genomes. Proc. Of the Oceans 2007 International Conference, Aberdeen Scotland, U.K. 18-21 June 2007.
  11. Oclarit, J.M. and N.L. Hepowit, 2007. Philippine Thraustochytrids: A Rich New Source of Omega-3 (DHA) compounds for aquaculture and human Nutrition. Proc. Of the International Symposium on Marine Microbiology and Environmental Implications to Biotechnology, – by German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD and the University of the Philippines, Marine Science Institute. January 6-8, 2007.
  12. Yamaoka, Y., Carmona, M. L., Oclarit, J.M., Jin, K., Shibata, Y. 2006. Characterization of water-soluble organoarsenic compounds in marine sponges. Applied Organometallic Chemistry 20:545-548. Wiley Inter Science Publications.
  13. Yamaoka, Y., Ohta, S., Carmona, M.L., and Oclarit, J.M. 2006. Content and composition of brominated compounds in marine sponges. Bull. Soc. Sea Water Sci. Jpn. 60:195-198.
  14. Oclarit, J.M. and N. L Hepowit. 2006. Antimycotic Activity of DNA-Binding Metabolite Isolated from Sandfish (Holothuria scabra) Cuverian Tubules. (Submitted for publication to the Journal of Aquatic Sciences).
  15. Oclarit, Jose M. and C. G. Batbatan. 2005. Antibiotic-producing isolates ascribed from marine sponges of Turtle Island, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 2(2):23-29.
  16. Oclarit, Jose M., M. L. Carmona, and S. Ohta. 2003. Polybrominated phenols from marine sponge Dysidea sp. As potential antitubercular drug. Journal of Biomolecular Engineering Vol. 20 No. 2-3. Elsevier Publications July 2003.
  17. Yamaoka, Y., M. Carmona, J.M. Oclarit, K. Jin, and Y. Shibata. 2001. Arsenic compounds in marine sponges (Haliclona permolis, Halichondria japonica, Halichondria okadai, and Haliclona sp) from Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Applied Organometallic Chemistry 15(4):261-265.
  18. Oclarit, J.M., and M. Carmona. 2000. A New and Potent Polybrominated compound from the marine sponge Dysidea sp. Proceedings of the 4th Zonal Review of the Research and Development of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD), Nov. 1999, Iligan City, Philippines.
  19. Oclarit, J.M. 1999. Comprehensive Search for Bioactive Compounds from marine sponges and their associated microorganisms in the Southern Philippines. Technical Report 1999. Submitted to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension, Mindanao State University, Iligan City, the Philippines.
  20. Malaluan, R., M. L. Carmona, Y. Yamaoka, S. Ohta, and J.M. Oclarit. 1998. Applications of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in the Extraction of a Bioactive Compound from the Marine Sponge Dysidea sp. Proceedings of the 8th Asia Pacific Conference of Chemical Engineers (APCChE), Soeul, Korea, August 1998.
  21. Fuse, H., M. Ohta, O. Takimura, K. Murakami, H. Inoue, Y. Yamaoka, T. Omori and J.M. Oclarit. 1998. Oxidation of trichloroethylene and dimethyl sulfide by a marine Methylmicrobium strain containing soluble methane monooxygenase. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 62(10): 1925-1931.
  22. Oclarit, J.M. and S. Ikegami. 1998. Andrimid, a peptide-like antibiotic produced by a bacterium associated with the sponge Hyatella sp. In: Sponges Sciences: a Multidisciplinary Approach. Springer-Verlag, USA. p. 391. (a section in the book).
  23.  Oclarit, J.M. and Y. Yamaoka. 1998. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) obtained from some marine sponges and their associated microorganisms. Proceedings of the International Conference on Asian Network on Microbial Researches, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia. February 23-25, 1998.
  24. Oclarit, J.M. , H. Okada, S. Ohta, K. Kamimura, Y. Yamaoka, T. Iizuka, S. Miyashiro, and S. Ikegami. 1994. Anti-bacillus substance from a strain of the bacterium Vibrio species bacterium. Microbios 87:7-16.
  25.  Oclarit, J.M, S. Ohta, K. Kamimura, Y. Yamaoka, T. Shimizu, and S. Ikegami. 1994. A novel antimicrobial substance from a strain of the bacterium Vibrio sp. Natural Products Letters 4:309-312.
  26. Oclarit, J.M., S. Ohta, K. Kamimura, Y. Yamaoka, and S. Ikegami. 1994. Production of o-aminophenol by a bacterium isolated from the marine sponge Adocia sp. Fisheries Science 60(5):559-562).

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