Biological invasions: recommendations for U.S. policy and management.

The Ecological Society of America has evaluated current U.S. national policies and practices on biological invasions in light of current scientific knowledge. Invasions by harmful nonnative species are increasing in number and area affected; the damages to ecosystems, economic activity, and human welfare are accumulating. Without improved strategies based on recent scientific advances and increased investments to counter invasions, harm from invasive species is likely to accelerate. Federal leadership, with the cooperation of state and local governments, is required to increase the effectiveness of prevention of invasions, detect and respond quickly to new potentially harmful invasions, control and slow the spread of existing invasions, and provide a national center to ensure that these efforts are coordinated and cost effective. Specifically, the Ecological Society of America recommends that the federal government take the following six actions: (1) Use new information and practices to better manage commercial and other pathways to reduce the transport and release of potentially harmful species; (2) Adopt more quantitative procedures for risk analysis and apply them to every species proposed for importation into the country; (3) Use new cost-effective diagnostic technologies to increase active surveillance and sharing of information about invasive species so that responses to new invasions can be more rapid and effective; (4) Create new legal authority and provide emergency funding to support rapid responses to emerging invasions; (5) Provide funding and incentives for cost-effective programs to slow the spread of existing invasive species in order to protect still uninvaded ecosystems, social and industrial infrastructure, and human welfare; and (6) Establish a National Center for Invasive Species Management (under the existing National Invasive Species Council) to coordinate and lead improvements in federal, state, and international policies on invasive species. Recent scientific and technical advances provide a sound basis for more cost-effective national responses to invasive species. Greater investments in improved technology and management practices would be more than repaid by reduced damages from current and future invasive species. The Ecological Society of America is committed to assist all levels of government and provide scientific advice to improve all aspects of invasive-species management.     

Allorathkea ankeli n. gen. n. sp. und Thamnostoma eilatensis n. sp. —zwei neue Hydromedusen (Anthomedusae: Hydrozoa) aus dem Roten Meer

Two new hydromedusae collected in 1970 in the Eilat Bay (Red Sea) are here described as Allorathkea ankeli n. gen. n. sp. and Thamnostoma eilatensis n. sp. A. ankeli (Family Rathkeidae) is characterized by 8 radial canals, dichotomously branched oral arms, and solid marginal tentacles arranged in 8 groups. T. eilatensis (Family Bougainvilliidae) possesses 4 solitary marginal tentacles, 4 interradial gonads and dichotomously branched oral tentacles inserted above mouth-rim.     

Histology of Sculpin spp. in east Greenland. I. Histological measures

There is inadequate morphological nomenclature and definition of organ pathology when using wild fish in biomonitoring of environmental pollution. The aim of this investigation was to provide a guide that assesses histology of Shorthorn (Myoxocephalus scorpius) and Fourhorn (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) sculpins obtained from a study using these two fish species as bioindicator organisms to evaluate environmental impact attributed to a dumpsite located in East Greenland. Specific histopathological lesions were quantified on the basis of Bernet et al. and all lesions were photomicrographed, evaluated, and placed into specific categories of five reaction patterns. These were circulatory disturbances, regressive changes, progressive alterations, inflammation, and tumors based on anatomical location, type, and severity. This method is postulated to enable an objective assessment of the histological integrity of fish gills and liver; thus, making it possible to compare sculpin pathology and reaction patterns at different locations. Data suggest that this updated histological guide might be used for identification and quantification of histological lesions when applying sculpins in biomonitoring programs in Greenland and other Arctic regions.     

纳米级TiO2抑制微囊藻生长的实验研究

纳米级TiO2表观上可吸附并抑制单细胞原核蓝藻铜绿微囊藻大型变种的生长。从生理上分析纳米级TiO2具有促进藻内O2^-.的产生、抑制包括SOD、CAT在内的抗氧化酶系与总抗氧化能力，最终表现在藻体可溶性蛋白含量下降、脂质氢过氧化物含量积累的增加。激光扫描共聚焦分析结果表明纳米级TiO2处理过的藻体自发荧光强度较对照明显减弱，显示其生命力的降低。