Transportation of organic matter to the sea floor by carrion falls of the giant jellyfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nemopilema nomurai</Emphasis> in the Sea of Japan

The fate of the giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai after death was examined in the southwest Sea of Japan. The density of dead jellyfish was greater than that of live animals. The dead animals are heavier than the Japan Sea Proper Water which occurs deeper than 200 m, suggesting that dead jellyfish sink to the sea floor. The sea floor survey, conducted with a towed video tape recorder (VTR) monitoring system between mid September and mid October, observed a total of 138 jellyfish during 28 of 29 operations. The density of carrion ranged between 0.2 and 5.1 individuals/1,000 m² (mean ± SE = 1.1 ± 0.2). Ophiuroids occurred abundantly at 23 jellyfish carcasses and a sea anemone was observed attached to five carcasses. The VTR surveys confirmed that carrion sinks to the sea floor not only during the winter, the normal end of life for medusae, but also during the fall. A trap survey baited with medusae was also employed, and four different species were sampled with the traps: the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), a shrimp (Pandalopsis japonica), the ivory shell (Buccinum striatissimum) and an ophiuroid (Ophiura sarsii). Much of the trap bait remained (49–68% weight-mean = 60.3%) during the 23 h soak-time, and the reduction in weight was greater than that observed by bacterial decomposition, suggesting benthic animals consume dead organisms. The present study indicates that dead N. nomurai sink to the sea floor continuously and were subsequently consumed by benthic scavengers.     

An improved approach for identifying suitable habitat of Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor Kerr) using ecological niche analysis and environmental categorization: Case study at Phu-Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary,Thailand

To assess habitat suitability (HS) has become an increasingly important component of species/ecosystem management. HS assessment is usually based on presence/absence data related to environmental variables. An exception is Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA), which uses only presence data and which does not require absence data. Most HS modelling is based on input of all environmental parameters (EnvPs) without environmental categorization, and does not take into account species interaction and human intervention for an assessment of HS. In this study, the EnvPs are arranged into four features: geographical features, consumable features, human-factor features, and species–human interaction features. These features affect species with respect to movement, behavior and activity. The research presented here has used an already existing dataset of wildlife species and human activities/visitations, which was compiled during 2004–2006 in Phu-Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (PKWS). Data from 2004 to 2005 were used to produce HS maps, while the data of 2006 were used for evaluating these maps. Sambar Deer (SD) was chosen to predict its own HS. Six HS maps of SD were analyzed using ENFA in the following manner: (1) inputting all EnvPs together, (2) inputting each feature, separately and (3) integrating the four resulting HS maps by model averaging. It was found that model averaging was capable of predicting the HS of SD more reliably than the model with all EnvPs put in together. Multiple linear regressions were computed between the HS map with all EnvPs and the HS maps with each feature. The results show that the HS map with only geographical features has the highest coefficient value (0.516) while the coefficient values of other HS maps with the above features are 0.296, 0.53 and −0.006, respectively. This indicates that the geographical features have an influence on the other features and that the predicting power is lower when all EnvPs are computed in the ENFA model. Therefore, in order to generate HS, each feature should at first be put into the model separately. Following that, the average of all features will be combined.     

Development of the automated cleanup system for the analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs

A new automated cleanup system for the analysis of dioxins (PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs) has been developed. It was controlled by PLC through the touch-panel. This automated cleanup system can simultaneously treat six samples in 2h, using only about 30 mL of solvent. In this study, the recovery rates of the internal standard added as cleanup spiked were between 70% and 120% in the fly ash sample. The RSDs (relative standard deviations) were below 15%. The shortest analysis time from cleanup to calculation of concentration was approximately 6h. Moreover, this automated cleanup system eliminates personal error in sample preparation and training time for the analyst, and improves the accuracy of the experiment. Additionally, this automated cleanup system allowed rapid analysis and less consumption of organic solvent.     

Photolysis of atrazine in aqueous solution: role of process variables and reactive oxygen species

Photochemical advanced oxidation processes have been considered for the treatment of water and wastewater containing the herbicide atrazine (ATZ), a possible human carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. In this study, we investigated the effects of the photon emission rate and initial concentration on ATZ photolysis at 254 nm, an issue not usually detailed in literature. Moreover, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is discussed. Photon emission rates in the range 0.87?×?10¹⁸–3.6?×?10¹⁸ photons L^?1 s^?1 and [ATZ]₀?=?5 and 20 mg L^?1 were used. The results showed more than 65 % of ATZ removal after 30 min. ATZ photolysis followed apparent first-order kinetics with k values and percent removals decreasing with increasing herbicide initial concentration. A fivefold linear increase in specific degradation rate constants with photon emission rate was observed. Also, regardless the presence of persistent degradation products, toxicity was efficiently removed after 60-min exposure to UV radiation. Experiments confirmed a noticeable contribution of singlet oxygen and radical species to atrazine degradation during photolysis. These results may help understand the behavior of atrazine in different UV-driven photochemical degradation treatment processes.     

Procurement of exogenous ammonia by the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polytes, for protein biosynthesis and sperm production

How to acquire sufficient quantity of nitrogen is a pivotal issue for herbivores, particularly for lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) of which diet quality greatly differs among their life stages. Male Lepidoptera often feed from mud puddles, dung, and carrion, a behavior known as puddling, which is thought to be supplementary feeding targeted chiefly at sodium. During copulation, males transfer a spermatophore to females that contains, besides sperm, nutrients (nuptial gifts) rich in sodium, proteins, and amino acids. However, it is still poorly understood how adults, mostly nectarivores, extract nitrogen from the environment. We examined the availability of two ubiquitous inorganic nitrogenous ions in nature, viz. ammonium (or ammonia) and nitrate ions, as nutrients in a butterfly, and show that exogenous ammonia ingested by adult males of the swallowtail, Papilio polytes, can serve as a resource for protein biosynthesis. Feeding experiments with ¹⁵N-labeled ammonium chloride revealed that nitrogen was incorporated into eupyrene spermatozoa, seminal protein, and thoracic muscle. Ammonia uptake by males significantly increased the number of eupyrene sperms in the reproductive tract tissues. The females also had the capacity to assimilate ammonia into egg protein. Consequently, it is evident that acquired ammonia is utilized for the replenishment of proteins allocable for reproduction and somatic maintenance. The active exploitation of exogenous ammonia as a nutrient by a butterfly would foster better understanding of the foraging and reproductive strategies in insects.     

A sex pheromone component novel to Ostrinia identified from Ostrinia latipennis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Summary. Extracts from the sex pheromone gland of Ostrinia latipennis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were analyzed by gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry. Only an EAD-active compound was detected in the extract, and it was identified as (E)-11-tetradecenol (E11-14:OH). In a wind-tunnel bioassay, E11-14:OH elicited a series of mate finding behaviors from males, although it was far less active than virgin females and crude extract of the pheromone gland. The attractiveness of E11-14:OH to O. latipennis males was confirmed by field trapping experiments. Based on these findings, we concluded that E11-14:OH, which is novel to the genus Ostrinia, is a major component of the sex pheromone in O. latipennis. The significance of the use of alcohol in place of the usual acetates in Ostrinia is discussed in relation to the pheromone biosynthesis system. Received 9 December 1999; accepted 14 March 2000     

Chemical basis for differential acceptance of two sympatric rutaceous plants by ovipositing females of a swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polytes (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae)

Summary. In the natural habitat of Papilio polytes, a Rutaceae feeder utilizing Toddalia asiatica as a major host plant, some other rutaceous plants such as Murraya paniculata (abundant) and Glycosmis citrifolia (relatively rare) occur sympatrically as potential hosts. Whereas G. citrifolia is occasionally infested in the field, M. paniculata remains entirely unexploited by the butterfly. We thus examined the phytochemical mechanisms that can explain the differential acceptance of the two plants by ovipositing females of P. polytes. The foliage of G. citrifolia was found to readily induce oviposition and females deposited eggs in response to a methanolic extract of the plant. Stimulatory activity-directed fractionation of the extract revealed the presence of two characteristic compounds, trans-4-hydroxy-N-methylproline and 2-C-methylerythronic acid, known to serve as oviposition stimulants for the butterfly. In addition, larvae performed as well or better onG. citrifolia as on T. asiatica. Similar examination of the inhibitory chemical constituents of M. paniculata led to the isolation of an oviposition deterrent. The compound, identified as trigonelline (N-methylpyridine- 3-carboxylic acid), exhibited moderate oviposition deterrency to females. These results combined with our previous data are in agreement with the observed differential utilization of the two plants by P. polytes in the field.     

中日合作项目国内外危险化学品安全管理初步研究

按照中日合作项目《加强中国安全生产科学技术能力计划》,分析了日本、美国、加拿大、德国、欧盟和联合国等国际危险化学品安全管理现状,总结提出了实施风险评价、申报登记、风险控制、信息警示和员工培训等国际危险化学品安全管理方式及其特点。同时,结合中国危险化学品安全管理现状,提出了系统化建设危险化学品安全生产法规标准体系、制定作业场所危险化学品卫生要求、修订《危险化学品安全管理条例》等进一步建立健全中国危险化学品安全管理的对策和建议。这对完善中国危险化学品安全管理具有重要的参考意义。     

Recovery of biomass cellulose from waste sewage sludge

In our previous work, the primary sludge from wastewater treatment plants was shown to contain a considerable amount of cellulose (about 20%, based on suspended solids) owing to the discharge of toilet paper. For the purpose of using the cellulose as a biomass resource, this study examined a simple method for its recovery. When fibrous cellulose was suspended in 0.3% sulfuric acid and autoclaved at 130°C for 60 min, 85%–88% of the initial solids remained without dissolving. Under these conditions, an activated sludge sample not containing cellulose was strongly hydrolyzed and only 7% of the initial solids remained. The prescribed amounts of cellulose added to the activated sludge sample were quantitatively recovered by the autoclaving treatment. In the treatment of primary sludge containing >20% cellulose, residual solids with relatively high levels of cellulose (>69%) could be obtained. The results indicate that the method proposed here could recover cellulose practically from waste sewage sludge for biomass utilization. Received: July 17, 2000 / Accepted: July 4, 2001     

Spawning pattern and type of fecundity in relation to ovarian allometry in the round herring <Emphasis Type="Italic">Etrumeus teres</Emphasis>

Spawning pattern (assessed by seasonal changes in ovarian developmental stages) and type of fecundity (assessed by analysis of oocyte-size frequency distributions) of the round herring Etrumeus teres were studied in relation to ovarian growth and seasonal changes in the gonadosomatic (GSI), hepatosomatic (HSI) and liposomatic (LSI) index as well as the somatic condition of spawners (CS) in a spawning ground of southern Japan. Except for summer, mature and recently spawned ovaries occurred all year round. Oogonia and primary oocytes were present in all ovaries, and cortical alveoli stage (CA) oocytes occurred in all mature, hydrated and partially spent (PS) females (PS: females containing post-ovulatory follicles). Before hydration, a clutch of larger yolked oocytes, undergoing synchronous growth (range 0.7–1.1 mm), was present in mature ovaries which was completely separated from a more heterogeneous clutch of oogonia, primary and secondary oocytes (<0.150 mm) and oocytes in the CA stage (range 0.15–0.60 mm). As vitellogenesis progressed, the yolked clutch increased in size but the CA oocytes remained arrested. The latter entered into the secondary growth phase when hydration started in the advanced batch. Ovarian growth was isometric in all developmental stages, validating the use of GSI, which showed a consistent monthly evolution among years. Spawning stopped in summer (July and August) and peaked in winter and spring. HSI correlated positively with GSI on both a monthly mean basis (r = 0.76) and individual fish basis (liver weight explained 67–83% of the variability in ovary weight when females were grouped into 1-unit GSI intervals) suggesting a significant role of liver in vitellogenesis. LSI and CS also showed marked seasonal changes peaking from summer to middle autumn. Overall results suggest that E. teres is a multiple spawner with a group-synchronous ovarian development and indeterminate annual fecundity, with the three processes linked to an isometric growth of the ovary. We propose that such a reproductive pattern is an adaptation to produce batches of large pelagic eggs through a protracted spawning season.