Aerial defense of the nest by workers of the stingless bee Trigona (Tetragonisca) angustula (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Summary The stingless bee Trigona (Tetragonisca) angustula has a sophisticated defense strategy against flying insect predators at the entrance of its nest. Groups of worker bees hover on both sides in front of the nest entrance tube, facing a flight corridor leading to the nest. Intruders which enter this corridor are attacked by these bees from the side and from behind and are forced to the ground by biting bees clinging to their wings. T. angustula is subject to predation by Lestrimelitta limao, a cleptobiotic stingless bee which performs organized raids on other nests to rob food supplies, larval provisions and nest constructing material. The presence of citral, released by L. limao during the raids, leads to a rapid increase in the number of hovering guard bees in front of T. angustula nests. This recruitment in response to citral suggests that the defense behavior in T. angustula has evolved under the pressure of L. limao raids and that citral functions in T. angustula as an alarm kairomone.     

丙烯腈-丁二烯-苯乙烯塑料、四溴双酚A混合物的热解实验:含溴二噁英生成研究

模拟电子垃圾热回收处理过程,将丙烯腈-丁二烯-苯乙烯塑料(ABS)、四溴双酚A(TBBPA)分别与4种金属(Cu、Fe、Zn和Ni)进行混合,在自制的加热装置内开展了不同气氛、不同温度条件下热解实验研究。对产物溴代二噁英(PBDD/Fs)检测显示,2,3,7,8-TBDF、2,3,7,8-TBDD及1,2,3,4,7,8-与1,2,3,6,7,8-Hx BDD为主要产物,其中2,3,7,8-TBDF含量最高,约占总PBDD/Fs的12%~90%。反应生成的8种2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs浓度范围为0.05~2 082 ng·g-1。在同等实验条件下,温度升高有利于ABS塑料混合物中PBDD/Fs的生成。Cu、Fe、Zn和Ni四种金属都具有催化效应。空气、氮气气氛下热解实验显示,空气气氛下PBDD/Fs的生成量大,2种条件下生成的二噁英总量比值在0.8~99.6之间变化。无金属催化条件下此比值变化范围较小,为0.8~1.5;在金属参与条件下,此比值变化范围加大,为1.2~99.6;其中,在Cu和Fe参与下,此比值较高。各种热解条件下形成的PBDD/Fs都具有PBDFsPBDDs的特征。研究结果说明,虽然无金属参与条件下含TBBPA的ABS热解生成溴代二噁英浓度较低,但金属(如Cu等)存在时,此类污染物的浓度显著增加。     

Defensive secretions from the larvae ofApatania fimbriata (Pictet) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

Summary When the larvae of the caddis flyApatania fimbriata (Pictet) are threatened, drops of fluid appear on their head capsules. The secretions are produced in a gland in the dorsal part of the prothorax. The neck region contains an eversible sac with numerous single setae, groups of 3 setae, or rows of setae on the surface. The secretion is released through two paris of orifices on the lateral sides of the sac. For the most part the secretion is composed of some 30 fatty acids, with the major components having 12–14 carbon atoms and up to 4 double bonds (approx. 1–2 µg secretion per specimen). Biotests with synthetic saturated acids (C₆–C₁₂) in a stream and in the laboratory demonstrated a paralysing effect on small invertebrate predators (Rhyacophila sp.,Plectrocnemia conspersa, Hydropsyche sp., larvae, all Trichoptera). In choice experiments,Rhyacophila sp. larvae preferred larvae ofAgapetus fuscipes andDrusus annulatus (Trichoptera) as food as compared withApatania fimbriata larvae. Larger predators, such asDinocras cephalotes (Insecta, Plecoptera) and the fishCottus gobio, did not discriminate betweenApatania fimbriata and other prey species. The use of fatty acids in defensive secretions is interpreted as an adaptation to the running water environment. They are effective repellents againstRhyacophila sp. larvae, the most important predator in the natural environment ofApatania larvae.     

Occurrence of the Dinoflagellate Gymnodinium Catenatum (Graham) Along the Mediterranean Coast of Alexandria (Egypt)

A monitoring programme during 4 years (1993-1996) was established in four eutrophic marine basins along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria (Egypt) to follow the occurrence of a newly recorded dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum and ambient environmental conditions. the species achieved its massive occurrence in warm seasons at low salinity, density stratified water column and different nutrient concentrations. A simple statistical approach showed temperature and phosphate to effect its distribution. Apparently no cases of toxic effect have accompanied the occurrence of G. catenatum. the regular occurrence of the species during the 4 year survey mean the existence of its benthic resting cysts, which certainly have important implications for its distribution dynamics.     

DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalat)

Background, Goal and Scope

The plasticiser DEHP is suspected to affect the human reproductive system as an endocrine disruptor (Latini et al. 2004). A meta-analysis was performed to compare annual production amounts and daily uptake of DEHP.

Methods

For this purpose, production data were used from annual publications of the Federal Statistical German Agency (Statistiches Bundesamt) and daily uptake values on the basis of urinary secretion of DEHP metabolites from Wittassek et al. (2007a).

Results

It is shown that the daily uptake of DEHP by German university students is strictly and almost perfectly correlated with the industrial production of DEHP in Germany (correlation coefficient >0.9).

Discussion

The annual production amounts are reflected by the daily uptake values. When the production amount is high, the uptake increases; when the production amount is low, the uptake decreases.

Conclusions

This strict correlation allows the extrapolation of daily DEHP uptake for the 1970s years. On this basis it can be assumed that, at least for a part of the German population, the TDI of 50 μg/kg BW/day was exceeded. Because of their higher susceptibility and, therefore, higher uptake rate (Becker et al. 2004), a considerable exposure for infants might have occurred in these years.     

Chemically mediated interactions between the red algaPlocamium hamatum (Rhodophyta) and the octocoralSinularia cruciata (Alcyonacea)

Interactions between the red algaPlocamium hamatum J. Agardh (Rhodophyta) and other benthic organisms including the alcyonacean soft coralSinularia cruciata (Tixier-Durivault) were investigated on an inshore fringing reef environment in whichP. hamatum was the dominant large fleshy alga. Field observations of sessile reef organisms including octocorals and sponges living in close proximity toP. hamatum revealed that varying degrees of tissue necrosis were suffered by the invertebrates when in physical contact with the alga. In order to establish whether the chemical constituents of the alga, especially chloromertensene, played a role in this necrosis, manipulative field experiments were carried out in the Pelorus Channel, Palm Island group (18°34S; 146°29E), North Queensland, Australia, in November and December 1988. The first experiment involved the relocation of healthy plants and soft corals into contact and non-contact situations on a mesh grid. In all cases of contact betweenP. hamatum andS. cruciata, the soft coral suffered tissue necrosis (n=6,p=0.0022). The second experiment had the same design, but involved the use of artificial plants both uncoated and coated with natural levels of chloromertensene, in contact withS. cruciata. In all cases of contact with coated treatments, necrosis was observed inS. cruciata (n=4,p=0.025). In cases where uncoated artificial fronds were placed in contact with soft corals,S. cruciata showed minor abrasion effects, but no appreciable necrosis. Coated treatments were not fouled by epiphytes during the experiment and were not consumed by predators. Uncoated treatments were rapidly reduced in size by predation and any remaining material was biofouled. These experiments thus demonstrated that the deleterious effects observed in soft corals in the field were caused by contact with the algaP. hamatum, that these effects were indeed chemically mediated by chloromertensene, and that physical contact without chemical intervention caused no such deleterious effects. This is the first experimental evidence which conclusively demonstrates allelopathy between an alga and other marine organisms and identifies the compound responsible for the observed allelopathic effects.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels in the blood of pure vegetarians (vegans)

Intake of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including dioxins, dibenzofurans and PCBs is almost exclusively from gastrointestinal ingestion of animal fats in the diet. With polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) brominated flame retardants (BFRs), no consensus exists at present as to the extent of intake from food, from indoor dust or other routes of intake. Vegans, or pure vegetarians, were previously found to have low body burden of dioxins and dibenzofurans in blood. Data reported here for the first time show a trend towards lower PBDE levels with longer time periods without ingestion of food of animal origin in 8 adult residents of the United States. A stronger relationship between lower PBDE levels and time without meat, specifically, is consistent with substantial PBDE intake from meat relative to fish or dairy products in Americans. These vegans had somewhat lower PBDE levels with a range 12.4–127 and a median 23.9?ppb than published reports of US general population samples which had a range of 4–366 and median of 26?ppb. Our findings suggest that food of animal origin may be a major but not the sole contributor to human body burden of PBDEs.     

毒死蜱(CPF)对克氏原螯虾的急性毒性及组织病理观察

采用静水生物测试法研究毒死蜱(CPF)对克氏原螯虾(Procambarus clarkii)的急性毒性效应及克氏原螯虾的组织病变情况并进行安全评价。设定0、2、10、20、40和80μg·L-1 6个CPF浓度梯度进行急性暴露试验,结果表明,CPF浓度升高对克氏原螯虾产生较大毒性,24、48和96 h半致死浓度〔ρ(LC50)〕分别为(28.24±2.81)、(19.50±2.03)和(13.13±1.70)μg·L-1,ρ(LC50)随着暴露时间延长呈显著下降趋势,符合双曲线衰减模型(r=0.999 9,P<0.000 1),安全浓度为(2.79±0.31)μg·L-1。组织病理观察发现,染毒虾心脏上皮细胞增生,心肌肌束间充满血淋巴细胞;神经细胞肿大,尼氏体溶解消失,细胞由多极形状变为圆形,神经纤维坏死并解体;肝胰腺小管收缩并充血,空泡增加;鳃组织空泡化,表面出现黑色素沉积,被多量血淋巴细胞浸润;肌肉纤维萎缩并溶解。     

Fluorescence induction in the macroalgae Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyceae) and Ulva sp. (Chlorophyceae)

The induction of in vivo chlorophyll a (chl a) fluorescence (change in fluorescence intensity during a time-scale of ms to s) was measured to determine the potential of this technique for assessing the physiological condition of the macroalgae Chondrus crispus and Ulva sp. A gradient in variable fluorescence (P-F ₀ =peak minus initial fluorescence, a measure of Photosystem II activity) was found along the frond of C. crispus, the values increasing with distance from the thallus apex. No gradient was observed for Ulva sp. thalli. Nitrogen- or phosphorus-depleted Ulva sp. required a longer dark-conditioning period and had lower values of P-F ₀ than did controls. In contrast, no differences were found in P-F ₀ of N- or P-depleted C. crispus unless values were normalized to chl a. The irradiance history of C. crispus strongly influenced P-F ₀ , even after dark-conditioning: P-F ₀ declined by about 70% as the mean daily natural irradiance increased between 2 February and 14 March 1986; a negative correlation was observed between P-F ₀ and the photon flux density 1 d prior to the measurement; P-F ₀ remained elevated when C. crispus was grown under a low photon flux density; and P-F ₀ decreased in thalli within 5 d of transfer from growth under natural irradiance to an incubator with artificial irradiance. Changes in variable fluorescence at different growth irradiances of C. crispus may be due to adaptive changes in the relative absorption cross-section of this alga. The influence of irradiance history on Ulva sp. was minimal in comparison.Issued as NRCC No. 28730Part of this study was carried out while employed by Focal Marine Ltd., Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada     

Antioxidant responses in the polychaete Perinereis gualpensis (Nereididae) exposed to the carbon nanomaterial fullerene (C60)

The objective of this study was to analyse biochemical responses induced by the carbon nanomaterial fullerene (C₆₀) in the polychaete Perinereis gualpensis (Nereididae). The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), as well as total antioxidant capacity, concentration of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (TBARS), were analysed. Estuarine worms were maintained in sediments collected at an unpolluted site and spiked with fullerene (3 mg C₆₀·g^?1 sediment). A control group was run in parallel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of sediment and fullerene indicated that the size of the carbon nanomaterial should enable it to be ingested by the polychaete. No evidence of oxidative damage (TBARS) was observed in any of the treatments, and the same was true for GSH and GCL measurements (p>0.05). Total antioxidant capacity was higher in the C₆₀ group after 2 and 7 d when compared with the control group (p<0.05), suggesting that fullerene is acting as an antioxidant. The fact that P. gualpensis is an infaunal organism diminishes the chance of fullerene photoexcitation with consequent reactive oxygen species production. Thus, the data indicated an absence of toxic responses mediated by oxidative stress in estuarine worms exposed to C₆₀ mixed in sediments.     

Provisioning behavior and the estimation of investment ratios in a solitary bee,Calliopsis (Hypomacrotera) persimilis (Cockerell) (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

Summary One aspect of behavioral ecology that has received considerable attention, especially by students of social insects, is the relative amount of energy invested by parents in the rearing of male versus female offspring. Sexual selection theory makes predictions about how individuals should allocate their total investment in the sexes. To test these predictions we must accurately quantify the relative cost incurred by a parent in the production of an average individual of either sex. Body weight ratios are the most common estimate of cost ratio, but the correspondence between offspring body weight and energetic investment on the part of the parent has rarely been determined. Calliopsis (Hypomacrotera) persimilis is a solitary, ground-nesting bee whose natural history makes it particularly convenient for studies of investment patterns and foraging behavior. Each day females construct and provision from 1 to 6 cells in linear, closely-spaced series. Each cell is provisioned with pollen from Physalis Wrightii flowers, which is collected on two or three foraging trips. However, the temporal sequence in which two- and three-trip foraging bouts occur is not random. Females invariably begin each day provisioning cells with three trips worth of pollen and usually switch to provisioning the latter cells of the day with just two trips worth of pollen. The sex of the offspring within the same co-linear series of cells also varies non-randomly — female offspring predominate in the first cells of each series and male offspring in the latter cells. The correspondence between the number of foraging trips to provision a cell, the total time spent foraging, and offspring sex was determined for 36 cells. The data indicate a close, though not absolute, relationship between the number of foraging trips and the sex of the offspring: males usually received two trips of pollen, though some received three, whereas female offspring invariably received three trips worth of pollen. A number of potential estimates of the relative cost of female and male offspring production were calculated. Estimates of the cost ratio based on the amount of time spent foraging, adult dry body weight, and pollen ball dry weight all give similar values. Female offspring receive an energetic investment of from 1.3 to 1.5 times that of males. These results support the use of adult dry body weight ratios in the estimation of cost ratios.     

(Z)-11-Pentacosene is the major sex pheromone component inDrosophila virilis (Diptera)

Summary A crude cuticular extract from 3450 virgin 9–13 day old female fruit flies(Drosophila virilis), was subjected to chromatography accompanied by bioassay for sex pheromone activity. After three chromatographic steps, fractions containing active monoenes and dienes were obtained. Chemical analysis by infrared absorption, gas liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the active fraction indicated that active monoenes were comprised chiefly of (Z)-11-pentacosene (abbreviated (Z)-11-C_25:1), (Z)-13-C_27:1, (Z)-13- and (Z)-14-C_29:1. Synthetic monoenes were made, and only (Z)-11-C_25:1 elicited good courtship behaviour in maleD. virilis. Therefore it was concluded that (Z)-11-C_25:1 was a major sex pheromone. A total of 16.2±1.32 µg of cuticular hydrocarbons was isolated from 10 day old females, including 5.9±0.56 µg of (Z)-11-C_25:1. An additive effect was suggested from the higher observed courtship response when using a mixture of active dienes with the active monoene.     

Competition for the home and aggressive behaviour in the chiton Acanthopleura gemmata (Blainville) (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

Summary Computerized screening of all the positions recorded during a synodic month on 120 individually marked chitons (Acanthopleura gemmata) pinpointed their preferential resting points. Unlike the majority of intertidal chitons so far studied, A. gemmata rests in well-defined homes actively dug in the rock. Homes proved to be not strictly individual and periodically interchangeable. A complex aggressive behaviour was recorded in the field when two animals came in contact at home. When competing for ownership of a resting site rival chitons may suppress their nocturnal feeding activity. Despite its strong home-related territoriality A. gemmata showed no mutual exclusion on the feeding area. The highly specialized resting habits clearly protects A. gemmata from its most important predator, the toad fish Arothron immaculatus. The behaviour of A. gemmata is compared to that of other chitons and gastropods, and the current hypotheses concerning the adaptive value of the homing behaviour in littoral molluscs are discussed.     

The effects of KI/Se(VI) molar ratio and initial concentration of Se(VI) on the reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) by KI

In this study, potassium iodide (KI) was found to be capable of reducing selenium(VI) to selenium(IV). When KI was added to Se(VI) solution, the Se(VI) concentration rapidly decreased with an increase in the KI/Se(VI) molar ratio. By using the potential-pH equilibrium diagram for the selenium/water system, we confirmed that Se(VI) reduced to Se(IV) because the potential of the solution shifted to the stable Se(IV) region upon the addition of KI. This reduction accompanies the oxidation of I⁻ to I₃⁻. The reduction of Se(VI) by KI was found to be effective for concentrated Se(VI) solutions.     

The application of solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) to the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

There are many established extraction techniques regularly used in the isolation and analysis of PAHs and similar organic compounds from various phases. These include Soxhlet or ultrasonic extractions from solids, and liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction from aqueous samples. However, these methods have some inherent disadvantages; most require large volumes of organic solvents, they can be time consuming and many involve multi-step processes that always present the risk of the loss of some analytes (Zhang et al., 1994). Solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) is a relatively new technique that has been used with much success in the analysis of a variety of compounds including PAHs. Experiments are being carried out to determine the optimum range of conditions for the extraction of a range of PAHs. Parameters under investigation include temperature, equilibration time, salinity and compound concentration. Presented here are some preliminary experiments into the applicability of SPME for PAH analysis. Further work will investigate the reproducibility of the technique, limits of detection and matrix effects. When an optimised method has been developed the technique will be used in investigations into PAH profiles in sediment cores.     

磺胺甲恶唑对小麦叶片蛋白和叶绿素含量及SOD酶活性的影响

为了探明磺胺甲恶唑(sulfamethoxazole,SMZ)的生态毒理效应,通过实验室人工控制毒理实验,研究了低浓度SMZ暴露对小麦体内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、叶绿素(CHL)和蛋白质(SP)含量的影响.结果显示:染毒7d后,各浓度组小麦叶片的SOD活性均被显著诱导(P＜0.0l),并且染毒浓度的升高增强了SOD的活性,表明SMZ暴露胁迫下,小麦可启动自身的保护机制以最大限度地减少自由基损伤.而小麦叶片的CHL含量,随着SMZ染毒浓度的增加而逐渐降低.并且当SMZ暴露浓度较高时,小麦叶片的CHL含量被显著抑制(P＜0.05)).当SMZ染毒浓度为0.05～ 0.50 mg· L-1时,SP的含量被显著诱导(P＜ 0.01));1.00 mg·L-1SMZ对SP的含量产生显著(P＜0.01)抑制,这说明SMZ染毒剂量将对蛋白质的合成产生严重影响.综上,SOD的活性变化可反映出SMZ暴露对小麦的污染效应及其生态毒性作用,但将其作为评估SMZ污染暴露的生物标志物有待于进一步深入研究.     

Demonstration of sex pheromones in the predaceous diving beetle Rhantus suturalis (MacLeay 1825) (Dytiscidae)

Sex pheromones are used by a wide variety of species in terrestrial ecosystems. Much less is known about these pheromones in aquatic systems e.g., for diving beetles. To test the use of pheromones and visual signals for mate finding by the diving beetle Rhantus suturalis (MacLeay 1825), behavioral experiments were performed using three different types of vessels containing conspecific. In experiments with non-permeable glass flasks, which did not allow the diffusion of chemical substances, males and females did not stimulate any reaction by conspecific of either sex. In experiments with opaque but water permeable vessels, and in experiments with vessels made of finely woven steel, which allowed the perception of chemical as well as optical cues, male diving beetles were significantly attracted to females. Females were attracted to other females only in the last experiment, when simultaneously perceiving chemical and optical cues. These results indicate that R. suturalis females release sex pheromones to attract mating partners, which is the first experimental demonstration of pheromones in the Dytiscidae.     

Analysis of the mutual attraction in the association of the fish Cryptocentrus cryptocentrus (Gobiidae) and the shrimp Alpheus djiboutensis (Alpheidae)

The mutual attraction between the fish Cryptocentrus cryptocentrus and the shrimp Alpheus djiboutensis has been investigated experimentally. The fish is attracted to its partner visually, the shrimp is attracted chemically. The mutual attraction is reinforced by the strong negative phototactic reaction of both partners, orienting them towards the burrow.