Maternal quality and differences in milk production and composition for male and female Iberian red deer calves (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

Several theories predict a sex-biased investment either through unbalanced sex ratios in offspring or through differences in provisioning. According to them, one would expect an optimisation in indirect fitness, or else a compensation for increased mortality of one sex. In addition, biases in provisioning may also arise as a consequence of weight-dependent non-adaptive nutrient demands by offspring. This study examines milk provisioning and sex biases in offspring sex ratio together with maternal quality variables. Mothers of higher quality (weight and age) showed greater milk provisioning ability (in terms of production) resulting in greater calf weight gain. Mothers of sons produced greater yields of milk, milk protein, fat and lactose than mothers of daughters, and increased percentage of protein after controlling for higher male birth weight. In contrast, mothers of males did not differ from mothers of females in age or any body weight variables related to maternal quality. These results suggest that differences in milk production and composition for sons and daughters are rather a mechanism to optimise indirect fitness than a mechanism to compensate for increased mortality in male calves, or a consequence of greater weight-dependent nutrient demands by heavier male calves. Results also suggest that biases in milk provisioning may occur without biases in offspring sex ratio, and furthermore, in contrast to the prediction that biases should be relative to the mean investment of the population, that milk provisioning biases might not be relative.Communicated by F. Trillmich     

Neocembrene A, a major component of the trail-following pheromone in the genus Prorhinotermes (Insecta, Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae)

Summary. The diterpene neocembrene A or (1E,5E,9E,12R)-1,5,9-trimethyl-12-(1-methylethenyl)-1,5,9-cyclotetradecatriene, known as the trail-following pheromone of the advanced Termitidae Nasutitermitinae Nasutitermes exitiosus and Trinervitermes bettonianus, has been identified after SPME-GC/MS as the major component of the trail-following pheromone of the Rhinotermitidae Prorhinotermitinae, Prorhinotermes canalifrons and P. simplex. In all the other Rhinotermitidae studied until now, the major component of their trail pheromones is dodecatrienol ((3Z,6Z,8E)-dodeca-3,6,8-trien-1-ol). This biochemical data further add to the anatomical and molecular characteristics that give a special status to the taxon Prorhinotermes among Rhinotermitidae. In Prorhinotermes canalifrons and P. simplex, neocembrene A was the only secretory compound specific to the sternal gland surface that could be detected after SPME. It elicited orientation as well as recruitment behavioral effects. However, the comparison of the respective biological activities triggered by neocembrene A and by sternal gland secretion suggests that minor components of the latter are acting in synergy with neocembrene A.     

Charakterisierung von Holzasche aus Biomassefernheizwerken

Analyses of ashes from wood chips and bark combustion and research work about possibilities of utilization of these ashes showed that in general a mixture of bottom ash and cyclon fly-ash in the ratio as they occur in the plant can be used as a fertilizer and liming material. An important question is whether mineral impurities (sand, earth, stones) in the biomass are responsible for slagging on the grate (by lowering the melting point) because sintered and slagged ash with a particle size larger than 2 cm has to be sieved or milled before utilized. Furthermore, the influence of these impurities on the homogeneity of wood ash is important for taking and preparing samples for analysis. Usually, the occurring ash fractions in biomass district heating plants can only be volumetrically measured. In order to determine the actual mass flow and to proportion the ash-amounts for fertilization properly, it is necessary to know the bulk densities of the different ash fractions in dependence on the particle size and the biomass used. Moreover, the knowledge of the surface properties of fly-ash particles enables to evaluate the influencing variables on the process of heavy metal deposition from the flue gas to the fly-ash particles. This information represents the basis for a fractionated desublimation/condensation of heavy metals. The aim is to concentrate them in the filter fly-ash, because this smallest and finest ash fraction is cut off from the ash cycle and is disposed of. Conforming to these open questions, ashes from biomass district heating plants were examined. The facts and findings obtained represent the basis for technological measures in order to improve a closed cycle economy with wood ash.     

Environmental Impacts of a Secondary Lead Smelter in Landskrona, Southern Sweden

Scandinavia has one secondary lead smelter that recycles lead from approximately 85% of used car batteries in Scandinavia and which has been active since the 1940s. The smelter, situated in Landskrona, has undergone a comprehensive clean up programme during the last decade, during which time production has doubled, while at the same time discharges of dust and lead to the atmosphere have decreased.Top and depth soil samples were taken on a 0.5km×0.5Km grid throughout the city of Landskrona, which covers an area of approximately 15km². Samples were analysed by ICPAES for a number of elements including Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As, Sb and Hg. Road dust samples from selected sites were collected and similarly analysed. Blood samples were taken from 37 volunteer schoolchildren (aged 8–11) from two schools in Landskrona. House dust samples were taken from each child's home. Soil samples were taken from homes which had gardens, public and school play areas. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were found in close proximity to the secondary lead smelter, and this soil enrichment influences the whole of the town, modified to some extent by the prevailing wind. The smelter does not influence the soil lead concentration at distances greater than 3.5km, where the soil reflects the background value for the area.Road dust samples also show decreases in lead concentrations with distance from the smelter. The average level of lead in house dust was considerably lower than that found in Birmingham, UK. Blood lead levels in the child population ranged from 1.5–5.1gdl^–1, with a mean of 3.05gdl^–1, showing a distinct decrease from those measured in 1978–82. No significant difference in blood lead concentrations with distance of the home from the smelter, nor between attenders at the two schools was revealed in the limited number of children studied.     

Adaptation of the polychaete worm Scoloplos armiger to hypoxic conditions

The anaerobic metabolism of the intertidal polychaete Scoloplos armiger, its recovery from anaerobiosis and the importance of anaerobic energy production during low tide in the field were investigated. Under anaerobic conditions S. armiger produces energy in the same manner as Arenicola marina, a prototype of an euryoxic invertebrate from the intertidal. Energy is produced from the phosphagen stores and from the breakdown of glycogen to volatile fatty acids, mainly propionate and to a lesser extend acetate. However, S. armiger cannot reduce its energy demand to the same degree as A. marina. This and the relatively small pool of glycogen may be the reason for its only moderate resistance to anoxia. The recovery from anaerobiosis proceeds in S. armiger significantly slower than in A. marina. S. armiger is able to maintain a fully aerobic metabolism down to a Pw_{O 2}of ca. 20 torr and even at a Pw_{O 2}of 10 torr a partly aerobic metabolism was retained. In the field during low tide S. armiger ascends into the oxidative layer, where it is able to maintain an aerobic metabolism even at parts without remaining puddels on the surface.