Respiratory impairment by water-borne copper and zinc in the edible crab cancer pagurus (L.) (Crustacea: Decapoda) during hypoxic exposure

Specimens of the edible crab Cancer pagurus (L.) collected in the Skagerrak, Denmark, between June and August 1990 were examined in the laboratory. Impairment of respiratory function after pre-exposure (7 d) to sub-lethal concentrations of Cu and Zn (0.4 mg l^-1) was only detectable during hypoxic exposure [PO₂ (partial pressure of oxygen) =60 torr]. This was indicated by a decrease in the transfer factor (TO₂), due principally to an increase in the PO₂ differential across the gills. Cu and Zn exposure did not cause significant changes in ventilation or perfusion although there was some indication that cardiac output may increase in respiratory-impaired individuals. After 28 d exposure no difference was noted in the respiratory responses to hypoxia of treated and untreated crabs. It is concluded that respiratory impairment was due to an increase in the diffusion barrier thickness at the gills and that this was reversible even during continued exposure to trace metal contamination.     

Maximum likelihood method for parameter estimation in non-linear models with below detection data

The maximum likelihood (ML) method for regression analyzes of censored data (below detection limit) for nonlinear models is presented. The proposed ML method has been translated into an equivalent least squares method (ML-LS). A two stage iterative algorithm is proposed to estimate statistical parameters from the derived least squares translation. The developed algorithm is applied to a nonlinear model for prediction of ambient air CO concentration in terms of concentrations of respirable particulate matter (RSPM) and NO₂. It has been shown that if censored data are ignored or estimated through simplifications such as (i) censored data are equal to detection limit, (ii) censored data are half of the difference between detection limit and lower limit (e.g., zero or background level) or (iii) censored data are equal to lower limit, this can cause significant bias in estimated parameters. The developed ML-LS method provided better estimates of parameters than any of the simplifications in censored data.     

Spatial and temporal variation in the size at maturity of the western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George

The sizes at which female and male western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus become mature were examined over 32 years from records at six localities along the coast of Western Australia. The size of males at maturity was estimated from a subset of these data by a morphometric and a physiological method, with both producing statistically similar results. Males were larger at first maturity than females at the same sites. For both sexes, the sizes at first maturity at each location correlated (P<0.05) with the mean annual water temperature at that location, decreasing from south to north along the mainland coast and being smallest at the offshore Abrolhos Islands. Smaller sizes at maturity were recorded for both sexes than have been published previously. One certain explanation for these differences is that management measures protecting females with ovigerous setae have distorted size compositions and the ratio of immature to mature females, thereby increasing the likelihood of capturing small mature females. However, these fishing effects cannot fully account for the progressive decline in CL₅₀ observed over the past 20 years. Other possible hypotheses considered include increases in water temperature over this period, as well as whether this change could be consistent with a genotypic response caused by the selective removal of large lobsters combined with high exploitation rates.     

Nanotechnology applications and intellectual property rights in agriculture

Nanotechnology research uses specific properties of materials at the nanoscale to develop improved materials, devices, systems and therapeutics. There is a risk of overlapping patent claims and lack of distinction between nano-based and traditional patents due to the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology. There is an increasing trend of granted patents. The World Intellectual Property Organization and World Health Organization, regulatory and policy bodies, are working to make a comprehensive property right regulation for nanotechnology products. The USA, the leader of nanotechnology products, has made guidelines to make patent search easier for nano-based products. The European Patent Office has also created a new classification for nano-based inventions. Here we review the status of intellectual property rights protection of nanomaterial, environmental implications and application of nanotechnology in agriculture.     

Songbird response to increased willow (Salix spp.) growth in Yellowstone's northern range

After nearly a century of height suppression, willows (Salix spp.) in the northern range of Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A., are increasing in height growth as a possible consequence of wolf (Canis lupus) restoration, climate change, or other factors. Regardless of the drivers, the recent release of this rare but important habitat type could have significant implications for associated songbirds that are exhibiting declines in the region. Our objective was to evaluate bird response to releasing willows by comparing willow structure and bird community composition across three willow growth conditions: height suppressed, recently released, and previously tall (i.e., tall prior to the height increase of released willows). Released and previously tall willows exhibited high and similar vertical structure, but released willows were significantly lower in horizontal structure. Suppressed willows were significantly shorter and lower in horizontal cover than released or previously tall willows. Bird richness increased along a gradient from lowest in suppressed to highest in previously tall willows, but abundance and diversity were similar between released and previously tall willows, despite lower horizontal cover in the released condition. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) were found in all three growth conditions; however, Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), and Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodii) were present in released and previously tall willows only. Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) was found in previously tall willows only, appearing to specialize on tall, dense willows. The results of our a priori habitat models indicated that foliage height diversity was the primary driver of bird richness, abundance, and diversity. These results indicate that vertical structure was a more important driver of bird community variables than horizontal structure and that riparian and willow-dependent bird species have responded positively to increased willow growth in the region.