Baryons at the edge of the X-ray-brightest galaxy cluster

Studies of the diffuse x-ray-emitting gas in galaxy clusters have provided powerful constraints on cosmological parameters and insights into plasma astrophysics. However, measurements of the faint cluster outskirts have become possible only recently. Using data from the Suzaku x-ray telescope, we determined an accurate, spatially resolved census of the gas, metals, and dark matter out to the edge of the Perseus Cluster. Contrary to previous results, our measurements of the cluster baryon fraction are consistent with the expected universal value at half of the virial radius. The apparent baryon fraction exceeds the cosmic mean at larger radii, suggesting a clumpy distribution of the gas, which is important for understanding the ongoing growth of clusters from the surrounding cosmic web.     

Influence of Hatchery Protocols on Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Japanese Flounder Juveniles

The Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus is a commercially important fish that is stocked extensively from hatchery rearing programs in Japan. To examine the genetic variability of hatchery-raised juveniles of the Japanese flounder that are used for stocking into natural waters, we analyzed a portion of the mitochondrial genome. The mtDNA region extending from the 3'half of the cytochrome b gene to the central domain of the control region was PCR amplified and analyzed using 11 restriction endonucleases. We identified 34 polymorphic cleavage sites out of a total of 61 sites, which resulted in 67 different haplotypes in a total of 265 offspring, examined from eight hatchery stocks. Haplotype diversity of offspring at each of the eight hatcheries ranged from 0.49 ± 0.09 (SE) to 0.94 ± 0.03 (SE). Also, we observed 40 polymorphic sites out of a total of 59 sites, which resulted in a total of 50 haplotypes in 60 wild flounder. Haplotype diversity of the wild population was 0.98 ± 0.01 (SE). The use of subcultured fishes as broodstock appears to be one of the most important causes of reduced genetic diversity in hatchery-raised flounder juvenile. Our results suggest that the use of wild fish for broodstock is an effective way to maintain genetic variability in Japanese flounder offspring.     

Effect of environmental temperature on a small-scale biodegradation system for organic solid waste

The optimum environmental temperature for a biodegrading machine using wood particles as a matrix was investigated using a small-scale degradation reactor and model waste. The biodegradation rate was evaluated by weight loss of waste and CO₂ evolution. The degradation reaction was restricted only by adjusting the environmental temperature while sufficient oxygen and substrates were supplied. Results suggested that the optimum temperature for degradation was 30°–40°C for exploiting biological activity effectively with the lowest use of energy. Bacteria from the environment propagated in the reactor with no inoculum added. The microbial flora changed during the operation time but had no effect on the biodegradation rate.Part of this report was presented at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Tokyo, April 1998     

Effects of turbidity on survival of larval ayu and red sea bream exposed to predation by jack mackerel and moon jellyfish

We conducted laboratory experiments to examine the effects of turbidity on the survival of red sea bream Pagrus major and ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis larvae when exposed to either visual (jack mackerel juveniles) or tactile (moon jellyfish) predators. The experiments were conducted in 30-l tanks with three different levels of turbidity obtained by dissolving 0, 50, or 300 ppm kaolin. Predators were introduced to the experimental tanks followed by larvae of either red sea bream (mean ± standard deviation 6.1 ± 0.3 to 11.4 ± 2.1 mm standard length) or ayu (6.6 ± 0.3 and 24.4 ± 1.8 mm). When exposed to jack mackerel, the mean survival rate of larvae was significantly higher in 300 ppm treatments compared with the other turbidity levels. When exposed to moon jellyfish, however, there was a less marked difference in the survival rates among different turbidity treatments. Survival rates of ayu larvae exposed to moon jellyfish were generally lower than those of red sea bream. Our study indicates that anthropogenic increases of turbidity may increase the relative impact of jellyfish predation on fish larvae.     

Multiple cohorts of juvenile jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus in waters along the Tsushima Warm Current

The jack mackerel, Trachurus japonicus, has a prolonged spawning season and widely spread spawning grounds. The population in the coastal waters of Japan seems to be composed of several cohorts spawned seasonally from different waters. To understand its population structure along the Tsushima Warm Current, we analysed hatchdates and growth histories of fish from Kunda Bay, the southern, central and northern East China Sea (ECS), the southern Sea of Japan, and Maizuru Bay. Seven cohorts were detected from fish collected between June 2005 and June 2006 in Kunda Bay. Comparing hatchdate distributions and growth trajectories of the seven cohorts with those of the other five regional samples, we did not find that cohorts collected in Kunda Bay originated in the southern ECS. Therefore, these coastal waters of Japan appear to be significant spawning grounds for juvenile jack mackerel.     

Jack mackerel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachurus japonicus</Emphasis> juveniles use jellyfish for predator avoidance and as a prey collector

ABSTRACT:   Juveniles of carangid fishes including jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus are known to associate with jellyfishes. The function of this association behavior was studied through rearing experiments and underwater visual observations. Association behavior of jack mackerel with moon jellyfish in experimental tanks was more frequent in the presence compared to the absence of predators (chub mackerel Scomber japonicus ). In the experimental tanks, the presence of jellyfish, however, did not mitigate predation by these predators. Although jack mackerel did not feed on the jellyfish itself, they frequently fed on the captured prey ( Artemia nauplii) whilst in the gut cavity of the jellyfish. Underwater observations of giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai off Kyoto and Fukui prefectures revealed that approximately 30% of these jellyfish were accompanied by jack mackerel juveniles with body sizes ranging 10–45 mm standard length (SL). Considering that jack mackerel juveniles found in subtidal rocky reefs ranged 40–120 mm SL, we considered that jack mackerel from 10 to 45 mm SL associate with jellyfish as a hiding place as well as a food collector, until they find a suitable reef habitat when they attain approximately 40 mm SL.     

Relationships between the daily growth rate of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae and environmental factors in Osaka Bay,Seto Inland Sea,Japan

Fisheries Science - Seasonal changes in the growth rate of larval Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus collected by shirasu seine net boats in Osaka Bay in 2008 were estimated using otolith daily...     

Partial migration of juvenile temperate seabass <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lateolabrax japonicus</Emphasis>: a versatile survival strategy

Partial migration describes intrapopulation variation in the migratory behavior, i.e. some individuals from a population migrate to low-salinity river areas, while others remain in coastal areas. This paper reviews the partial migration pattern of juvenile temperate seabass Lateolabrax japonicus, which is a migration pattern not commonly seen in Japan. Seabass spawn offshore, and eggs and larvae are transported to coastal areas. Some of these juveniles then ascend rivers, while others remain in coastal areas. Juveniles efficiently use physical structures in their habitat; they use tidal currents to ascend rivers in macrotidal estuaries, while they use the salt wedge in microtidal estuaries. Once juveniles ascend the river, they can feed on the abundant prey and attain more rapid growth than those remaining in coastal areas. As estuaries are highly productive areas, they play significant roles as nurseries for juveniles of various fishes. However, compared with coastal areas, the relative area of estuaries is considerably smaller and its environmental conditions are more variable. For example, nearly 40% of adult seabass in Tango Bay were estimated to use estuarine areas as a nursery, while the other 60% use coastal areas during their juvenile stage. Using both estuaries and coastal areas through partial migration during the juvenile stage is concluded to contribute to the stabilization and yield of seabass populations.     

Stage-specific distribution of Japanese sea cucumber <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apostichopus japonicus</Emphasis> in Maizuru Bay,Sea of Japan,in relation to environmental factors

The Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus plays important ecological and economic roles in the coastal areas of Japan. Here, we aim to reveal the relation between habitat characteristics and density of juvenile and adult sea cucumbers in Maizuru Bay. Density of adult sea cucumbers was estimated by underwater visual surveys and bottom trawls and that of newly settled individuals by seedling collectors distributed in the bay. The physical environment of the sea bottom was evaluated from median diameter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, carbon isotope ratio, nitrogen isotope ratio, depth, slope, and distance from the coastline. Adult sea cucumber density was higher in the east side than the west side of Maizuru Bay, the former having a no-take zone for sea cucumbers. Juvenile sea cucumbers were most abundantly collected in the central part of the bay. High organic matter from the sea, short distance from the coastline, and high seabed gradient (steepness) had a positive effect on the density of adult sea cucumbers, and depth had positive effects on their body size. We suggest that sustainable management of sea cucumbers can be achieved by a combination of the establishment of no-take zones and increased protection of nursery habitats.     

Freshwater migration and feeding habits of juvenile temperate seabass <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lateolabrax japonicus</Emphasis> in the stratified Yura River estuary,the Sea of Japan

Juvenile temperate seabass Lateolabrax japonicus were sampled along the Yura River estuary from April to July 2008 to determine their distribution and feeding habits during migration within a microtidal estuary. Throughout the sampling period, juvenile seabass were distributed not only in the surf zone, but also in the freshwater zone, and they were particularly abundant in areas with aquatic vegetation in the freshwater zone. This distribution pattern suggests that the early life history of the temperate seabass depends more intensively on the river (freshwater) than previously considered. Small juveniles in the freshwater zone fed on copepods and chironomid larvae and upon reaching a standard length (SL) of approximately 20 mm did they fed on mysids. In contrast, juveniles (approx. 17–80 mm SL) in the surf zone fed mainly on mysids.