Reaction behavior of wood in an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

Reaction of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) in an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C2mim][Cl]), which can dissolve cellulose, was investigated. Although both lignin and polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicelluloses can be liquefied at a treatment temperature of around 100°C, the liquefaction of polysaccharides mainly occurs at the beginning of the treatment with [C2mim][Cl]. Cellulose crystallinity in the wood was gradually broken down as the treatment continued. The solubilized polymers were depolymerized to low molecular weight compounds. The results indicate that [C2mim][Cl] is an effective solvent and reagent for the liquefaction of wood components and subsequent depolymerization of them. Part of this report was presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Tsukuba, April 2008     

Effects of early high nutrition related to metabolic imprinting events on growth,carcass characteristics,and meat quality of grass-fed Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle)

The study was conducted to clarify how early high plane of nutrition related to metabolic imprinting affected growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of grass-fed Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle). Wagyu steers were allocated randomly into 2 dietary groups: (1) steers fed milk replacer (crude protein 26.0%, crude fat 25.5%; maximum intake 0.6 kg/d) until 3 mo of age and then fed roughage (orchard grass hay) ad libitum from 4 to 10 mo of age (roughage group, RG; n = 11); (2) steers fed milk replacer (maximum intake of 1.8 kg/d) until 3 mo of age and then fed a high-concentrate diet from 4 to 10 mo of age (early high nutrition, EHN; n = 12). After 11 mo of age, all steers were fed roughage ad libitum until 31 mo of age and then slaughtered. Growth performance, carcass traits, longissimus muscle (LM) meat quality and intramuscular fat (IMF) content, plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentration, and bone mineral density were measured. Body weight was greater in EHN steers (571 kg) than RG steers (520 kg; P < 0.01). Plasma IGF-I levels were higher in EHN steers than in RG steers at 3, 10, and 14 mo of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively); however, plasma IGF-I levels were lower in EHN steers compared with RG steers at 30 mo of age (P < 0.01). The total weight of the muscles and bones of the left half of the carcass was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.065). Five of the 19 muscles investigated (semimembranosus, P = 0.036; infraspinatus, P = 0.024; supraspinatus, P = 0.0019; serratus ventralis cervicis, P = 0.032; serratus ventralis thoracis, P = 0.027) were heavier in EHN steers. Total fat weight in the left half of the carcass was 30% greater (P = 0.025) in HNE carcasses. Subcutaneous and perirenal fat weights were 53% and 84% greater (P = 0.008, P = 0.002, respectively) in EHN carcasses. The LM IMF content was greater in EHN loins (13.2%) compared with RG loins (9.4%) at 31 mo of age (P = 0.038); however, no differences were found for shear force, tenderness, and cook loss. These results suggested early high-nutrition affected the growth and meat quality of livestock.     

An unidentified gland-like tissue near the androgenic gland of red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

ABSTRACT:   Among all of the decapods that have been studied, only one kind of gland, the androgenic gland, has been found attached to the subterminal ejaculatory region of the vas deferens. In the present study of the red swamp crayfish, it was found that two kinds of gland-like tissues were attached to the subterminal ejaculatory region of the vas deferens. One of the tissues, which is referred to as TIB, is located inside the body cavity, whereas the other tissue, which is referred to as TIC, is inside the coxa. The characteristics of TIB resemble those of the androgenic gland of other malacostracans. The TIC cells, however, are smaller and more basophilic due to the small size and high density of their cytoplasm and nuclei. Moreover, black fibers, similar to the nerve fibers of the ganglion, were detected among the TIC cells after Bodian's stain. The conclusion is that TIC may be a newly found male sexual characteristic and further research is needed to confirm its functions.     

Distribution of carbohydrates and related enzyme activities in yacon (polymnia sonchifolia)

Abstract

Yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) plants originating from Andean highlands are known to accumulate a large amount of oligofructans in their tubers and tuberous roots (Ohyama et al. 1990; Asami et al. 1992). Asami et al. (1992) have reported that tubers and tuberous roots which were harvested in late fall contained about 57 and 66% respectively (on a dry matter basis) of oligofructans. However, the tubers, tuberous roots and shoots of the yacon contained only a small amount of starch and inulin. The tuberous roots of yacon which resemble those of sweet potato in appearance are usually eaten raw and are expected to become commercially valuable as a source of oligofructans.     

Transitions of urine flow rate and kidney-somatic index in mature masu salmon

ABSTRACT:   The present study aimed to investigate functional changes of the kidney in mature masu salmon. The urine flow rate (UFR), kidney-somatic index (KSI), and epithelial cell height of second proximal convoluted segment of renal tubules were examined in mature and immature masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou . Two methods of calculating UFR were made as either the units per body weight, or body weight without gonads. The former calculation using body weight may be used for comparison between data obtained from immature fish, and the latter method was suitable when comparing mature sexes and assessing the transition from immature to finally mature stages. In both calculations of UFR, KSI, and epithelial cell height of the second proximal segment, the values for mature fish were significantly higher than for immature fish. These results first suggest that functional transition of the kidney occurs in maturing fish.     

Geographic variations in the whistles among three Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tursiops aduncus</Emphasis> populations in Japan

ABSTRACT:   Whistles of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins from three populations in Japan were collected and analyzed quantitatively. Geographic variations in the whistles among populations were found. Significant differences in the whistles among years within each population were also found, but those differences could not explain whole differences among populations because some parameters of the whistles had more differences among populations than among years within each population. As changes with time in the whistles within each population might cause the geographic variations among populations, researchers should take the yearly change within populations into consideration when they study the geographic variation in the whistle of dolphins.