Influence of Body Condition on Serum Metabolic Indicators of Lipid Mobilization and Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

The objectives of this study were to examine the influence of body condition of cows on metabolic and antioxidative status, as well as to investigate the relationship between metabolic indicators of lipid mobilization and oxidative stress during transition period. The study was conducted on 24 Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows divided into 2 groups according to their body condition score (BCS) as optimal (n = 12; BCS from 3.25 to 3.75) or adipose (n = 12; BCS ≥4). Metabolic status (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, NEFA and BHB), paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) and apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I) were analysed in sera taken on days ?30, ?10, ?2, 0, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 60 relative to parturition. Adipose cows had significantly higher glucose concentration at parturition being significantly decreased after parturition on days 12 and 19. Total cholesterol and HDL‐C concentrations were the lowest at parturition and significantly higher on days 26 and 60 after parturition in both groups of cows. Both investigated groups had significantly higher NEFA concentration from parturition until day 19 after parturition, indicating energy deficit and an increased lipid mobilization after calving. There were no significant differences in BHB concentration during transition period in both groups. No significant differences were found in PON1 activity and ApoA‐I concentration during transition period in both groups of cows. However, in adipose cows, although not significantly different, PON1 was decreased from calving until day 19 after parturition indicating a disturbance in antioxidative status in adipose cows. PON1 significantly positively correlated with total cholesterol and HDL‐C concentrations and negatively with NEFA indicating a strong relationship of PON1 with lipid metabolism. Significant positive correlation between NEFA and BHB in both groups of cows points out on energy deficit during transition period that cows tend to overcome by lipid mobilization providing alternative source of energy needed for parturition and lactation.     

Multielement analysis using PIXE for beneficial use of ashes from a biomass power plant

Elemental analysis of wood fuels and ashes from a biomass power plant was carried out using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) to confirm that the ashes can be utilized safely. The power plant produced four types of ash: one cinder and three fly ashes. Ignition loss tests revealed that the cinder included little unburned carbon, while the unburned carbon concentrations in the fly ashes were considerably higher. From PIXE analysis, more than 20 elements were found in all the ashes and it was shown that aluminum, silicon, calcium, potassium, and iron were the major elements in the ashes. In the fly ash collected in a bag filter, sodium, sulfur, and chlorine were also classified as major elements. Although chromium, arsenic, and lead were detected in all the ashes, leaching tests indicated that there were no potential problems associated with landfill treatment of the ashes. It was assumed that temporal fluctuation in the concentrations of major elements in the ashes was not significant. Nine kinds of waste wood fuels were analyzed by PIXE and 24 elements were determined. Lead was detected in all the woody fuels, but arsenic was not detected. Part of this report was presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Hiroshima, August 2007.     

Weed seedling herbivory by field cricket Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in relation to the depth of seedling emergence

This study aimed to determine whether seedling herbivory by the field cricket, Teleogryllus emma (Ohmachi et Matsuura), promoted the mortality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), a non‐native grass weed in Japan, whether the impact of seedling herbivory differed depending on the depth of seedling emergence and the influence of cricket density on seedling mortality. First, the seedlings at emergence depths of 0, 1 and 2 cm were exposed to the cricket for 2 days in plastic cups and the amount of seedling mortality by herbivory was calculated. The level of mortality of 60 seedlings that emerged from seeds on the soil surface was 92.4%, significantly higher than that of the seedlings that emerged from seeds at depths of 1 cm (10.8%) and 2 cm (9.6%). Second, the seedlings at the emergence depths of 0 and 1 cm were exposed to the crickets at four different densities (zero, one, two and three individuals per 5700 cm²) for 5 days in plastic containers and the amount of seedling mortality by herbivory was calculated. The level of mortality by herbivory of the seedlings that emerged from 100 seeds on the soil surface was higher (33.3–61.3%) than that of the seedlings that emerged from seeds at a depth of 1 cm (4.7–13.1%) in the containers with one‐to‐three crickets. The level of seedling mortality tended to increase with an increasing cricket density. These results suggest that seedling herbivory by crickets is an important factor in weed mortality, particularly in no‐till fields and in field margins, where the seeds are more prevalent near the soil surface.     

Locus-specific EPIC-PCR primers for four distinct calmodulin genes of the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)

International Aquatic Research - Nucleotide sequences of four distinct calmodulin genes (designated as CaM-A to -D) of the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) were compared. Nucleotide...     

Preservation of kombucha tea-effect of temperature on tea components and free radical scavenging properties

Kombucha tea is sugared black tea fermented with a consortium of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts (tea fungus) for 14 days. The tea tastes slightly sweet and acidic. The formation of tea fungal biofilms during storage is a big problem when kombucha tea is being stored and commercialized. Various thermal treatments have been tried for long-term storage of kombucha tea. The present study revealed the influence of heat on the biochemical constituents and the free radical scavenging properties of kombucha tea. Heat treatment at 60, 65, and 68 degrees C for 1 min controlled biofilm formation in kombucha tea without changing its clarity, taste, and flavor. However, tea polyphenols and black tea quality parameters showed varying stability during the storage period. A decrease in free radical scavenging properties was also found during the storage period. Because the biological activities of kombucha tea depended on the biochemical constituents, it was concluded that heat treatment was not a suitable method for kombucha tea preservation.     

Identifying potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan in winter

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were applied to identify the potential habitat distribution of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) off the eastern coast of Japan during winter. We used an ocean reanalysis product, a satellite‐derived dataset, and commercial fisheries data during 2003–2008 to develop the HSI models, and illustrated the characteristics of the ocean environments at the fishing ground of the neon flying squid, focusing on a typical fishing ground formation event in 2006. The estimated HSI fields of the neon flying squid using three‐dimensional (3D) ocean environmental parameters showed a clear relationship between the squid habitat and the edge of a warm core ring south of the Oyashio water; this is considered a key characteristic of fishing ground formation, as noted in Sugimoto and Tameishi (Deep‐Sea Research, 39, 1992 and S183). This result suggests that mixing of the warm and nutrient‐poor Kuroshio water and the cold and nutrient‐rich Oyashio water at the edge of the ring could provide favorable conditions for the foraging of the neon flying squid. The warm water condition in the subsurface layers could be a further advantage to the formation of a stable fishing ground for the neon flying squid. Comparison of the Akaike Information Criteria among a satellite‐data‐based model, a reanalysis‐based model using the same parameters as the satellite‐based model, and a reanalysis‐based model using 3D ocean environmental parameters, showed an apparent improvement in the performance of the reanalysis‐based model using the 3D parameters, reproducing realistic features of the squid fishing ground during the winter of 2006.     

Implications of marine environment change on Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) aquaculture suitability: a comparative study in Funka and Mutsu Bays,Japan

The determination of the causes for the changes in marine environment in areas with similar oceanic climate forcing on most suitable sites for scallop aquaculture can help to ensure long‐term sustainability of the coastal ecosystem. This study assessed aquaculture suitability sites using dominant indicators of marine ecological dynamics on Japanese scallop culture in Funka and Mutsu Bays, Japan as comparative examples. Data sources comprised of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), four dimensional‐variational (4D‐VAR) data assimilation system, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS), in situ and buoy measurements. The suitable sites were ranked on a scale of 1 (least suitable) to 8 (most suitable). In the most suitable sites in aquaculture operational areas, Funka Bay had a high proportion (51.1%) than Mutsu Bay (13.7%) for the best performed model. Peaks of aquaculture suitability scores were attributed to potential effects of currents. Extreme sea temperatures (>24°C) in summer 2010 were associated with low performance of the 2010 model in Mutsu Bay and mortality of scallops based on sea temperature‐depth visualizations. Future global warming effects are likely to decrease the most suitable culture sites in Funka Bay and loss of similar areas in Mutsu Bay. Thus, change in marine environment influences scallop culture development. Such concepts could form scientific basis for aquaculture planning on designated system of larval distribution and stock management of cultured species to minimize mortality and economic losses.     

Occurrence and density of Pacific saury Cololabis saira larvae and juveniles in relation to environmental factors during the winter spawning season in the Kuroshio Current system

The occurrence and density of Pacific saury Cololabis saira larvae and juveniles were examined in relation to environmental factors during the winter spawning season in the Kuroshio Current system, based on samples from extensive surveys off the Pacific coast of Japan in 2003–2012. Dense distributions of larvae and juveniles were observed in areas around and on the offshore side of the Kuroshio axis except during a large Kuroshio meander year (2005). The relationships of larval and juvenile occurrence and density given the occurrence to sea surface temperature (SST), salinity (SSS), and chlorophyll‐a concentration (CHL) were examined by generalized additive models for 10‐mm size classes up to 40 mm. In general, the optimal SST for larval and juvenile occurrence and density given the occurrence was consistently observed at 19–20°C. The patterns were more complex for SSS, but a peak in occurrence was observed at 34.75–34.80. In contrast, there were negative relationships of occurrence and density given the occurrence to CHL. These patterns tended to be consistent among different size classes, although the patterns differed for the smallest size class depending on environmental factors. Synthetically, the window for spawning and larval and juvenile occurrence and density seems to be largely determined by physical factors, in particular temperature. The environmental conditions which larvae and juveniles encounter would be maintained while they are transported. The survival success under the physically favorable but food‐poor conditions of the Kuroshio Current system could be key to their recruitment success.     

Biophysical models for Japanese scallop, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, aquaculture site selection in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan, using remotely sensed data and geographic information system

Scallop aquaculture has grown to become the most successful marine shellfish farming venture in Japan. To ensure long-term sustainability of scallop production, suitable sites need to be selected. This study was conducted to identify the most suitable sites for hanging culture of Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) based on measured biophysical parameters and modeled using geographic information system (GIS) models. Four biophysical parameters that influence Japanese scallop aquaculture in Funka Bay were selected: sea temperature, food availability (chlorophyll-a), suspended solid, and bathymetry. The SeaWiFS and MODIS images were used to extract most of these parameters. A series of GIS models was developed to identify suitable sites for scallop culture using a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) known as weighted linear combination. Suitability scores were ranked on a scale from 1 (least suitable) to 8 (most suitable), and about 83% of the total potential area with bottom depths less than 60 m had scores of 7 and 8. The final model outputs were compared with field verification data and found to be consistent. Local sensitivity analysis was used to test the robustness of the model output. Based on this analysis, the order of importance of the variables affecting the model was as follows: suspended solid > chlorophyll-a > sea temperature.