Exotic hard clam in Tokyo Bay identified as Mercenaria mercenaria by genetic analysis

ABSTRACT:   An exotic hard clam has been observed in Tokyo Bay since the mid-1990s, which has been morphologically identified as Mercenaria mercenaria . The authors have determined 444-bp partial nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA gene of 31 hard clam individuals collected in three locations of Tokyo Bay. Phylogenetic analysis indicated all individuals to be M. mercenaria . Two shell interior colorations (white or purple) were observed, but no relationships between the colorations and mtDNA haplotypes were detected. Frequency of clam individuals having white or purple shell significantly differed among locations, which was accompanied by heterogeneous amounts of acid-volatile sulfides and organic matter and mud ratio.     

Seasonal changes of nitrate concentrations in baseflow headwaters of coniferous forests in Japan: A significant indicator for N saturation

Understanding the seasonal and regional patterns of nitrogen (N) components in the headwaters of forested watersheds is important for forests management. Here, we investigated the NO₃-N concentration and its seasonal variations in the baseflow headwaters in Japanese coniferous forests with different N saturation status in five regions (i.e., Nagano, Tokyo, Aichi, Kochi and Mie). We found that the ratios of NO₃-N to DON were significantly higher in the N-saturated regions including Nagano (14.1 ± 2.2) and Tokyo (16.5 ± 4.1), compared with the regions, which didn't experience N saturation including Aichi (1.4 ± 0.2), Kochi (5.1 ± 1.8), and Mie (2.2 ± 0.5). In comparison with the regions without experiencing N saturation, the relatively higher NO₃-N concentration, as well as its contrastive variation between growing season and dormant season, was also characteristic of the seasonal NO₃-N concentration in the N-saturated regions. Our findings have indicated that NO₃-N concentration, its seasonal variations, and the ratio of NO₃-N to DON, are the better and applicable indicators for evaluating N saturation status in Japanese coniferous forests.     

Investigation on the contamination of field crops by artificial radioactivities as a result of the H-bomb tests at Bikini Atoll

Introduction

As a result of the H-bomb explosion tests of the U.S.A. in the Southern Pacific Ocean, rain-out in Japan is contaminated considerably by fission products, and field crops also show apparently artificial radioactivities. Many workers are now investigating to clarify degree and regional extent of contamination or sorts of radioactive elements.     

Studies on the metabolism in roots of lowland rice (Part 1) interrelationship be1ween roots and shoots in mineral nutrition of rice plant

There is no doubt that the life cycle of crop plants depends on two fundamental metabolic processes: photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. When these two important functions are considered in connection with morphology of crops, we can easily find out the differentiation of functions, that is, photosynthesis by green leaves and nutrient absorption by roots. In the past, a number of investigations have been made on these two functions of rice plants, the physiology of their leaves as photosynthetic organ has also been studied in detail. On the physiology of roots, however, knowledge which we have today is not as detailed as is deemed necessary.     

Studies on the metabolism in roots of lowland rice (Part II)

In the previous paper¹⁾, we compared the in. organic composition of root with that of shoot of rice plant at successive growth stages, and revealed that the content of inorganic elements in root was generally lower than that in shoot, and that paddy root, sending most of absorbed salts to the top, does not possess a function to store inorganic nutrients.     

Studies on the metabolism in roots of lowland rice

In the previous studies we investigated some characteristics of paddy root in comparison with shoot by analysis of inorganic elements¹⁾ and metabolizable forms of organic compounds²⁾ of shoot and root at successive growth stages, and found that the contents of the above-mentioned components in root were generally lower than those in shoot with few exceptions. From this it is concluded that in root the contents of the residual components, mainly cell wall substances, must be high. To ascertain this surmise, we carried out analysis of shoot, root and inflorescences of rice plant with respect to hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin which construct cell walls.     

Correction to: Chlorantraniliprole application differentially affects adult emergence of Sympetrum dragonflies in rice paddy fields

Paddy and Water Environment -     

Pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of H5N1 subtype isolated in Thailand for different poultry species

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype have caused several rounds of outbreaks in Thailand. In this study, we used 3 HPAI viruses isolated in Thailand in January 2004 from chicken, quail, and duck for genetic and pathogenetic studies. Sequence analysis of the entire genomes of these isolates revealed that they were genetically similar to each other. Chickens, quails, domestic ducks, and cross-bred ducks were inoculated with these isolates to evaluate their pathogenicity to different host species. A/chicken/Yamaguchi/7/04 (H5N1), an HPAI virus isolated in Japan, was also used in the chicken and quail studies for comparison. All four isolates were shown to be highly pathogenic to chickens and quails, with 100% mortality by 10(6) EID50 inoculants of the viruses. They caused sudden death in chickens and quails within 2-4 days after inoculation. The mean death times (MDT) of quails infected with the Thai isolates were shorter than those of chickens infected with the same isolates. Mortality against domestic and cross-bred ducks ranged from 50 to 75% by intranasal inoculation with the 10(6) EID50 viruses. Neurological symptoms were observed in most of the inoculated domestic ducks and appeared less severe in the cross-bred ducks. The MDTs of the ducks infected with the Thai isolates were 4.8-6 days post-inoculation. Most of the surviving ducks infected with the Thai isolates had sero-converted until 14 dpi. Our study illustrated the pathobiology of the Thai isolates against different poultry species and would provide useful information for improving control strategies against HPAI.