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Mysids play an essential role as the dominant prey species for coastal fishes. In Japan, the mysid Neomysis awatschensis (Brandt, 1851) is commonly distributed in estuarine and shallow coastal waters with high productivity due to supply of nutrients from the watershed. The present study investigates the distribution and life history of the mysid N. awatschensis in relation to biotic and abiotic factors by monthly sampling from March 2014 to July 2015 at stations along the Yura River estuary, the central Sea of Japan. The Yura River physical conditions change seasonally and are affected by its discharge. Salt-wedge-intrusions were frequently observed and found up to 18 km from the river mouth from April to December 2014 when river discharge was low, whereas in 2015 intrusions were less pronounced, possibly due to river mouth clogging. Clear seasonality was observed in mysid density, showing highest densities (up to 202 inds/m2) in spring and early summer in contrast with lowest densities ( Those results suggest that reproduction is partially suppressed by variable and oligotrophic conditions in the Yura River estuary. Combined with the flexibility to seasonal changes in temperature and food availability, the great tolerance to acute salinity fluctuations allows N. awatschensis to maintain its population in the estuary.

To investigate the potential environmental effects of pond farming for Apostichopus japonicas in Yellow River estuary, we examined discrepancies of distance-based typical pollution indicators (TOC, TN, NO 3 − , NH 4 + , NO 2 − and PO 4 3− ) and biochemical tracers (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) in water column and sediment, as well as dietary characteristics of dominant macrobenthos between farming and non-farming areas. The results revealed that studied variables in water column showed no uniform spatial differences. Meanwhile, those in sediment displayed similar decrease tendencies from farming pond to the adjacent tidal flat, which was considered to represent the environmental effects of farming. Biochemical tracers (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) in both water column and sediment confirmed the origin of organic matters from the aquaculture waste. The detectable dispersion distance of aquaculture waste was restricted to an area within 50 m distance as determined by most variables in sediment (TOC, TN, NO 3 − and NH 4 + ), particularly by C:N ratio and δ 13 C with which origins of the wastes were traced. Bayesian mixing models indicated that in the farming area BMA had a larger contribution, while POM (marine) showed a smaller contribution to the diets of Helice tridens and Macrophthalmus abbreviates compared to those in the non-farming area. The overall results showed that pond farming for Apostichopus japonicus in the Yellow River estuary altered the local environment to a certain extent. For methodological consideration, sediment biogeochemical characteristics as a historical recorder much more effectively reflected aquaculture waste accumulation, and stable isotope approaches are efficient in tracing the origin and extent of various allogenous sources.

We herein report the case of a rapidly progressive sporadic mesenteric desmoid tumor (DT). A 62-year-old woman presented with a 4-cm-diameter palpable mass in the left supraumbilical area. The mass showed an ill-defined margin with heterogeneous delayed enhancement on computed tomography and heterogeneous high intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Sixteen months after the initial observation, the mass had grown in size, reaching 13 cm in diameter. The resected mass was histologically confirmed as a DT of the mesentery. Since DT often has an unpredictable clinical course, clinicians should bear in mind the need for imaging follow-up.

This paper focuses on the performance degradation of glide slope (GS). GS guides pilots regarding their vertical position with respect to an approach path that is formed using ground-reflections. Irregular ground features are known to scatter electromagnetic waves and produce positional errors. Numerical simulations can provide possible solutions for predicting unexpected influences of these scattered electromagnetic waves. We discuss numerical techniques based on the ray-tracing method for two and three dimensional ground models. Propagation paths are estimated from the shortest path along a straight line between a source and a receiver. We discuss how the proposed numerical method works for different ground shapes.

Sansha Bay, facing the East China Sea, is characterised by high fish production (Pseudosciaena crocea, 91,000 t yr–1) and the polyculture of seaweeds (Saccharina japonica and Gracilaria lemaneiformis) and abalone (Haliotis discus hannai). To investigate the environmental effects of fish farming on sediments, surface (0–1 cm) sediments were collected from 41 stations grouped into four areas: fish, seaweed, and abalone farms and reference area. The physical and chemical parameters of these sediments were analysed. Nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from trash fish as feed were estimated to be 12,000 and 2,400 t yr–1, respectively, accounting for 90% and 86% of the total anthropogenic loading in Sansha Bay. However, no significant differences were observed in stable C and N isotope ratios, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, acid volatile sulfide, water content, and silt–clay fraction among the four areas (Kruskal–Wallis test, P > 0.05). Principal component and cluster analyses supported this conclusion, indicating that fish farming has no significant effect on the sediment. The amount of N removed by the cultured seaweed was estimated to be 288 t yr–1, accounting for only 2% of the N loaded from fish farming. The results suggested that the dispersion of fish farm-derived wastes were primarily facilitated by the topographic and hydrodynamic characteristics of Sansha Bay, such as its large depth (∼90 m), strong currents (1.4–1.9 m s–1), large tidal amplitude (5.4 m), and rapid exchange (

Radionuclide concentrations in wharf roaches inhabiting coastal areas of Honshu, Japan, were investigated in October 2011 and June 2012. Relative high concentrations of 110mAg (2.1–127 Bq kg-wet−1), 134Cs (2.6–61 Bq kg-wet−1), and 137Cs (3.5–92 Bq kg-wet−1) were detected in specimens from the eastern Honshu areas. Significantly lower 137Cs concentrations (0.7–1.6 Bq kg-wet−1) were detected in specimens from western and northern Honshu. The decay-corrected 137Cs concentration was significantly inversely correlated with the distance from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. Thus, wharf roach may serve as a good bioindicator for monitoring radioactive contamination of its habitats.

The Chinese white shrimp Penaeus chinensis is one of the most economically important crustacean species in China with respects to both capture and aquaculture. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios ( δ 13C and δ 15N) was analyzed to reveal its potential dietary characteristics, in particular contributions of primary producers as food sources, as well as isotopic niche width and potential food competitions with materials from Haizhou Bay in Yellow Sea, a state-level germplasm source conservation and stock recovery area. The results confirmed that bivalves served as an important diet of P.chinensis and the prawn incorporated a mixture of benthic microalgae and marine phytoplankton as food sources, while terrestrial organic matter supposed to be made minimum contributions. Benthic microalgae overwhelmingly dominated in the dietary proportion (mode), and accounted for 90% of the food sources in comparison with the contribution of 10% of marine phytoplankton. Penaeus chinensis was closest to Charybdis japonica and Dorippe japonica in isotopic compositions. Trophic niche widths were similar in P.chinensis and D. japonica, and they were larger than that of C.japonica, as determined by the sizes of SEAb (Bayesian standard ellipse areas). The overlaps of standard ellipse areas of P.chinensis with C. japonica and D. japonica were 98.5% and 86.5% respectively, indicating intense competition for food between P.chinensis and the other two species. In the views of food availability and competition, biomasses of benthic microalgae, bivalves and C.japonica and D.japonica may regulate the population of P.chinensis in Haizhou Bay.

In this chapter, countermeasures and solutions to methylmercury poisoning (MPM) and current and outstanding issues on the mercury pollution are discussed. Correct information and data, public access to information, establishment of company ethics, rapid response by governments, societal responsibility, and penalties on responsible organizations are necessary for preventing the similar kind of pollution and human hazard. Recent studies which show the relationship between the anthropogenic emissions of mercury and the risk to human health, especially to fetuses and infants, are summarized. Finally, outstanding issues on MPM that are in connection with the global mercury cycle are discussed.

This chapter outlines the methylmercury poisoning in Minamata (MPM): about the history, symptom pathogenesis, research on the causal agent, and responses of the national and local governments and the responsible company, i.e., Chisso, to the outbreak of MPM. A book written by Nishimura and Okamoto (2001) played an important role to clarify the mechanism of the MPM outbreak. Based on this book and the published data on mercury concentrations of aquatic organisms and newborns’ umbilical cords, how methylmercury generated in the plant, flew into the sea, transferred to aquatic organisms, and was consumed by residents are explained. Victims of MPM, compensation and environmental restructure, and court ruling against this incident are described. Based on lecture notes from a university course, students’ suggestions for avoiding a repeat of the tragedy are also introduced.

This paper is concerned with a numerical simulation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) Localizer (LOC). LOC provides the guidance in the horizontal position of an aircraft for the runway center line. The radiation from LOC antenna generates the composite field which is amplitude modulated by a 90 Hz and a 150 Hz tone. The performance of the LOC is given by the difference in the depth of the modulation (DDM) along the runway centerline. However, their signals are influenced by the scattered waves if the LOC antenna is located over the complicated ground condition. In this paper, we consider the influences of the scattered waves caused by the complicated terrain, from a view point of the numerical simulation by the ray-tracing method (RTM). Firstly the basic principle of the LOC is introduced. Next, the simplified RTM is discussed. Finally, we show some numerical examples for field intensity distribution and DDM. We discuss how the scattered waves influence the performance of LOC.

To evaluate environmental impacts of yellowtail culture and to examine the efficiency of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus in reduction of waste loading, surface sediments were sampled and A. japonicus were cultured at a yellowtail farm in Owase Bay, Japan. Waste feed- and faeces-derived organic matter (WOM, FOM) in sedimentary organic matter (SOM) was estimated based on the δ13C and δ15N of the fish feed (−21.7‰, 9.2‰), yellowtail faeces (−20.6‰, 6.2‰) and SOM reference (−24.4‰, 4.4‰). Small WOM (0–22% in SOM) but substantial FOM (28–61%) loadings in the fish farm area and high sulphide concentrations in the sediments (1.0 mg g−1) suggest that reduction in the fish stocks or mitigation of the faeces should be considered. A. japonicus juveniles were cultured in three cages deployed below a pen and growth was assessed after three different periods (62, 107, 181 days). A. japonicus grew well during the first 107 days (daily specific growth rate, 3.7%) and their survivorship was high (80–90%). Growth ceased after 107 days, probably due to fouling on the cages. The δ13C and δ15N of their hypothetical diet (–19.7‰, 5.5‰) were close to the FOM values, suggesting assimilation of FOM.

To discuss the possibility of co-culturing Pacific oyster with the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, a field experiment was conducted in an oyster farm. Apostichopus japonicus juveniles (mean wet weight, 0.08 g) were cultured below an oyster raft and at a control station for 216 days, and the wet weight and stable isotope ratios (d 13 C, d 15 N) were analysed together with settling organic matter (OM) collected using sediment traps. All sea cucumbers cultured below the raft survived (survival rate, 100%), while at the control station one individual disappeared (96%). During 216 days, the juveniles at the oyster and control stations grew to a mean weight of 5.5 and 2.6 g, attaining respective specific growth rates of 2.0% and 1.6% (paired t-test, P < 0.001). Settlement rates of carbon and nitrogen at the oyster station were ~5 times larger than those at the control station. The stable isotope analysis showed that settling OM at both stations originated from coastal phytoplankton and that phytoplankton represented the primary food source for A. japonicus. The rapid growth of A. japonicus at the oyster station was concluded to be due to the abundant supply of oyster biodeposits, which could be ingested by this species.

In order to examine the efficiency of co-culturing fish with the Japanese common sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus , field cultivation experiments were conducted in Gokasho Bay, central Japan. I cultured A. japonicus juveniles below a fish cage and at a control station for 238 days, monitored the wet weight, and analyzed its stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ 13 C, δ 15 N) together with potential food sources, and found that (1) juveniles cultured below fish cages exhibited high survivorship (96%) and significantly higher specific growth rate (1.9%) than those at the control site (1.2%), and (2) the juveniles had significantly reduced δ 13 C values (mean ± SD = − 19.1 ± 0.3‰ vs. −17.5 ± 0.4‰ at the control station), suggesting the incorporation of C 3 plant material in fish feed through fish feces and settling organic matter. All sea cucumbers which were further cultured for additional 307 days below fish cages grew to the marketable size (range and mean wet weight = 142–181 g, 160 g, n = 9). In order to evaluate the effect of density on growth, 6 culture vessels, in which 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 juveniles of A. japonicus were stocked, were maintained below the fish cage over 118 days. The results showed that the final mean weight of A. japonicus decreased from 6.68 g to 0.94 g as the density increased with a large variation of weight at the end of the experiment (coefficient of variation = 52.1–62.2%), suggesting that there was competition between individuals for a limited food supply and there were intraspecific effects on the growth. This study shows the possibility of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture in which A. japonicus is cultured in the water column below fish cages, because the survival and growth of the sea cucumbers were enhanced due to the ability to avoid predator interactions and adverse environmental conditions as well as nutritional feed supply from the fish cage.

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a small-airway obstructive lung disease for which immunologically mediated pathogenesis is supposed. Frequent association of bronchiolitis obliterans with paraneoplastic pemphigus is well known, but its association with other autoimmune bullous diseases has not been reported except for a case of anti-laminin-332-type mucous membrane pemphigoid in a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease. We report a case of non-paraneoplastic autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease associated with fatal bronchiolitis obliterans in a patient without transplantation. Although the patient's serum contained immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies to the 180-kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen/type XVII collagen and IgG antibodies to laminin-332, diagnosis of either linear IgA bullous dermatosis or mucous membrane pemphigoid could not be made because of the failure to detect linear IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone by direct immunofluorescence and the lack of mucous membrane lesions. Physicians should be aware that autoimmune bullous diseases other than paraneoplastic pemphigus can also associate with this rare but potentially fatal lung disease.

This paper is concerned with a numerical simulation of ILS subsystem Localizer (LOC) which provides the guidance in the horizontal position of an aircraft for the runway center line. The LOC emits two types of signals, that is, carrier wave and sideband waves modulated by a 90 Hz and a 150 Hz tone. The performance of the LOC is given by the difference in the depth of the modulation (DDM). However, their signals are influenced by obstacles, such as large hanger, terminal buildings and aircraft. They result in the DDM errors. In this paper, the authors analyze the multipath interferences caused by aircraft to LOC whose type is one frequency LOC (1fLOC). A simplified ray tracing method is introduced, and 3D aircraft model is used for numerical simulation. It is discussed how scattered waves from aircraft influence to the LOC specifications.

We investigated the fluctuations of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in benthic consumers and their potential food sources to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the utilization of available organic matter, indicating the origin and pathways of energy from Yura Estuary to Tango Sea, Japan. Field samplings were conducted from the upper estuary to offshore with sampling frequency of twice per season from April (spring) 2006 to February (winter) 2007. The δ13C signatures of the upper and lower estuary benthos showed depleted and in wide range (−28.9‰ to −13.5‰) compared to the enriched and within narrow range signatures of marine benthos (−20.6‰ to −14.0‰) in all seasons. On the contrary, the δ15N signatures of benthic communities showed decreasing trend seaward and summer values were different from the other seasons. Using the dual isotope and multisource mixing models, we estimated the relative contributions of potential food sources to the benthos diet. River POM played an important source of energy for the estuarine benthos, especially in winter when river discharge was high. Marine POM served as an important alternative food for the estuarine benthos from spring to autumn when seawater intruded the bottom estuary. Benthic microalgae were the major food source at the shallow coast throughout the year, while marine POM fueled the deep coast and offshore benthic food webs. Spatial and temporal feeding variations in estuarine benthic communities were driven by the hydrology of the estuary, whereas primary production and transport of food source dictated diet variations of marine benthic communities. The elucidation of the dynamic energy subsidy among aquatic systems highlights the importance of the land–sea transition zones that is crucial for benthic secondary productions.

The abundance of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was investigated in the coastal marine sediments along the coast of Japan and South Korea. Sediment samples were collected from fish and shellfish farms between 2006 and 2008. As non-fish farming reference sites, sediments were also collected from highly eutrophic bays, a highly sulphidogenic saline lake, and the deep sea. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis that targeted the gene coding for a portion of the α-subunit of dissimilatory sulphite reductase (dsrA) was performed to assess the abundance of the SRB in the sediments. Between 2.8 × 107 and 2.5 × 109 copies of the dsrA gene per gram dry sediment were detected. There was no relationship between dsrA gene copy number and total bacterial count in the sediments, whereas organic matter contents (particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, ignition loss and chemical oxygen demand) and acid-volatile sulphide contents were significantly correlated with the dsrA copy number. The data presented demonstrate that organic enrichment of sediment may influence the abundance of SRB communities in coastal marine sediments and that the cell density of SRB may be used as a biological indicator for assessing pollution levels in sediments of marine fish farms.

Spatial and temporal variations in the diet of Crangon uritai were examined using stable isotope and stomach content analyses. The sand shrimp and its potential prey were collected from Yura Estuary (3–5 m), shallow coast (5–10 m), and deep coast (30–60 m) stations of Tango Sea from April 2006 to February 2007. The measurements of the length (carapace and total lengths) and feeding habit (stomach content and stable isotope ratios) of C. uritai showed that this shrimp changed its diet during migrations between the estuary and marine environments. This species consumes a variety of food at the lower estuary: mysid Orientomysis japonica, small crustaceans particularly amphipod Melita hoshinoi, and bivalve Veremolpa micra. The abundant mysid O. japonica at the shallow coast and juveniles of unidentified bivalve species at the deep coast were the favored food throughout the year. The δ13C and δ15N variations in C. uritai confirmed the spatial and temporal diet shift in gut content composition as the s...

In order to examine the efficiency of Ulva spp. (Chlorophyta) as a bioindicator and biofilter for dissolved inorganic nitrogen discharged from coastal fish farms, field surveys and field cultivation experiments were conducted in Gokasho Bay, central Japan. Naturally occurring green algae Ulva spp. were collected in and around a fish farm in February, May and July, and their δ 15 N and tissue N contents were analyzed. Values of these parameters obtained in May and July decreased with the distance from the fish cages, suggesting that Ulva spp. occurring in close vicinity to the fish farm assimilated the fish-excreted N. To evaluate this uptake, we cultured round cut pieces of thalli of Ulva ohnoi in transparent chambers beside a fish cage and at a control station for 2 weeks in May, July and September. The specific growth rate and N fixation rate of the thalli cultivated beside the fish cage showed 12.8–23.6% and 4.2–13.9 mg N g DW − 1 day − 1 , respectively, which were significantly higher than those at the control station and found to be among the highest levels known for seaweed biofilters. The high growth rates during the warm season and easy cultivation indicate the suitability of Ulva ohnoi as a biofilter.

In Japan, coastal fish farming has become a well-established industry. Intensive cultivation of finfish, however, generates large amounts of organic waste and nutrients, resulting in environmental deterioration in and around aquaculture facilities. Such negative effects have become increasingly conspicuous since the commencement of fish farming in the mid 1960s and its subsequent rapid development during the 1970s and 1980s. Various studies have attempted to measure the material fluxes in fish farms, to assess the potential environmental impacts, to determine criteria for the optimization of the location of farms and production levels, and to establish methods for improvement of aquaculture environments. In this review, research conducted during the last five decades in Japan concerning the flux of feed, environmental impacts of fish farming, factors controlling the degree of impacts, the upper limit of production and methods for improvement of environments is reviewed and current concerns for aquaculture environments discussed.

The spionid polychaete Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers 1901) has been widely reported from Korean waters. We examined some specimens belonging to the genus Paraprionospio that had been collected from Korean waters, and identified them as Paraprionospio coora Wilson, 1990, Paraprionospio cordifolia Yokoyama, 2007 and Paraprionospio patiens Yokoyama, 2007, which are new to the fauna of Korea. The present study suggests misidentification of the specimens that have been previously reported as P. pinnata from Korean waters.

We examined the feeding niche of four species of molluscs by analysis of their stable isotope signatures and cellulase activities to determine if they could utilize terrestrial organic matter. The molluscs and potential food sources were collected from the upper, middle and lower estuary of the Yura River from spring 2007 to winter 2008. All species showed positive cellulase activity which highlighted their potential to digest terrestrial organic matter. Consumption and assimilation of terrestrial organic matter by estuarine molluscs however varied spatially and temporally, reflecting species-specific differences in feeding niche and in response to variations in food availability in the estuary. Thus, terrestrial primary production in the catchment area supports secondary production of molluscs in the Yura River estuary.

症例は61歳女性．シェーグレン症候群で経過観察中，徐々に肝機能障害が出現したため，当科を紹介受診した．Ursodeoxycholic acid 600 mg/日の投与で改善を認めず，自己免疫性肝炎の国際診断基準スコアは肝組織未確認の時点で15点と疑診であり，ステロイド投与が考慮されたが，診断目的に腹腔鏡肝生検施行．非アルコール性脂肪性肝炎と診断し，α-tocopherolとbezafibrateの内服追加により肝機能は改善し，正常化した．肝以外の自己免疫疾患を伴う肝機能障害では自己免疫性肝炎スコアが見かけ上高値となりやすく，また，自己免疫性肝炎スコアには非アルコール性脂肪性肝炎の除外規定がないため，本例のような場合には肝の形態学的診断が必須といえる．

We investigated the distribution of δ13C and δ15N of organic matter among benthic communities from the upper estuary of Yura River to offshore of Tango Sea, Japan, to determine spatial variation in utilization of organic matter by benthic communities. The δ13C values of benthic animals ranged from −27 to −15‰ in the upper estuary, −21 to −15‰ in the lower estuary, −20 to −16‰ in the shallow coast (5–10 m depths), −18 to −16‰ in the deep coast (30–60 m depths) and −19 to −15‰ in offshore (100–150 m depths) stations. Adapting the dual isotope values to mixing models, we estimated the relative contributions of potential food sources to the benthos diet. Phytoplankton and macroalgae that intruded the estuary in summer were utilized as alternative food aside from the terrestrial-origin organic matter assimilated by the estuarine benthic consumers. Resuspended benthic microalgae were important source of energy in the shallow coastal stations, while abundant supply of phytodetritus fueled the deep coastal and offshore benthic food webs. Spatial difference in the diet of benthic communities depends largely on the shifts in the primary carbon source. Thus, benthic communities are important link of autochthonous/allochthonous production and secondary production in the continuous river–estuary–marine system.

To evaluate the relative importance of possible food sources, including riverine particulate organic matter, reeds, benthic microalgae, seaweeds, cultured laver (Porphyra) and coastal phytoplankton, for commercial bivalves and co-occurring benthic animals, 73 macrofaunal species were collected from intertidal and subtidal soft bottoms in the inner part of Ariake Sound, Kyushu, southern Japan, and their isotopic compositions were analyzed. The results revealed that (1) both intertidal and subtidal food webs were constituted of 3 trophic levels, (2) suspension-feeding bivalves utilize a mixture of benthic microalgae and coastal phytoplankton, and omnivores and carnivores incorporate benthic microalgae and phytoplankton through their intermediate prey, and (3) 3 bivalves (Scapharca kagoshimensis, Modiolus metcalfei and Atrina lischkeana) inhabiting both intertidal and subtidal bottoms showed similar seasonal fluctuations, suggesting no difference in the diet composition among the species and between the 2 habitats. We conclude that a large biomass of benthic microalgae which was approximately equal to that of phytoplankton and the strong tidal currents that would resuspend benthic microalgae and transport them to subtidal bottom areas account for the benthic microalgal and phytoplankton based trophic structure in the inner part of Ariake Sound.

有明海における二枚貝資源の減少に及ぼす環境要因を検討するために，有明海中央部～奥部の 48 地点で 2007 年夏に表層堆積物とその直上水を採取した。堆積物の Mdφ, QDφ, TOC, TN, C:N 比，δ13C, δ15N および AVS に基づく主成分分析により本調査域を 4 区分した。奥部西側と諫早湾～奥部中央の水域では堆積物の細粒化，硫化物の発生，堆積有機物への植物プランクトンの寄与と有機物量の増加および直上水の貧酸素化を確認し，植物プランクトン由来の有機物負荷が環境悪化の一因になっている可能性を指摘した。

For improving the economic and environmental sustainability of fish farming, it is necessary to optimize feeding regimes. From this viewpoint, we monitored the growth and mortality of red sea bream (Pagrus major), C and N fluxes and sediment chemistry at 2 commercial fish cages; cage 1 (conventional satiation feeding) and cage 2 (restricted feeding: same feeding frequency but 18% reduction in the feed amount) for 276 days. The similar specific growth rates (0.43% in cage 1 and 0.39% in cage 2) but different feed conversion efficiencies (0.54 in cage 1 and 0.62 in cage 2) and mortality (> 2-times higher in cage 1) between the 2 cages, indicate overfeeding in cage 1 culture. Elemental and stable isotopic analyses of sediment trap materials enabled the quantification of waste feed- and fecal matter-derived organic matter (OM) separately. The results shows that (1) aquaculture-derived OM comprised most of the fish-farm settling OM, excluding the period from January to April, when natural OM often accounted for a half of the bulk OM, (2) there was a difference in the seasonal trend between the fluxes of waste feed and fecal matter, and (3) there were no differences in the percentage compositions and fluxes of waste feed and fecal matter between the 2 cages. The isotopic analysis showed that the waste feed-derived OM in the sediment below cage 2 was 24% less than that below cage 1, suggesting effect of restricted feeding. Determining the relative amount of waste feed and fecal matter in settling and sedimentary OM is an effective method to evaluate the optimum feeding regime.

Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers, 1901), a poorly known and potentially cosmopolitan polychaete, was examined from museum specimens and from collections in Jiaozhou Bay, the Yellow Sea. New observations indicate that previous Chinese records of P. pinnata are doubtful, and that Chinese waters contain at least three valid species of Paraprionospio, two are known and one is new. Paraprionospio inaequibranchia (Caullery, 1914) and Paraprionospio coora Wilson, 1990, previously misidentified as P. pinnata, are reported from Chinese waters for the first time. Paraprionospio cristata, new species, is characterized by having brown pigment patches on the prostomium, ventral crests on chaetigers 9 and 10, dorsal crests on the middle part of the body (from chaetigers 21–23, not beyond chaetiger 29), thin filaments on chaetiger 3, and bifoliate branchial lamellae.

We report the properties of paramagnetic defects in SiCN films which are used as copper diffusion barriers. Electron spin resonance (ESR) signals with a g value of 2.003 and the Δ H PP of 1.1–1.2 mT were observed for as-grown and UV-illuminated SiCN films. These characteristics of the observed ESR signals are very similar to those of the K 0 center in N-rich silicon nitrides. We also show that a substantial increase in the leakage current occurs by exposing the SiCN films to UV illumination. We suggest that the paramagnetic defects generated by the UV illumination are responsible for this current increase.

Juveniles of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas were reared on a monospecific micro- algal diet in order to quantify their 13 C and 15 N diet-tissue fractionations. The weights of these juve- niles increased by up to 18-fold within 33 d. The juveniles reached isotopic equilibria with the diet, enabling calculations of fractionation values. The 13 C fractionation for tissues containing lipids ranked as 0.6‰ (gill lamella) >0.3‰ (adductor muscle) > -0.2‰ (mantle lobe) > -0.9‰ (whole soft body) > -2.2‰ (midgut gland), while the 15 N fractionation ranked as 8.7‰ (adductor muscle) >6.5‰ (mantle lobe) >5.4‰ (whole soft body) >5.2‰ (gill lamella) >2.3‰ (midgut gland). Removal of lipids shifted the diet-equilibrated δ 13 C and δ 15 N values in all tissues except the adductor muscle, with resultant increases in the 13 C and 15 N fractionation values. The expected annual mean δ 13 C value for the diet of the oyster in the field is -17.0‰, which is an intermediate value among the δ 13 C of coastal phytoplankton (-20.2‰), epilithon (-20.0‰), epipelon (-14.8‰), and seaweeds (-14.9‰), suggesting that the oyster feeds on a mixture of these micro- and macroalgae. The expected δ 15 N diet value is 3.1‰, which is more depleted than values for micro- and macroalgae, suggesting that the 15 N fractionation in the field is smaller than that obtained from the feeding experiment.

Previously reported species that belong to the genus Paraprionospio (Polychaeta: Spionidae) include P. pinnata (Ehlers, 1901), P. inaequibranchia (Caullery, 1914), P. africana (Augener, 1918), P. alata (Moore, 1923), P. tribranchiata Berkeley, 1927, P. treadwelli Hartman, 1951, P. ornata (Berkeley & Berkeley, 1961), P. lamellibranchia Hartman, 1975, P. coora Wilson, 1990, P. tamaii Delgado-Blas, 2004 and P. yokoyamai Delgado-Blas, 2004. Some of these descriptions are confused due to incomplete characterizations. In the present study that aimed to resolve the confusion, (1) Paraprionospio pinnata, P. inaequibranchia, P. africana and P. lamellibranchia are redescribed based on specimens collected from Concepcion, Chile (close to the type locality of Paraprionospio pinnata) and the type specimens (the latter three species), (2) Paraprionospio treadwelli, P. tamaii and P. yokoyamai are synonymized with Paraprionospio alata based on the examination of the type specimens, (3) three new species, Paraprionospio cordifolia sp. nov., P. oceanensis sp. nov. and P. patiens sp. nov. from Japanese coastal waters are described, (4) Paraprionospio coora is recorded from Japan for the first time, (5) 11 diagnostic characters are selected for identifying Paraprionospio species and an identification key to the valid nine species is provided, and (6) phylogenetic relationships between Paraprionospio and other genera in Spionidae and within Paraprionospio are discussed based on the parsimony analysis. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 151, 253–284.

To evaluate the relative importance for the macrobenthos of possible food sources, including riverine particulate organic matter, reeds, benthic microalgae, seaweeds, coastal phyto- plankton and aquaculture-derived matter, over 194 macrofaunal species were collected from 9 inter- tidal and subtidal stations along the axis of Gokasho Bay, Japan, and their isotopic compositions ana- lyzed. The δ 13 C values for terrestrial organic matter were very different from those of the consumers (>5‰), suggesting a negligible trophic role for this source. Differences in δ 15 N between seaweeds and primary consumers were small, suggesting a minor contribution of seaweeds. The δ 13 C values of the majority of consumers fell between coastal phytoplankton and benthic microalgae, allowing the calculation of the relative contribution of these microalgae to the diets of consumers. The estimated contribution ratios and the between-site comparison of the δ 13 C value for the same species along the bay axis suggest a shift of the main food source from benthic microalgae on the mudflat to coastal phytoplankton at the subtidal seaward stations. Several consumers collected from the fish-farm area had enriched δ 15 N and depleted δ 13 C values relative to samples of the same species that occurred out- side of the farm area. The δ 13 C values of the consumers at the fish farm were significantly more depleted than those at the other stations. These findings suggest that the consumers inhabiting the farming area incorporate 15 N-enriched fish meal and 13 C-reduced cereals that are major constituents

Three species of the callianassid genus Nihonotrypaea occur intertidally in the Ariake Sound estuarine system, southern Japan; they consist of two sandflat species (N. japonica; N. harmandi) and one boulder-beach species (N. petalura). Nihonotrypaea harmandi and N. petalura are distributed along the coastline in the relatively oligotrophic sea area extending from the outermost part of the sound to the open sea, while N. japonica occurs in the more eutrophic area situated at the middle part of the sound. The trophic conditions of the two areas affect the abundance of phytoplankton in the water column relative to that of benthic microalgae in the sediment. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions of N. japonica and its potential food sources have been analysed in an earlier study, specifying phytoplankton as the exclusive food source. Potential food sources for N. harmandi and N. petalura were analysed to make interspecific comparisons of the assimilated diets in relation to the shrimp habitat characteristics. Food sources of the shrimps were assessed based on the diet-tissue isotopic fractionation of N. harmandi and N. japonica (δ 13 C=2.0‰, δ 15 N=4.0‰), which had been determined by an earlier laboratory feeding experiment. Of several potential food sources for N. harmandi and N. petalura, riverine organic matter, sewage effluents, live/detrital terrestrial plants, and seagrass were not food sources. For N. petalura, live seaweed, in particular Sargassum spp., growing on boulders and cobbles during the seaweed high-growth season, and seaweed-derived detritus buried in the sediment and live Enteromorpha compressa during the seaweed low-growth season were the most likely food sources. For N. harmandi, phytoplankton (or fresh phytoplankton-derived detritus) and benthic microalgae constituted the most likely food sources. The δ 13 C value of the estimated diet for N. harmandi was higher than that for N. japonica by 0.6‰, while the δ 15 N value for N. harmandi was lower by 2.6‰. The food sources for the

The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of the sedimentary organic matter (SOM) collected from 41 stations in and around a coastal fish farm in Japan were measured to quantify aquaculture-derived organic matter in the sediment. SOM in the fish-farm area (within 30 m from the edge of cages) is characterized by its reduced δ 13 C (mean Δδ 13 C=−0.4‰) and enriched δ 15 N (mean Δδ 15 N=+0.9‰) values, which reflect the deposition of C3-plant-derived and fish-derived elements, respectively. Compositions of waste feed (WF) and fecal matter (FM) in SOM at each station was determined based on the isotopic compositions of feed (δ 13 C= −20.2‰, δ 15 N=9.7‰), fish feces (δ 13 C=−24.3‰, δ 15 N=6.3‰) and marine organic matter in the sediment (δ 13 C=−19.9‰, δ 15 N=5.5‰). The sediment in the fish-farm area was characterized by high WF and FM ratios in SOM (28.8% and 11.9%). As the distance from the fish cages increased, aquaculture-derived organic matter decreased exponentially. The spatial extent of waste dispersal extended to an area up to 300 m, whereas dissolved oxygen of the bottom water and acid volatile sulfides in the sediment were affected even at stations 600 m away from the fish farm. There was a significant negative relationship between the aquaculture-derived nitrogen content in the sediment and the mean current velocity, suggesting that areas (water depth=ca. 18 m)

The stable isotope approach to dietary reconstructions is based on the consistent isotopic fractionation between diet and consumer. Despite the rapidly increasing use of stable isotopes in studies on bivalves, classical fractionation values (0–1‰ for δ13C and 3–4‰ for δ15N) are used in the literature irrespective of the tissue analyzed and of the sample preparation method. We measured δ13C and δ15N for lipid-removed and lipid-containing tissues (adductor muscle, foot, mantle lobe, siphon, labial palp, gill lamella, midgut gland, and male and female gonad) of three suspension feeding bivalves (Crassostrea gigas, Cyclina sinensis and Ruditapes philippinarum) to provide an essential calibration for the diet-tissue fractionation. There were similar tissue-specific patterns in the δ13C and δ15N, which rank adductor muscle>other tissues>midgut gland or female gonad. Removal of lipids raised the δ13C and δ15N for all tissues of the three species. Acid treatment of the total soft tissues of R. philippinarum had no significant effects on the isotopic compositions. Diet-tissue fractionations for R. philippinarum were estimated based on the known fractionation values for the lipid-containing total soft tissues. Lipid removal and associated rinsing raised not only the 13C fractionation by 0.4–1.5‰ but also the 15N fractionation by 0–0.8‰, resulting in large fractionation values outside of the range of currently accepted 13C and 15N fractionation. The present study demonstrates that isotopic analyses are affected by the choice of tissue type and sample preparation method.

IntroductionBenthic microalgae are an important component in theestuarine and coastal waters as one of major primary pro-ducers to fuel ecosystems. The term benthic microalgae in-cludes epiphyton growing attached to other plants, epipelongrowing on sediments, epilithon growing attached to rocksurfaces, etc. (Round 1971). Among them, epilithon(epilithic microalgae) have been shown to be a food sourcefor many herbivores inhabiting intertidal rock shores andsubtidal stony seabeds (e.g. Steneck & Watling 1982).Stable carbon and nitrogen analyses have been success-fully used to determine trophic links from primary produc-ers to higher trophic levels in various ecosystems (reviewedby Peterson & Fry 1987). The analyses, however, are possi-ble when only a few primary producers are important andthose sources have distinct isotopic signatures. In order totrace the flow of epilithic microalgal organic matter, it isnecessary to know the isotopic compositions of these algae.It has been reported that there are large seasonal or tem-poral variations in the d

The human liver contains significant numbers of innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, which express both T-cell receptors and NK-cell receptors simultaneously. It has been suggested that the innate immune system plays a crucial role in the liver. In this report, the distribution of NK and NKT cells in the liver and peripheral blood of two patients with drug-induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) who had undergone living donor liver transplantation was examined. In both the liver and peripheral blood, the proportions of NK and NKT cells markedly decreased compared with those in healthy donors. It was also revealed that, unlike murine NKT cells, human CD56(+) T cells and CD57(+) T cells did not constitutively express CD28, which is one of the important costimulatory molecules on T cells. Additionally, the residual CD56(+) T cells and CD57(+) T cells in the patients expressed more CD28 than in controls. This result suggests that NKT cells might be more activated in FHF. Although the accumulation of further cases is required, it is suggested that both NK and NKT cells might be involved in hepatic injury in FHF.