关于西阿翼龙系统位置的简单注释及与其它翼龙类关系的评论

Cearadactylus atrox is one of the first pterosaurs unearthed from the Araripe Basin (Northeast Brazil) (Leonardi and Borgomanero 1983, 1985) (Fig.1). The fossil was preserved in a calcareous concretion typical of the Romualdo Formation and comprised an almost complete skull with lower jaw, but lacked the occipital region.     

Effect of copper on the scope for growth of clams (Tapes philippinarum) from a farming area in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Copper is currently the most common biocide in antifouling paints. Levels of this metal were measured in the water, particulate matter and sediments from a shellfish farming area in the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea) over one year. With respect to the 1980s, copper environmental level increased twofold. The release of copper from shellfish farmers' boats was also estimated to be > 250 kg Cu y(-1). Clams Tapes philippinarum were collected in the same area and seasonally exposed to a sublethal (10 microg Cu l(-1)) concentration of copper. Physiological traits were significantly affected by copper exposure (scope for growth declined as a result of reduced clearance rate, increased oxygen consumption and a generally lower absorption efficiency). The results of this study are cause for concern for shellfish farming activities at least in Northern Adriatic, where shellfish farming is a monoculture of T. philippinarum. A strict interpretation of the precautionary principle might suggest that more rigorous regulatory action to control copper inputs in the field would be justified.     

Non-destructive assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure by fluorimetric analysis of crab urine

The detection of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites by fluorescence spectrophotometry is particularly effective as a practical means to assess PAH exposure in decapod crabs. However, the practical application of this technique has thus far only been tested for the European shore crab (Carcinus maenas) and only a few field studies have been conducted in heavily polluted areas. The present study evaluated the adaptability of this method as a rapid, cost-effective and non-destructive biomonitoring tool for the New Zealand crab species, Macrophthalmus hirtipes (stalk-eyed mud crab). A field gradient could be detected among the sites and different input sources of PAH contamination could be discerned through the differentiation of pyrogenic and petrogenic PAH signatures. The present study shows that the fluorescence screening method is sensitive to relatively low levels of PAH contamination and more broadly applicable to smaller crab species than C. maenas, for which the technique was developed.     

Geographic and temporal variations of sulfate aerosols over the Pacific Ocean

To investigate the life cycle of marine sulfate aerosols, chemicophysical characteristics of marine aerosolswere measured during five cruises in the Pacific Ocean. Dimethyl sulfide concentrations in seawater and in the air were also measured. The geographic variation of sulfate-aerosol concentrations was studied in relation to biogenic and anthropogenic sources,transport with air trajectories, and chemical transformations in the atmosphere. The highest concentrations were found near Asian and American ports, indicating anthropogenic pollution is the major sulfate aerosols source. Higher concentrations were observed in the upwelling regions than in the oligotrophic areas. Along the coastal regions, both mass and number concentrations of sulfate aerosols depended on wind direction and wind speed, and land-breeze and sea-breeze oscillations; no clear diurnal variation was detected. In pelagic areas, along the equator, the concentrations of small sulfate particles showed a maximum in the afternoon and the m     

Expression and activity of a multixenobiotic resistance system in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanism corresponds to a defence system relying on the expression of high molecular membrane proteins that can actively lower the intracellular concentration of a wide variety of toxins, thus maintaining them below their toxic level. Using RT-PCR, expression levels of a gene belonging to the class I of mammalian mdr genes, has been assessed in different developmental stages of the oyster Crassostrea gigas. While no expression was found in the oocyte or the trocophore stage, a rise of mRNA content was observed from the veliger stage to the juvenile stage, thus indicating the induction of the system as the animal is developing in the environment. The incubation of gill fragments in the dye rhodamine B and subsequent measurements of intracellular fluorescence using a microplate reader indicates that the system can effectively decrease the accumulation of the test compound in a competitive manner with known inhibitors or environmental contaminants as observed in vertebrate cells. The oyster MXR system is thus becoming active in adult oyster and could be of importance in environmentally contaminated areas.     

Cyanide Chemistry in Comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1)

Observations of comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1) have been carried out near perihelion (1997 March) at millimeter wavelengths using the NRAO 12 m telescope. The J=1-->0, 2-->1, and 3-->2 lines of HCN at 88, 177, and 265 GHz were measured in the comet as well as the J=3-->2 lines of H13CN, HC15N, and HNC. The N=2-->1 transition of CN near 226 GHz was also detected, and an upper limit was obtained for the J=2-->1 line of HCNH+. From the measurements, column densities and production rates have been estimated. A column density ratio of [HCN]/[HNC] = 7+/-1 was observed near perihelion, while it was found that [HCN]/[HCNH+] greater, similar 1. The production rates at perihelion for HCN and CN were estimated to be Q(HCN) approximately 1x1028 s-1 and Q(CN) approximately 2.6x1027 s-1, respectively, resulting in a ratio of [HCN]/[CN] approximately 3. Consequently, HCN is sufficiently abundant to be the parent molecule of CN in Hale-Bopp, and HCNH+ could be a source of HNC. Finally, carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of 12C/13C = 109+/-22 and 14N/15N = 330+/-98 were obtained from HCN measurements, in agreement with previous values obtained from J=4-->3 data. Such ratios suggest that comet Hale-Bopp formed coevally with the solar system.     

超高压榴辉岩中磷灰石的针状出溶物及其成因

金河桥榴辉岩是一含柯石英的超高压榴辉岩,其中的磷灰石中发现有针状出溶物,这些针状矿物长轴方向平行于磷灰石的c轴。根据电子探针分析结果,出溶物可能是以下三种矿物：独居石、黄铜矿和硅钍石(?)。它们的主要组成元素REE、S和Th等可以呈类质同象形式存在于磷灰石中,在超高压的条件下,由于温度相对较低,趋向于从寄主矿物中分离出来。矿物在高压下的这种“自净”行为可能是固态条件下矿物之间微量元素重新分配的一种方式,这种行为可能对地球不同层圈的化学组成演化有特别意义。     

Effects of chlorpyrifos on cholinesterase activity and stress markers in the tropical reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus

Tropical coastal ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) of Australia are increasingly threatened by pollution; yet few studies have investigated the sensitivity of GBR species to these pollutants. Here we exposed juveniles of the tropical reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus (spiny damselfish) to three concentrations of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and measured (i) muscle cholinesterase (ChE) activity; (ii) hepatic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity; and (iii) coenzyme Q (CoQ) redox balance, after 6h and 96h of exposure. After 96h, muscle ChE activity was significantly inhibited by 26%, 49% and 53% when fish were exposed to 1, 10 or 100μg/L CPF, respectively. Muscle ChE characterization revealed three types of ChEs, including two atypical forms. Hepatic CoQ antioxidant form significantly increased at 10μg/L after 6h of exposure, potentially demonstrating an early response to CPF-induced oxidative stress in liver. Hepatic GST was not affected by CPF exposure.