Diseases leading to accelerated decline of reef corals in the largest South Atlantic reef complex (Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil)

Although reef corals worldwide have sustained epizootics in recent years, no coral diseases have been observed in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean until now. Here we present an overview of the main types of diseases and their incidence in the largest and richest coral reefs in the South Atlantic (Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil). Qualitative observations since the 1980s and regular monitoring since 2001 indicate that coral diseases intensified only recently (2005–2007). Based on estimates of disease prevalence and progression rate, as well as on the growth rate of a major reef-building coral species (the Brazilian-endemic Mussismilia braziliensis), we predict that eastern Brazilian reefs will suffer a massive coral cover decline in the next 50 years, and that M. braziliensis will be nearly extinct in less than a century if the current rate of mortality due to disease is not reversed.     

Evaluation of bioremediation strategies of a controlled oil release in a wetland

A controlled petroleum release was conducted to evaluate bioremediation in a wetland near Houston, Texas. The 140-day study was conducted using a randomized, complete block design to test three treatments with six replicates per treatment. The three treatment strategies were inorganic nutrients, inorganic nutrients with an alternative electron acceptor, and a no-action oiled control. Samples were analyzed for petroleum chemistry and inorganic nutrients. These results are discussed in the context of our related research involving toxicology and microbiology at the site during the experiment. To evaluate biodegradation, the targeted compounds were normalized to the conservative compound C3017alpha, 21beta-[H]hopane, thus reducing the effects of spatial heterogeneity and physical transport. The two biostimulation treatments demonstrated statistically-higher rates of biodegradation than the oiled no-action control. For the majority of the experiment, target nutrient levels were maintained. Further research may be warranted to optimize these bioremediation strategies as well as evaluating additional treatment strategies for wetlands and other shoreline systems.     

一级站各类特殊报文的发报总结

总结地面测报业务中特殊报类的发报规定和注意事项,并给出发报演示.     

广东省地震局的科技人员现状及其分析

本文对广东省地震局科技人员的年龄结构、专业结构、知识结构、职称结构的不合理状况和造成科技人员结构及数质上所存在问题的原因进行了分析讨论,并提出了对策和建议。     

广州台地磁斜率变化与广东地区中强地震的关系

近年来国内一些地震学者提出了用地磁斜率变化预报地震的方法,并在地震短期预报中得到了验证。该方法不仅分析使用比较简便,而且有一定的物理意义。参考资料给出了地磁斜率|k|>0.15的异常共24次,其中有18次异常后于2个月内,在以地磁观测点为中心的360公里范围内发生了Ms>4.5级以上的中强地震。其准确率达     

继续教育与人事管理

本文从人事管理的角度论述了继续教育是人事管理工作的重要内容,进而探讨继续教育对于开发人力资源,促进科学技术转化为生产力的重要作用,以及为适应经济建设的新形势要树立的几个新观念,针对当前地震工作的主要任务,提出了加强继续教育工作的重点.     

组建广东省地震灾害紧急救援队的必要性、可行性及其对策

简要回顾了地震灾害紧急救援的由来与发展；讨论了组建广东省地震灾害紧急救援队的必要性、可行性及其对策；提出救援队建设的原则和形式，探讨今后地震救援事业的发展方向。     

Changes in zooxanthellae density,morphology, and mitotic index in hermatypic corals and anemones exposed to cyanide

Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is widely used for the capture of reef fish throughout Southeast Asia and causes extensive fish mortality, but the effect of NaCN on reef corals remains debated. To document the impact of cyanide exposure on corals, the species Acropora millepora, Goniopora sp., Favites abdita, Trachyphyllia geoffrio, Plerogyra sp., Heliofungia actinformis, Euphyllia divisa, and Scarophyton sp., and the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida were exposed to varying concentrations of cyanide for varying time periods. Corals were exposed to 50, 100, 300, and 600 mg/l of cyanide ion (CN(-)) for 1-2 min (in seawater, the CN(-) forms hydrocyanic acid). These concentrations are much lower than those reportedly used by fish collectors. Exposed corals and anemones immediately retracted their tentacles and mesenterial filaments, and discharged copious amounts of mucus containing zooxanthellae. Gel electrophoreses techniques found changes in protein expression in both zooxanthellae and host tissue. Corals and anemones exposed to cyanide showed an immediate increase in mitotic cell division of their zooxenthellae, and a decrease in zooxanthellae density. In contrast, zooxanthellae cell division and density remained constant in controls. Histopathological changes included gastrodermal disruption, mesogleal degradation, and increased mucus in coral tissues. Zooxanthellae showed pigment loss, swelling, and deformation. Mortality occurred at all exposure levels. Exposed specimens experienced an increase in the ratio of gram-negative to gram-positive bacteria on the coral surface. The results demonstrate that exposure cyanide causes mortality to corals and anemones, even when applied at lower levels than that used by fish collectors. Even brief exposure to cyanide caused slow-acting and long-term damage to corals and their zooxanthellae.