SYNTHESIS OF ALKALI-METAL HYDRIDES USING LANTHANIDE TRICHLORIDE-NAPHTHALENE AS CATALYST UNDER MILD CONDITIONS

The hydrogenation of alkali metals using lanthanide trichloride and naphthalene as catalyst has been studied. LnCl3(Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Dy, Yb) and naphthalene can catalyze the hydrogenation of sodium under atmospheric pressure and 40-degrees-C to form sodium hydride. The activities of lanthanide trichlorides are in the following order: LaCl3 > NdCl3 > SmCl3 > DyCl3 > YbCl3. Although lithium proceeds in the same catalytic reaction, the kinetic curve of the lithium hydrogenation is different from that of sodium. Lanthanide trichlorides display no catalytic effect on the hydrogenation of potassium in presence of naphthalene. The mechanism of this reaction has been studied and it is suggested that the anion-radical of alkali metal naphthalene complexes may be the intermediate for the hydrogenation of alkali metals and the function of LnCl3 is to catalyze the hydrogenation of the intermediate. The products are porous solids with high specific surface area (83 m2/g for NaH) and pyrophoric in air. They are far more active than the commercial alkali metal hydrides. The combination of these hydrides with some transition metal complexes exhibits high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of olefins.

THE EFFECT OF FILM-FORMING CONDITIONS FOR TAPCUPC LANGMUIR-BLODGETT-FILMS ON MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES

The dependence of morphology and properties on film-forming conditions is described for the symmetrically substituted copper tetra-4-(2, 4-di-t-amylphenoxy) phthalocyanine (tapCuPc) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. The effects of LB film-forming conditions (such as the surface pressure, pH value and the concentrations of spreading solutions) on film quality were studied with the help of a UV-visible spectrophotometer and a transmission electron microscope. Transmission electron microscopy photographs of the surface morphology of tapCuPc LB films show that a smooth and homogeneous surface structure can be obtained under optimum film-forming conditions.

EFFECT OF DENSITY ON LARVAL DEVELOPMENT AND FEMALE PRODUCTIVITY OF TISBE-HOLOTHURIAE (COPEPODA, HARPACTICOIDA) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

POPULATION-DYNAMICS; FOOD; FISH

Cultivation of the intertidal brown alga Hizikia fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura: mass production of zygote-derived seedlings under commercial cultivation conditions, a case study experience

Mariculture of the brown alga Hizikia fusiformis (Harvey) Okamura as an export-oriented human food has been there more for than 20 years in China. It is now one of the five major farmed algal species along the Chinese coast. Stable and sufficient supply of young seedlings for scaling up the cultivation has been a problem throughout the farming history of this species due to the unique dioecious life cycle and relatively short time window of sexual reproduction in nature. These two factors led to a practical difficulty in obtaining zygotes at identical developmental stage in viable amounts for seedling production. A key solution to this problem is to control the synchronization of the receptacle development and to realize the simultaneous discharge of male and female gametes, such that the fertilization rate could be greatly enhanced. Focusing on one of the farmed populations in this report, we present our results on mass production of seedlings using the synchronization technique on a large scale performed in 2007. Totally 5.5 hundred million embryos were obtained from 100 kg female sporophytes. The seedlings were raised up to 3.5 mm in length in greenhouse tanks over a month and were further grown in open sea for over 3 months at two experimental sites. The success of mass production of seedlings in this alga helped to lay the basis for future trials in other species in the genus of Sargassum that have identical life cycle.

Chandrananimycins A-C: Production of novel anticancer antibiotics from a marine Actinomadura sp isolate M048 by variation of medium composition and growth conditions

In our screening of marine actinomycetes for bioactive principles, three novel antibiotics designated as chandrananimycin A (3c), B (3d) and C (4) were isolated from the culture broth of a marine Actinomadura sp. isolate M045. The structures of the new antibiotics were determined by detailed interpretation of mass, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectra.

Electrochemical measurement of hydrogen peroxide in plasma: Evaluation of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and crucian carp (Cyprinus carpio) phagocytes under natural conditions

An electrochemical technique for the real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was employed to describe respiratory burst activity (RBA) of phagocytes in plasma which can be used to evaluate the ability of immune system and disease resistance. The method is based upon the electric current changes, by redox reaction on platinum electrode of extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from phagocytes stimulated by the zymosan at 680 mV direct current (d.c.). Compared with the control, activation of respiratory burst by zymosan particles results in a high amperometric response, and a current peak was obtained during the whole monitoring process. The peak current was proved by addition Of Cu2+ and other controls, to be the result of intense release of H2O2 from phagocytes. The peak area was calculated and used to evaluate the quantity of effective H2O2, which represents the quantity of H2O2 beyond the clearance of related enzymes in plasma. According to Faraday's law, the phagocytes' ability of prawns to generate effective H2O2 was evaluated from 1.253 x 10(-14) mol/cell to 6.146 x 10(-14) mol/cell, and carp from 1.689 x 10(-15) Mol/Cell to 7.873 x 10(-1)5 mol/cell. This method is an acute and quick detection of extracellular effective H2O2 in plasma and reflects the capacity of phagocytes under natural conditions, which could be applied for selecting species and parents with high immunity for breeding in aquaculture. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early development of germlings of Sargassum thunbergii (Fucales, Phaeophyta) under laboratory conditions

Morphology and culture studies on germlings of Sargassum thunbergii (Mertens et Roth) Kuntze were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Growth characteristics of these germlings grown under different temperatures (from 10 to 25A degrees C), irradiances (from 9 to 88 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1)), and under blue and white light conditions are described. The development of embryonic germlings follows the classic "8 nuclei 1 egg" type described for Sargassaceae. Fertilized eggs spent 5-6 h developing into multicellular germlings with abundant rhizoids after fertilization. Under conditions of 20A degrees C, 44 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1) and photoperiod of 12 h, young germlings with one or two leaflets reached 2-3 mm in length after 8 weeks. Temperature variations (10, 15, 20, 25A degrees C) under 88 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1) significantly influenced the growth rate within the first week, although this effect became less obvious after 8 weeks, especially at 15 and 20A degrees C. Variation in germling growth was highly significant under different irradiances (9, 18, 44, 88 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1)) at 25A degrees C. Low temperature (10A degrees C) reduced germling growth. Growth of germlings cultured under blue light was lower than in white light. Optimal growth of these germlings occurred at 25A degrees C and 44 mu mol photons m(-2) s(-1).

Rapid optimization of process conditions for cultivation of transgenic Laminaria japonica gametophyte cells in a stirred-tank bioreactor

Batch cultivation for transgenic kelp gametophyte cells was investigated in an online controlled 5 L stirred-tank photo-bioreactor to rapidly optimize the process conditions by monitoring the rate of increase of pH. The transgenic kelp gametophytes with heterologous gene encoding hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) could rapidly grow in the bioreactor. Optimal temperature and agitation rate for bioreactor cultivation of gametophytes were 15 degrees C and 200 rpm. Optimal incident light intensities depended on the initial cell densities. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.

Optimization of conditions for tetraspore release and assessment of photosynthetic activities for different generation branches of Gracilaria lemaneiformis Bory

Gracilaria lemaneiformis Bory is an economically important alga that is primarily used for agar production. Although tetraspores are ideal seeds for the cultivation of G. lemaneiformis, the most popular culture method is currently based on vegetative fragments, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this study, we optimized the conditions for tetraspore release and evaluated the photosynthetic activities of different colonies formed from the branches of G. lemaneiformis using a PAM (pulse-amplitude-modulated) measuring system. The results showed that variations in temperature and salinityhad significant effects on tetraspore yield. However, variations in the photon flux density (from 15 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) to 480 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) had no apparent effect on tetraspore yield. Moreover, the PAM-parameters Y(I), Y(II), ETR(I), ETR(II) and F (v)/F (m) of colonies formed from different branches showed the same trend: parameter values of first generation branches > second generation branches > third generation branches. These results suggest that the photosynthetic activities of different colonies of branches changed with the same trend. Furthermore, photosynthesis in G. lemaneiformis was found to be involved in vegetative reproduction and tetraspore formation. Finally, the first generation branches grew slowly, but accumulated organic compounds to form large numbers of tetraspores. Taken together, these results showed that the first generation branches are ideal materials for the release of tetraspores.

Evaluation of induced triploid shrimp Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis cultured under laboratory conditions

Triploid Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis was successfully produced by heat shock. Their metamorphosis, the relationship between body weight and length and difference in appearance between triploids and their diploid siblings under laboratory culture were studied. Hematological studies showed a smaller number of haemocytes, but larger cell volume, in triploids than in diploids. Triploid shrimp did not show higher growth during the immature stage, but exhibited superior growth during the maturation stage. Characteristics of reproductive organs indicated that triploid shrimp may be sterile and sex ratio can be changed through triploidization of shrimp. This paper summarizes the progress made in triploid shrimp research which would be helpful in understanding more about triploids of crustaceans. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth of Gracilaria lemaneiformis under different cultivation conditions and its effects on nutrient removal in Chinese coastal waters

Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Bory) Daws has been extensively cultivated as a source of commercial agar and the ecomaterials in Shenao Bay, Guangdong Province, Jiaozhou Bay, Shandong Province and other waters in China. This paper examines the in situ suspended farming of G. lemaneiformis using raft cultivation under different conditions and its effects on nutrient removal in the laboratory. The results showed that cultivated Gracilaria grew well in both Shenao Bay and Jiaozhou Bay. The biomass of Gracilaria increased from 50 to 775 g m(-1) (fresh weight) during 28 days, with special growth rate (SPG) 13.9% d(-1) under horizontal cultivation in Jiaozhou Bay. Light, temperature, nutrient supply, as well as cultivation treatments such as initial density, and depth of suspension seaweed were important to the growth of Gracilaria. The highest biomass production was observed in the horizontal culture condition (0.0 m) and 0.5-1.5 m deep layer in Jiaozhou Bay. However, the highest growth rate in Shenao Bay appeared under the lowest initial stocking density treatment. In the laboratory, the aquarium experiments (fish and seaweed culture systems) demonstrated that Gracilaria was able to remove inorganic nutrients effectively. The concentration of NH4+-N decreased by 85.53% and 69.45%, and the concentration of PO4-P decreased 65.97% and 26.74% in aquaria with Gracilaria after 23 days and 40 days, respectively. The results indicate that Gracilaria has the potential to remove excess nutrient from coastal areas, and the large-scale cultivation of G. lemaneiformis could be effective to control eutrophication in Chinese coastal waters. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation and early development of tetraspores of Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Gracilaria, Gracilariaceae) under laboratory conditions

Morphological and culture studies of tetraspores of Gracilaria lemaneiformis were carried out under laboratory conditions. Relationships of germination rate, diameter and survival rate of tetraspores from 1st generation branches with grads of temperature and irradiance were determined, respectively. The result showed that 1st generation branches is in the majority of the tetraspores shedding and tetraspores from which had highest survival rates than other parts of the sporophytic plant. The time tetraspores used developing from giant unicells to diads, which both existed on the epidermis, then to tetraspores off the matrix, was only approximately 3 weeks all through. However, tetraspores spent more than two months developing into germlings of gametophytes. It was shown that temperature variation (10, 15, 25, 30 degrees C) with the light of 30 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) had significant effects on the germination rate and diameter, but had no apparent effect on survival rate (ANOVA, P < 0.01). Germination rates of tetraspores reached the maximum at 20 degrees C, which was significantly higher than those at other temperature levels (P < 0.01), whereas 15 degrees C seemed to be optimal temperature for the diameter. All the three growth parameters (germination rate, diameter and survival rate) yield highly significant variations with irradiance treatments at room temperature (ANOVA, P < 0.01). The optimal germination rate was detected at the irradiance of 30 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) (P < 0.01). The photon flux density which exceeds 480 nnol m(-2) s(-1) have apparently negative effect on diameter and survival rate. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of conditions for cell cultivation of Porphyra haitanensis conchocelis in a bubble-column bioreactor

Process conditions for cell cultures derived from conchocelis of female red macroalga Porphyra haitanensis were optimized in an illuminated 0.3-l bubble-column photobioreactor, using CO2 in air as the sole carbon source during a 20-day cultivation period. It reached the highest growth rate when the initial cell density was 700 mg l(-1)(dry weight), the optional aeration rate was 1.2 v/v/min, inorganic nitrate concentration was 15 mM and inorganic phosphate concentration was 0.6 mM. This is the first reported bioreactor cultivation study of cell cultures derived from conchocelis of Porphyra haitanensis.

海相碳酸盐－稀土元素共沉淀过程中的分异作用研究

本文主要运用稳定加液－反应系统对海水中方解石和文石形成时稀土元素的共沉淀现象进行了分析，研究了稀土元素在固-液体系中的迁移、转化和分配。进而在对其定量描述的前提下，研究了稀土元素共沉淀对各种反应条件的响应，并对共沉淀行为的机制进行了探讨。 本实验首先运用pH测试、高精度滴定分析等手段测定了实验中的一些基本参数，如[H+]、碱度和[Ca2+]，根据计算结果获得了各碳酸体系要素，并以此为基础建立了5℃、15℃和25℃及pCO2=0.003atm下海水中方解石或文石的沉淀动力学方程。实验结果表明： 1）在各条件下，方解石或文石的沉淀速率（R）和其在海水中过饱和度（Ω）存在很好的线性相关性，即海相碳酸盐的沉淀动力学方程可以通过下面的基本表达式来表示：LogR=k*Log(Ω-1)+b ； 2）过高的稀土元素浓度会对文石或方解石的沉淀产生抑制作用，进而对共沉淀过程中YREEs的分异和分馏产生一定的影响。相比方解石而言，文石的沉淀动力学过程承受稀土元素的干扰能力更强； 3）不同温度下得到的方解石或文石各自的沉淀动力学方程存在明显的差异，表明这一过程受热力学因素控制。相对于方解石而言，温度对文石的沉淀动力学的影响更为显著。 与前人研究不同的是，本实验中YREEs的浓度设定在非常低的范围内，从而避免了过高浓度YREEs对方解石或文石沉淀动力学过程的干扰。在最终的反应液中，各种实验条件非常接近自然环境。有关稀土元素的共沉淀行为主要得出以下定性或定量化结论： 1）YREEs在随方解石或文石的共沉淀过程中，均发生了强烈的分异作用。在方解石实验中，稀土元素的分异系数分布曲线呈凸状分布；而在文石实验中，稀土元素的分异系数随原子序数的增加逐渐减小，遵循镧系收缩的规律。总的来说，稀土元素，尤其轻稀土元素在文石中的分异作用要强于方解石。 2）无论是方解石还是文石，沉淀速率对YREEs的分异作用都有着明显的影响。在方解石中，YREEs的分异系数随沉淀速率的增加呈一致性递减趋势；而在文石中，其分异系数对文石沉淀速率有着截然不同的响应：轻稀土元素（La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd）的分异系数随文石沉淀速率的增加而下降，而重稀土元素（Ho, Y, Tm, Yb , Lu）的分异系数则随文石沉淀速率的增加呈上升趋势。 3）在方解石中YREEs的分异系数之间存在非常好的相互关系，表明这些元素是以成比例的方式参与共沉淀。整个谱系呈现中等强度的分馏，MREE相对于LREE和HREE要更为富集；在文石中由于沉淀速率的作用不同，只有Y、Ho、Yb、Lu等元素的分异系数之间有较好的相互关系。YREEs出现了差异性的强烈分馏，在新生成沉淀中轻稀土元素相对于重稀土元素强烈富集。 4）YREEs在溶液中和碳酸盐晶体表面的碳酸根配位形式对YREEs在共沉淀过程中的分异作用极为重要，YREEs在碳酸盐晶体表面的吸附是整个谱系发生分馏效应的关键环节。对于文石来讲，晶体中有效YREE离子和Ca离子半价大小之间的相近程度是其分馏效应的关键因素；而对于方解石来说，YREEs在方解石晶格中的安置就是其分馏效应的关键控制因子，但在晶格安置中起到关键作用的是YREEs和方解石中O原子之间离子键M-O的键长，而非离子半径。 5）综合YREEs在方解石中的分异作用和分馏效应，我们认为M2(CO3)3-CaCO3和MNa(CO3)2-CaCO3是最为可能的两种固体溶液形成模式。 最为重要的是，对比我们的实验结果与前人在灰岩、叠层石、微生物成因碳酸盐等方解石质载体中的研究成果，两者之间出现了非常好的一致性。我们认为方解石质载体将是重建古海水中稀土元素相关信息的重要工具。相比之下，文石质载体不适合作为类似的载体。