No abstract

Laboratory experiments and field measurements were conducted to examine the effect of tide on the organic carbon mineralization rate in sediments under aerobic conditions of an intertidal estuary. Core samples of surface sediments were collected from an intertidal estuary of the Kurose River, Hiroshima, Japan. To mimic low and high tide in the intertidal estuary, organic carbon mineralization rates in the samples were measured in the laboratory under both air-exposed and submerged conditions. Mineralization rates under air-exposed conditions were two to five times higher than those under submerged conditions. Field measurements of the rate of CO 2 emission from the sediment surface revealed a rapid increase in the rate as the sea level fell during ebb tide. The estimated amount of daily organic carbon mineralization assuming a constantly submerged condition was 30% less than that estimated when considering the semi-diurnal fluctuation in sea level. These results indicate that tide has a marked impact on the organic carbon mineralization rate in sediments under aerobic conditions on an intertidal estuary, and tidal effects need to be considered when the amount of mineralized organic carbon is estimated.

extubation. We have observed only a moderate incidence of POUR and a low incidence of urinary infections. In addition, no correlation between POUR and worse outcome has been shown. Our data suggests that thoracic epidural analgesia is not an absolute indication of urinary drainage.

A field survey and a pot culture experiment were conducted to examine the effects of nutrients (N and P) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth of Salix gracilistyla, a pioneer plant in riparian habitats. The plants growing in the field were colonized by AM and/or ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, the direct effect of AM colonization on seedling growth was not detected in the pot culture experiment. In contrast, N application significantly promoted plant growth, suggesting that the growth of S. gracilistyla seedlings is largely limited by the availability of N in the field.

Sweet potato slices were cooked for 5 min in distilled water, alum (aluminum potassium sulfate), AlCl 3 and several pH level buffer solutions. Slices preheated (60°C) in these solutions were boiled in water. The slices cooked at about pH 4 were firmest among those in the range pH 2-pH 12. Firmness was (greatest to least); preheated in alum > preheated in water > cooked in buffer (pH 3.5) >AlCl 3 (pH 3.5) > alum (pH 3.5) > water. Preheating, Al 3+ and acid prevented softening of slices. Acid-treated slices were firmer than Al 3+ treated slices. Alum contains K + and S0 4 -2 , which accelerate solubilization of pectin, thus slices cooked in alum were softer than those in AlCl 3 . Scanning electron microscopy showed the middle lamella separated when cooked in water but not when cooked in other solutions.