In this article the status of Megabothris nakamurai Ono, 1955 is discussed, and the occurrence of this flea is reported from Honshu (the northern part of the Japan Alps, Nagano Prefecture). One pair of this form was collected from Rattus norvegicus and Microtus montebelli on May 31, 1957 by the author. Megabothris has been divided into three subspecies : , megacolpus, and nakamurai. The first two forms are Nearctic and the last was described from Hokkaido (Rebun Island) from Clethrionomys rufocanus. The relationship of the Japanese form seems closer to Megabothris sokolovi, and should porperly be called Megabothris sokolovi (Gershkovich, 1953). This rocord is another example of the similarity of species of Eastern Asia and Eastern North America.

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The diet composition and dietary patterns of the Long-eared Owl

otus were studied in Mediterranean agrosystems in central Crete (Greece) over the winters of 2009–2015. Overall, 2,819 prey items were recovered from 1,207 pellets, belonging to six taxa of mammals, 22 taxa of birds and four taxa of insects. Small mammals were the most common prey species, accounting for 75.8% by frequency and 79.7% by biomass, followed by birds (23.2% and 20.1%); the latter being rather an island component compared to continental regions. The House Mouse Mus musculus was the most important prey species in the owl's diet (56.3%) ahead of the Wood Mouse apodemus sylvaticus (9.51%) and the Black Rat Rattus rattus (7.9%). The species proved to be a significant rodent predator in olive groves and vineyards during winter months, selecting Wood Mouse and young Black Rat more than expected. Long-eared Owl feeding ecology studies could lead to improved land management and agricultural practices in the rural landscapes of the Mediterranean.

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Besides the dacitic pumice of Mt. Haruna, an igneous rock having the tendency of self-reversal of thermo-remanent magnetization has been found in a pitchstone of Mt. . Although the self-reversal property of the ferromagnetic minerals is weaker than that of the Haruna ferromagnetic minerals, the magnetic and crystallographic properties of the former are fundamentally same as those of the latter.
By thermo-magnetic separation, an ensemble of ferromagnetic grains in both the Haruna and the rocks were divided into A, B and AB groups. The results of thermo-magnetic measurement, chemical analysis, and X-ray analysis of these three groups showed that the A-constituent is a titanomagnetite of the crystal structure of inverse spinel type having the Curie-point at 430°-510°C, and the B-constituent is an ilmenite-hematite solid-solution of the rhombohedral crystal structure having the Curie-point at about 230°C, while the AB grains are composed of both A- and the B-constituents.
The measurement of thermo-remanent magnetization of a large number of single grain gave the result that only the AB grains can have the reverse thermo-remanent magnetization, the A- and the B- grains getting the ordinary normal thermo-remanent magnetization.

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This study was made on the evolution of SiO from CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ slag melted in a graphite crucible with or without carbon saturated iron. The dissolution of carbon in slag was also investigated.
In the absence of metal, the mass loss measured by means of thermo-balance was due to the reaction, (SiO₂)+C(s)=SiO(g)+CO(g). And then, in the presence of metal, the mass loss was due to both the reaction shown above and the transfer of silicon to metal, (SiO₂)+2C=Si+2CO(g).
The relation between the amount of SiO evolved and the reaction time was linear. The evolution rate of SiO was dependent on the viscosity of slag at the low concentrations of silica and on at the high concentrations, respectively. The apparent activation energies were varied from 298 to 543 kJ/mol corresponding to the slag compositions. The effect of stirring on the evolution rate of SiO was negligible at the small value of , but it was significant at the large value of .
Under the above experimental conditions, SiO evolution was generally controlled by the breaking of Si-O bonds in slag, but, in the range of small value, the transport of silica also affected the rate.
The dissolution of carbon in silicate slag proceeded slowly and its rate was varied from 2×10⁻⁵ to 5×10⁻⁵ mol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ at 1873 K. It was supposed that silicate slag dissolved carbon as both CaC₂ and SiC.

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The contact angle between molten Fe–Al alloy with 0.03, 0.3, and 3 mass% Al composition, and Y₂O₃ matrix oxide substrate with 0.002, 0.32, and 1 SiO₂ activity was measured using sessile drop method in Ar atmosphere at 1873 K, and the interfacial tension was evaluated. The contact angle and interfacial tension between the molten Fe-0.3 Al alloy and the Y₂Si₂O₇ + SiO₂ (

= 1) substrate decreased over time during 60 s after the molten alloy was dropped onto the substrate. The decrease of the contact angle was 20°, and that of the interfacial tension was 628 mN·m⁻¹ Conversely, the other contact angles and the other interfacial energies were almost stable during the same period. The decrease of the contact angles ranged between 0° and 7°, and that of the interfacial tensions ranged 4 and 195 mN·m⁻¹. By observing the wetting behavior for 60 min, it was recognized that the interfacial reaction between the Fe–Al alloy and the oxide substrate was the redox reaction between Al composition in the alloy and SiO₂ composition in the substrate, composed of SiO₂ decomposition reaction and Al₂O₃ formation reaction between oxygen absorbed at the interface and Al composition in the alloy. In addition, it was indicated from the interfacial tension dependence on SiO₂ activity that the medium SiO₂ volume slag for the molten low-Al steel and the low SiO₂ volume slag for the molten high-Al steel were effective in preventing the small droplets of molten slag into the molten steel.

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We present a new selenium (Se) map of Japan in more detail than in our previous report (J. Health Sci., 42, 360-366). It contains 150 measured points, especially in the northeast of Japan. In the new sampling points, we did not find high Se levels and most of the measurements were generally at values below 1 mg/kg. In the Se map of Japan, there are two particularly high measurements, at Mt.Zao (10 mg/kg) and Tateyama Murodo Jigokudani (148 mg/kg). These two areas are the origin of a minor branch of the Abukuma River and the Jouganji River, respectively. We also analyzed the Se levels near two major copper mines, and Besshi. We detected high Se content in rocks at both copper mines and an average Se level in soil from the area near the copper mine. The Se level in soil at Besshi was slightly higher than that at the area near the copper mine. We also measured the Se levels of some pyrites in Japan. The Se levels of most pyrites were some ten mg/kg higher than the general Se level in soil. This study provides information about the fundamental background values of Se levels in soil and rocks to correlate with Se pollution if it occurs in the future

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Recycling useful metals is important to save decreasing resources and avoid environmental pollution. Presently, the percentage of recycling within the copper fabricating process is 44% in Japan. At , equipment including the converter furnace (in which matte was refined) have been modified. With our technology and experience from producing blister and sulfuric acid, we currently smelt copper scrap, copper alloy scrap, and sludge of industrial waste, to produce gold, silver, and copper. However, since has only one furnace, it has brought about some managerial difficulties.

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渡良瀬遊水地および近隣地域の2か所の隣接する塒で，冬期のトラフズクの食性を明らかにするために，2004年から2010年の冬期間のペレット分析を行った．渡良瀬遊水地では7年間に合計142個のペレットから236個体の餌動物を，猿島郡の調査地では3年間に108個のペレットから154個体の餌動物が得られた．どちらの調査地もネズミ類が主要な餌動物であったが，ペレットの割合は，渡良瀬遊水地では猿島郡より鳥類の割合が有意に多く，年によってその割合は著しく変動した．渡良瀬遊水地では冬期に多くの鳥類が就塒するために，両調査地における餌動物に含まれる鳥類と哺乳類の割合の違いは，採餌環境の違いによるものと考えられた．

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筆者らは2010年12月から2011年1月にかけて，東京都と神奈川県の県境である多摩川河川敷で，越冬する6個体のトラフズク

Asio

otusのペリットを14個採取したので，その内容物について報告する．本種が越冬したのは市街地の河川敷で，周囲は野球やラグビーなどのグラウンドになっていた．ペリットの内容物は，哺乳類ではハタネズミが2個体，ハツカネズミが21個体，ドブネズミが2個体およびアブラコウモリが6個体で，鳥類も確認されたが種および個体数は不明であった．本種は市街地や人工建造物に依存する小型哺乳類を中心に捕食していた．アブラコウモリについては，関東地方における越冬期のトラフズクの餌資源としては初記録であった．

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Various types and degrees of asymmetry of ears in owls have been studied by Pycraft as earlyas in 1898 (also 1910). But, this interesting adaptive feature seems to have not been reexamined, except recently illustrated by Payne (1967) in Tyto. Here, remarkable type of asymmetry in Asiof lammeus is confirmed by photographs. Although the skull is symmetric in basic structure as Pycraftstated, a minor asymmetry could be found in more protruded squamosal wing on the right side, andperhaps compensatory slight reduction of post-orbital process of the same side was noticed. Thefacial discs can be most extensively turned over in among owls. Ninox for example, has nofacial disc opercula and has normal symmetric external ears. It is to be noticed that different typesof asymmetry revealed in owls may be taken as an example of random adaptations established bynatural selection. The sygnificance of ear asymmetry for sound orientation has been discussed byPumphrey (1948), and the comparative development of the facial discs is considered in relation tohabit by Grossman & Hamlet (1965).

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Chemical affinities of the transfer reactions of Si, Mn, S, and Fe between slag and pig iron in the blast furnace (, A_MnO, As and A_FeO) were calculated from oxygen potential (P_O2) and temperature of slag and pig iron and their compositions. The P_O2 and temperatures were measured by using oxygen concentration cells for slag and pig iron during tapping from the furnace. The following results were obtained; 1) P_O2 in pig iron was larger than that in equilibrium with C and CO gas and thus, oxygen in pig iron was supersaturated. 2) P_O2 in slag was one order of magnitude larger than that in pig iron. This P_O2 was equal to that in equilibrium with pig iron and FeO in slag. 3) Because <0 and A_S<0, SiO₂ in slag could not be reduced and pig iron could not be desulfurized by slag. Because A_MnO≅0, Mn and MnO in slag would be in equilibrium. 4) The magnitude of depended on the characteristics of each of the three blast furnaces examined. 5) The content of FeO in slag could be estimated from P_O2 and temperature in slag by using oxygen concentration cells for slag.

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Sixty seven pellets of Long-eared Owls,

Asio

otus, were collected in a village, Ehime Prefecture, during 19February 2001to 6 April 2001. The bones of 164 Mus musculus, ten Micromys minutus, two Apodemus speciosus, two Rattus sp., seventeen Pipistrellus abramus, two Myotis macrodactylus, twelve Crocidura dsinezumi and a bird were found in the pellets. M. minutus, P. abramus, M. macrodactylus and C. dsinezumi were new records in diet of the Long-eared owls.

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Desiliconization of molten Fe-Si-C alloy is important to keep basicity of slag higher in the dephosphorization process and to minimize total slag generation rate in steelmaking process. However, there is a desiliconization limit because competitive decarburization reaction proceeds as silicon content of metal decreases. Therefore development of an effective method that promotes desiliconization without decarburization is desired. Oxidation behavior of silicon and carbon in molten Fe-C-Si alloys with CO₂ is investigated mainly at 1573K in this study. Desiliconization limit with CO₂ at 1573K is [mass%Si]=9.1×10^-4 under the conditions of a_C=1, =1 and P_CO2=1 atm and silicon in metal can be removed up to [mass%Si]=1.3×10^-3 in the present experiment. However, in order to remove silicon to a desired level, it is necessary to remove formed SiO₂ from the metal bath because SiO₂ is reduced with carbon in the melt and Si is remelted into metal. Overall rate constant of silicon oxidation under the condition of a_C=1 is about 3.1×10^-5 m/s and is independent of CO₂ flow rate. Overall rate constants of simultaneous carbon and silicon oxidation under the condition of P_CO2=1 are 4.0×10^-6 m/s and 5.0×10^-6 m/s, respectively and the rate constant for silicon is smaller than that under the condition of a_C=1. It is inferred simultaneous oxidation of carbon and silicon causes some retarding effects on the advance of each reaction.

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G-banded partial karyotypes were compared among eight species of owls from six genera, in order to supplement our previous report (Rebholz et al. 1993). A general feature of highly conservative nature of banding pattern homology was recognized in the eight species here concerned, without evidence of intra-arm inversions or deletions, but with some derivations from the putative ancestral karyotype involving two Robertsonian translocations, three pericentric inversions and some additional sub- or paracentromeric G-bands.

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Silicon is a prime deoxidizing element for stainless steel. It can be considered that the deoxidizing ability of silicon may be increased by reducing , under the basic slag. This effect, however, has not been understood clearly.
Standing on this viewpoints, the study has been made of the SiOequilibrium for 18Cr-8Ni melt, and also of the effect of crucible materials and that of slag composition on the deoxidation power of silicon.
The results are summarized as follows:
(1) The experimental equations for Si-O deoxidation equilibrium for 18Cr-8Ni stainless melt are given as follows:(1)
(2)
The value of log K_si at 1600°C accords well with that of the equation for Fe-Si-O system recommended by GAKUSHIN (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 19th Committee).
(2) As to the effect of crucible materials on the deoxidation power of silicon, it is increased by the use of the CaO and CaO-SiO₂ crucible, and the effect of Al₂O₃ crucible is considerablly small. The effect of MgO and ZrO₂ crucibles is larger than that of Al₂O₃crucible but smaller than that of CaO crucible.
(3) The deoxidation equilibrium of silicon under the CaO-SiO₂-Al₂O₃ (sat.) slag has been measured at 1600°C, and the relation between the (%CaO)/(%SiO₂) and has been determined. The result indicates that the oxygen value by silicon deoxidation is greatly influenced by the basicity of co-existing slag and that the observed values of are larger than the ones estimated from the slag composition.
(4) From the above mentioned results, it can be concluded that the deoxidation power of silicon in the actual stainless steel melt is increased by using the basic slag. However, it seems to be difficult to attain the equilibrium oxygen value that accords with the value of a_SlO2 expected from the slag composition.

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The phylogeny of 33 owl species is studied karyologically. Karyotypes of seven owl species new to karyology (Bubo lacteus, Ketupa blakistoni, K. ketupa, Otus scops, Strix hylophila, S. leptogrammica and S. nebulosa) are described. Four other karyotypes (

Asio

otus, Pulsatrix perspicillata, Speotyto cunicularia, and Tyto alba) are presented to complete previous publications.

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The contact angle between molten Fe-Al alloy with 0.03, 0.3, and 3 mass% Al composition, and Y₂O₃ matrix oxide substrate with 0.002, 0.32, and 1 SiO₂ activity was measured using sessile drop method in Ar atmosphere at 1873 K, and the interfacial tension was evaluated. The contact angle and interfacial tension between the molten Fe-0.3 Al alloy and the Y₂Si₂O₇ + SiO₂ (

= 1) substrate decreased over time during 60 s after the molten alloy was dropped onto the substrate. The decrease of the contact angle was 20°, and that of the interfacial tension was 628 mN・m⁻¹ Conversely, the other contact angles and the other interfacial energies were almost stable during the same period. The decrease of the contact angles ranged between 0° and 7°, and that of the interfacial tensions ranged 4 and 195 mN・m⁻¹. By observing the wetting behavior for 60 min, it was recognized that the interfacial reaction between the Fe-Al alloy and the oxide substrate was the redox reaction between Al composition in the alloy and SiO₂ composition in the substrate, composed of SiO₂ decomposition reaction and Al₂O₃ formation reaction between oxygen absorbed at the interface and Al composition in the alloy. In addition, it was indicated from the interfacial tension dependence on SiO₂ activity that the medium SiO₂ volume slag for the molten low-Al steel and the low SiO₂ volume slag for the molten high-Al steel were effective in preventing the small droplets of molten slag into the molten steel.

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