Distribution and some biological features of skate Bathyraja parmifera (Rajidae, Rajiformes) in the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan
In the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan, skate Bathyraja parmifera in catches of the bottom trawl occurs at depths of 40 to 830 m at the near-bottom temperature of 0.4–4.9°C. Throughout the year, the skate performs migrations within the continental slope and, in the feeding period, inhabits mainly the depth range of 300 to 500 m. Maximal average density of aggregations of B. parmifera is observed in waters of northern Primorye; minimal average density is observed in Peter the Great Bay and on the Yamato Bank. In catches, skates with a length of 17–130 cm and a weight of 0.5–18.8 kg are recorded; however, fish with a length of 80–115 cm dominate. Individuals with a length of up to 40 cm feed mainly on amphipods, and larger immature and adult individuals feed on decapods, cephalopods, and fish. The value of the daily ration of B. parmifera with its growth decreases from 2.4 to 0.9% of the body weight. Specific ecological features of B. parmifera are a cause of its considerable underfishing by the bottom trawl; therefore, the total resource of this species in the considered region may be at the level of maximal estimates obtained during surveys and comprise no less than 20000 t.
Two new North Pacific skates (Rajidae) and a revised key toBathyraja in the area
Two new species of the skates,Bathyraja hubbsi andB. pseudoisotrachys are described from the North Pacific. Among the North PacificBathyraja, B. hubbsi most closely resemblesB. violacea Suvorov in possessing a disc without thorns, a median tail thorns irregularly spaced, and minute fine prickles covering the entire dorsal surface. The two species are distinguished from each other by their dorsal color pattern, proportional measurement of tail in relation to total length, clasper components, and number of precaudal vertebrae.Bathyraja pseudoisotrachys has long been confused withB. isotrachys (Günther) by many Japanese authors, but is distinguished from other North PacificBathyraja by dorsal squamation and unique clasper components such as two clefts, terminal bridge and ridge.Bathyraja kincaidii Garman is synonymized with the valid speciesB. interrupta Gill et Townsend.Bathyraja abyssicola Gilbert andB. trachura Gilbert are redescribed in detail. Provisionally, 21 species of the genusBathyraja are recognized in the present study from this region, and a revised key is given to the North Pacific species of the genus.
Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History
Abstract: 
 Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a globally important cactus species with a long history of human use. In addition to the importance of O. ficus-indica as a food for humans and livestock, it also has long served a role in the production of cochineal, a once important textile dye. This cactus also is intimately interwoven into the story of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (South American cactus moth), one of the best-known examples of biological weed control. In this regard, O. ficus-indica has been a target weed as well as an unintended host in C. cactorum invasion. Although the distribution and human-assisted movement of this cactus throughout much of the world is well documented, surprisingly little has been written about its history and movement within the Americas. Literature associated with Opuntia and their phytophagous pests in North and South America was examined in an attempt to determine the history of O. ficus-indica in the Americas. Available information suggests with some certainty that O. ficus-indica originated in present-day Mexico, but the timing of its introduction to South America is much less clear. Taxonomic difficulties associated with distinguishing among Opuntia species and the long pre-Columbian history of exchange between South American and Mesoamerican cultures are two primary complicating factors associated with dating the dispersal of this species to South America. Additionally, previous evidence in support of a pre-Columbian introduction to South America relied on questionable identification of insect-based textile dyes. These uncertainties are significant because clearer knowledge of the history of O. ficus-indica introduction to South America could provide a more complete biological and ecological context to efforts at managing this species in its native and introduced ranges, particularly with respect to the threat posed by C. cactorum in North American and Argentinean plantations.