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Geotermal resources of Ukraine

Geothermal resources ( W ) are quite a novel type of extractable resources. Their consumption, however, is among the world’s fastest growing power industries. Our evaluations of W were largely focused on 1) resources that can be used for heat supply, 2) on the extraction, with the help of a geo-circulation system (GCS), of water at a temperature ( T ) of at least 60 °C, and 3) on its (water) release back into the Earth at T = 20 °C. Economic appraisals point to a plausible achievement of commercial viability (provided that the most efficient technologies are employed) starting from the geothermal gradient equaling 0.02—0.025 °C/m ( W = 2.5 tons of standard fuel per m2 (t s.f./m 2 ) with the drilling to a depth of 6 km). Calculations were performed not just for the depth of 6 km, but also for the drilling depths of 3 and 4.5 km. It has to be mentioned that the estimated W magnitude is not exhaustive as regards heat reserves within the Earth. After the energy has been extracted from the depths of 5.5 to 6 km, it can be further recovered from shallower depths. In the Dnieper-Donets basin (DDB), for example, he-at reserves estimated with the help of the formula for 6 km can be increased by a factor of 4.5 if other depth intervals are also exploited. To calculate W the mean rock thermal conductivity values (1.7—2.65 W/m × °C) were used. W was calculated for all the 5,500 sites with known values of deep-seated heat flow. The contour interval was approximately matched with the double error in the W determination. The maps show that cost-effective fossil fuel energy resources abound in three large basins: western, eastern, and southern. In central Ukraine, they only occur within small areas. Yet, the said territory, largely the Ukrainian Shield and its flanks, is least covered by studies in terms of the deep-seated heat flow. Marketable resources have been found within the only well-explored portion of the area (at the center of the shield and its northeastern margin). The richest W resources amounting to 10 t s.f./ m 2 have been located in Transcarpathia’s (TC) western basin. This estimate exceeds reserves of major deposits of oil or gas. But the average W (hereinafter referring to the drilling depth of 6 km) is about 3.5—4 t s.f./m 2 . The total amount of energy in the basin is about 0.2 trillion t s.f./ m 2 . High W in the eastern basin has only been recorded in isolated areas of the Donbas (5—7 t s.f./ m 2 ). In the main part of the DDB, W equals about 3 t s.f./ m 2 . Therefore, the average W value for the basin is 3—3.5 t s.f./ m 2 . The total estimated resources come up to about 0.3 trillion tons of standard fuel. In the southern basin of the central Crimea W reaches 7—8 trillion tons of standard fuel per m2, but on the considerable part of the territory W is about 3—4 t s.f./ m 2 . The composite amount of energy in the basin is about 0.3 trillion tons of standard fuel. Ukraine’s total fossil fuel resources (as discovered to date) within the depth range of 5.5—6 km are 20 times higher than all fossil fuel reserves on its territory. Minimal amounts of fossil fuel resources suitable for the production of steam electricity without additional heating can be found with the drilling depth of 4.5 km only in some parts of TC. With the drilling depth of 6 km, the re-sources might reach commercial level in TC and in isolated areas of the Crimea and the Donbas.

Criminal Policy and The Role of The Government in The Control of Commercial Sex Workers in The District of Kuningan

In Containment measures undertaken by the Local Government District of Kuningan to the presence of prostitutes is to use a penal policy that is with the issuance of Regulation No. 3 of 2015 on Public Order and Peace Society. These regulations are still too general and not specifically discuss countermeasures against prostitutes. Based on Regulation No. 3 of 2015, there are at least three agencies that have the authority and responsibility directly to the PSK reduction in Kuningan regency. All the three agencies including the Department of Social and Labor of Kuningan district. Kuningan regency and municipal Police District of Kuningan. The research is qualitative research in the form of descriptive analysis using sociological juridical approach. Prevention efforts refresif PSK only be done by way of a raid conducted by the municipal police and the Police of Kuningan. PSK is captured in the raid, was ordered to make a statement and then forced the release back. This is done because the Department of Social Welfare and Labor as the institution in charge to distribute PSK to rehab in palimanan not receive distribution PSK. This happens because of a rehabilitation center in palimanan quota is full and PSK for Kuningan district just 10 people. Related Bylaw PSK reduction should be set so that preventive efforts can be carried out preventive and repressive.Keywords: Criminal Policy; Commercial Sex Workers; Local Government.

Successful rehabilitation of Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus in southeastern Brazil

This report describes the successful rehabilitation of two species of pelagic seabirds (Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus) rescued on the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and taken to the IPeC rehabilitation center (S25°023258 W-47°928737). Data on the enclosures, diet, clinical management and laboratory tests were detailed during the 75 d of treatment, during which the birds remained at the center. This report demonstrates that a combination of environmental and nutritional management with a proper diagnosis and adequate clinical treatment naturally lead to a shorter period in captivity, which is crucial to the successful rehabilitation of these birds. The enclosures should have visual isolation and animals kept separate from other birds. The form of offering food differs based on the feeding habits and taxon. At the time of release back into the wild, the site chosen should be isolated to enable the bird to feel more secure when taking flight. The present report describes the first record of the rehabilitation and release of these two species in Brazil.

Comparative analysis of gut bacterial communities of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) pre-hospitalization and post-rehabilitation by high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene

Stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are often cared for in rehabilitation centers until they recover. Although the specific causal agents of diseases in stranded turtles are difficult to diagnose, we know that gut microbiota of green turtles play a vital role in health as well as a wide range of diseases. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the gut bacterial communities between pre-hospitalization (PH) and post-rehabilitation (PR) stranded green turtles using high-throughput sequencing analysis targeting V1–V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. A total of eight cloacal swab samples were collected from four green turtles undergoing rehabilitation. Proteobacteria dominating in both PH and PR samples without any significant difference. Firmicutes was the second and Bacteroidetes was the third most abundant phylum in PH samples, while Bacteroidetes prevailed in PR samples, followed by Firmicutes. The predominance of the genus Bacteroides in both PH and PR samples indicates the importance of this genus in turtle gut health. At a class level, Epsilonproteobacteria was significantly (P<0.05) associated with PH samples and Deltaproteobacteria predominated (P<0.05) in PR samples. The significant abundance of Campylobacter fetus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in PH samples indicate pathogenic associations with stranded green turtles with zoonotic potential. The presence of Salmonella enterica in only PR samples suggest possible acquisition of this bacteria during rehabilitation. In this study, all post-rehabilitation green turtles exhibited similar bacterial communities, irrespective of their microbial compositions at pre-hospitalization. The marked differences in the gut bacterial communities of PH and PR turtles indicate the outcome of dietary, management and environmental shift during rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to address the process of restoring normal gut microbiota of recovered turtles prior to release back to their natural habitat.

Nutrient and heavy metal storage and mobility within sediments in Kouris Reservoir, Cyprus

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the risks associated with nutrient and heavy metal pollution in the water and sediments of Kouris Reservoir in Cyprus, and to recommend applicable measures to alleviate them. The reservoir drainage area contains various historic abandoned copper mines existing in an ophiolite geological substrate. Kouris Reservoir water is classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic, with phosphorus being the limiting factor for algae growth. The thermal stratification of the reservoir enhances anoxic conditions in the reservoir hypolimnion, initiating phosphorus release back into the water column from the lake bottom sediments. The increased phosphorus release, in combination with increased water temperatures during the summer months (i.e. reaching 27 °C in August), may be the key factors enhancing the growth of microbial communities and cyanobacteria blooms. The sediment of Kouris Reservoir is classified as ‘low risk’ on the basis of the Ecological Risk Index scheme, in contrast to the Geoaccumulation Index, which indicates a moderate degree of contamination for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu), and a high degree for lead (Pb). Heavy metals are strongly bound to the sediment matrix at pH values between 7 and 9, but can be released back into the water column at potential acid pH values. In addition, the sediments exhibit a high copper and chromium absorption affinity under current water quality conditions in the reservoir, as shown by batch absorption experiments. The experimental results suggest dredging of the reservoir sediment, and its subsequent dumping of the sediments near influent streams, would have adverse effects on the environment in the event of acid rain or other environmental changes that might acidify the sediment.

Field reliability influences field validity: Risk assessments of individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) are usually committed to psychiatric hospitals for treatment until they are considered suitable for conditional release back to the community. The clinical evaluations that inform conditional release decisions have rarely been studied but provide an ideal opportunity to examine the reliability and validity of complex evaluations in the field. For example, to what extent do forensic evaluators agree about an acquittee's readiness for conditional release? And how accurate are their opinions? We reviewed 175 evaluation reports across 62 cases from Hawaii, which requires 3 separate evaluations from independent clinicians for each felony NGRI acquittee referred for conditional release evaluation. Evaluators agreed about an NGRI acquittee's readiness for conditional release in only 53.2% of evaluations (κ = .35). Courts followed the majority evaluator opinion in 79.3% of all cases but ruled in an opposite direction from the majority evaluator opinion in more than a third of cases in which evaluators disagreed. Evaluators accurately differentiated those conditionally released acquittees who remained in the community from those who were rehospitalized in 62.4% of cases. Among the 43 insanity acquittees who were ultimately released, evaluator agreement was significantly associated with rehospitalization within 3 years. When the evaluators unanimously agreed that conditional release was appropriate, only 34.5% were rehospitalized. When the evaluators disagreed, 71.4% were rehospitalized. Overall, results reveal poor agreement among independent evaluators in routine practice but suggest that opinions may be more accurate when evaluators agree than when they disagree. (PsycINFO Database Record

The Rescue and Rehabilitation of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Southeast Queensland.

Simple SummaryLittle is understood about the overall success of current wildlife rehabilitation techniques and the implications of these as an effective conservation strategy. This study collated admission records from four major wildlife hospitals catering to sick and injured koalas across southeast Queensland from 2009 to 2014, and analyzed specific factors that may be important when quantifying the extent and effectiveness of this work. The study found koalas to be at an increased risk from urbanization and human disturbance, that various rehabilitation techniques are employed amongst the four wildlife hospitals, and that a majority of koalas are either euthanized or die whilst in care rather than being released back to the wild. These results provide an interesting insight into current koala rehabilitation practices and have important implications for further research to better understand the practice of rescue and rehabilitation as an effective conservation strategy for this species.Koala populations in southeast Queensland are under threat from many factors, particularly habitat loss, dog attack, vehicle trauma and disease. Animals not killed from these impacts are often rescued and taken into care for rehabilitation, and eventual release back to the wild if deemed to be healthy. This study investigated current rescue, rehabilitation and release data for koalas admitted to the four major wildlife hospitals in southeast Queensland (Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH), Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital (CWH), Moggill Koala Hospital (MKH) and the Royal Society for the Prevention Against Cruelty to Animals Wildlife Hospital at Wacol (RSPCA)), and suggests aspects of the practice that may be changed to improve its contribution to the preservation of the species. It concluded that: (a) the main threats to koalas across southeast Queensland were related to urbanization (vehicle collisions, domestic animal attacks and the disease chlamydiosis); (b) case outcomes varied amongst hospitals, including time spent in care, euthanasia and release rates; and (c) the majority (66.5%) of rescued koalas were either euthanized or died in care with only 27% released back to the wild. The results from this study have important implications for further research into koala rescue and rehabilitation to gain a better understanding of its effectiveness as a conservation strategy.

Antifungal Resistance and Virulence Among Candida spp. from Captive Amazonian manatees and West Indian Manatees: Potential Impacts on Animal and Environmental Health.

This work aimed at evaluating the antifungal susceptibility and production of virulence factors by Candida spp. isolated from sirenians in Brazil. The isolates (n=105) were recovered from the natural cavities of Amazonian and West Indian manatees and were tested for the susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole and for the production of phospholipases, proteases, and biofilm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for amphotericin B ranged from 0.03 to 1µg/mL, and no resistant isolates were detected. Itraconazole and fluconazole MICs ranged from 0.03 to 16µg/mL and from 0.125 to 64µg/mL, respectively, and 35.2% (37/105) of the isolates were resistant to at least one of these azole drugs. Concerning the production of virulence factors, phospholipase activity was observed in 67.6% (71/105) of the isolates, while protease activity and biofilm production were detected in 50.5% (53/105) and 32.4% (34/105) of the isolates, respectively. Since the natural cavities of manatees are colonized by resistant and virulent strains of Candida spp., these animals can act as sources of resistance and virulence genes for the environment, conspecifics and other animal species, demonstrating the potential environmental impacts associated with their release back into their natural habitat.

Deposition behavior of residual aluminum in drinking water distribution system: Effect of aluminum speciation

Finished drinking water usually contains some residual aluminum. The deposition of residual aluminum in distribution systems and potential release back to the drinking water could significantly influence the water quality at consumer taps. A preliminary analysis of aluminum content in cast iron pipe corrosion scales and loose deposits demonstrated that aluminum deposition on distribution pipe surfaces could be excessive for water treated by aluminum coagulants including polyaluminum chloride (PACl). In this work, the deposition features of different aluminum species in PACl were investigated by simulated coil-pipe test, batch reactor test and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. The deposition amount of non-polymeric aluminum species was the least, and its deposition layer was soft and hydrated, which indicated the possible formation of amorphous Al(OH)3. Al13 had the highest deposition tendency, and the deposition layer was rigid and much less hydrated, which indicated that the deposited aluminum might possess regular structure and self-aggregation of Al13 could be the main deposition mechanism. While for Al30, its deposition was relatively slower and deposited aluminum amount was relatively less compared with Al13. However, the total deposited mass of Al30 was much higher than that of Al13, which was attributed to the deposition of particulate aluminum matters with much higher hydration state. Compared with stationary condition, stirring could significantly enhance the deposition process, while the effect of pH on deposition was relatively weak in the near neutral range of 6.7 to 8.7.

Insulin Signaling in the Control of Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis.

A continuous supply of glucose is necessary to ensure proper function and survival of all organs. Plasma glucose levels are thus maintained in a narrow range around 5 mM, which is considered the physiological set point. Glucose homeostasis is controlled primarily by the liver, fat, and skeletal muscle. Following a meal, most glucose disposals occur in the skeletal muscle, whereas fasting plasma glucose levels are determined primarily by glucose output from the liver. The balance between the utilization and production of glucose is primarily maintained at equilibrium by two opposing hormones, insulin and glucagon. In response to an elevation in plasma glucose and amino acids (after consumption of a meal), insulin is released from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. When plasma glucose falls (during fasting or exercise), glucagon is secreted by α cells, which surround the beta cells in the pancreas. Both cell types are extremely sensitive to glucose concentrations, can regulate hormone synthesis, and are released in response to small changes in plasma glucose levels. At the same time, insulin serves as the major physiological anabolic agent, promoting the synthesis and storage of glucose, lipids, and proteins and inhibiting their degradation and release back into the circulation. This chapter will focus mainly on signal transduction mechanisms by which insulin exerts its plethora of effects in liver, muscle, and fat cells, focusing on those pathways that are crucial in the control of glucose and lipid homeostasis.

Příjem a metabolizmus 2,4-dichlorophenoxyoctové kyseliny během indukce somatické embryogeneze smrku (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Uptake and metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) into zygotic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were studied on medium used for induction of somatic embryogenesis. The main task of this work was to study effect of longitudinal bisection of embryos, which was found as increasing the subsequent induction of embryogenic cultures. The maximal uptake of 2,4-D per one embryo was detected after 16 hours on medium in bisected embryos. The bisection increased 2,4-D uptake per embryo in first 16th hours, but then increased its release back to the medium. The metabolism of 2,4-D in bisected embryos was lower than in intact ones during first two days of culture.

Principles of Raptor Cage Design

Constructing a cage for raptors in rehabilitation requires planning to ensure the cage will have all the components required for training raptors and for a successful release back into the wild. The author explores a checklist of what is needed both in the planning and in the construction stages. TreeHouse just designed and completed a Raptor Rehabilitation Complex in which all the cage elements are under one roof and flexible.

A comparison of multiple techniques for determining the shock release behaviour of copper

A shock compression pulse normally consists of a discontinuous rise in stress or pressure followed by a sustained period, if loaded using a technique such as plate impact, and terminated with a release back to ambient conditions over a finite time. This release behaviour is a compound effect, normally dependent upon the initial shock loading conditions and the distance within the subject material that the subsequent release effect has travelled. We discuss recent work undertaken on the development and testing of two experimental methodologies for investigating the release behaviour. These methods were employed to determine the release behaviour of high-purity oxygen-free copper.

TRPC channels are involved in endothelin 1 mediated inhibition of renin release from juxtaglomerular cells (1095.12)

Renin is produced by, stored in and released by juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Increases in intracellular calcium (Ca) decrease renin release. I’ve found that JG cells contain multiple isoforms of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) Ca‐permeable channels. Among those, TRPC1, 4 and 5, are known to function as store‐operated Ca channels. Endothelin (ET)1 binds to G‐coupled protein receptors whose activation leads to a phospholipase C (PLC)/ IP3 signaling pathway, potentially stimulating store‐operated Ca channels. I hypothesized that endothelin inhibits renin release by activating TRPC store‐operated Ca channels. RT‐ PCR revealed expression of both ETA and ETB receptors in freshly isolated mouse JG cells. Incubation of primary cultures of JG cells with ET1 (10nM) decreased renin release by 28% from 0.84±0.07 to 0.60±0.07 µg ANGI/ml/hr/mg prot. (p&lt;0.001). An IP3 blocker (2APB, 0.1mM) returned renin release back to control. Addition of the TRPC blocker (SKF 96365, 50µM) completely reversed the Ca‐mediated inhibition of renin release by ET1 to 0.99±0.07 µg ANGI/ml/hr/mg prot. These results suggest that 1) JG cells express ETA and ETB receptors, 2) ET1 mediates inhibition of renin release in JG cells by activation of ETA or ETB receptors and subsequent PLC/IP3 signaling cascade activation, and 3) ET receptors link ET1 and TRPC store‐operated Ca channels to mediate ET1‐mediated Ca inhibition of renin release.Grant Funding Source: NIH 5PO1HL090550‐03

Balanced and unbalanced solutions modulate the release of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli: an in vitro study

Objectives and designWe investigated the effect of balanced (BS) and unbalanced (UBS) solutions in the absence or presence of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on neutrophil functionality, evaluating the release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and MMP-8.Materials and methodsNeutrophils were isolated by gradient centrifugation and dextran sedimentation and incubated in BS or UBS without or with HES, in the absence or presence of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MMP-9, MPO, and MMP-8 were assayed by commercially available ELISA kits.ResultsThere was not any influence of volume replacement solutions on the release of the enzymes from resting neutrophils. After IL-8 stimulation, the release of MMP-9 was higher in BS than in UBS or RPMI-1640, whereas HES enhanced its release regardless of the composition. After LPS stimulation, the release of MMP-9 was higher in both UBS and BS than RPMI-1640, but HES brought its release back to physiological conditions. No difference was found in the release of MPO and MMP-8 after stimulation with IL-8 or LPS.ConclusionVolume replacement solutions might have an impact on the release of MMP-9 depending on the inflammatory milieu, suggesting that the use of balanced or unbalanced solutions is not a neutral choice.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00011-014-0709-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Monitoring rehabilitierter und ausgewilderter Greifvögel mittels Telemetrie als Erfolgskontrolle

Free-ranging birds of prey brought to veterinary practice should only be treated after thorough diagnostics. Before their release back into the wild, specific training - including falconry techniques - may be necessary, depending on raptor species and age. Rehabilitated birds of prey were monitored using radiotelemetry after release back into the wild. The success of veterinary therapy and the prognosis of treated diseases/injuries in free-ranging birds were evaluated. In addition, the use of radiotelemetry as a simple technique for surveillance was evaluated. The project was undertaken in cooperation with schools as a contribution to environmental education. MATERIAL UND METHODS: Three common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and one kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)were treated and released with a radio transmitter attached to a tail feather. They were tracked daily (by car or plane), observed using binoculars and their GPS coordinates were documented. One transmitter was lost early, making monitoring of the bird impossible. Three birds were monitored over a period of more than 14 days. These birds were successfully reintroduced into the wild, as documented from courtship displays and mating. The longest flight distance achieved was 44 km. Veterinary treatment aimed at rehabilitating feral birds can be successful. Radiotelemetry is a suitable tool to monitor free-ranging birds. The application of this technique is performed readily by laypeople (school students). Being in agreement with other studies, this data should motivate veterinarians to treat wild birds of prey for rehabilitation.

Testing the regional genetic representativeness of captive koala populations in South-East Queensland

Context Captive breeding for release back to the wild is an important component of ex situ conservation but requires genetic diversity that is representative of the wild population and has the ultimate goal of producing ecologically sustainable and resilient populations. However, defining and testing for representativeness of captive populations is difficult. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are bred for educational and tourism purposes in zoos and wildlife parks in South-East Queensland, but there are drastic declines evident in some wild koala populations in this region. Aim We compared genetic diversity at microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA in two captive koala populations with that of the local, wild koalas of South-East Queensland, determining the degree to which genetic diversity of neutral loci had been preserved and was represented in the captive populations. Key results The expected heterozygosity and the allelic richness was significantly greater in one captive colony than one wild South-East Queensland population. There was low but significant differentiation of the captive from wild populations using FST, with greater differentiation described by Jost’s Dest. In contrast, a newly introduced Kullback–Leibler divergence measure, which assesses similarity of allele frequencies, showed no significant divergence of colony and wild populations. The captive koalas lacked many of the mitochondrial haplotypes identified from South-East Queensland koalas and possessed seven other haplotypes. Conclusions Captive colonies of koalas have maintained levels of overall neutral genetic diversity similar to wild populations at microsatellite loci and low but significant differentiation likely resulted from drift and founder effects in small captive colonies or declining wild populations. Mitochondrial DNA suggests that captive founders were from a wider geographic source or that haplotypes have been lost locally. Implications Overall, tested captive koalas maintain sufficient microsatellite diversity to act as an in situ reservoir for neutral genetic diversity of regional populations.

Novel features on the regulation by mitochondria of calcium and secretion transients in chromaffin cells challenged with acetylcholine at 37°C.

From experiments performed at room temperature, we know that the buffering of Ca2+ by mitochondria contributes to the shaping of the bulk cytosolic calcium transient ([Ca2+]c) and secretion transients of chromaffin cells stimulated with depolarizing pulses. We also know that the mitochondrial Ca2+ transporters and the release of catecholamine are faster at 37°C with respect to room temperature. Therefore, we planned this investigation to gain further insight into the contribution of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering to the shaping of [Ca2+]c and catecholamine release transients, using some novel experimental conditions that have not been yet explored namely: (1) perifusion of bovine chromaffin cells (BCCs) with saline at 37°C and their repeated challenging with the physiological neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh); (2) separate blockade of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (mCUP) with Ru360 or the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX) with CGP37157; (3) full blockade of the mitochondrial Ca2+ cycling (mCC) by the simultaneous inhibition of the mCUP and the mNCX. Ru360 caused a pronounced delay of [Ca2+]c clearance and augmented secretion. In contrast, CGP37157 only caused a tiny delay of [Ca2+]c clearance and a mild decrease in secretion. The mCC resulting in continued Ca2+ uptake and its release back into the cytosol was interrupted by combined Ru360 + CGP37157 (Ru/CGP), the protonophore carbonyl cyanide‐p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, or combined oligomycin + rotenone (O/R); these three treatments caused a mild but sustained elevation of basal [Ca2+]c that, however, was not accompanied by a parallel increase in basal secretion. Nevertheless, all treatments caused a pronounced augmentation of ACh‐induced secretion, with minor changes of the ACh‐induced [Ca2+]c transients. Combined Ru/CGP did not alter the resting membrane potential in current‐clamped cells. Additionally, Ru/CGP did not increase basal [Ca2+]c near subplasmalemmal sites and caused a mild decrease in the size of the readily releasable vesicle pool. Our results provide new functional features in support of the view that in BCCs there are two subpopulations of mitochondria, M1 underneath the plasmalemma nearby exocytotic sites and M2 at the core cell nearby vesicle transport sites. While M1 serves to shape the ACh‐elicited exocytotic response through its efficient Ca2+ removal by the mCUP, M2 shapes the lower [Ca2+]c elevations required for new vesicle supply to the exocytotic machinery, from the large reserve vesicle pool at the cell core. The mCUP of the M1 pool seems to play a more prominent role in controlling the ACh responses, in comparison with the mNCX.

Removal efficiency of 75Se, 51Cr and 60Co from tidal water by mangrove sediments from Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil)

Mangrove sediment cores sampled from Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil) were covered with tidal water spiked with 75 Se, 51 Cr and 60 Co to evaluate the removal efficiency of these radiotracers by underlying sediments. Variable time-evolution trends were observed along 115 h experiments, with significant differences between removal efficiencies of all radiotracers observed only after 70 h ( 51 Cr ( 60 Co ( 75 Se). After an event of 60 Co release back to overlying water, there was a general trend of lower 60 Co removal than observed for other radiotracers during the period from 20 to 54 h. After this event, alternated periods of higher 60 Co and higher 75 Se removal trends were observed, attributed to behavioural differences expected for such anionic and cationic radiotracers. While 75 Se and 51 Cr showed uniform time-evolution curves, as typically found in the literature for most radiotracers, 60 Co removal rates presented oscillations, probably due to sensitivity to changes in redox conditions within underlying sediments. Results evidenced the role of mangrove sediments as trace element sinks, which have implications for coastal water quality and for possible uses of such sediments in waste- water treatment systems.

Normal Blood Parameters, Common Diseases and Parasites Affecting Captive Non-human Primates

Non-human primates are kept in captivity as zoological exhibits as well as being used for research purposes and as breeding colonies of endangered species with the aim of eventual release back into the wild. The aim of this review is to collate data obtained for blood parameters for healthy animals as well as common diseases and parasites encountered in captive non-human primates. This information can be used as a reference for veterinarians, researchers and animal care workers working with primates. Comparisons to wild primates are made where appropriate.