6.16 Rock Features and Morphogenesis in Epigenic Caves

The factors that form karst caves also leave their traces on the interior surface of the caves. These traces are called rock features. Rock features combine to create the overall relief, the shape of the interior surface of a cave. Rock features and rock relief therefore offer the first and often even comprehensive explanation of the formation and development of the caves that characteristically hollow karst aquifers

Myocardial ischemia decreases oxidative phosphorylation through cytochrome oxidase in subsarcolemmal mitochondria

NRC publication: Ye

Key drivers of microbial abundance, activity, and diversity in karst spring waters across an altitudinal gradient in Slovenia.

In aquatic ecosystems, the biomass, activity and composition of microorganisms are determined to a large extent by local and regional environmental conditions. While karst aquifers are an important source for drinking water, the ecology of microbial communities in karst waters has hardly been studied. This study examined the regional variations and seasonal dynamics of microbial communities in pristine karst spring waters of Slovenia (Central Europe). Fifteen springs distributed across 5 eco-regions exhibiting a strong altitudinal gradient were sampled 4 times a year. Evaluation of the microbial communities included quantification of prokaryotic biomass via total cell counts and microbial activity estimated via measurements of electron transport system activity. The taxonomic structure of the bacterial communities was analysed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting. Biological measures were complemented by a set of physico-chemical parameters, including dissolved organic carbon, nutrients, major ions, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Bacterial community structure differed significantly with seasons and eco-regions, with the latter causing greater variation. While the overall power of the environmental variable tested was a moderate factor (15%) in explaining the variability in microbial community structure, catchment altitude was a key determinant. Prokaryotic cell density and microbial activity in spring water decreased with an increase in catchment altitude and were significantly positively correlated. For a better understanding of karst ecosystems and the ecosystem service of water purification, future investigation should address karst microbial communities at a higher phylogenetic and functional resolution

Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross‐discipline mitigation options for a global problem

Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntaryand regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrativeregions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.Fil: Katzner, Todd E.. Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; Estados UnidosFil: Pain, Deborah J.. University of Cambridge; Estados UnidosFil: McTee, Michael. No especifíca;Fil: Brown, Leland. No especifíca;Fil: Cuadros, Sandra. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Pokras, Mark. Tufts University; Estados UnidosFil: Slabe, Vincent A.. No especifíca;Fil: Watson, Richard T.. No especifíca;Fil: Wiemeyer, Guillermo Maria. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia; ArgentinaFil: Bedrosian, Bryan. No especifíca;Fil: Hampton, Jordan O.. University of Melbourne; AustraliaFil: Parish, Chris N.. No especifíca;Fil: Pay, James M.. University of Tasmania; AustraliaFil: Saito, Keisuke. Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japa; JapónFil: Schulz, John H.. University of Missouri; Estados Unido