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This paper analyzes improvement criteria for the service continuity, the design, construction and verification of electrical systems in road tunnels. Fire prevention in road tunnels must satisfy the primary safety objectives relating to the people safeguarding and the assets protection against fire risks, complying with the sustainability criterion. At this aim, design parameters are identified as the temperature exposure levels (TEL) and the necessary equipment qualification categories (EQC) that characterize their thermal resilience and adequacy to severe environments. Primary objective is to guarantee the service continuity of electrical systems in ordinary operation and in emergency during and after a fire. Effective measures are to apply the zoning and layering criteria of roadway tunnels that suggest specific system topologies as the special “brush” distribution as confirmed by tests of fire simulations. The knowledge of these results help to limit the feeling of uncontrolled panic in people who are in the tunnel during a fire event. A detailed analysis of the results can assist the operators of the intervention services in the decision making of rescue and extinguishing operations.

This paper describes the work carried out by the Italian Institutional Working Group on Natural Esters; this Group has been promoted by the University of Roma ”La Sapienza”, the National Firefighters Authority, the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) and the Department for Geological Survey of Italy (ISPRA) with the objective of further validating the real possibility of risk mitigation for humans and environment through a more widespread use of a new generation of transformers insulated with natural ester liquids. A useful contribution to the activities of the Italian Institutional Group on Natural Esters has been also given by the participation of some of the major players in the electrical sector, such as: Italian TSO, main Distributors, Natural Ester producers and transformer manufacturers. The development of this Italian Group at international level has been the set-up of the CIGRE WG D1.68 “Natural and synthetic esters - Evaluation of the performance under fire and the impact on environment”, which is actually preparing a report on this subject. The present paper reports the main results of experimental comparative fire simulations of both mineral oil and natural esters distribution transformers.

The present paper presents the main results obtained by the Italian Working Group on Natural Esters recently promoted by the University of Rome "La Sapienza", the Firefighters Authority, the Department for Geological Survey of Italy (ISPRA) and the Department of Technological Innovations, Safety of Product, Plants and Anthropic Settlements of the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL). This WG on Natural Esters was set up at the beginning of 2016 with the aim of establish the effective possibility of reducing the risks to human health and the environment, through increased spread of innovative transformers insulated with natural esters. In the paper are presented and discussed the following topics: main properties of natural esters and mineral oils; fire risk evaluation of distribution and transmission transformers, including an experimental comparison of fire behavior of natural esters and mineral insulating oils; risk evaluation and different remedial solution for leakage and spill of natural esters and mineral insulating oils.

The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus palliatus) is currently listed as a species of high concern by the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan. Because nutritional status directly impacts overall health and reproduction of individuals and populations, adequate management of a wildlife population requires intimate knowledge of a species' diet and nutrient requirements. Fat-soluble vitamin concentrations in blood plasma obtained from American oystercatchers and proximate, vitamin, and mineral composition of various oystercatcher prey species were determined as baseline data to assess nutritional status and nutrient supply. Bird and prey species samples were collected from the Cape Romain region, South Carolina, USA, and the Altamaha River delta islands, Georgia, USA, where breeding populations appear relatively stable in recent years. Vitamin A levels in blood samples were higher than ranges reported as normal for domestic avian species, and vitamin D concentrations were lower than anticipated based on values observed in poultry. Vitamin E levels were within ranges previously reported for avian groups with broadly similar feeding niches such as herons, gulls, and terns (eg, aquatic/estuarine/marine). Prey species (oysters, mussels, clams, blood arks [Anadara ovalis], whelks [ Busycon carica ], false angel wings [ Petricola pholadiformis ]) were similar in water content to vertebrate prey, moderate to high in protein, and moderate to low in crude fat. Ash and macronutrient concentrations in prey species were high compared with requirements of carnivores or avian species. Prey items analyzed appear to meet nutritional requirements for oystercatchers, as estimated by extrapolation from domestic carnivores and poultry species; excesses, imbalances, and toxicities-particularly of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins-may warrant further investigation.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have a diabetes-like metabolism and are susceptible to conditions, including chronic inflammation, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, that are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in humans. Serum ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels were assessed among 58 dolphins as indicators of inflammation as well as predictors of glucose and lipids, using stepwise regression models that included age, sex, fasting status, reason for blood draw, hematocrit, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The mean ± SD of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels were 23 ± 8 and 32 ± 29 mg/dl, respectively. Increasing ceruloplasmin was mildly associated with increasing ESR (P = 0.001, R 2 = 0.19). The best predictors of haptoglobin levels were serum glucose and reason for blood draw; the strongest positive association between haptoglobin and glucose was among blood samples that were taken as part of an initial clinical workup (R 2 = 0.78), followed by blood samples that were taken for routine health purposes (R 2 = 0.47). This study supports that ceruloplasmin is associated with ESR, a common biomarker of inflammation among dolphins, and that increasing haptoglobin is associated with increasing glucose.

Cataracts and ocular disease are common lesions of marine mammals in zoological collections. Lutein, an oxygenated carotenoid, may have therapeutic or prophylactic effects on ocular disorder. Therefore, this study examined the ability of marine mammals to absorb dietary lutein. Two preliminary trials examined lutein in two forms (beadlet or ester) in a small sample size of marine mammals representing pinnipeds and cetaceans. Lutein was fed daily in tablets providing 0.89-3.6 mg lutein/kg body weight(0.75) per day for 15 days to 2 years. A third study was conducted using lutein beadlet fed at 3.6 mg lutein/kg body weight(0.75) per day for 15-21 days. Blood was analyzed for lutein pre- and postsupplementation. In the preliminary trials, lutein beadlet was observed to result in greater blood lutein levels than lutein esters, and cetaceans had more noticeable responses than pinnipeds. In Study 3, serum lutein and zeaxanthin increased postsupplementation in beluga whales (P < 0.05), and serum lutein tended to increase postsupplementation in dolphins (P < 0.10), but little change was seen in serum lutein in pinnipeds or manatee. Opportunistic retinal samples demonstrated some detectable lutein in the retina of a dolphin and several harp seals. The lutein levels in dolphins after supplementation are similar to those reported in free-ranging animals. Ocular lutein in harp seals demonstrates that ocular deposition occurs despite low circulating lutein levels.

Bumblefoot (pododermatitis), often described as the most significant environmental disease of captive penguins, is commonly due to excessive pressure or trauma on the plantar surface of the avian foot, resulting in inflammation or necrosis and causing severe swelling, abrasions, or cracks in the skin. Although not formally evaluated in penguins, contributing factors for bumblefoot are thought to be similar to those initiating the condition in raptors and poultry. These factors include substrate, body weight, and lack of exercise. The primary purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate variables potentially contributing to the development and duration of plantar lesions in aquarium-maintained African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), including sex, weight, age, season, exhibit activity, and territory substrate. Results indicate that males develop significantly more plantar lesions than females. Penguins weighing between 3.51 and 4.0 kg develop plantar lesions significantly more often than penguins weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 kg, and because male African penguins ordinarily weigh significantly more than females, weight is likely a contributing factor in the development of lesions in males compared with females. Significantly more plantar lesions were observed in penguins standing for greater than 50% of their time on exhibit than swimming. Penguins occupying smooth concrete territories developed more plantar lesions compared with penguins occupying grate territories. Recommendations for minimizing bumblefoot in African penguins include training penguins for monthly foot examinations for early detection of plantar lesions predisposing for the disease, encouraging swimming activity, and replacing smooth surfaces on exhibit with surfaces providing variable degrees of pressure and texture on the feet.

The goals of this study were to have an improved understanding of milk composition and to help create a suitable milk formula for cubs raised in captivity. Milk samples were evaluated for fat, fatty acids, carbohydrate, vitamin D(3), 25(OH)D(3), vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), protein, and amino acids. Total lipids in milk did not differ for cubs (mean ± SEM = 26.60 ± 1.88 g/100 ml vs. yearlings 27.80 ± 2.20 g/100 ml). Milk lipids were of 23.6% saturated fatty acid for cubs and 22.4% for yearlings. Milk consumed by cubs and yearlings contained 43.8 and 42.0% mono-unsaturated fatty acids and 23.4 and 21.9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Carbohydrate content was higher in milk for cubs (4.60 ± 0.64 g/100 ml) than for yearlings (2.60 ± 0.40 g/100 ml). Vitamin D(3) concentration of milk was 18.40 ± 5.00 ng/ml in early lactation compared with 7.60 ± 2.00 ng/ml for mid-lactation. 25(OH)D(3) was lower in milk consumed by cubs (162.00 ± 6.70 pg/ml) than in milk consumed by yearlings (205.00 ± 45.70 pg/ml). Vitamin A concentrations were 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.03 ± 0.01 µg/ml for cubs and yearlings, respectively. Vitamin E was higher in milk consumed by cubs (20.16 ± 4.46 µg/ml) than by yearlings (7.30 ± 1.50 µg/ml). Protein content did not differ in milk available to cubs (11.40 ± 0.80 g/100 ml compared with milk for yearlings 11.80 ± 0.40 g/100 ml). Taurine was the most abundant free amino acid at 3,165.90 ± 192.90 nmol/ml (0.04% as fed basis).

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and advances in CT urography techniques have enabled vast improvements in the depiction of the ureter. Studies of the ureter can find a wide variety of conditions including congenital defects and anatomic variants (anomalies in the origin, distribution, and distal insertion of the ureter) as well as all benign and malignant causes of focal and diffuse wall thickening (inflammatory and infectious processes, and neoplasms, as well as iatrogenic thickening and postsurgical changes). Other benign processes like ureteral kinking and stenosis due to extrinsic

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and advances in CT urography techniques have enabled vast improvements in the depiction of the ureter. Studies of the ureter can find a wide variety of conditions including congenital defects and anatomic variants (anomalies in the origin, distribution, and distal insertion of the ureter) as well as all benign and malignant causes of focal and diffuse wall thickening (inflammatory and infectious processes, and neoplasms, as well as iatrogenic thickening and postsurgical changes). Other benign processes like ureteral kinking and stenosis due to extrinsic compression of the iliac vessels are also well characterized by MDCT. The aim of this article is to show the spectrum of ureteral variants and disease apart from common entities related to stones.

The use of satellite tags to monitor pinnipeds in their natural habitats has become a common practice. However, near-continuous long-term observations of the behavior of tagged ani- mals, the process of tag detachment, and regular close examination of the tagging site to detect any development of tag-induced lesions have not been reported. The present study investigated these issues. Dummy satellite tags were glued to two captive male Pacific harbor seals Phoca vitulina richardsi using mesh or no mesh attachment. Tag attachment and animal health and behavior were monitored during the 8 mo attachment period. No tag-associated changes in animal health or behav- ior were noted until the tags started to loosen a few days before detachment. We found no differences in the strength or length of attachment associated with mesh or no mesh attachment. There was a small area of superficial skin irritation associated with the mesh attachment due to cracked epoxy rubbing against the seal. Although this was a small pilot study, we concluded that the satellite tag attachment and detachment processes were without significant adverse effect, that the tagged seals' behavior was not significantly altered, and that it is likely that these findings will hold true for other small phocid seals.

Serum ferritin concentration correlates with tissue iron stores in humans, horses, calves, dogs, cats, and pigs. Serum ferritin is considered the best serum analyte to predict total body iron stores in these species, and is more reliable than serum iron or total iron-binding capacity, both of which may be affected by disorders unrelated to iron adequacy or excess (including hypoproteinemia, chronic infection, hemolytic anemia, hypothyroidism, renal disease, and drug administration). Iron overload has been documented to result in hemochromatosis in captive northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus); therefore, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure serum ferritin in this species. The assay uses two murine anti-canine ferritin monoclonal antibodies in a sandwich arrangement that was originally used in an ELISA to measure serum ferritin in dogs. Ferritin isolated from fur seal liver was used as a standard. Ferritin standards were linear from 0 to 50 ng/ml. Recovery of purified ferritin from fur seal serum varied from 89% to 99%. The within-assay variability was 6%, and the assay-to-assay variability for two different samples was 10% and 16%. Zoo Biol 23:79-84, 2004.© 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Iron storage disease (hemochromatosis) has been reported in many species of both captive and free-ranging animals. In this study we examined the relationship between this disease and concentrations of iron analytes in aquarium-held northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). Sera were analyzed for iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, ceruloplasmin, and haptoglobin concentrations in a retrospective study that included samples taken over a 14-year period. The animals ranged in age from

African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are common display animals in North American zoos and aquariums. At present, 43 American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)-accredited institutions maintain over 700 of these birds. A survey of facilities found that only seven institutions maintain their birds in “saltwater habitats” (natural, brine, or artificial seawater systems), while the remaining institutions provide freshwater habitats. Penguins maintained in freshwater habitats commonly receive dietary salt supplements, though evidence is lacking as to the value of this practice. This study was designed to evaluate the necessity of salt supplementation in African penguins. We report the results of a randomized, 10-month comparison of plasma electrolytes (Na, Cl, and K) between groups of 10 salt-supplemented and nonsupplemented birds living in a freshwater environment. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups. An interfacility comparison at the same time points revealed temporal pattern differences in analyte values between the facilities; however, the absolute concentrations did not exceed clinical ranges found in healthy birds. Furthermore, single time-point comparisons between wild and captive African penguins indicated similar sodium concentrations, while potassium and chloride concentrations varied between groups. Finally, the plasma electrolyte levels in 20 birds remained statistically unchanged after a 60-day withdrawal from salt supplementation. This study provides experimental evidence that African penguins maintained in freshwater exhibits on a herring-, capelin-, and squid-based diet do not require salt supplementation. In addition to the practical implications regarding the need for salt supplementation for captive birds, the results also have theoretical significance. They provide evidence that penguins do not need to ingest high salt concentrations to remain in electrolyte balance. In this regard, the ion regulatory mechanisms in penguins are similar to those in terrestrial mammals and birds. Zoo Biol 23:397–408, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The sera of adult aquarium-held pinnipeds from four species (family Phocidae: harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus); family Otariidae: northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)) were analyzed for vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and fatty acids. Each subject animal was healthy at the time of blood collection, was fasted for at least 12 hr prior to sampling, and was maintained on a constant diet and supplement regime throughout the study. Retinol values for the four species ranged from 0.16 to 0.92 μg/mL, with the lowest concentrations seen in the harbor seals and the highest in the northern fur seals. Vitamin E values ranged from 10.55 to 43.58 μg/mL, with northern fur seals showing the highest and gray seals the lowest levels. Vitamin E/lipid ratios (cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, and total lipids) were also examined. A significant correlation was seen between vitamin E and total lipids (P

Handling, including blood collection, has often been discouraged in molting penguins because it is considered an additional stress imposed on birds already experiencing major physiologic stress associated with molting. To evaluate the degree of physiologic stress posed by molting, we compared the hematologic and plasma biochemical values and hormone levels of molting and nonmolting African penguins, Spheniscus demersus. Five male and 5 female penguins randomly chosen were given complete physical examinations, were weighed, and blood samples were taken at 7 time points before, during, and after the molt. Data were analyzed by linear mixed-model analysis of variance. Throughout the study, behavior and appetite remained normal. Catecholamine levels were highly variable within and among subjects, whereas mean corticosterone levels were significantly different between baseline, molt, and postmolt values. Significant differences from baseline values were observed in many of the hematologic analytes; however, only decreases in hematocrit and red blood cell count values were considered clinically significant. Anemia due to experimentally induced blood loss as a possible cause of the significant hematologic changes was ruled out based on results of a follow-up control study during the nonmolt season, which showed no significant changes in hematocrit level or total red blood cell counts when using similar sampling protocols, which indicates that these changes were associated with molt.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of vitamin A supplementation on serum vitamin E in adult female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). In the first experiment five animals received, in addition to their routine dietary multivitamin supplement, a high-level vitamin A supplement (53 μmol retinyl palmitate/d) for 30 d. Five seals consuming their routine dietary supplement served as controls. Serum vitamin E decreased significantly in animals receiving high-level vitamin A supplements. At the end of 30 d serum vitamin E averaged 18.6 μg/mL in the control animals and 13.4 μg/mL in the animals receiving the high-Ieve1 vitamin A supplement. In experiment 2 ten animals received the high level vitamin A supplement for 60 d. After 30 d, serum vitamin E levels were reduced, but by 60 d had returned to baseline levels. However, the ratio of serum vitamin E to phospholipid, another index of vitamin E status, remained decreased. Although the exact mechanism of interaction is unknown, this study shows that when providing vitamin supplements for captive pinnipeds, vitamin interactions must be considered. The vitamin A supplementation currently used by some institutions seems unnecessary and may have detrimental effects on vitamin E status.

Introduction The multitest platform (MT) framiral is used in the evaluation and rehabilitation of balance disorders in adults. Normative data are missing for children. The aims of the study were to collect, in normal children, MT normative data usable for clinical diagnosis and to explore the maturation of the postural control. Material and method In this prospective study, 103 healthy children aged from 3 to 15 years were tested on MT in the 6 classical conditions: eyes open (condition A), eyes closed (B), vision disturbed by optokinetic stimulation (C), and the same conditions (A, B and C) with a mobile platform disturbing the proprioceptive inputs (D, E and F). The effect of age and gender were studied on the index of postural instability (IPI). Results The IPI of children was higher (worse) than those observed in adults. They were logically better in condition A and worse in the conditions with disturbed proprioceptive inputs (D, E and F). The scores improved with age but only for the conditions A, B and C. The younger children use more energy for their postural control than adults in the easier conditions (A and B). They were less efficient in the use of sensory inputs, especially with disturbed proprioceptive inputs (D, E and F). They were more disturbed by visual motion. Girls presented with a more rapid maturation of their postural control than boys. Boys demonstrated a trend to a deterioration of their postural control at adolescence. Even in oldest children (13–15 years), the IPI scores did not reach the adults values in the more difficult conditions (D, E and F). Conclusion MT normative data for IPI were recorded for clinical use. Younger healthy children need more energy for maintaining an efficient control of their antero-posterior postural sways. This more energy-consuming postural control is still observed in adolescents.

Vitamin A2(3,4-didehydroretinol), a natural analog of retinol, was used to determine the plasma kinetics of vitamin A in two northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) receiving two levels of vitamin A supplements. After a single oral dose, the time required to reach maximum plasma vitamin A2concentration for both subjects was approximately 2 h, which is much less than the 8–12 h observed with humans. The level of vitamin A supplementation did not affect base-line plasma retinol concentrations or plasma kinetics. The mean sojourn time, the average time spent by a molecule of vitamin A in the body before being lost, was 40 days for one animal and 73 days for the other. The daily vitamin A requirement estimated from the disposal rate was 0.32–0.64 μmol per day for the two animals. The presumed upper safe level was calculated at 1.3–6.4 μmol vitamin A per day. It would appear that the fish diet commonly provided to these animals can meet their vitamin A requirements. Supplementation may only be warranted to offset vitamin loss during storage and handling of the food. However, a conservative approach to supplementation should be used, as chronic vitamin A toxicity is a danger.

Feeding fish to captive piscivores can be challenging owing to cost, availability, variability in nutrient, and caloric composition, as well as handling and storage concerns. This trial evaluated the response of three belugas to being fed Fish Analog, an alternative to frozen fish. Body condition, gut transit time, serum chemistry and metabolic hormone analytes, immune function, and behavioral motivation were the dependent variables. Belugas (n=3) were fed various levels of Fish Analog (0–50%) over a 6-month period, and follow-up studies were conducted to further examine several dependent variables. When provided in gradually increasing amounts, belugas consumed the Fish Analog, with only minor fecal consistency changes and without behavioral responses indicative of gastric discomfort. Axillary girth and blubber thickness were positively correlated, and did not differ significantly with changes in the percentage of Fish Analog fed. Individual animal variation in initial passage time, some serum chemistry analytes, and immune function differences were noted following feeding of Fish Analog. Feeding Fish Analog reduced blood n9 fatty acids compared with captive belugas fed no Fish Analog. Feeding a DHA-enriched Fish Analog increased several n3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid, but not DHA, compared with whales fed no Fish Analog or non-DHA-enriched Fish Analog. Fish Analog was shown to be a viable alternative to feeding fish at up to 50% of the dietary caloric density. Zoo Biol 30:32–51, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and advances in CT urography techniques have enabled vast improvements in the depiction of the ureter. Studies of the ureter can find a wide variety of conditions including congenital defects and anatomic variants (anomalies in the origin, distribution, and distal insertion of the ureter) as well as all benign and malignant causes of focal and diffuse wall thickening (inflammatory and infectious processes, and neoplasms, as well as iatrogenic thickening and postsurgical changes). Other benign processes like ureteral kinking and stenosis due to extrinsic compression of the iliac vessels are also well characterized by MDCT. The aim of this article is to show the spectrum of ureteral variants and disease apart from common entities related to stones.

The somatotropic axis, including growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), is a bridge between growth physiology, developmental age, and nutritional status in domestic animals. However, the importance of the somatotropic axis in nutrition, growth, and development of harbor seals has not been previously explored. Given the difficulty of conducting longitudinal studies in free-ranging harbor seals, this study focused on the potential use of harbor seals in rehabilitation facilities as a model for free-ranging seals. The purpose of this research was to compare concentrations of components of the somatotropic axis in free-ranging versus rehabilitated harbor seal pups. The hypothesis was that measurements of the somatotropic axis will be similar between individuals of comparable age and nutritional status (fasting versus feeding). To investigate this hypothesis, harbor seal pups (n=8) brought to The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California, USA) or Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut, U.S.A.) were initially assessed and determined to be healthy but abandoned. All pups were less than 2 wk of age upon arrival at rehabilitation facilities. Standard length was assessed at the time of arrival and again at release. Body mass was measured every week and blood samples were collected from each pup at 0, 4, and 8 wk of rehabilitation. Blood was collected and morphometrics assessed in free-ranging harbor seal pups (n=8) from the Gulf of Maine. Sera were analyzed for GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP concentrations. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-2 and -3 in rehabilitated pups were within a similar range compared with free-ranging pups when considered in the context of presumed nutrient intake. These data suggest that rehabilitated harbor seals may provide a useful model to investigate the effects of nutrient intake on growth and development of harbor seals, and will provide insight into phocid endocrinology and metabolism.

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle endemic to river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. Turtle populations were sharply reduced by commercial harvest in the 1970s and 1980s; however, the species has yet to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. While anthropogenic stressors such as habitat fragmentation and degradation and illegal capture continue to threaten populations, the degree to which disease may be contributing to any decline of the Alligator Snapping Turtle is unknown. Data were collected from 97 free-ranging Alligator Snapping Turtles in nine waterways in Florida and Georgia from 2001 to 2006. Eleven turtles were captured more than once, resulting in a total sample pool of 123. Reference ranges were established for complete blood count, plasma biochemistry values, trace metals (mercury, zinc, copper, lead, and arsenic), and nutrient parameters (vitamins A, E, D, and selenium). Variations by capture location, sex, and season were detected and likely resulted from external factors such as habitat and diet. Turtles sampled in one location were positive for tortoise herpesviral antibodies. Blood mercury values also differed among populations. This study provides justification for the use of these long-lived aquatic turtles as biologic monitors of the health of local freshwater ecosystems.

This paper reports the fire conditions that occurred in a townhouse and the results of software simulations that were performed to provide insight on the peculiar thermal conditions that developed. Fire rescue was called by the occupants of the house when they became aware that smoky conditions were developing on the second floor. Two of the firefighters entered the bedroom where the smoke was originating from and a short time after a flame front invested them while propagating them backward into the stairwell. The post fire investigation determined that the fire started as a consequence of the smoldering combustion of material contained in a wardrobe located adjacent to one of the room walls. A simulation scenario was developed based on the information obtained on the actual building geometry, material thermal properties and the fire behaviour. The calculations that best represented the actual fire conditions indicate that the partial opening of the window and bedroom door provided outside air (oxygen) to a pre-heated, under ventilated fire compartment.

Health and disease are critical factors for understanding primate evolution and for developing effective conservation and management strategies. However, comprehensive health assessments of wild primate populations are rare, in part because of the difficulty and risk of chemically immobilizing subjects to obtain the necessary biological samples. We report here the results of a health assessment, as well as the methods and drug dosages used to capture white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We captured and measured 24 capuchins as part of an ongoing radiotelemetry study, and collected biological samples from 9 of them for a comprehensive health survey. Telazol® was very effective for immobilizing and capturing capuchins, although the doses we used were higher than those recommended for captive capuchins. High Telazol doses immobilized individuals quickly, ensuring that we were able to find and recover the sedated monkeys. The capuchins were generally in good condition, and had few ecto-, hemo-, or intestinal parasites. However, all but 1 of the adults had substantial dental abnormalities. In addition, 1 juvenile had indeterminate genitalia that we believe to be the result of hypospadias. Seven of the capuchins tested positive for exposure to Herpesvirus tamarinus and all individuals tested positive for exposure to Cebus cytomegalovirus. Hematology, serum chemistry, and plasma mineral levels from the wild individuals were, for the most part, comparable to those recorded for captive Cebus capucinus, and contribute to establishing baseline health values for the species. published

A discussion is given of the infrared spectra in the region 4000 to 1600 cm−1 of 24 hydrogen-bonded complexes between aliphatic amine oxides and a number of phenol derivatives.

In a previous study a basic multilayer perceptron artificial neural network for short-term forecasting of Italian hourly electric load has been implemented. The procedure has permitted adequate forecasting accuracies to be obtained for all the days with normal load conditions. However, the techniques adopted show some accuracy deficiencies while forecasting days with anomalous load conditions due to social factors (vacation periods, holidays, long weekends) and peculiar meteorological conditions as well. The paper illustrates the research activity conducted for enhancing the forecasting performances of the basic artificial neural network during these periods.

Il testo fa il punto sui risultati di una ricerca, condotta dall'autrice, sul corpus dei disegni, schizzi e bozzetti del pittore-illustratore Pietro Scoppetta appartenente alla raccolta Rocco Pagliara dell'Istituto Suor Orsola Benincasa. Si tratta di materiali per lo più inediti risalenti agli anni compresi fra il 1880 circa e il 1920, conservati dal musicologo Rocco Pagliara a seguito della lunga amicizia e stima che legava quest'ultimo all'artista. Un artista campano (nativo di Amalfi) ma attivo per lunghi periodi anche all'estero e, in particolare, a Parigi, in un'epoca di fiorente sviluppo dell'editoria illustrata, di cui è stato uno dei principali e più fertili esponenti. Tali disegni non erano mai stati trattati come un corpus unitario e di essi non era stata mai tentata una possibile attribuzione iconografica e di datazione.