What Limits Bacterial Production in the Suboxic Region of Permanently Ice-Covered Lake Bonney, Antarctica?

Bacterial production assays (thymidine incorporation rates) were used to evaluate the activity of heterotrophic bacteria at the chemocline region in both the East (ELB) and West (WLB) Lobes of permanently ice-covered Lake Bonney, in the Taylor Valley of Antarctica. The magnitude of activity varied dramatically within the depth interval of 1 to 2 m from moderate to very low levels below the chemocline, especially in the East Lobe, where chemical distributions indicate the absence of a normally functioning nitrogen cycle. Several parameters (e.g. addition of nutrients or chelators, dilution) were manipulated in incubation experiments in order to identify factors that would enhance activity in the suboxic deep waters of the East Lobe. Activity, in terms of thymidine incorporation, was consistently detected in the deep-water communities, implying that, although the water may be 'toxic', the cells remain viable. None of the treatments resulted in consistent enhancement of thymidine incorporation rates in samples from below the chemocline. Bacterial populations above the chemocline appear to be phosphorus-limited. The nature of the limitation, toxicity or inhibition that limits bacterial activity in the suboxic waters has not been identified.

Denitrification in the Hypolimnion of Permanently Ice-Covered Lake Bonney, Antarctica

The distribution of denitrification was investigated in the hypolimnion of the east and west lobes of permanently ice-covered Lake Bonney, Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Anomalously high concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and nitrous oxide) in the oxygen-depleted hypolimnion of the east lobe of the Lake implied that denitrification is or was active in the west, but not in the east lobe. While previous investigations reported no detectable denitrification in the east lobe, we measured active denitrification in samples from both the east and west lobes. In the west lobe, measured denitrification rates exhibited a maximum at the depth of the chemocline and denitrification was not detectable in either the oxic surface waters or in the deep water where nitrate was absent. In the east lobe, denitrification was detected below the chemocline, at the depths where ammonium, nitrate, nitrite and nitrous oxide are all present at anomalously high levels, Trace metal availability was manipulated in incubation experiments in order to determine whether trace metal toxicity in the east lobe could explain the difference in nitrogen cycling between the 2 lobes. There were no consistent stimulatory effects of metal chelators or nutrient addition on the rate of denitrification in either lobe, so that the mechanisms underlying the unusual N cycle of the east lobe remain unknown. We conclude that all the ingredients necessary to allow denitrification to occur are present in the east lobe. However, even though denitrification could be detected under certain conditions in incubations, denitrification is inhibited under the in situ conditions of the lake.

Sedimentology and age on profile Lz1023

A 270 cm long sediment sequence was recovered with a piston corer from east lobe Bonney, Taylor Valley, Antarctica, and characterized according to its sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical properties. It is the first record of such length recovered from east lobe Bonney. The sediment core is mainly composed of halite crystals of different sizes, water, and a relatively low and stable proportion of clastic particles. Although the sediment surface was probably disturbed by the coring process and absence or low contents of organic material or carbonates hampers the establishment of a robust chronology by radiocarbon dating, the core probably contains at least several hundred years of information about the history of the lake and the Bonney basin. Variations in halite crystal sizes and amount as well as variations in the composition of clastic material can be related to past lake level changes and evaporation cycles.

Epidemiological and ecological aspects related to malaria in the area of influence of the lake at Porto Primavera dam, in western São Paulo State, Brazil

A study was carried out in the area of influence of the Porto Primavera Hydroelectric Power Station, in western São Paulo State, to investigate ecological and epidemiological aspects of malaria in the area and monitor the profile of the anopheline populations following the environmental changes brought about by the construction of the lake. Mosquitoes captured were analyzed by standardized indicator species analysis (ISA) before and during different flooding phases (253 m and 257 m elevations). The local human population was studied by means of parasitological (thin/thick blood smears), molecular (PCR) and serological tests. Serological tests consisted of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with synthetic peptides of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from classic Plasmodium vivax, P. vivax variants (VK247 and "vivax-like"), P. malariae and P. falciparum and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) with asexual forms of P. vivax, P. malariae and P. falciparum. The results of the entomological survey indicated that, although the Anopheles darlingi population increased after the flooding, the population density remained very low. No malaria, parasite infection or DNA was detected in the inhabitants of the study area. However, there was a low frequency of antibodies against asexual forms and a significant prevalence of antibodies against P. vivax, P. vivax variants, P. falciparum and P. malariae; the presence of these antibodies may result from recent or less recent contact with human or simian Plasmodium (a parallel study in the same area revealed the existence of a sylvatic cycle). Nevertheless, these results suggest that, as in other places where malaria is present and potential vectors circulate, the local epidemiological conditions observed could potentially support the transmission of malaria in Porto Primavera Lake if infected individuals are introduced in sufficient numbers. Further studies are required to elucidate the phenomena described in this paper.

Effects of temperature, sestonic algae features, and seston mineral content on cladocerans of a tropical lake

The effects of temperature on the life table, and of seston quality on the individual growth and reproduction of cladocerans from a tropical lake were tested in the laboratory. Life-table experiments were carried out at 17 degrees C, 23 degrees C, and 27 degrees C. Growth bioassays tested the influence of natural seston fractions, separated by net filtration, on cladocerans. The treatments were: (1) total seston plus Scenedesmus spinosus (1 mg C.L(-1)), (2) seston <= 36 mu m, and (3) seston >36 mu m. Phytoplankton composition, density, and biomass were evaluated during growth experiments, together with sestonic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations. The intrinsic rates of natural increase were higher for Moina micrura and Daphnia ambigua at 27 degrees C compared to 17 degrees C. The age at first reproduction of both species was delayed at 17 degrees C. Growth rates and fecundity of M. micrura were higher in the seston fraction <= 36 mu m than in the fraction > 36 mu m. Higher growth rates and fecundity of Moina minuta were observed in the seston enriched with the green alga in comparison to the seston <= 36 mu m and > 36 mu m. Bosmina longirostris was unable to reproduce at 17 degrees C and to grow in the seston > 36 mu m in one experiment. High densities and/or biomass of large colonial and filamentous algae present in the larger seston fraction could have contributed to reduce growth and reproduction. Episodes of food-quantity limitation may occur, but there was no evidence of mineral limitation, although seston C:P and C:N ratios were always above the limiting values assumed for temperate water bodies. The C:P and C:N ratios arc highly influenced by carbon that originates primarily from resuspended detritus from the lake.

Venous Lake of the Lips Treated Using Photocoagulation with High-Intensity Diode Laser

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser in the treatment of venous lake (VL) lesions. Background Data: VL is a common vascular lesion characterized by elevated, usually dome-shaped papules, ranging in color from dark blue to dark purple, seen more frequently in elderly patients. They often occur as single lesions on the ears, face, lips, or neck. Once formed, lesions persist throughout life. Although these lesions are usually asymptomatic, they can bleed if injured. Methods: Seventeen patients (7 men and 10 women) with VL on the lip were treated using a noncontact diode laser (wavelength 808 nm, power output 2-3 W in continuous wave). Results: After only one irradiation exposure, all lesions were successfully treated. Healing was completed in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, and none of the patients experienced complications. Postoperative discomfort and scarring were not present or were minimal. Conclusion: Photocoagulation with high-intensity diode laser is an effective, bloodless procedure for the treatment of VL.

Window, Lake Weyba House, Sunshine Coast

Vinyl window to daybed alcove, bedroom pavilion, South-West elevation.

Window, Lake Weyba House, Sunshine Coast

Vinyl window to bath house pavilion, South-West elevation.

Main Pavilion, Lake Weyba House, Sunshine Coast

As seen from West, looking towards front of main pavilion. Standard roller doors to clerestory.

Pivoting vent, Lake Weyba House, Sunshine Coast

Bedroom pavilion, South-East elevation. Day bed alcove on left.