New data on the distribution of rare and new fish species in Russian waters of the Barents Sea

New data are presented on the occurrence in the Russian waters of the Barents Sea of 30 species of rare fishes. These data significantly change knowledge on their geographic distribution. For the first time, the presence in the Russian zone of seven species is indicated: Raja lintea (Rajidae), Chimaera monstrosa (Chimaeridae), Gadiculus argenteus thori and Micromesistius poutassou (Gadidae), Gaidropsarus argentatus (Lotidae), Sebastes viviparus (Sebastidae), and Lycodus luetkeni (Zoarcidae).     

Studies of the structure and dynamics of the radiating plasma of a micropinch discharge

Space-resolved X-ray spectra and electron emission spectra from a micropinch discharge are measured with the help of tracking detectors. Results from measurements of the discharge optical emission with a high temporal and spatial resolution are also presented.     

Is pain-induced aggression actually a defensive form of that behavior?

25-minute testing of aggressive reactions in constant pairs of male rats, elicited by electric shocks shows that electro-pain aggression of rats is not a homogeneous process, but consists of three successive stages: orienting-investigatory activity and attempts to get out of the chamber; defensive aggression; establishing of relations of domination-subordination and attacking aggression. Division in attacking rats and defending themselves, occurs mainly at final stages of testing (15-25 min); in some pairs reactions of attacking aggression are accomplished by the same rats. It is supposed that rats pain aggression is not a purely defensive form of this behaviour, but a modification of intermale aggression caused by specificity of laboratory conditions.     

The reproductive potential of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus Schreb) and of the tundra vole (Microtus oeconomus Pall.) under the conditions of the elevated radiation background of Bryansk Province]

The continuous irradiation (connected with the accident on the Chernobyl atomic power plant) by cesium-137 of the dominant species of rodents (Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus oeconomus) in the forests of Bryansk Province had a deteriorating effect on the state of reproductive organs and on the course of embryogenesis, stimulated the reproduction cycle but inhibited the rate of sexual maturation and increased the death-rate of young animals. These effects resulted in significant ageing of the population. But all these phenomena provoked by radiation are within the limits of rodents adaptive capacities.     

Correlation between the parameters of ion and X-ray emissions from the plasma of a micropinch discharge

Ion emission from the plasma of a micropinch discharge is studied by analyzing the plasma flow from the discharge region with the help of time-of-flight technique and probe diagnostics. Concurrently, soft Xray emission from the micropinch is recorded. The experimental data are interpreted using the radiative contraction model.     

Experimental study of the spatial structure of high-energy ion sources in micropinch

Images of ion sources in the plasma of a micropinch discharge were recorded. The most intense ion source was found to be a ⩾1-mm-diameter 3-mm-long anode region. The main contribution to the images is made by single-charged ions of the plasma-forming element with energies of 10–50 keV.     

The biological indication of the radiation load in forest communities of small mammals]

The content of cesium-137 in the organisms of different species of small mammals in forests of Bryansk Province five years later the Chernobyl accident varies to a great extent within some modal value n.10(-6)-n.10(-7) Cu/kg. Gamma-radiation is about 200 mcR/h. The revealed radiation level results in increased mortality during embryonal and postnatal periods, as during these periods a very intensive process of radiocesium accumulation in the animal organism takes place. Statistically valid differences of young and old animals ratio with the asymmetrical deviation towards old age groups have been found on the polluted territory at the end of summer season.     

Levels of acute phase proteins remain stable after ischemic stroke

Background  

Inflammation and inflammatory biomarkers play an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Little information is available, however, on time course of serum markers of inflammation after stroke.     

Process of commutation of a vacuum electric-discharge gap by laser plasma

The temporal parameters of a process of vacuum gap commutation under exposure to a nanosecond pulse of laser radiation incident on the cathode has been studied depending on the radiation energy. Based on the experiment data, it is suggested that a glow discharge is initially ignited in electrode erosion products under exposure to the laser pulse, which due to development of the ionization-overheating instability undergoes the contraction of current channel and transits to an arc discharge. With the radiation energy exceeding a threshold value, the radiation (incident on the cathode) accelerates directly the instability development and the glow discharge transition to the arc discharge due to the radiation absorption in the discharge plasma.