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A synthesis of the Late Palaeozoic to Cenozoic evolution of the Black Sea region and the southern parts of the East European Platform (EEP) is presented. During Carboniferous to Early Permian times the Cordillera-type Euxinus Orogen evolved along the southern margin of the EEP in response to progressive closure of the Rheic and Palaeotethys oceans and the accretion of Gondwana-derived continental terranes. Permian development of the north-dipping Palaeotethys subduction system along the southern Pontides margin of these terranes was accompanied by important compressional intraplate deformation on the EEP. The Mesozoic to Palaeogene evolution of the southern parts of the EEP, was goverened by closure of Palaeotethys, accretion of the Gondwana-derived Cimmerian terrane and gradual closure of the Neotethys, involving repeated opening and closure of back-arc basins. Five discrete tectonic subduction-related cycles are recognized, each commencing with back-arc extension and terminated with back-arc compression. The timing of these cycles is: (1) latest Permian to Hettangian, (2) Sinemurian to early Callovian, (3) late Callovian to Berriasian, (4) Valanginian to Paleocene and (5) Eocene to Recent. The duration of the individual cycles was of the order of 30-50 My. During back-arc extension, rift ed basins developed along the southern margin of the EEP whilst during back-arc compression compressional stresses were exerted on it, albeit at varying levels during the different tectonic cycles. On the EEP, Late Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic intraplate tectonics are expressed by such phenomena as rifting, extrusion of plateau basalts, inversion of pre-existing tensional basins, gentle lithospheric folding, regional uplift and subsidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wildlife in the New York City (NYC) Watershed in southeastern New York State. A total of 6227 fecal samples were collected and evaluated from 5892 mammals (38 species), 263 birds (14 species), 2 reptiles (2 species), 8 amphibians (4 species), and 62 fish (15 species). Cryptosporidium was detected in 30 species. Of the species found positive for Cryptosporidium, 16 represented new records for this parasite—Alosa pseudoharengus, Larus delawarensis, Blarina brevicauda, Sorex cinereus, Parascalops breweri, Myotis lucifugus, Peromyscus maniculatus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Clethrionomys gapperi, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Marmota monax, Erethizon dorsatum, Canis latrans, Mustela erminea, Mustela vison, and Lynx rufus. Factors such as age, sex, season, and land use were evaluated to determine if there was any association with infection by this parasite. Animals were more likely to be positive for Cryptosporidium during spring and in agricultural land use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The compounds BiMO2NO3, with M=Pb, Ca, Sr, and Ba, were obtained as single-phase products from solid-state reactions in an atmosphere of nitrous gases. The oxide nitrates with Pb and Ca crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm with two formula units per unit cell; the oxide nitrates with Sr and Ba crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm with four formula units per unit cell. Lattice parameters at room temperature are a=397.199(4), c=1482.57(2) pm for M=Pb; a=396.337(5), c=1412.83(3) pm for M=Ca; a=1448.76(3), b=567.62(1), c=582.40(1) pm for M=Sr and a=1536.50(8), b=571.67(3), c=597.55(3) pm for M=Ba. The structures, which were refined by powder X-ray diffraction, consist of alternating [BiMO2]+ and [NO3]- layers stacked along the direction of the long axis. IR and thermogravimetric data are also given. The various M2+ cations in BiMO2NO3 are compatible with each other; therefore and because of their layer-type structure, these compounds are interesting precursors for oxide materials, e.g., the HTSC compounds (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Can-1CunOx. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The extension of the lithosphere, controlling the development of rifted basins, is driven by a combination of plate-boundary forces, frictional forces exerted on the base of the lithosphere by the convecting asthenosphere and deviatoric tensional stresses developing over upwelling branches of the asthenospheric convection system. Although mantle plumes are not a primary driving force of rifting, they play an important secondary role by weakening the lithosphere and by controlling the level of rift-related volcanic activity. A distinction between “active” and “passive” rifting is only conditionally justified.The extension of the lithosphere, depending on its rate and magnitude, and the potential temperature of the asthenosphere, can cause by adiabatic decompression partial melting of the lower lithosphere and upper asthenosphere. In rift systems, the level and timing of volcanic activity is highly variable. The lack of volcanic activity implies “passive” rifting. An initial “passive” rifting stage can be followed by a more “active” one during which magmatism plays an increasingly important role. Magmatic destabilization of the Moho may account for the frequently observed discrepancy between upper and lower crustal extension factors. Combined with evidence for thermal thinning of the mantle–lithosphere, this suggest that the volume of the lithosphere is not necessarily preserved during rifting as advocated by conventional stretching models.The structural style of rifts is controlled by the rheological structure of the lithosphere, the availability of crustal discontinuities that can be tensionally reactivated, the mode (orthogonal or oblique) and amount of extension, and the lithological composition of pre- and syn-rift sediments. Simple-shear extension prevails in rifts that subparallel the structural grain of the basement. Pure-shear extension is typical for rifts cross-cutting the basement grain. Pre-existing crustal and mantle–lithospheric discontinuities contribute to the localization of rift systems.The duration of the rifting stage of extensional basins is highly variable. Stress field changes can cause abrupt termination of rifting. In major rift systems, progressive strain concentration on the zone of future crustal separation entails abandonment of lateral rifts. Depending on constraints on lateral block movements, crustal separation can be achieved after as little as 9 My and as much as 280 My of rifting activity.Syn-rift basin subsidence is controlled by isostatic adjustment of the crust to mechanical stretching of the lithosphere, its magmatic inflation and thermal attenuation of the mantle–lithosphere.Post-rift basin subsidence is governed by thermal reequilibration of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system. Deep-seated thermal anomalies related to syn-rift pull-up of the asthenosphere–lithosphere boundary have decayed after 60 My by about 65% and after 180 My by about 95%. The magnitude of post-rift subsidence is a function of the rift-induced thermal anomaly and crustal density changes, the potential temperature of the asthenosphere and initial water depths. Intraplate stresses can have an overprinting effect on post-rift subsidence. Stretching factors derived from post-rift subsidence analyses must be corrected for such effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four structural cross-sections through the central segment of the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) were balanced by means of Thermo-Tectono-Stratigraphic Forward Modelling (TTSF-Modelling). Results were compared to geometric retro-deformation of pre-rift reference horizons applying line length and area balancing methods. TTSF-Modelling with a deep necking level (>20km) and/or a high effective elastic thickness (Te≥15km) yielded extension values similar to those of geometric balancing, while modelling with shallower necking depths and/or lower Te yielded unrealistic high extension values. A best fit of geometric balancing, indicating 5km rift orthogonal extension, was reached by TTSF-Modelling with a Te of 15km and a ‘pre-rift’ necking depth of 29km coinciding with the Moho discontinuity. This is compatible with (a) the geophysically mapped Moho that does not shallow significantly beneath the central segment of the URG and its shoulders, (b) seismicity indicating brittle–elastic deformation of the entire crust and a-seismic, ductile deformation of the lithospheric mantle, (c) compensation of crustal faults and shear zones in the crust–mantle transition zone. Modelled time-extension paths imply rifting during the Middle Eocene to Early Miocene, a Late Miocene post-rift stage and renewed rifting during the Pliocene to recent. Apparent northward migration of extension in time is an effect of uplift processes, which are not related to rifting. Correcting for these, the extension history for the four cross-sections becomes very similar, suggesting plane strain deformation and rifting at very low strain rates of about 1.7×10−16 s−1 involving brittle–elastic deformation of the crust and ductile deformation of the highly viscous, high strength upper mantle that controls the position of the lithospheric necking level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years there have been a number of waterborne outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis in some major urban centers in Ireland. The Irish Environmental Protection Agency has adapted and modified the qualitative 'Scottish Water Directions' to help prevent such outbreaks. When this risk assessment method was applied to three small agricultural river catchments in Ireland, the results suggested an equal risk of water contamination for each catchment. A survey was conducted in each catchment focusing on agricultural activity and surface waters. Fecal samples were collected from 1-8-week-old calves along with associated slurry and dung from beef and dairy farms and water samples were collected monthly at the outlet of the three catchments. Two of the catchments had much higher infection rates among neonatal calves as well as higher oocyst contamination of surface waters than the remaining one. It was concluded that the qualitative risk assessment could be more robust if cognizance was taken of the temporal and epidemiological aspects of cryptosporidiosis in beef and dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Description-6 alpaca crias from a single farm were examined because of diarrhea (n = 4) or decreased fecal production (n = 2). Clinical Findings-Cryptosporidium parvum was identified by means of fecal flotation in samples from 5 of the 6 crias, and a diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis was made. In the remaining cria, a presumptive diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis was made. Three people involved in caring for the crias from this farm were subsequently confirmed to have cryptosporidiosis, and 3 other people were suspected to have cryptosporidiosis. Sequence analysis of the ssu rDNA gene loci con- firmed C parvum as the causative agent in 4 of the 6 crias. Subsequent evaluation of the farm revealed 2 additional crias confirmed to have cryptosporidiosis. Stocking densities on the farm were high, with approximately 20 adults/acre in some pastures. Treatment and Outcome-All 6 hospitalized crias were given supportive treatment consisting of antimicrobials, gastroprotectants, and fluids. All but 1 survived. Farm owners were advised to decrease stocking density on the farm. Clinical Relevance-Findings suggested that zoonotic transmission of C parvum from alpacas to humans can occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic-based coating systems incorporating typical binding resins such as epoxies or polyesters were prepared along protocols mimicking relevant application conditions and are investigated using methods which are fairly standard in an industrial environment. Following a pragmatic approach, gravimetric analysis along with spectral analysis by FTIR spectroscopy of the insoluble gel fraction and liquid 1 H NMR spectroscopy for the soluble fraction were used in a quantitative way to investigate proven binder/crosslinker systems over a range of compositions. Furthermore, a close analysis of the soluble fraction data has been conducted following the statistical mean-field model of Miller-Macosko with proper adjustments to account for the investigated systems where the phenolic resin can crosslink with itself and with the binder, whereas the binder mainly links to the crosslinker in conjunction with chain extending end-end couplings. For the linear precursors considered here, end and side functions were treated as chemically distinct in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 1.7 million Virginians rely on private water sources to provide household water. The heaviest reliance on these systems occurs in rural areas, which are often underserved with respect to available financial resources and access to environmental health education. This study aimed to identify potential associations between concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (coliforms, Escherichia coli) in over 800 samples collected at the point-of-use from homes with private water supply systems and homeowner-provided demographic data (household income and education). Of the 828 samples tested, 349 (42%) of samples tested positive for total coliform and 55 (6.6%) tested positive for E. coli. Source tracking efforts targeting optical brightener concentrations via fluorometry and the presence of a human-specific Bacteroides marker via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) suggest possible contamination from human septage in over 20 samples. Statistical methods implied that household income has an association with the proportion of samples positive for total coliform, though the relationship between education level and FIB is less clear. Further exploration of links between demographic data and private water quality will be helpful in building effective strategies to improve rural drinking water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The lithospheric memory is key for the interplay of lithospheric stresses and rheological structure of the extending lithosphere and for its later tectonic reactivation. Other important factors are the temporal and spatial migration of extension and the interplay of rifting and surface processes. The mode of extension and the duration of the rifting phase required to lead to continental break-up are to a large extent controlled by the interaction of the extending plate with slab dynamics. The finite strength of the lithosphere has an important effect on the formation of extensional basins. This applies both to the geometry of the basin shape as well as to the record of vertical motions during and after rifting. We demonstrate a strong connection between the bulk rheological properties of Europe's lithosphere and the evolution of some of Europe's main rifts and back-arc systems. The thermo-mechanical structure of the lithosphere has a major impact on continental break-up and associated basin migration processes, with direct relationships between rift duration and extension velocities, thermal evolution, and the role of mantle plumes. Compressional reactivation has important consequences for post-rift inversion, borderland uplift, and denudation, as illustrated by poly-phase deformation of extensional back-arc basins in the Black Sea and the Pannonian Basin region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over one million households rely on private water supplies (e.g. well, spring, cistern) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. The present study tested 538 private wells and springs in 20 Virginia counties for total coliforms (TCs) and Escherichia coli along with a suite of chemical contaminants. A logistic regression analysis was used to investigate potential correlations between TC contamination and chemical parameters (e.g. NO3-, turbidity), as well as homeowner-provided survey data describing system characteristics and perceived water quality. Of the 538 samples collected, 41% (n = 221) were positive for TCs and 10% (n = 53) for E. coli. Chemical parameters were not statistically predictive of microbial contamination. Well depth, water treatment, and farm location proximate to the water supply were factors in a regression model that predicted presence/absence of TCs with 74% accuracy. Microbial and chemical source tracking techniques (Bacteroides gene Bac32F and HF183 detection via polymerase chain reaction and optical brightener detection via fluorometry) identified four samples as likely contaminated with human wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

regional tectono-geomorphic analysis indicates a Pliocene to recent rock uplift of the outermost segment of the Jura fold-and-thrust belt, which spatially coincides with the intra-continental Rhine-Bresse Transfer Zone. Elevated remnants of the partly eroded Middle Pliocene Sundgau-Forêt de Chaux Gravels identified by heavy mineral analyses allow for a paleo-topographic reconstruction that yields minimum regional Latest Pliocene to recent rock uplift rates of 0.05 ± 0.02 mm/year. This uplift also affected the Pleistocene evolution of the Ognon and Doubs drainage basins and is interpreted as being tectonically controlled. While the Ognon River was deflected from the uplifted region the Doubs deeply incised into it. Focused incision of the Doubs possibly sustained ongoing deformation along anticlines which were initiated during the Neogene evolution of the thin-skinned Jura fold-and-thrust belt. At present, this erosion-related active deformation is taking place synchronously with thick-skinned tectonics, controlling the inversion of the Rhine-Bresse Transfer Zone. This suggests local decoupling between seismogenic basement faulting and erosion-related deformation of the Mesozoic cover sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]