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The Al-rich region of the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system was experimentally studied at pressures of 1.0–2.8 GPa and temperatures of 1300–1535°C. The slopes of the lines of the monovariant reactions An + Sp = Cpx + Cor + (Ga) and L = Cpx + Ga + Cor + Sp and the compositions of the phases involved in these reactions are determined. The results are utilized in the topological analysis of the aluminous region of the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system. On this basis, the principal structure of the phase diagram is analyzed, and a phase diagram is constructed for the junction region of the quaternary system and the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 ternary system. A continuous series of the monovariant eutectic: L = Cpx + Opx + Fo + An, L = Cpx + Opx + An + Sp, L = Cpx + (Ga) + An + Sp, L = Cpx + Cor + (Ga) + An, L = An + Ga + Cpx + Ky and L = Ga + Cpx + Ky + Qz is examined within the pressure range from atmospheric to 3.0 GPa and higher. Analogous “telescoped” eutectic series are of fundamental character for interpreting the evolution of magmatic melts. A physicochemical model is suggested for the evolution of magmatic melts that produce rocks of the calc-alkaline series, with this model underlain by the fact that a change in the composition of magmatic melt at a pressure decrease should correspond to the minimum melting temperatures, i.e., to melts in the fundamental series of eutectic reactions. The comparison of our physicochemical model and rocks of the calc-alkaline series shows that the compositions of rocks of the calc-alkaline series are close to the compositions determined for the eutectic equilibria, and the mineralogical composition of xenoliths and megacrysts in volcanic and dike varieties of the rocks are similar to the subsolidus phases of the established fundamental eutectic system.

Stable sulphur isotope fractionation was investigated during reduction of thiosulphate and elemental sulphur at 28°C by growing batch cultures of the sulphur- and thiosulphate-reducing bacteria Dethiosulfovibrio marinus (type strain DSM 12537) and Dethiosulfovibrio russensis (type strain DSM 12538), using citrate as carbon and energy source. The cell-specific thiosulphate reduction rate in the growth phase was 7.4±3.9 fmol cell(-1) d(-1). The hydrogen sulphide produced was enriched in (32)S by 10.3±1 ‰ compared with total thiosulphate sulphur, close to previous experimental results observed for other sulphate- and non-sulphate-reducing bacteria. Elemental sulphur reduction yields sulphur isotope enrichment factors between-1.3 and-5.2 ‰ for D. russensis and-1.7 and-5.1 ‰ for D. marinus. The smaller fractionation effects are observed in the exponential growth phase (cellular rates between 5 and 70 fmol S° cell(-1) d(-1)) and enhanced discrimination under conditions of citrate depletion and cell lysis (cellular rates between 0.3 and 3 fmol S° cell(-1) d(-1)).

An experimental study of serpentine decomposition at high pressure (4.5 GPa) was carried out to elucidate if water can be preserved in the system in the form other than structural admixtures in minerals. This problem is of interest because it is water that plays a leading role in the melting in a subducted slab and a mantle wedge. To estimate the possible content of an aqueous fluid in deep-seated rocks, a BARS pressless split-sphere apparatus was used in complex with thermobarogeochemistry and gas chromatography. It has been established that the serpentine decomposition is accompanied by the release of water, which concentrates in inclusions in the produced minerals (olivine and orthopyroxene) and their interstices. Chromatographic analysis with a stepwise heating of samples showed that most of the released water is localized in the interstices, and the rest is conserved in fluid inclusions in the minerals. The produced solid phases conserve 0.13 to 2.43 wt.% fluids as inclusions, with water amounting to 0.1–2.06 wt.%. The content of inclusions determined by microscopic examination falls in this region. Since the mobility of the fluid conserved as inclusions in the olivine and orthopyroxene is significantly lower than that in the interstices, this fluid might be better preserved in olivine-containing rocks subsided to depth.

Time measurements in detecting particles from radioactive radiation sources are one of the main types of measurements in many branches of science and engineering: nuclear physics, space researches, nuclear medicine. The developed precise time stamp generator DWDC (Discriminator With Digital Correction) with a dead time of 25 ns is intended for applications in basic research of matter. It is planned to modernize the acquisition system of the T0 starting trigger detector using the DWDC module (ALICE experiment).

To elaborate physicochemical models for the origin of crystalline rocks, experimental studies of the field of high-alumina assemblages of the system CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 were carried out at 10–30 kbar and 1250–1535 °C. We have determined the phase relations between the melt (L) and An, Sp, Cpx, Cor, and Ga, the slope of the rays of the monovariant reactions An + Sp = Cpx + Cor + (Ga) and L = Cpx +Ga + Cor + Sp, the position of the nonvariant point (An, Sp, Cpx, Cor, Ga, L), and the compositions of phases participating in these reactions. Based on a topological analysis of the studied segment of the system CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2, we have substantiated that “eclogitization” must follow the reaction Opx + An + Sp = Cpx + Ga. A fundamental continuous series of eutectic monovariant equilibria was observed: L = Cpx + Opx + Fo + An, L = Cpx + Opx + An + Sp, L = Cpx (+ Ga) + An + Sp, and L = Cpx + Cor (+ Ga) + An. A change in the melt composition in this series of eutectic reactions depending on pressure must reflect the most likely magma genesis trend in nature. Comparision of the composition fields in which the above series of reactions is observed with the composition fields of the rocks of magmatic formations showed that this series is most similar to the alkali-earth series of rocks. The mineralogical compositions of cumulates and phenocrysts found in the effusive and dike varieties of these rocks correspond to unique sets of subsolidus phase associations and individual subsolidus phases crystallizing in this fundamental eutectic series.

Features of present-day channel deformations of the Tom' River within the Tomsk region and related processes of the ice jams’ formation have been considered. Recommendations about prevention of their negative consequences have been offered. They include organizational, scientific/information and engineering measures of the damages prevention against dangerous hydrological processes under consideration.

A discriminator with digital correction (DWDC) with a dead time of 25 ns or less and a time resolution of 50 ps or better is intended for upgrading the data acquisition system of the T0 start trigger detector (ALICE—A Large Ion Collider Experiment on the Large Hadron Collider).

The expression levels of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3R) and cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) changes in response to ATP in cultured skeletal myoblasts C2C12, in myoblasts at different stages of differentiation into myotubes, and in differentiated multinucleated myotubes have been determined. Using reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction we have shown that during differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes the expression of all three InsP3R increased 2–2.5-fold and at all stages of differentiation the expression levels of InsP3R2 and InsP3R3 were nearly equal to each other and 1.5–2 times higher than the expression level of InsP3R1. The kinetics of calcium signal in myotubes is characterized by higher maximal [Ca2+]c rise and more prolonged second phase in comparison with myoblasts. The data obtained provide evidence in favor of the increasing role of InsP3-dependent calcium mobilization at the first stages of skeletal muscles maturation.

The subducting oceanic crust has a heterogeneous composition but mainly is composed of a mixture of anhydrous dolerite and gabbro with mafic green schist (albite + epidote + chlorite + actinolite) and amphib� olite [1]. An increase in pressure and temperature results in rock dehydration in the subducting oceanic crust [2]. As this takes place, dehydration proceeds successively depending on phase transitions in hydrous phases (chlorite, lawsonite, amphibole, phengite, zoisite–clinozoisite, and others). The sub� ducting oceanic crust contains >5 wt % Н2О at the ini�

During the last five years there has been considerable doubt over the age of the continental uppermost Permian Russian stages, the Kazanian and Tatarian. Traditionally they have been regarded as Late Permian but were re-dated as Middle Permian in the 2004 international time scale, despite fossil evidence that the Tatarian, at least, is Late Permian. These debated ages are tested by magnetostratigraphic study of five sections spanning the Permian Triassic Boundary (PTB) of the SE Urals in the Orenburg region of Russia. The Upper Permian and Lower Triassic of this region have a well documented vertebrate fauna whose evolution has a significant bearing on our understanding of the PTB mass extinction event. If the Tatarian is viewed as Mid Permian, then the Late Permian in Russia is marked by a 9–10 Ma stratigraphic gap. The palaeomagnetic data yield a distinct series of polarity zones that provide clear local and regional correlation and are readily tied to a recently compiled global magnetostratigraphic record. On the basis of this correlation the sampled sections span the upper Guadalupian to Induan stages without any obvious break, so confirming the traditional view that the Tatarian is Late Permian in age. Anomalies in the magnetic inclination are consistent with sediment compaction (inclination shallowing, a common phenomenon of red beds) but declination anomalies between these sites and elsewhere in Russia may suggest localised vertical axis rotation.

Plant import inspection can prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases, thereby averting economic losses. We explore the optimal allocation of a fixed budget, taking into account risk differentials, and the optimal-sized budget to minimise total pest costs. A partial-equilibrium market model is used to compute the economic consequences of pest invasion. An application to Dutch imports of chrysanthemum cuttings shows that the optimal allocation of a fixed inspection budget halves the cost of pest invasion compared to allocating the same budget equally over all imports. A budget increase that enables 42 per cent more inspection can reduce total societal costs by 81 per cent compared to smaller, constrained budget that ignores risk differentials. Oxford University Press and Foundation for the European Review of Agricultural Economics 2009; all rights reserved. For permissions, please email journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.

The distribution of neck muscles and the shape of the skull shows that Permian and Triassic dicynodontsmay be classified into three categories which probably reflect feeding on low, medium and high vegetation. These are distinguished on the basis of the occipital index, the difference between the relative width and height of the occiput, which gives a measure of the relative importance of the lateral and the dorsoventral clusters of neck muscles. The basicranium is relatively shortened in Triassic forms, except in Vinceria, Shansiodon, Tetragonias, and Jachaleria, as has been noted before. Data on skull proportions indicates that the height of the parietal crest may be of little taxonomic use, and that the genus Tetragonias is not a clade. Dicynodonts with dietary preferences at the intermediate level correspondto major branching points in dicynodont phylogeny. High-level feeding adaptations among dicynodonts arose by the middle of the Tatarian (latest Permian) and lasted until the Late Triassic....

Expression of channel protein Orai-1 has been demonstrated in cultured skeletal myoblasts and myotubes. In order to evaluate its functional role in Ca2+ transport in these cells we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against mRNA coding for Orai-1. Optimal conditions for the effective transfection of myoblasts and myotubes were found. In experiments using myotubes from an mdx cell line we have shown that inactivation of mRNA coding Orai-1 results in complete suppression of 45Ca2+ entry induced by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. The data obtained indicate that Orai-1 is involved in store-activated Ca2+ entry into skeletal myotubes.

Synthetic enstatite MgSiO3 was crystallized from a melt, quenched into water, and then annealed at 873 K. The product is the monoclinic polymorph with the unit cell parameters of a=0.9619(7), b=0.8832(3), c=0.5177(4) nm, β=108.27(5)°. Heat capacity was measured from 6 to 305 K using an adiabatic vacuum calorimeter. Thermodynamic functions for clinoenstatite differ by about 5% from those predicted after a thermodynamic model in the literature, but are very close to those measured for orthorhombic enstatite.

We consider unique determination and right uniqueness issues for solutions, satisfying the one-sided Lipschitz condition, of functional-differential equations with discontinuous right-hand side.

Gravitational concentration (gravity dressing) is the oldest of all forms of mineral processing used by humanity more than 25 centuries. This method was the most widely applied procedure of mineral enrichment till the end of second millennium. Physically mineral concentration is based on separation of geological rocks and minerals of different specific density by their relative movement in response to the gravity and some additional forces. However, such an enrichment a priori cannot provide a high output of desired minerals. The authors have aimed to attract an attention to significant losses of native gold and diamonds by traditional scheme of their gravitational concentration. Detailed consideration of density and form of native gold and diamonds indicates that fragmental (placer generating) minerals with the different values of average density may have close and identical sizes (on two axes) in heavy concentrates (schlich) and middlings. These dense parameters essentially influence to conditions of these minerals accumulation in natural conditions and degree of their extraction in technological processes of gravitational concentration. The materials presented in the paper span the analyzed mineralogical data from about twenty economic deposits located in various regions of the world (mainly the authors' personal results).

Plant species, forming important components of Arctic food chains and of interest from a monitoring perspective, were studied at 36 plots representing flood plain and terrace landscapes of the Yenisey River and Estuary from its upper delta to the gulf. 137 Cs contamination densities at the plots varied from 0.35 kBq/m 2 (central delta, sandy riverside plot) to 88 kBq/m 2 (the upper delta plot) indicating both global and regional sources of anthropogenic pollution. Cs-137 levels in plants were within the range expected from global fallout inputs and varied from 31 to 140 Bq/kg d.w. increasing in dominant groups in the order: grasses < alder, willow (leaves), lichens < mosses (upper part) < mosses (lower part), litter. Tundra plants exhibited remarkably high 137 Cs Tag values (0.03-0.1 m 2 /kg) comparable to those found on swampy areas contaminated by Chernobyl fallout. The frontal delta island seems to act as a barrier, contributing to local accumulation of 137 Cs as reflected in higher inventories in soil and biomass. Horsetail and willow leaves were noted for higher 40 K content and lower 137 Cs Tag compared to mosses and alder, respectively. This makes the latter plant types more appropriate indicators of 137 Cs contamination.

The stability of nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes in the Di-CaEsk join was experimentally studied, and phase diagrams were constructed for this join at pressures of 2.0 and 3.0 GPa. It was found that melting in the diopside part of the join occurs at anomalously low temperatures, and nonstoichiometric clinopyroxene coexists with a phase approaching diopside in composition. Phase relations along the Di-CaEsk join can be described and consistently interpreted only assuming that the diopside phase (α-diopside) is thermodynamically stable. The following phase volumes were observed along the solidus of the join at a pressure of 3.0 GPa: Cpx, αDi+Cpx, αDi+Cpx+Qtz, αDi+Cpx+Grt+Qtz, Cpx+Grt+Qtz, Cpx+Grt+Ky+Qtz, Grt+Ky+Qtz. Melting occurs via the eutectic reaction αDi+Cpx+Grt+Qtz=L at a temperature of about 1200°C in the diopside part of the system and via the eutectic reaction Cpx+Grt+Ky+Qtz=L at a temperature of 1400°C in the calcium-rich part of the system. At a pressure of 2.0 GPa, melting occurs at temperatures of 1200–1300°C via the eutectic reaction αDi+Cpx+ An + Qtz=L. The invariant equilibrium (L, An, Cpx, Grt, αDi, Qtz) lies within the pressure range 2.0–3.0 GPa. Nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes form complex solid solutions, the compositions of which are not strictly confined to the Di-CaEsk join and depend on temperature, pressure, and phase association. Grossular garnets coexist with nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes and α-diopside.

Large footprints of terrestrial tetrapods have been found in the Cis-Urals region of European Russia. The foot- print horizon is in Late Permian (Changhsingian) deposits of the Vyatkian Gorizont (uppermost Tatarian) approximately 50 m below the local Permian ⁄ Triassic boundary. Seventeen randomly orientated footprints were excavated and are referred to the ichnospecies Brontopus giganteus. The foot- prints were emplaced in a reddish-brown mudstone that was deposited from suspension beneath shallow ponded water in a floodplain environment. They were subsequently cast by the base of the overlying fine-grained sandstone, which was deposited from a sheet-flood event. The footprints were pro- duced by a large therapsid, possibly a dinocephalian, but more probably a dicynodont, and represent the first ichnological record of the Therapsida from the Upper Permian of Russia.

The paper presents results of the investigations in respect of powder media for realization of mono-phase borating process.Structure, chemical and phase composition of powder mixture are determined and properties of mono-phase boride coatings are investigated in the paper.

As of January 1st 2005, a system of reduced checks for phytosanitary inspections of certain plants and plant products imported into the European Union (EU) is in place. Under this system, plants and plant products satisfying special criteria may be inspected with a reduced frequency. These criteria are based on EU-wide data on historical volumes of import and interceptions of harmful organisms in particular products. The objective of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, the paper analyses whether proportions of interceptions of harmful organisms associated with cut flowers imported into the Netherlands ? the largest EU importer of cut flowers ? support the application of reduced checks for certain genera and trades (commodity-exporting country combinations) of cut flowers. Secondly, the paper analyses how effective the reduced checks system is in minimizing the expected costs of introduction of harmful organisms in the EU. For that, a theoretically optimal system for allocating inspection effort to commodities is described. Using an illustrative example and stochastic simulations, the expected costs of introduction of harmful organisms under the theoretically optimal system and the current system of reduced checks are compared. Examination of interceptions of harmful organisms supports application of reduced checks for most genera and trades of cut flowers in the Netherlands. The results of stochastic simulations show that reduced checks may not minimize the expected costs of introduction of harmful organisms into the EU. Accounting for possible economic impacts of harmful organisms in determining the frequencies of reduced checks may help optimize the current system

Thermochemical plumes develop at the core-mantle boundary in the presence of a heat flow from the outer core and at local chemical doping that decreases the melting temperature near the bottom of the lower mantle (this dope triggers the melting of the mantle material and the ascent of the plume). The paper presents evaluations for the heat power of the Hawaiian and Iceland plumes and the results of the experimental modeling of a thermochemical plume. The diameter of a plume conduit was determined to remain virtually unchanging in the course of plume ascent. When the top of a plume reaches a “refractory” layer, whose melting temperature is higher than the melt temperature in the plume conduit, a mushroom-shaped head of the plume develops beneath the bottom of this layer. The analysis of geological and geophysical data and the results of experimental modeling are used to develop a thermal physical model for a thermochemical plume. The balance relations for the mass and thermal energy and systematic tendencies in the heat and mass transfer during free convection were utilized to derive a system of equations for the heat and mass transfer of a thermochemical plume. Parameters were determined for a thermochemical plume ascending from the core-mantle boundary. Geodynamic processes are considered that occur during the ascent of a plume before it reaches the surface. The effect of the P-T conditions on the shape and size of a plume roof is analyzed, and a model is proposed for mass transfer between a thermochemical plume and the lithosphere, when the plume reaches the bottom of a “refractory” layer in the lithosphere.

Geochemical cycling of phosphorus (P) in aquatic environments is carried out almost exclusively by biota and involves reactions that are catalyzed by enzymes. Oxygen isotope effects accompanying phosphoenzymatic reactions have been determined in controlled laboratory experiments in order to elucidate processes underlying biogeochemical cycling of P, and to identify possible reaction pathways for P-compounds in nature. Phosphate oxygen isotope effects are distinct for specific enzymatic reaction mechanisms measured in microbial culture experiments and in cell-free systems. P 16 O4 is taken up preferentially from inorganic phosphate (Pi )i n the growth medium by intact E. coli cells, producing a kinetic fractionation in the extracellular dissolved Pi pool. Inorganic pyrophosphatase is the intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the temperature-dependent equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionations between phosphates and water in biological systems, and imprints an equilibrium isotope signature on Pi that is turned over or cycled by intact cells. Alkaline phospha- tase, a key enzyme involved in extracellular Pi regeneration in aquatic systems, catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters, reactions that are accompanied by kinetic fractionations and disequilibrium (inheritance) isotope effects in released Pi. Compari- son of laboratory determined enzyme-specific isotopic fractionations with those ob- served in microbial culture experiments and in natural aquatic systems, provide new insights into processes controlling P cycling and the relations between P availability and the cycling of N and C. Isotopic signatures associated with specific cellular processes and phosphoenzyme reaction pathways may be useful in assessing P status and for tracing P turnover.

Fossil fishes and tetrapods (amphibians and reptiles) have been discovered at 81 localities in the Upper Permian of the Southern Urals area of European Russia. The first sites were found in the 1940s, and subsequent surveys have revealed many more. Broad-scale stratigraphic schemes have been published, but full documentation of the rich tetrapod faunas has not been presented before. The area of richest deposits covers some 900,000 km2 of territory between Samara on the River Volga in the NW, and Orenburg and Sakmara in the SW. A continental succession, some 3 km thick, of mudstones, siltstones, and sandstones, deposited on mudflats and in small rivers flowing off the Ural Mountain chain, span the last two stages of the Permian (Kazanian, Tatarian). The succession is divided into seven successive units of Kazanian (Kalinovskaya, Osinovskaya, and Belebey svitas, in succession) and Tatarian age, which is further subdivided into the early Tatatian Urzhumian Gorizont (Bolshekinelskaya and Amanakskaya svitas, in succession), and the late Tatarian Severodvinian (Vyazovskaya and Malokinelskaya svitas, of equivalent age) and Vyatkian gorizonts (Kulchumovskaya and Kutulukskaya svitas, of equivalent age). This succession documents major climatic changes, with increasing aridity through the Late Permian. The climate changes are manifested in changing sedimentation and the spread of dryland plants, and peak aridity was achieved right at the Permo–Triassic (PTr) boundary, coincident with global warming. Uplift of the Urals and extinction of land plants led to stripping of soils and massive run-off from the mountains; these phenomena have been identified at the PTr boundary elsewhere (South Africa, Australia) and this may be a key part of the end-Permian mass extinction. The succession of Late Permian fish and tetrapod faunas in Russia documents their richness and diversity before the mass extinction. The terminal Permian Kulchomovskaya and Kutulukskaya svitas have yielded respectively some 6 and 13 species of fishes (sharks, bony fishes, lungfishes) and 11 and 14 species of tetrapods (aquatic amphibians, herbivorous and carnivorous reptiles of all sizes up to the hippo-sized pareiasaurs and sabre-toothed gorgonopsians). Immediately following the end-Permian environmental catastrophe, earliest Triassic faunas consisted only of a few fish taxa and small, aquatic tetrapods, in low-diversity, low-abundance assemblages.

The mass extinction at the Permian–Triassic boundary, 251 million years (Myr) ago, is accepted as the most profound loss of life on record1,2,3. Global data compilations indicate a loss of 50% of families or more, both in the sea1,2,4 and on land2,5, and these figures scale to a loss of 80–96% of species, based on rarefaction analyses6,7. This level of loss is confirmed by local and regional-scale studies of marine sections3,8, but the terrestrial record has been harder to analyse in such close detail. Here we document the nature of the event in Russia in a comprehensive survey of 675 specimens of amphibians and reptiles from 289 localities spanning 13 successive geological time zones in the South Urals basin. These changes in diversity and turnover cannot be explained simply by sampling effects. There was a profound loss of genera and families, and simplification of ecosystems, with the loss of small fish-eaters and insect-eaters, medium and large herbivores and large carnivores. Faunal dynamics also changed, from high rates of turnover through the Late Permian period to greater stability at low diversity through the Early Triassic period. Even after 15 Myr of ecosystem rebuilding, some guilds were apparently still absent—small fish-eaters, small insect-eaters, large herbivores and top carnivores.

Current phylogenetic hypotheses for the dicynodonts conflict, probably because the characters used, especially those of the jaws and facial region, show considerable convergence. Characters of the braincase and basipterygoid articulation of the Late Permian–Middle Triassic dicynodonts Diictodon, Dicynodon, Kingoria, Lystrosaurus, Rechnisaurus, and 14 other genera, may have phylogenetic value. Parsimony analysis and the character compatability permutation test suggest, at the highest possible confidence level, that the data set contains significant hierarchical structure, interpreted as a result of phylogeny. The most parsimonious tree broadly agrees with all recent hypotheses on the relationships among dicynodonts. However, it conflicts with the recent suggestion that Lystrosaurus is part of a clade of Middle–Late Triassic dicynodonts, but supports the basal position of Kingoria. The use of Eodicynodon as an outgroup does not perturb the parsimonious relationship of the included taxa. Topological constraints reveal that phylogenetic hypotheses based only on basicranial characters are not robust. Characters of the basipterygoid articulation and inner braincase have high consistency and retention indices, which suggests that the main evolutionary transformations in the dicynodont basicranium occurred within these structures.

Fossil tetrapods (amphibians and reptiles) have been discovered at 206 localities in the Lower and Middle Triassic of the southern Urals area of European Russia. The first sites were found in the 1940s, and subsequent surveys, from the 1960s to the present day, have revealed many more. Broad-scale stratigraphic schemes have been published, but full documentation of the rich tetrapod faunas has not been presented before. The area of richest deposits covers some 900,000 km 2 of territory between Samara on the River Volga in the NW, and Orenburg and Sakmara in the SW. Continental sedimentary deposits, consisting of mudstones, siltstones, sandstones, and conglomerates deposited by rivers flowing off the Ural Mountain chain, span much of the Lower and Middle Triassic (Induan, Olenekian, Anisian, Ladinian). The succession is divided into seven successive svitas, or assemblages: Kopanskaya (Induan), Staritskaya, Kzylsaiskaya, Gostevskaya, and Petropavlovskaya (all Olenekian), Donguz (Anisian), and Bukobay (Ladinian). This succession, comprising up to 3.5 km of fluvial and lacustrine sediments, documents major climatic changes. At the beginning of the Early Triassic, arid-zone facies were widely developed, aeolian, piedmont and proluvium. These were replaced by fluvial facies, with some features indicating aridity. At the end of the Middle Triassic, deltaic and lacustrine-marsh formations were dominant, indicating more humid conditions. The succession of Early to Mid Triassic tetrapod faunas documents the recovery of life after the end-Permian mass extinction. The earliest faunas consist only of small, aquatic tetrapods, in low-diversity, low-abundance assemblages. Climbing the succession through the Early Triassic, more terrestrially adapted tetrapods appear, and larger herbivorous and carnivorous reptiles come to dominate in the Mid Triassic as ecosystems were rebuilt.

The distribution of C and A defects in the octahedral growth sectors of a diamond crystal grown by the temperature-gradient method at 6.0 GPa and 1470–1495°C in the Fe–Ni–C system was studied by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. The use of the induced-zonality technique made it possible to determine the postgrowth annealing duration, evaluate the rate constants K of nitrogen aggregation in the framework of second-order kinetics, and to relate them to the growth rate vg at a particular point. The results demonstrate that the aggregation rate varies widely over the octahedral growth sector and that K varies nonlinearly with vg . The more rapid nitrogen aggregation at higher growth rates is tentatively attributed to an increase in nickel concentration in diamond.

Stable sulfur isotope fractionation was investigated during reduction of thiosulfate by growing batch cultures of Dethiosulfovibrio russensis at a cell-specific reduction rate of 2.4 +/- 0.72 fmol cell(-1) d(-1) (28 degrees C). Citrate was used as carbon and energy source. The hydrogen sulfide produced by this sulfur- and thiosulfate-reducing bacterium was depleted in 34S by 11% compared to total thiosulfate sulfur, in agreement with previous results observed for sulfate-reducing bacteria. This indicates the operation of a similar pathway for thiosulfate reduction in these phylogenetically different bacteria.

Based on the available data on the kinetics ofC-to-A nitrogen aggregation, theA-defect profile is calculated for a particular growth sector in diamond crystals grown by the temperature-gradient method. The effects of the growth duration and temperature on the contents ofC andA nitrogen are examined. The formation ofA defects from single substitutional nitrogen is shown to occur even under typical growth conditions, at temperatures of 1300-1500°C, and to have a significant effect on the structural perfection of diamond.

Cell morphology and fine structure were studied in two strains of rod-shaped, strictly anaerobic, gram-negative sulfidogenic bacteria: strain SRI 2T(DSM 12538) and strain WS100 (DSM 12537) belonging to “Dethiosulfovibriostarorussensis.” Cells of both strains, as well as cells of the type species of the genusDethiosulfovibrio, D. peptidovorans, were found to possess multiple intracellular incomplete cross septa in all growth phases.

A solution to the problem of current spreading is constructed in the case of relaxation of electric charges, which have arisen in the mesosphere for one reason or other. These currents penetrate into the conductive region with anisotropic conductivity of the D- and E-layers of the ionosphere, being transformed to a MHD-wave that propagates into the magnetosphere. Based on this solution, the form and spectrum of the generated MHD signal are calculated for Alfvenic and magnetosonic modes coming out to the ionosphere and magnetosphere. Electric charges and currents can arise, for example, in the space between a thunderstorm cloud and the ionosphere, or between the shock wave from a ground explosion and the ionosphere. Some signal parameters accepted in the model are close to those expected for high-altitude electric discharges of the Red Sprite type. The conditions are determined under which the Alfven impulse with an amplitude of up to 100 nT propagates in the magnetosphere above high-altitude discharge of this type. Such an impulse was recorded by the AUREOL-3 satellite after the ground explosion MASSA-1. Recently, this impulse was hypothesized to originate as a result of a high-altitude electric discharge. The hypothesis on a similar MHD pulse allows one to explain in a semiquantitative way the short burst of electron field-aligned acceleration observed by the DE-2 satellite over the Debbie hurricane. The high-altitude atmospheric discharge of this type can be a powerful, though short-time and local, source of electrons with kiloelectronvolt energies at low and middle latitudes. One could expect that such an effect causes a modified character of the so-called Trimpi-effect (a short-term disturbance of propagation of VLF waves in the ionosphere), and thus, it can be observable.

The Makhtesh Ramon erosional‐tectonic depression (canyon), 40 km long and approximately 8 km wide, is situated in the Negev Desert (southern Israel), 65 km southwest of the Dead Sea. The canyon rim and center are located at an altitude of 800‐1000 and 400‐ 600 m, respectively. In terms of tectonics, this structure represents the southern margin of the Syrian-Sinai [1] block‐fold belt. A comprehensive analysis of the available regional geophysical data revealed a collisionrelated origin of the belt [2]. Its formation terminated approximately 132 Ma ago, i.e., during the Levantine tectonic phase [3].The subsequent origination of the Levantine marginal volcanic suture [4] promoted the accumulation of postcollisional trap rocks (alkaline basaltic, alkaline gabbroic, and kimberlitic associations). The kimberlitic association, which was first discovered in western Syria, is represented in the study region by diatremes filled with kimberlite-type rocks containing eclogitic xenoliths [5]. Maximal magmatism in the region occurred approximately 120 Ma ago, which corresponds to the epoch of global tectonothermal activation (the Middle Cretaceous maximum in the development of upper mantle hot spots [7]). In the Makhtesh Ramon area, this stage is reflected in central-type volcanoes composed of lava flows, eruptive breccia, and tuffs that suggest wide development of explosive volcanism in the Middle Cretaceous [8]. Vent facies of the central-type Mahale Khahatsmaut Depression contain peridotite xenoliths with spinel-bearing lherzolites [9]. The presence of such rocks indicates significant depths of explosive volcanism. Magmatic rocks of the western Makhtesh Ramon Canyon are represented by picritic and olivine basalts and alkaline picrites. It should be noted that the development of these rocks does not rule out the presence of kimberlites in the study area. Detailed analysis of the magnetic (including quantitative interpretation and 3D modeling) and gravity fields indicated the possibility of discovery of parental diamondiferous bodies in the Makhtesh Ramon area. The low heat flow (~35 mW/m 2 ) in southern Israel [11] is an additional indicator of diamond potential in the area. The first diamond microcrystal discovered in the Negev Desert 30 km north of Makhtesh Ramon (Israel) in the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary iridium layer was attributed to a meteorite fall. However, the habit, size, and characteristic impurities in the microcrystal suggest that it was washed out of diamondiferous bedrocks.

This paper focuses on the enormous losses of native gold and diamonds, during extraction from gravel deposits, using traditional methods of gravity concentration. Essentially, the density of a mineral influences its accumulation in nature, and, thus, the degree of extraction, using the technological process of gravity concentration. Data of diamond and gold extraction from important economic deposits in Russia, South Africa, South America, Mongolia as well as a prospective ore complex in Israel are analyzed. It is shown that, in heavy concentrates and middlings, fragmental (placer-generating) minerals, with different values of average density, may have similar or identical sizes. This factor may cause serious losses during exploitation.

The optimum parameters of glass cutting are studied and substantiated: the material and the sharpening angle of the glass-cutting roll, the load applied to the roll, the role of the propping liquid, and the effect of all these parameters on the glass edge quality.

The effect of various propping liquids on the glass cutting process is analyzed: on the wear of the roll cutter edge, the force of breaking glass along the inflicted cutting line, and on the load applied to the roll cutter. The results of studying the effect of propping liquids on chip formation and their washability off the glass surface are considered.

A method is proposed for contact and contactless coordinate measurements of the geometrical parameters of cutting instruments. Practical applications of coordinate measuring instruments and systems for the inspection of cutting tools and the setup of tool units are discussed. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

Mechanisms of mutual influence and aggravation of splanchnic organ and oral cavity diseases are discussed in the context of the integral anthropological approach. The systemic character of analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms of chronic generalized periodontitis dictates the necessity of an absolutely new conceptual outlook of organization and implementation of medical and preventive measures designed to activate sanogenetic responses and to enhance the regulatory potential and functional reserves of the organism in the presence of developing periodontitis. It was shown that inclusion of intermittent hypoxic training in the combined rehabilitative treatment of the patients with chronic periodontitis substantially promotes corrective influences on periodontal tissues and ensures stable clinical effect.

Healthy animals and individuals with experimental peptic ulcer were used to evaluate effect of weakly mineralized Tselitel'nitsa water on hormonal control of metabolic and trophic reactions. The mineral water was found to activate regulation of carbohydrate metabolism by insulin and cortisol due to the formation of adaptive reactions during a course of its therapeutic intake. The mineral water promoted realization of trophic effects of gastrin and insulin in animals with peptic ulcer the size of which significantly decreased. A preventive course of therapy with the mineral water was shown to enhance resistance of experimental animals to stressful factors.

Phytosanitary inspection of imported plants and flowers is a major means for preventing pest invasions through international trade, but in a majority of countries availability of resources prevents inspection of all imports. Prediction of the likelihood of pest infestation in imported shipments could help maximize the efficiency of inspection by targeting inspection on shipments with the highest likelihood of infestation. This paper applies a multinomial logistic (MNL) regression model to data on import inspections of ornamental plant commodities in the Netherlands from 1998 to 2001 to investigate whether it is possible to predict the probability that a shipment will be (i) accepted for import, (ii) rejected for import because of detected pests, or (iii) rejected due to other reasons. Four models were estimated: (i) an all-species model, including all plant imports (136,251 shipments) in the data set, (ii) a four-species model, including records on the four ornamental commodities that accounted for 28.9% of inspected and 49.5% of rejected shipments, and two models for single commodities with large import volumes and percentages of rejections, (iii) Dianthus (16.9% of inspected and 46.3% of rejected shipments), and (iv) Chrysanthemum (6.9 and 8.6%, respectively). All models were highly significant (P < 0.001). The models for Dianthus and Chrysanthemum and for the set of four ornamental commodities showed a better fit to data than the model for all ornamental commodities. Variables that characterized the imported shipment's region of origin, the shipment's size, the company that imported the shipment, and season and year of import, were significant in most of the estimated models. The combined results of this study suggest that the MNL model can be a useful tool for modeling the probability of rejecting imported commodities even with a small set of explanatory variables. The MNL model can be helpful in better targeting of resources for import inspection. The inspecting agencies could enable development of these models by appropriately recording inspection results.

Growth and liberalization of world trade have increased the risks of introduction of quarantine plant pests into importing countries. Import inspection of incoming commodities is a major tool for prevention of pest introductions related to world trade, but inspection capacities are limited. This article develops a theoretical and an empirical model for the optimal allocation of inspection effort for phytosanitary inspection of imported commodities when the inspecting agency has a limited capacity. It is shown that the optimal allocation of inspection effort equalizes marginal costs of pest introduction across risky commodity pathways. The numerical illustration finds the optimal allocation of inspection effort of chrysanthemum cuttings imported in the Netherlands. The numerical results suggest that ceteris paribus, greater inspection effort should be allocated to pathways whose inspection yields a greater reduction in the expected costs of pest introduction. The numerical results also suggest that import inspection has a high marginal benefit. In particular, we found that each additional euro of the inspection capacity decreases the expected costs of pest introduction from 18 to 49 euros, depending on the initial inspection capacity.