Evaporation of impurity ions from solutions into the air

A mechanism is proposed for low-temperature transfer of impurity ions from electrolyte solutions into air taking into account the physico-chemical structure of the liquid and its surface, as well as meteorological factors. The model adequately describes the experimental data obtained by the present authors, and Azad and Latham (1967). The recommendations on concentration limits for some industrial impurities in sewage are given.     

Innovative technology for ecological restoration of degraded rangeland ecosystems based on new varieties of fodder halophytes in arid regions of Russia

This paper presents the results of breeding drought- and salt-tolerant varieties of fodder halophytes and the innovative technologies of ecological restoration of degraded rangeland ecosystems developed on their basis. The latter have been shown to restore the lost typical zonal biodiversity and fodder productivity of rangelands in arid regions of the south of Russia.     

Is Artificial Light at Night Dangerous for the Balkan Strict Protected Areas at Present?

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - In this study, a new composite membrane has been prepared by means of blending with maifanite (MFS), activated alumina (AA), and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)...     

Features of the soil cover of the Vetluga-Unzhensk interfluvial area (Northeast of the Kostroma oblast)

This paper reveals the features of the soil cover of the territory of the Vetluga-Unzhensk interfluvial area, which is adjacent to the northern part of Uvaly, where contrasting combinations of alpha-humic and organo-accumulative soils are widespread. This is due to abruption of the clayey rocks of the Triassic age on the background of fluvioglacial sand sediments of the Dnieper glaciation, which is due to the complicated history of the formation of the relief of the characterized territory.     

Ecology of influenza virus in wild bird populations in Central Asia

The study provides the results of avian influenza virus surveillance in Central Asia during 2003-2009. We have analyzed 2604 samples from wild birds. These samples were collected in Kazakhstan (279), Mongolia (650), and Russia (1675). Isolated viruses from samples collected in Mongolia (13 isolates) and in Russia (4 isolates) were described. Virological analysis has shown that six isolates belong to the H3N6 subtype and five isolates belong to the H4N6 subtype. Two H1N1 influenza viruses, one H10N7 virus, two H3N8 viruses, and an H13N8 virus that is new for Central Asia have been also isolated. Samples were taken from birds of six orders, including several species preferring water and semiaquatic biotopes, one species preferring dry plain regions, and one more species that can inhabit both dry and water biotopes.     

Giant fluctuations of coulomb drag in a bilayer system

The Coulomb drag in a system of two parallel layers is the result of electron-electron interaction between the layers. We have observed reproducible fluctuations of the drag, both as a function of magnetic field and electron concentration, which are a manifestation of quantum interference of electrons in the layers. At low temperatures the fluctuations exceed the average drag, giving rise to random changes of the sign of the drag. The fluctuations are found to be much larger than previously expected, and we propose a model that explains their enhancement by considering fluctuations of local electron properties.     

What causes flag smut of wheat?

The causal agent of flag smut of wheat is currently subject to strict quarantine regulations in many countries and is believed to have a wide host range on wild and cultivated grasses. This fungus has been classified as both Urocystis agropyri and Urocystis tritici. Urocystis agropyri was first described from Elymus repens in Germany and U. tritici was first described from Triticum vulgare (=T. aestivum). In 1953, G. W. Fischer placed U. tritici and a large number of other Urocystis species in synonymy with U. agropyri. The present study is the first attempt to clarify the taxonomy and phylogeny of flag smut pathogens of grasses using molecular analyses. Three loci, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, the RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2), and translation elongation factor (TEF) protein‐coding regions were used for phylogenetic reconstruction to determine the species boundaries of 24 Urocystis specimens from triticoid hosts. Results indicate that there are several distinct lineages of flag smut pathogens, including the causal agent of flag smut of wheat, which is supported as a separate species, U. tritici. Sequences from specimens on E. repens, which are retained as U. agropyri, grouped in a clade distinct from those on wheat and rye. The closest relatives of U. tritici were found to be U. hispanica from Aegilops and Urocystis sp. from Thinopyrum junceiforme and Elymus trachycaulis. Recognition that U. tritici is genetically distinct from U. agropyri sensu stricto will impact regulatory policy and facilitate the development of diagnostic tests.