An azhdarchid humerus (Pterosauria,Azhdarchidae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Saratov Region

A proximal humerus fragment referred to as Azhdarchidae indet. from the Rybushka Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Lower Campanian) of the Beloe Ozero locality in Saratov Region is described. The proximal articular surface is not saddle-shaped, has a weakly convex profile in the frontal section. The most posteriorly projecting part of the proximal articular surface is displaced ventrally. A large pneumatic foramen is located on the anterior surface ventral to the base of deltopectoral crest and close to the proximal articular surface. The humeral head is slightly declined from the diaphysis and only slightly overhangs the diaphysis posteriorly. This proximal humerus fragment possibly belongs to Volgadraco bogolubovi Averianov, Arkhangelsky et Pervushov, 2008, described from the Rybushka Formation of the Shirokii Karamysh 2 locality in Saratov Region.     

Isolation and identification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the Stavropol territory

The results of the isolation and identification of the causative agent of a haemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Stavropol Territory are presented. The virus isolated from blood of haemorrhagic fever patients by virological methods was identified in serological and molecular tests as Crimean haemorrhagic fever virus. This epidemiological analysis testify to increased activity of the natural focus of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in this area due to a number of natural and other factors leading to intensification of its epidemic realization.     

Personal computer: physical factors, effect on the user

The characteristic of the physical factors of a personal computer at user's working place was presented. The bioeffects of these factors were considered and the influence of these factors on health was estimated.     

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Rostov Province: the epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak

The results of the epidemiological analysis of the outbreak of hemorrhagic fever which was caused by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and occurred during the period of July 3-19, 1999, in the Oblivskaya district of Rostov Province are presented. The specific epidemiological features of the outbreak have been determined. The possible versions of the appearance of the focus of infection and the role of Ixodes ticks in the circulation of the infective agent are discussed.     

Anatomical Characteristics of Cherry Rootstocks as Possible Preselecting Tools for Prediction of Tree Vigor

An anatomical study of roots and stems of five self-rooted cherry rootstocks with different growth control potentials was performed to compare their structure and xylem anatomy. The aim was to correlate anatomical parameters with rootstock dwarfing potential and theoretical hydraulic conductance (k _h), and to evaluate the potential application of anatomical characteristics in the preselection process for prediction of ultimate tree vigor. One of the mechanisms of water transport efficiency reduction in dwarfing rootstock stems is from the rootstock xylem anatomy. Anatomical parameters of ??Gisela 5?? and ??Mazzard?? were typical for dwarfing and vigorous rootstocks, respectively, and were thus suggested as reference rootstocks. Significantly greater vessel diameter and frequency were found in invigorating and dwarfing rootstocks, respectively. Higher k _h was obtained in roots, compared to stems, due to significantly larger vascular elements. Dwarfing rootstocks had lower k _h due to small vessel lumens and percentage and, to a lesser extent, because of low wood/cortex ratios or percentage of wood. A higher percentage of wood or xylem in cherry roots and stems was not always positively correlated with their conductivity and vigor. Thus, these parameters cannot be reliably used in prediction of the ultimate vigor, although this method was previously suggested for some other fruit tree species. The most reliable anatomical parameters for that purpose proved to be vessel frequency, vessel lumen area, and percentage of vessels on wood cross section. These characteristics could thus be an effective way to estimate dwarfing capacity and could be applied in rootstock selection and breeding programs.     

Dependence of the non-thermal radiofrequency electromagnetic field bioeffects on the typological features of electroencephalogram in humans

In researches with participation of volunteers bioeffects of short-term non-thermal radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure were studied. The basic form of brain's reaction was the amplification of energy in a-range in electroencephalogram (EEG) spectra. Dependence of these changes, not only due to the changes of the exposure parameters, but also due to personal EEG typological features was shown. Moderate degree of the alpha frequencies domination in the background promoted development of reaction of a brain to the RF EMF exposure. To a lesser degree it was shown at hyperactivity of this range and, practically, was absent in the conditions of theta- or beta2-range domination in the EEG background with the open and closed eyes. The combination of RF EMF exposure and monotonous activity has authentically strengthened result, keeping the basic form of reaction (energy amplification in the alpha range of EEG spectrum) and dependence on EEG typological features.