Abstract: A biomaterial is proposed for closing extensive bone defects in the maxillofacial region. The composition of the biomaterial includes high-molecular chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronate, heparin, alginate and inorganic nanostructured hydroxyapatite. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate morphological and histological early signs of reconstruction of a bone cavity of critical size. The studies were carried out on 84 white female rats weighing 200-250 g. The study group consisted of 84 subjects in total, 40 in the experimental group and 44 in the control group. In all animals, three-walled bone defects measuring 0.5 x 04 x 05 cm were applied subperiosteally in the region of the angle of the lower jaw and filled in experimental group using lyophilized gel mass of chitosan-alginate-hydroxyapatite (CH-SA-HA). In control animals, the bone cavities were filled with an auto-blood clot after bone trepanation and bleeding. The observation periods are 3.5.7 days, 2.3.4.6.8 and 10 weeks. The control of bone regeneration was carried out using multiple morphological and histological analyses. Results showed that following implantation the chitosan construct actively replaced early-stage defects with the formation of a full-fledged new bone tissue as compared to the control group. Already, by the 7th day morphological analysis showed that formation of spongy bone tissue could be seen. After 2 weeks there was a pronounced increase in bone volume (P<0.01), and at 6 weeks after surgical intervention the closure of the defect was 70-80%, after 8 weeks - 100% without violation of bone morphology with a high degree of mineralization. Thus, the use of modified chitosan after filling eliminates bone defects of a critical size in the maxillofacial region, reveals early signs of bone regeneration, and serves as a promising material in reconstructive dentistry.

It is known that complexes based on natural polysaccharides are able to eliminate bone defects. Prolonged hyperglycemia means low bone regeneration and a chronic inflammatory response. The purpose of the study was to increase the efficiency of early bone formation in a cavity of critical size in diabetes mellitus in the experiment. The polyelectrolyte complex contains high molecular ascorbate of chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, heparin, adgelon serum growth factor, sodium alginate and amorphous nanohydroxyapatite (CH-SA-HA). Studies were conducted on 5 groups of white female Wistar rats: group 1 - regeneration of a bone defect in healthy animals under a blood clot; group 2 - regeneration of a bone defect under a blood clot in animals with diabetes mellitus; group 3 - bone regeneration in animals with diabetes mellitus after filling the bone cavity with a collagen sponge; group 4 - filling of a bone defect with a CH-SA-HA construct in healthy animals; Group 5 - filling of a bone defect CH-SA-HA in animals with diabetes mellitus. Implantation of the CH-SA-HA construct into bone cavities in type I diabetic rats can accelerate the rate of bone tissue repair. The inclusion of modifying polysaccharides and apatite agents in the construction may be a prospect for further improvement of the properties of implants.

An extensive thermodynamic study of N-methylformamide (CAS RN: 123-39-7) and N,N-dimethylformamide (CAS RN: 68-12-2), is presented in this work. The liquid heat capacities of N-methylformamide were measured by Tian–Calvet calorimetry in the temperature interval (250 – 300) K. The vapor pressures for N-methylformamide and N,N-dimethylformamide were measured using static method in the temperature range 238 K to 308 K. The ideal-gas thermo-dynamic properties were calculated using a combination of the density functional theory (DFT) and statistical thermodynamics. A consistent thermodynamic description was developed using the method of simultaneous correlation, where the experimental and selected titerature data for vapor pressures, vaporization enthalpies, and liquid phase heat capacities and calculated ide-al-gas heat capacities are treated together to ensure overall thermodynamic consistency of the results. Resulting vapor pressure equation is valid from the triple point to the normal boiling point temperature.

Materials based on platinum metals with very good catalytic activity were tested in the reduction of p–nitrophenol (pNP) to p–aminophenol (pAP). The majority of presented catalytic materials are based on the adsorption of p–nitrophenol on the surface of the catalyst simultaneously with molecular hydrogen, coming from sodium borohydride in an aqueous medium, which reduces it. In the present paper, a catalytic material based on osmium dispersed in n–decanol or n–dodecanol is presented, which also works as an emulsion membrane, for the absorption of p–nitrophenol and molecular hydrogen at the n–alcohol aqueous solution interface. The hydrogenation of p–nitrophenol is carried out in a reaction and separation column in which the acid receiving phase emulsion is dispersed in the osmium nanodispersion, in n–alcohols. This emulsion circulates from the base of the column to its upper part in co-current or counter-current with the source phase consisting of p–nitrophenol and sodium borohydride. Experiments show that the circulation of counter-current phases is superior to that in co-current, and the emulsion based on n–decanol is more efficient than the one based on n–dodecanol. The increase in the pH difference between the source and receiving phases leads to the increase in the conversion of p–nitrophenol to p–aminophenol. The efficiency of separation of the reaction product in the receiving phase is lower than the conversion at the same operating time. The apparent catalytic rate constant (kapp) of the new catalytic material based on the emulsion membrane with nanodispersion of osmium nanoparticles (0.1×10−3 for n–dodecanol and 0.9×10−3 for n-decanol) is lower by an order of magnitude compared to those based on adsorption on catalysts from platinum metal group. The advantage of the tested membrane catalytic material is that it extracts p–aminophenol in the acid receiving phase. The paper proposes a mechanism of the studied reduction system.

Despite a significant number of investigations in the field of phosphazene chemistry, the mechanism of this class cyclic compounds formation is still poorly studied. At the same time, a thorough understanding of this process is necessary both for the direct production of phosphazene rings with a given size, and for the controlled cyclization reaction when it is secondary and undesirable. Here we have synthesized a series of short linear phosphazene oligomers with the general formula Cl[PCl2=N]n–PCl3+PCl6– and studied their tendency to form cyclic structures under the influence of elevated temperature or in the presence of nitrogen-containing agents, such as hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) or ammonium chloride. It was established that linear oligophosphazenes are inert when heated in the absence of the mentioned cyclization agents, and the formation of cyclic products occurs only when these agents are involved in the process. It is for the first time shown the ability to obtain the desired size phosphazene cycle from corresponding linear chain. Known obstacles like side interaction with the PCl6– counterion and a tendency of longer chains to undergo crosslinking elongation instead of cyclization are still relevant and ways to overcome them are being discussed.

: The article presents a brief review of cooling systems of various temperature levels (from 0.1 K to 230 K) for radio astronomical receivers of photonics and electronics. The features of various levels of cooling and the requirements for the design of the cooling system are considered in detail, as well as approaches to designing interfaces for cooled receivers: vacuum, cryogenic, electrical, mechanical, optical, and others required for the effective operation of the receiver,. The presented approaches to design are illustrated by a series of joint developments of the authors carried out over the past 45 years, including those produced last year.

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain is 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Phthalimide acts as a sodium channel antagonist, one of the finest targets for treating epilepsy is the sodium channel and JNK kinase activity is inhibited to treat epilepsy. a novel compound with multiple targets of action for the treatment of epilepsy also anti-oxidant activity has been designed. The compounds are designed in two series aldehydes and aniline. Docking of all the designed compounds has been done with the suitable protein GABA-AT, sodium channel, JNK protein, and anti-oxidant from protein bank. QSAR was done for constructing many linear regression models. In combination with the developed Docking and QSAR outcomes, ADMET has been performed for the active compounds. The result shows that 11 of the compounds have excellent binding energy in docking with all the receptors and also have good QSAR results and follow the ADMET. The structural understanding of human GABA-AT inhibition was obtained from molecular dynamics simulation studies for compound no. 11 at 5 nanoseconds. Synthesis and pharmacological activity also suggest that the designed compound no.11 be considered the best Novel Compound.

Methanotrophic bacteria that possess a unique ability of using methane as a sole source of carbon and energy have attracted considerable attention as potential producers of a single-cell protein. So far, this biotechnology implied using freshwater methanotrophs, although many regions of the world have limited freshwater resources. This study aimed at searching for novel methanotrophs capable of fast growth in saltwater comparable in composition with seawater. A methane-oxidizing microbial consortium containing Methylomarinum- and Methylotuvimicrobium-like methanotrophs has been enriched from a sediment of the river Chernavka (water pH 7.5, total salt content 30 g L-1), a tributary river of the hypersaline Lake Elton, southern Russia. This microbial consortium, designated Ch1, demonstrated stable growth on natural gas in a bioreactor in media with a total salt content of 23 to 35.9 g L-1 at a dilution rate of 0.19-0.21 h-1. The highest biomass yield of 5.8 g CDW/L with a protein content of 63% was obtained during continuous cultivation of the consortium Ch1 in a medium with a total salt content of 29 g L-1. Isolation attempts resulted in obtaining a pure culture of methanotrophic bacteria, strain Ch1-1. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain Ch1-1 displayed 97.09-97.24% similarity to the corresponding gene fragments of characterized representatives of Methylomarinum vadi, methanotrophs isolated from marine habitats. The genome of strain Ch1-1 was 4.8 Mb in size and encoded 3 rRNA operons, and about 4400 proteins. The genome contained the gene cluster coding for ectoine biosynthesis, which explains the ability of strain Ch1-1 to tolerate high salt concentration.

Regulation at the level of translation plays an essential role in modulating gene expression. Given the importance of knowledge about translationally active mRNAs as an indicator of translation efficiency, it is crucial for researchers to have at their disposal organised sources of functional information on translation - plant translatomic maps similar to transcription maps. The development of a general experimental and computational methodology for constructing translatome maps is essential to address this challenge. In this manuscript, we discuss what researchers can do to design plant translatome maps, namely, we review: (i) experimental methods to obtain translationally active mRNA fractions, considering their advantages and limitations; (ii) additional methodological approaches to obtain complete pools of translationally active mRNAs; (iii) sequencing methods to qualitatively and quantitatively assess different mRNA fractions; and (iv) multivariate analyses of sequencing results by bioinformatics methods, including metrics for assessing mRNA translational activity.

N-maleimide-derivatized phospholipids are often used to facilitate protein anchoring to membranes. In autophagy studies, this is applied to the covalent binding of Atg8, an autophagy protein, to a phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the nascent autophagosome. However, the question remains on how closely the N-maleimide PE derivative (PE-mal) mimicks the native PE in the bilayer. In the present paper, spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques have been applied to vesicles containing either PE or PE-mal (together with other phospholipids) to compare the properties of the native and derivatized forms of PE. According to differential scanning calorimetry, and to infrared spectroscopy, the presence of PE-mal did not perturb the fatty acyl chains in the bilayer. Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy showed that PE-mal did not alter bilayer permeability either. However, fluorescence emission polarization of Laurdan and DPH probes indicated an increased order, or decreased fluidity, in the bilayers containing PE-mal. In addition, infrared spectral data from the phospholipid phosphate region revealed a PE-mal-induced conformational change of the polar heads, accompanied by an increased hydration. Globally considered, the results suggest that PE-mal would be a reasonable substitute for PE in model membranes containing reconstituted proteins.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive features have been reported for the carotenoid diatoxanthin. Diatoxanthin is only produced by a few groups of microalgae where it functions in photoprotection. Its large-scale production in microalgae is currently not feasible. In fact, rapid conversion into the inactive pigment diadinoxanthin is triggered when the cells are removed from the high-intensity light source, which will be the case during large-scale harvesting of microalgae biomass. Zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) 2 and/or ZEP3 have been suggested to be responsible for the back-conversion of high-light accumulated diatoxanthin to diadinoxanthin in low light in diatoms. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology we knocked out the ZEP2 and ZEP3 genes in the already commercially used marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to investigate their role in the diadinoxanthin-diatoxanthin cycle, and to determine if one of the mutant strains could function as a diatoxanthin production line. Light shift experiments proved that ZEP3 encodes the enzyme converting diatoxanthin to diadinoxanthin in low light. Loss of ZEP3 caused the high-light accumulated diatoxanthin to be stable for several hours after the cultures had been returned to low light, suggesting that zep3 mutant strains could be suitable as commercial production lines of diatoxanthin.

Allylbenzenes (apiol, dillapiol, myristicin and allyltetramethoxybenzene) are individual components of plant essential oils that demonstrate antitumor activity, as well as enhancing effect on cytotoxic drugs such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin, etc. Triphenylphosphine (PPh3) derivatives of allylbenzenes are 2-3 orders of magnitude more potent than allylbenzenes in terms of IC50. Inhibition of efflux pumps has been reported for allylbenzenes, and PPh3 moiety is deemed to be responsible for preferential mitochondrial accumulation and depolarization of mitochondrial membranes. However, due to poor solubility the practical use of these substances has never been an option. Cyclodextrin-based (CD) molecular containers suggested here provided solubilization of allylbenzenes and its PPh3-derivatives. So, in this study we have observed an increase antitumor activity of paclitaxel in the presence of PPh3-derivatives adjuvants by an order of magnitude (in terms of IC50) against adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells A549. At the same time, they are quite powerful cytostatics themselves against A549 cells. On the other hand, the cytotoxic formulations developed show pronounced selectivity of the antiproliferation activity: high against tumor cells line (A549) and low toxicity of these composition was demonstrated on normal cells HEK293T, red blood cells, and sea urchin embryos (a model close to the human genome). On non-cancer HEK293T cells, it was shown that PPh3-derivatives of allylbenzenes at a concentration of 100 µM cause the death of about 20% of cells, while on A549 cancer cells, 85% of cells die. PPh3 derivatives of allylbenzenes, when solubilized in CD molecular containers, show remarkable potential as adjuvants to some of the widely used cytotoxic drugs.

Nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc-SiOx:H) is a multipurpose material with its varied application in solar cells as a transparent front contact, intermediate reflector, back reflector layer and even tunnel layer for passivating contacts, owing to easy tailoring of its optical properties. In this work, we systematically investigate the influence of gas mixture (SiH4, CO2, PH3 and H2), RF power and process pressure on the optical, structural and passivation properties of thin n-type nc-SiOx:H films prepared in an industrial, high throughput, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reactor. We provide a detailed description of the n-type nc-SiOx:H material develop-ment using various characterization techniques (SEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, and spectro-scopic ellipsometry) with a focus on the relationship between the material properties and the pas-sivation they provide to n-type c-Si wafers characterized by their effective carrier lifetime (τeff). Further, we also outline the parameters to be kept in mind while developing different n-type nc-SiOx:H layers for different solar cell applications. We report a tunable optical gap (1.8 – 2.3 eV) for our n-type nc-SiOx:H films as well as excellent passivation properties with τeff up to 3.5 ms (iVoc ~ 715 mV) before annealing. Oxygen content plays an important role in determining the crystallinity and hence passivation quality of the deposited nanocrystalline silicon oxide films.

Using coherent optical detection and digital signal processing, laser phase noise and equalization enhanced phase noise can be effectively mitigated using the feed-forward and feed-back carrier phase recovery approaches. In this paper, theoretical analyses of feed-back and feed-forward carrier phase recovery methods have been carried out in the long-haul high-speed n-level phase shift keying (n-PSK) optical fiber communication systems, involving a one-tap normalized least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm, a block-wise average algorithm, and a Viterbi-Viterbi algorithm. The analytical expressions for evaluating the estimated carrier phase and for predicting the bit-error-rate (BER) performance (such as the BER floors) have been presented and discussed in the n-PSK coherent optical transmission systems by considering both the laser phase noise and the equalization enhanced phase noise. The results indicate that the Viterbi-Viterbi carrier phase recovery algorithm outperforms the one-tap normalized LMS and the block-wise average algorithms for small phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance), while the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm shows a better performance than the other two algorithms for large phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance). In addition, the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm is more sensitive to the level of modulation formats.

Fe- and Al-rich metapelite from the Transangarian segment of the Yenisey Ridge (East Siberia, Russia) is a potential new source of high-alumina refractories. The rocks have relatively high average contents of Al2O3 (20 wt.%) and Fe2O3 (7.91 wt%), moderate K2O (3.44 wt%), and low CaO (0.74 wt%). Their dominant mineral assemblages are andalusite + muscovite + margarite + chlorite + biotite + quartz or staurolite + kyanite or/and andalusite + chlorite + muscovite + biotite + quartz with ±garnet and ±plagioclase. Al2SiO5 polymorphs occur as up to 1.5 cm andalusite porphyroblasts and partial or complete pseudomorphs after andalusite (kyanite and staurolite). Accessories include abundant Fe-Ti oxides and sporadic REE-, Y-, Ca-phosphates; sulfides are negligible. The composition of Al2SiO5 concentrates obtained in laboratory by heavy-media and magnetic separation from ≥0.06 mm fractions meet all requirements for raw material of this type: &gt;56 wt% Al2O3, &lt;42 wt% SiO2, &lt;1 wt% Fe2O3, &lt;1.2 wt% TiO2, and &lt;0.2 wt% (CaO+MgO). The andalusite, kyanite, and mixed ores yield 0.7-4.1 wt%, 0.7-2.2 wt%, and 1.9-6.0 wt% of concentrate, respectively. The best-quality ores rich in Al2SiO5 polymorphs reside in zones of contact and/or dynamic metamorphism superimposed over regional metamorphism of Al-rich rocks.

The study shows that the volumes and surfaces of the $n$-simplices, $n$-orthoplices, $n$-cubes, and $n$-balls are holomorphic functions of $n$, which makes those objects omnidimensional. Furthermore, the volume of an $n$-simplex is shown to be a bivalued function of $n$, and thus the surfaces of $n$-simplices and $n$-orthoplices are also bivalued functions of $n$. Applications of these formulas to the omnidimensional polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about $n$-balls reveal previously unknown properties of these geometric objects in negative dimensions. In particular, for $0 < n < 1$, the volumes of the omnidimensional polytopes are larger than those of circumscribing $n$-balls, while their volumes and surfaces are smaller than the volumes of inscribed $n$-balls. Reflection relations around $n = 0$ for volumes and surfaces of these polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about $n$-balls are disclosed. Specific products and quotients of volumes and surfaces of the omnidimensional polytopes and $n$-balls are shown to be independent of the gamma function.

Nowadays, the identification and characterization of grapevine cultivars resilient to climate and water stress while preserving quality traits is crucial for the wine industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize according to their aromatic potential 9 white and 6 red minority cultivars recently recovered from Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain), subjected at two different water deficit regimes: rainfed, with subsistence irrigation, and irrigated. For this, the varietal aromatic potential index (IPAv) and the detailed aromatic composition were analyzed by HS-SBSE-GC/MS, in extracts of two different ph. For IPAv values, red varieties did not show a clear trend with respect to irrigation. However, in white minority varieties, higher values were obtained under irrigation conditions. Thus, a clear differentiation of the minority varieties in comparison to the references was observed, primarily attributed to the content of esters and acids, in both white and red varieties. A notable contrast was observed at different pH, indicating a greater extractability of certain compounds like linalool, under more acidic conditions. This suggests that some recovered minority cultivars could be promising for cultivation in semi-arid regions with limited water, contributing to the wine sector sustainability in the future.

Nonlinear compression of narrow-band (Δ ≈ 0.2 cm-1) 20 ns KrF laser pulses in SF6 at 10 atm and CH4 at 50 atm pressure was studied. Both SBS and SRS optically phase conjugated backward reflected radiation was registered with energy reflectivity 10−14% in SF6 and CH4. In SF6 SBS pulses gradually shortened from 10 ns to 2−3 ns with pumping decrease to the SBS threshold ~ 10 mJ, while the SRS pulse had the shortest length of 30−60 ps for the maximal pumping of 120 mJ and broadened near the SRS threshold of ~30 mJ. For the SRS pulse energy ~ 2 mJ peak power 5×107 W was tenfold higher than the pump power. The theoretical model predicted a soliton-like SRS pulse compression to a temporal length of the order of vibrational relaxation time. There was no pulse compression of backward SBS and SRS radiation in CH4, while in the forward direction SRS pulses shortened to 3−4 ns at reduced pumping.

Assuming that climate warming in the WSL will lead to a northward shift of the forest and permafrost boundaries, a “substituting space for time” approach predicts an increase in concentration of DIC and labile major and trace elements and a decrease of the transport of DOC and low soluble trace metals in the form of colloids in the main stem of the Ob River. However, an unknown factor is the change in hydrochemistry of the largest southern tributary, the Irtysh River, which is impacted by permafrost-free steppe and forest-steppe zone. Overall, seasonally-resolved transect studies of large riverine systems of western Siberia are needed to assess the hydrochemical response of this environmentally-important territory to on-going climate change.

The Sm3+/Gd3+ co-doped glasses in the B2O3–GeO2–PbO and B2O3–GeO2–Bi2O3 systems have been synthesized in the composition range of 40B2O3–40GeO2–(15-17)PbO(Bi2O3)–(3-2)Sm2O3–(2-1)Gd2O3 and 42.5B2O3–42.5GeO2–(11.25-12.75)PbO(Bi2O3)–(2.25-1.5)Sm2O3–(1.5-0.075)Gd2O3. The physical, structural, and spectral properties of the produced glasses have been studied. The fabricated glass samples demonstrated changes in temperature-sensitive luminescence parameters in 298-673 K temperature range. We found out several photoluminescence bands attributed with transitions from different Stark sublevels. By using a combination of two temperature sensitive and one non-sensitive transitions we calculated fluorescence intensities ratio (FIR). This procedure made it possible to increase the sensitivity of luminescence thermometry in several times. Such method could be very useful for the luminescent thermometry materials based on Ln3+ ions with multiplied f-f transitions.

We have carried out a systematic review of the scientific literature published on PM and, more specifically, on its presence in fish and seafood of interest to the population from Mediterranean area. Given its preference and wide acceptability in the scientific community, we followed the PRISMA. The potential functional and clinical toxicity in humans due to MP in fish must be considered by the chemical composition of the microplastics the presence of PM and its additives, associated contaminants and pathogens in fish and shellfish, as well as the possible effects on human health, requires improving legislation on evaluation and providing a basis for consumer protection.

Nanoporous membranes promise energy-efficient water desalination. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), like graphene, exhibits outstanding physical and chemical properties, making it a promising candidate for water treatment. We employed Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations to establish accurate modeling of Na+ and Cl- permeation through hydrogen passivated nanopores in graphene and h-BN membranes. In these complex systems the classical potentials cannot properly account for the physics at play. We demonstrate that ion separation works well for the h-BN by imposing a barrier of 0.13 eV and 0.24 eV for Na+ and Cl- permeation respectively, compared to the graphene where the Cl- ion faces a negative barrier of 0.68 eV and is prone toward blockade and Na+ permeation is associated with a slightly negative barrier of 0.03 eV. From the change in the solvation shell, we get the following trend: Na/h-BN > Na/G > Cl/G > Cl/h-BN. We argue that the trend in the permeation barrier changes to Cl-h-BN > Na-h-BN > Na-G > Cl-G due to a combination of several interactions, including the distortion of the water network induced by the ions, the ion-water interaction, and the ion-nanopore interaction. Overall, the desalination performance of h-BN surpasses that of their graphene counterparts.

The aim of this work was to classify the business incubators in Spain according to the four phases of startups incubation. Taking into account that the graduation rate implies greater survival and business success of the incubated companies, they have been identified at each stage of the incubation (spread of entrepreneurship, pre-incubation, advanced incubation, and graduation). The activities that present higher impacts on the success of the incubated companies and the activities carried out by the incubator that have a greater relevance on the graduation of the companies have concretely been considered. Principal component (PC) cluster analysis have been applied. All the incubation variables were used simultaneously, reducing their number, and grouping them into factors, finally the cases were grouped according to these latent variables. Principal components analysis reduced dimensionality to 8 factors with a 74 % of explained variance. Factor 1 was positively related to pre-incubation variables, factor 2 was linked to training and collaboration variables within the entrepreneurship diffusion phase. Factor 3 called activity monitoring and control and was related to phase 3 or basic incubation variables. Clusters analysis facilitates the grouping of incubators into three clusters: Group 1 (16 % of the total), incubators with strong deficits in incubation phases 1, 2 and 3. They are small Business Incubators, often located in rural areas or cities and low graduation rate. Group 2 (30 %), business incubators with very high graduation rate, and strongly positive values in factor 1 and 2. Factor 3 although positive is susceptible to improvement. They are the largest incubators and usually located in industrial and technological parks. Group 3 (54 %) is the majority, with values close to cluster 2 and 3.

Alternative fertilizations are essential to minimize the deteriorating effects of chemical fertilizers on soil and water quality/health. Accordingly, the present work investigated the effects of combined organic-inorganic fertilization (COIF) on wheat and rice yields, soil nutrients, and soil Cd accumulation. Hence, seven different treatments were set up: control (CK); conventional fertilization (CF); optimized fertilization (OF); organic fertilizer replacing 25% (T1) and 50% (T2) of OF; and organic nitrogen (N) replacing 25% (M1) and 50% (M2) of OF-N. Overall, significant increases occurred in the yields of COIF crops. Compared with the CF, the highest wheat and rice yields happened in M1 treatment (approximately by18.5%) (P &lt; 0.05). COIF slightly alleviated soil acidification, and improved the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the study soils. Besides, COIF treatments significantly increased the contents of total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium by 6.35 to 16.9 %, 3.17 to 10.9 %, 5.53 to 28.7 %, and 2.6 to 12 %, respectively (P &lt;0.05). Nevertheless, negligible increases took place in Cd content of COIF soils compared with the CK. Altogether, our results concluded on 25% replacement of OF-N by organic N (M1) to effectively improve the fertility/ecological sustainability of the study soils.

The compound, C27H23N3 (1), crystallizes in the triclinic system of the P-1 space group. The unit cell comprises a dimer of 1, in which the monomers are linked by two complementary hydrogen bonds between N1 and H1-C1 of another molecule. The dimers form chains along the a-axis through intermolecular interactions between the N2 acceptor atoms and C17 donors from molecules in the nearest neighbouring dimer. These interactions form extended sheets of the dimers of 1, along the ab plane. The quinolinylmeth-2-yl groups of 1 lie in almost orthogonal planes and their N1/2(q) donor atoms being away from the apical amino N3 atom.

The study examines n-balls, regular n-simplices, and n-orthoplices in real dimensions using novel recurrence relations that removed indefiniteness present in known formulas. They show that in the negative, integer dimensions volumes of n-balls are zero if n is even, positive if n = -4k - 1, and negative if n = -4k - 3, for natural k. Volumes and surfaces of n-cubes inscribed in n-balls in negative dimensions are complex, wherein for negative, integer dimensions they are associated with integral powers of the imaginary unit. The relations are continuous for n Î ℝ and show that the constant of π is absent for 0 ≤ n < 2. For n < -1 self-dual n-simplices are undefined in the negative, integer dimensions, and their volumes and surfaces are imaginary in the negative, fractional ones, and divergent with decreasing n. In negative, integer dimensions n-orthoplices reduce to the empty set, and their real volumes and imaginary surfaces are divergent in negative, fractional ones with decreasing n. Out of three regular, convex polytopes present in all natural dimensions, only n-orthoplices, n-cubes (and n-balls) are defined in the negative, integer dimensions.

In recent years, the class of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials emerged. These materials' unique properties can be assigned to their structure, containing inorganic nodes connected with organic linkers. Due to their porosity and flexibility, MOFs have become suitable for various energy-related applications, including gas storage, hydrogen production and heterogeneous catalysis, and photocatalysis. Using DFT+U calculations, we show that the substitution of metal centers in inorganic nodes and the strain engineering of UiO-66 alters the electronic and optical properties of this material. We show that applying mechanical strain on UiO-66 enables the control of absorption coefficient in the UV-Vis spectrum and the photocatalytic processes' selectivity when reactants for several photocatalytic processes are present. The presented findings could lead to general strategies for designing novel MOFs for sustainable energy conversion applications.

This paper provides a concise review of remote sensing of ocean fronts and its applications in marine ecology and fisheries, with a particular focus on the most popular front detection algorithms/techniques: Canny (1986), Cayula and Cornillon (1990, 1992, 1995), Miller (2004, 2009), Shimada et al. (2005), Belkin and O’Reilly (2009), and Nieto et al. (2012). A case is made for feature-based approach in marine ecology and fisheries that emphasizes fronts as major structural and circulation features of the ocean realm that play key roles in various aspects of marine ecology.

A problem of efficacy of crystal growth methods for crystallization from solution or melt has been investigated. Axial vibrational control (AVC) technique was considered as a perspective method to manage both heat-mass transfer and chemical component composition of the melts in the case of crystallization of complex chemical compounds. Numerical modeling and the search for generalized dependencies made it possible to predict the AVC parameters that provide optimal heat and mass transfer modes for creating flat liquid-solid interfaces, as well as the component composition of dissociated melts of various chemical compounds – Ge, NaNO3, CdTe.

Organophosphate pesticides are used in large quantities. However, they exhibit toxic effects on non-target organisms. Dimethoate and its oxo-analog omethoate inhibit acetylcholinesterase and are toxic for mammals. Moreover, they show extreme toxicity for bees. Once in the environment, they undergo chemical transformations and decomposition. We show that dime-thoate and omethoate decompose rapidly in alkaline aqueous solutions (half-lives 5.7 and 0.89 days) but are highly stable in acidic solutions (half-lives 124 and 104 days). These differences are explained using quantum chemical calculations, indicating that a weaker P–S bond in omethoate is more susceptible to hydrolysis, particularly at a high pH. The toxicity of these pesticides solutions decreases over time, indicating that no or very little highly toxic omethoate is formed during hydrolysis. Presented data can be used to predict dimethoate and omethoate concentrations in contaminated water depending on pH. Presented results suggest that alkaline hydrolysis of organophosphates has an advantage over other techniques for their removal since there is no risk of omethoate accumulation and increased toxicity of contaminated water.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) integrate renewable sources, storage, and optionally conventional energies, offering an eco-friendly solution to fossil fuels. Microgrids (MGs) bolster HRES integration, enhancing energy management, resilience, and reliability at various levels. This study, emphasizing the need for refined optimization methods, investigates three themes: renewable energy, microgrid, and multiobjective optimization (MOO), through a bibliometric analysis of 470 Scopus documents from 2010-2023, analyzed with SciMAT software. It segments the research into two periods, 2010-2019 and 2020-2023, revealing a surge in MOO focus, especially in the latter period, with a 35% increase in MOO-related research. This indicates a shift towards com-prehensive energy ecosystem management that balances environmental, technical, and economic elements. The initial focus on MOO, genetic algorithms, and energy management systems has expanded to include smart grids and electric power systems, with MOO remaining a primary theme in the second period. The increased application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimizing HMGS within the MOO framework signals a move towards more sustainable, intelligent energy solutions. Despite progress, challenges remain, including high battery costs, the need for reliable MOO data, the intermittency of renewable energy sources, and HMGS network scalability issues, highlighting directions for future research.

Objectives: To assess the short-term impact of a single global stretching session on plantar pressures and lumbar range of motion (RoM) over one week in sedentary university students. Design: A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Participants: Sixty-four university students were randomly assigned to a stretching group or control group. The stretching group received a single session of global stretching and the control group remained seated for the same length of time as the stretching session. Main outcome measures: Lumbar RoM and plantar pressures were assessed before, immediately after, 48 hours after, and 7 days after intervention. Results: Group-by-time interaction was significant for lumbar lateral flexion (p = 0.044), right maximal pressure (p = 0.003), left maximal pressure (p = 0.008), right mean pressure (p = 0.025), left mean pressure (p = 0.002), and maximal pressure minus mean pressure in right foot (p = 0.007). The model with plantar pressures showed a significant difference for group-by-time interaction (p = 0.010).Conclusion: Global stretching seems to counteract the ill-effects of prolonged sitting up to seven days with respect to plantar pressure in standing without improving lumbar ROM

Scavenging of atmospheric trace gases has been recognized as one of the lifestyle-defining capabilities of microorganisms in terrestrial polar ecosystems. Several metagenome-assembled genomes of as-yet-uncultivated methanotrophic bacteria, which consume atmospheric CH4 in these ecosystems, have been retrieved in cultivation-independent studies. In this study, we isolated and characterized a representative of these methanotrophs, strain D3K7, from a subarctic soil of Northern Russia. Strain D3K7 grows on methane and methanol in a wide range of temperatures, between 5 and 30°C. Weak growth was also observed on acetate. The presence of acetate in the culture medium stimulated growth at low CH4 concentrations (~100 p.p.m.v.). The finished genome sequence of strain D3K7 is 4.15 Mb in size and contains about 3700 protein-encoding genes. According to the result of phylogenomic analysis, this bacterium forms a common clade with metagenome-assembled genomes obtained from the active layer of a permafrost thaw gradient in Stordalen Mire, Abisco, Sweeden, and the mineral cryosol at Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian high Arctic. This clade occupies a phylogenetic position in between characterized Methylocapsa methanotrophs and representatives of the as-yet-uncultivated Upland Soil Cluster Alpha (USCα). As shown by the global distribution analysis, D3K7-like methanotrophs colonize mostly northern terrestrial ecosystems, such as polar deserts, subarctic soils, permafrost environments, but also occur in boreal peatlands or high-latitude habitats.

In polymer-based dental composites, wear is a three-body wear system mainly abrasive, because of the food particles and wear products suspended in the oral cavity, which are transferred to the microcavities of the surface of the replacements. Due to this fact, the incorporation of nanodiamond as reinforcement in these polymer matrix composites, which promotes the creation of a solid lubricant tribofilm surface could be advantageous. When nanodiamond is added in contents of 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 wt %, an increase in microhardness from 95 up to 420 %, compared to the one of neat BisGMA/TEGDMA, is observed. Additionally, the incorporation of a content of 1.6 wt % is enough to cause a diminution of ~78 % in the friction coefficient and a reduction of the specific wear rate and Archard’s coefficient of ~50 %. Nevertheless, the addition of relatively high contents reduces the effectiveness of photoinitiation and UV-curing, which is related to the scattering and absorption of UV radiation by ND.

We review the main features of the non-local gauge, named the contour gauge. The contour gauge belongs to the axial type of gauges and extends the local gauge used in the most of approaches. The geometry of gluon fields and the path-dependent formalism are the essential tools for the description of non-local gauges. The principle feature of the contour gauge is that there are no the residual gauges which are left in the finite domain of space. In the review, we present the useful correspondence between the contour gauge conception and the Hamiltonian (Lagrangian) formalism. The Hamiltonian formalism is turned out to be a very convenient framework for the understanding of contour gauges. The comprehensive comparison analysis of the local and non-local gauges advocates the advantage of the contour gauge use. As an example of practical worth, we consider the Drell-Yan process and discuss the gauge invariance of the corresponding hadron tensor. We show that the appropriate use the contour gauge leads to the existence of extra diagram contributions. These additional contributions, first, restore the gauge invariance of the hadron tensor and, second, give the important terms for the observable quantities. We also demonstrate the significant role of the additional diagrams to form the relevant contour in the Wilson path-ordered exponential. Ultimately, it leads to the spurious singularity fixing. Moreover, in the present review, we discuss in detail the problem of spin and orbital angular momentum separation. We show that in SU(3) gauge theories the gluon decomposition on the physical and pure gauge components has a strong mathematical evidence provided the contour gauge conception has been used. In addition, we prove that the contour gauge possesses the special kind of residual gauge that manifests at the boundary of space. Besides, the boundary field configurations can be associated with the pure gauge fields.

The construction industry has a notable negative impact on the environment; thus, the promotion of the use of timber structures is an alternative to mitigate its effects. The research develops an artificial intelligence-based decision approach in the calculation of timber structures focused on the enhancement of the sustainability of roof structures. Based on the optimization carried out through genetic algorithms and the framework established in Eurocode 5, a general set of equations has been proposed for a laminated timber roof structure. The tool, which determines the most suitable roof structure for each strength class of laminated timber, allows for the determination of the dimensions of beams and purlins and their respective separations in order to minimize wood consumption. The ultimate goal is to offer multiple solutions regarding strength classes and structural designs in order to foster informed sustainable choices that promote efficient use of resources in construction.

This paper investigates pseudo-polymorphism in 2-pyridylmethoxy derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (PyC4), p-tert-butyldihomooxa-calix[4]arenes (PyHOC4), and p-tert-butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]arenes (PyHO3C3), presenting 11 crystal structures with 15 crystallographically independent molecules. The macrocycle of PyC4 is smaller and less flexible with respect to those of PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3 and in solution, the cone conformation of these three molecules exhibit different point symmetries: C4, Cs and C3, respectively. A correlation is observed between the macrocycle's structural rigidity and the number of pseudo-polymorphs formed. The more rigid PyC4 displays a higher number (6) of pseudo-polymorphs compared to PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3, which exhibit a smaller number of crystalline forms (3 and 2, respectively). The X-ray structures obtained show that the conformation of the macrorings is primarily influenced by the presence of an acetonitrile guest molecule within the cavity, with limited impact from crystal packing and intermolecular cocrystallized solvent molecules. Notably, both calix[4]arene derivatives produce host-guest complex with acetonitrile, while the most flexible and less aromatic PyHO3C3 do not give crystals with acetonitrile as guest. Intertwined 1D and 2D solvent channel networks were observed in the PyHOC4-hexane and in the PyHO3C3-H2O-MeOH crystal structures, respectively, while the other pseudopolymorphs of PyHOC4 and PyHO3C3 and all PyC4 crystal forms exhibit a closely packed crystal structures without open channels.

The agronomic characteristics of Cenchrus purpureus were assessed through a randomized block experimental design with seven accessions (Taiwan grass, King grass, Elephant grass, Merkeron, CT-115, Purpule grass and Maralfalfa) as treatments and four replications research was carried out at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Tantoyuca, in 2019 and 2020, under rainfed conditions. Sowing density was established at 36 tillers in 25 m2. Green and dry matter yield, daily rates of dry matter accumulation in leaves, leaf/stem ratio, height, leaf area index and cutting frequency were assessed. Rainfall amount, temperature, relative humidity and global radiation levels were recorded to assess their effect on the evaluated variables. One-way ANOVA and multivariate analysis techniques, such as multiple linear regression (MLR), Clustering, and Principal component analysis (PCA) with the Statistica V7 software, were used. The leaf area index was greatest (p &lt; 0.05) on the dry season. Green and dry matter yield were greatest in Maralfalfa (p &lt; 0.05). Variation in the results is attributed to weather phenomena; nonetheless, Elephant grass and Maralfalfa showed the highest yields. Quality parameters must be evaluated to identify those grasses with the best attributes.

Understanding the catalytic performance of different materials is of crucial importance for further technological advancements. This especially relates to the behavior of different classes of catalysts under operating conditions. Here we analyze the effects of local coordination of metal centers (Mn, Fe, Co) in graphene-embedded Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs). We have started from well-known M@N4-graphene catalysts and systematically replaced nitrogen atoms with oxygen or sulfur atom to obtain M@OxNy-graphene and M@SxNy-graphene SACs (x+y=4). We show that local coordination strongly affects the electronic structure and the reactivity towards hydrogen and oxygen species. However, the stability is even more affected. Using the concept of Pourbaix plots, we show that the replacement of nitrogen atoms coordinating metal center with O or S destabilizes SACs towards the dissolution, while the metal centers get easily covered by O and OH acting as additional ligands at high anodic potentials and high pH values. Thus, not only should local coordination be considered in terms of the activity of SACs, but it is also necessary to consider its effects on the speciation of SACs' active centers under different potential and pH conditions.

The creation of mitochondria-targeted vector systems is a new tool for the treatment of socially significant diseases. Phosphonium groups provide targeted delivery of drugs through biological barriers to organelles. For this purpose, a new class of alkyl(diethylamino)(phenyl) phosphonium iodides (bromides) 1 containing one, two, or three diethylamino groups were obtained by the reaction of alkyl iodides (bromides) with (diethylamino)(phenyl)phosphines under mild conditions and high yields. The structure of compounds 1 was established by NMR and XRD. In vitro a high cytotoxicity against the lines M-Hela, HuTu 80, PC3, DU-145, PANC-1 and MCF-7 was found. Selectivity index are in the range of 0.06-4.0 M (SI 17-277) for the most active compounds. ROS production, mitochondrial localization and the process of cellular apoptosis were investigated. Decorated by 1 of lipid systems (liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles) improve the cytotoxicity and a decrease in toxicity against normal cell lines. Compounds 1 induce apoptosis proceeding along the mitochondrial pathway. Aminophosphonium salts 1 also exhibit a high selective activity against the Gram-positive bacteria strains S. aureus 209P, B. segeus 8035, including methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus (MRSA-1, MRSA-2), comparable to the activity of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic norfloxacin. A moderate in vivo toxicity in CD-1 mice was established for the lead compounds.

This paper analyses the application of deep learning techniques for predicting wave overtopping events in port environments using sea state and weather forecasts as inputs. The study was conducted in the outer port of Punta Langosteira, A Coruña, Spain. A video recording infrastructure was installed to monitor overtopping events from 2015 to 2022, identifying 3709 overtopping events. The data collected was merged with actual and predicted data for the sea state and weather conditions during the overtopping events, creating three datasets. We used these datasets to create several machine learning models to predict whether an overtopping event would occur based on sea state and weather conditions. The final models achieved a high accuracy level during the training and testing stages: 0.81, 0.73, and 0.84 average accuracy during training and 0.67, 0.48, and 0.86 average accuracy during testing, respectively. The results of this study have significant implications for port safety and efficiency, as wave overtopping events can cause disruptions and potential damage. Using deep learning techniques for overtopping prediction can help port managers take preventative measures and optimize operations, ultimately improving safety and helping to minimize the economic impact that overtopping events have on the port's activities.

The acylation of unsymmetrical N-benzylbispidinols in aromatic solvents without external base led to formation of supramolecular gels, which possess different thickness and stability depending on the substituents in para-positions of benzylic group and nature of acylating agent as well as on the nature of the solvent used. Structural features of the native gels as well as of their dried forms were studied by complementary techniques including FT IR- and ATR-spectroscopy, AFM, TEM, SEM, SAXS. Structures of the key crystalline compounds were established by X-ray diffraction. Analysis of obtained data allowed speculating on the crucial structural and condition factors that governed the gel formation. The most important factors were: (i) absence of base, either external or internal; (ii) presence of HCl; (iii) presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups to allow hydrogen bonding; (iv) presence of two (hetero)aromatic rings at both sides of the molecule. The hydrogen bonding involving amide carbonyl, hydroxyl at 9th position and, very probably, ammonium N-H+ and Cl- anion appear to be responsible for the formation of infinite molecular chains required for the first step of gel formation. Subsequent lateral cooperation of molecular chains into fibers occured, presumably, due to the aromatic pi-pi-stacking interactions. sc-CO2 drying of the gels gave rise to aerogels morphology different from that of air dried samples.

Herein, two title compounds, N-Benzoyl-N’-4-cyanophenyl thiourea (I) and N-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-N’-4-cyanophenyl thiourea (II) were synthesized in high yield, via aroyl isocyanate and 4-aminobenzonitrile. The structure of the prepared compounds was characterized by elementary analysis and FT-IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopic methods. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) experiments were performed with glassy carbon electrode. The reduction potential values of different functional group such as nitro, cyano in title compounds were investigated using CV curves.

A gold(I) complex with a triphenylphosphine and a monodentate N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamate ligand was synthesized and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations (Gaussian 09, PBE1PBE/Lanl2dz) were undertaken for a single complex in the gas-phase. The DFT-optimized structure is in good agreement with the crystal structure and the DFT-calculated Raman spectrum also is in excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum. Assignments of the Raman peaks are based on these DFT calculations. Frontier molecular orbitals were calculated and their nature is discussed.

This paper explores benefits of using VR technologies in higher education. Theoretical part investigates classical education system and its features in order to compare advantages of using VR systems in education. VR technologies and its current state in industry and in education were explored as well as which branches of higher education uses these systems. Survey was conducted through online questionnaire where respondents (N = 55) gave their opinion on VR and the implementation of VR technologies in education. Three hypotheses related to the use of VR technology, student interest, and learning outcomes as well as the effectiveness, immersiveness and the effect of VR systems on the users were tested through 27 questions.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) is a disease caused by inhalation of Coccidioides spp. This neglected tropical disease of the Americas has substantial public health impact despite its geographic restriction to desert areas of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, Central and South America. The incidence of this infection in California and Arizona has been increasing over the past fifteen years. The burden of disease in outside the U.S. remains poorly understood. Several large cities are within the endemic region in the U.S. Coccidioidomycosis accounts for 25,000 hospital admissions per year in California. While most cases of coccidioidomycosis resolve spontaneously, up to 40% are severe enough to require anti-fungal treatment, and a significant number disseminate beyond the lungs. Disseminated infection, especially involving the meninges, is fatal without appropriate treatment. Infection with Coccidioides spp. is protective against a second infection, so vaccination seems biologically plausible. This review of efforts to develop a vaccine against coccidioidomycosis focuses on vaccine approaches and the difficulties in identifying protein antigen/adjuvant combinations that protect in experimental mouse models. Although the quest for a vaccine has not yet resulted in a clinically useful product, scientific efforts of vaccine development pave the way for future success.

This study compared the efficacy of alfaxalone and propofol to induce anesthesia in bitches undergoing an ovariohysterectomy or cesarean sections. 34 healthy and pyometra-affected females were induced with IV propofol administration, 35 healthy and pyometra-affected bitches were induced with the IV administration of alfaxalone. For the cesarean sections, females were induced with propofol (n=14) or alfaxalone (n=14). Maternal physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature) were recorded throughout surgeries; the viability and a modified Apgar score was recorded in the neonates at 5, 60 and 120 minutes after delivery. The use of propofol and alfaxalone did not show relevant differences over parameters assessed, when ovariohysterectomy was performed in healthy bitches or females with pyometra, as well as when cesarean sections were compared; only, a transient tachycardia appeared after alfaxalone administration. However, a higher percentage of bitches needed extra-doses of propofol. Neonatal mortality was similar between both groups, but when alfaxalone was used a higher neonatal viability was observed. Propofol and alfaxalone showed similar efficacy to perform the ovariohysterectomy in all bitches. Both protocols were optimal for cesarean sections, but alfaxalone was associated with a higher neonatal viability and a higher neonatal survival rate.

Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus are a significant a challenge for medicine, as many species are resistant to multiple antibiotics and even to all of the antibiotics used. One of the approaches to develop new therapeutics to treat staphylococcal infections is the use of bacteriophages specif-ic to these bacteria or lysins of such bacteriophages capable to hydrolyze the cell walls of these bacteria. In this study, a new bacteriophage St_134 specific to Staphylococcus epedermidis was de-scribed. This small podophage belonging to the Andhravirus genus showed relatively wide host range and was able to infect more than 60 strain of Staphylococcus spp., including a clinical strain from the Staphylococcus aureus complex. Two genes encoding different phage lysins were identi-fied in the Ste134 genome. Both lysins LysSte134_1 and LysSte134_2 were produced in Escherichia coli cells. Endolysin LysSte134_1 was demonstrated catalytic activity against a wide panel of staphylococcal peptidoglycans (4 species, 6 strains), was active against S. aureus and S. epidermidis planktonic cultures and destroyed biofilms formed by clinical strains of S. aureus and S. epider-midis.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), short single-stranded polymers based on DNA or RNA chemistries and synthesized in vitro, regulate gene expression by binding in a sequence-specific manner to an RNA target. The functional activity and selectivity in the action of ASOs largely depends on the combination of nitrogenous bases in a target sequence. This simple and natural property of nucleic acids provides an attractive route by which scientists can create different ASO-based techniques. Over the last 50 years, planned and realized applications in the field of antisense and nucleic acid nanotechnologies have produced astonishing results and posed new challenges for further developments, exemplifying the essence of the post-genomic era. Today the majority of ASOs are chemically modified and/or incorporated within nanoparticles to enhance their stability and cellular uptake. This review critically analyzes some successful cases using the antisense approach in medicine to address severe diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, and suggests some prospective directions for future research. We also examine in detail the elaboration of unmodified insect-specific DNA insecticides and RNA preparations in the areas of agriculture and forestry, a relatively new branch of ASO that allows circumvention of the use of non-selective chemical insecticides. When considering the variety of successful ASO modifications with an efficient signal-to-noise ratio of action, coupled with the affordability of in vitro oligonucleotide synthesis and post-synthesis procedures, we predict that the next half-century will produce a fruitful yield of tools created from effective ASO-based end products.

Amid global energy challenges, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is gaining traction for green hydrogen production. While catalyst research is ongoing, recognizing electrolyte effects remains crucial for sustainable hydrogen production via renewable-powered water electrolysis. This review delves into the intricate effects of electrolytes on the kinetics of HER. It examines key factors, including pH, cations, anions, impurities, and electrolyte concentration. It is discussed that electrolyte pH alters catalyst-electrolyte interactions and proton concentrations, thereby influencing factors such as hydrogen binding energy, water adsorption, and the overall reaction kinetics. Moreover, it is briefed that electrolyte cations, such as Li+, can impact HER positively or negatively, offering opportunities for improvement based on the metal substrate. Interestingly, there is a potential that HER can be tuned using Li+ ions to modify M-H bond energy, demonstrating flexibility beyond pH levels and counter ions. Varied adsorption energies of metal cations on metal electrodes are also found to influence HER kinetics. The effects of electrolyte anions and impurities are also discussed, emphasizing both positive and negative impacts on HER kinetics. Moreover, it is pointed out that the electrolyte engineering approach enhances the HER kinetics of both metal and carbon-based electrodes without permanent catalyst surface modifications. This review underscores the importance of electrolyte composition, highlighting both challenges and potential solutions in advancing HER research for sustainable energy production.

Non-enzymatic thiol addition into α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl system is associated with several biological effects. In vivo, the reactions can form small-molecule thiol (e.g., glutathione) or protein thiol adducts. The reaction of two synthetic (4’-methyl- and 4’-methoxy substituted) cyclic chalcone analogs with glutathione and N-acetylcysteine was studied by HPLC-UV method. The selected compounds displayed in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity (IC50) of different orders of magnitude. The structure of the formed adducts was confirmed by HPLC-MS. The incubations were performed under three different pH conditions (pH 3.5/3.8, 6.3/6.7, and 8.0/7.4). The chalcones intrinsically reacted with both thiols under all incubation conditions. The initial rates and compositions of the final mixtures depended on the substitution and the pH. The frontier molecular orbitals and the Fukui function were carried out to investigate the effects on open-chain and seven-membered cyclic analogs. Furthermore, machine learning protocols were used to provide more insights into physicochemical properties and to support the different thiol-reactivity. HPLC analysis indicated diastereoselectivity of the reactions. The observed reactivities do not directly relate to the different in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity of the compounds.

A second order rational difference equation $$x_{n+1}=px_{n}+\frac{q}{x_{n-1}^2}$$ with the parameters $p$ and $q$ which lies in $(0,1)$, is studied. The dynamics of the equilibrium is characterized through the trichotomy of the parameter $p<\frac{1}{2}$, $p=\frac{1}{2}$ and $p>\frac{1}{2}$. It is found that there is no periodic solution of period $2$ and $3$ but there exists periodic solutions with only periodic solution $5$ and $10$ are achieved computationally.

As the global energy crisis continues, efficient hydrogen production is one of the hottest topics these days. In this sense, establishing catalytic trends for hydrogen production is essential for choosing proper H2 generation technology and catalytic material. Volcano plots for hydrogen evolution in acidic media are well-known, while volcano plot in alkaline media was constructed ten years ago using theoretically calculated hydrogen binding energies. Here we show for the first time that the volcano-type relationships are largely maintained in a wide range of pH values, from acidic to neutral and alkaline solutions, using theoretically calculated hydrogen binding energies on clean metallic surfaces and experimentally measured hydrogen evolution overpotentials. If metallic surfaces are exposed to high anodic potentials, hydrogen evolution can be boosted or significantly impeded, depending on the metal and the electrolyte in which the reaction occurs. Such effects are discussed here and can be used to properly tailor catalytic materials for hydrogen production via different water electrolysis technologies.

Analyses of the three predominant types of sedimentation – clastic, carbonate and black shale – revealed their discontinuity/continuity in different facies environments of the Middle and Late Devonian of the central part of the Volga-Urals petroleum province, namely (1) in depressions, both condensed and non-condensed, (2) on the slopes of depressions and (3) in shallow water environments represented by tectonic arches or localised biohermal uplifts. The regional zonation of conodonts, correlated with the global chronostratigraphic scheme, substantiates the stratigraphic completeness of the general Devonian sequence in this area. In particular, the sedimentation of organic-rich black shales, traditionally considered as source rocks, lasted more than 29 million years, starting from the Late Eifel and ending at the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary. There was only one hiatus in the deposition of both black shales and carbonate sediments, lasting about 2.5 million years at the end of the Frasnian. That interval is dominated by clastic sediments, which are considered to be the most productive reservoirs of the Volga-Ural province. In the time interval from the beginning of the Eifel to the end of the Frasnian (about 17 Ma), (a) clastic sediments show the highest accumulation rates; (b) the most complete sequences occur in depressions; and (c) arches and uplifts show the most significant gaps in the geological record. During Famennian, (a) clastic sedimentation has completely ceased; (b) differences between the slopes of troughs and shallow-water environments have diminished, resulting in stable accumulation of carbonate sediments in both settings; (c) the decrease in sequence thickness (up to 50 m) in depressions suggests reduced accumulation rates of deep-water organic-rich black shales. The results help to understand the complex spatial relationship between different coexisting sedimentation types and focus attention to the incompleteness of the geological record in different environments.

Recently, it was reported that the physical cross-linking exhibited by some biopolymers could provide multiple benefits to biomedical applications. In particular, grafting thermoresponsive polymers onto biopolymers may enhance the degradability or offer other features, as ther-mothickening behavior. Thus, different interactions will affect the different hydrogen bonds and interactions from the physical cross-linking of CMC, the lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs), and the presence of the ions. This work focuses on the study of blends composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(N-ethylacrylamide), and carboxymethyl cellulose in water and water/methanol. The molecular features, the thermoresponsive behavior, and gelation phenomena are deeply studied. The ratio defined by both homopolymers will alter the final properties and the gelation of the final structures, showing that the presence of the hydrophilic groups modifies the number and contributions of the diverse hydrogen bonds.

3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones represent a class of valuable bioactive compounds with six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structures. The development of simple, mild and efficient synthetic methods has been widely concerned by synthetic chemists. In this review, we have summarized a series of different synthetic strategies for the synthesis of dihydroquinoline-2(1H)-ones via catalytic annulation of α,β-unsaturated N-arylamides in the past decade, including covering electrophilic cyclization, radical initiated cyclization and photochemical cyclization reactions. Besides, the substrate scope and mechanistic details are also discussed. This paper will provide a useful reference for the development of diverse synthesis methodologies of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones.

A series of dinuclear copper(I) N,C,N- and P,C,P-carbodiphosphorane (CDP) complexes using multidentate ligands CDP(Py)2 (1) and (CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) have been isolated and characterized. Detailed structural information was gained by single crystal XRD analyses of nine representative examples. The common structural motive is the central double ylidic carbon atom with its characteristic two lone-pairs involved into binding of two geminal L-Cu(I) fragments at Cu-Cu distances in the range 2.55 – 2.67 Å. In order to enhance conformational rigidity within the characteristic Cu-C-Cu triangle, two types of chelating side arms were symmetrically attached to each phosphorus atom: two 2-pyridyl functions in ligand CDP(Py)2 (1) and its dinuclear copper complexes 2-9 and 11, as well as two diphenylphosphinomethylene functions in ligand CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) and its di- and mononuclear complexes 14-18. Neutral complexes were typically obtained via reaction of 1 with Cu(I) species CuCl, CuI, and CuSPh or via salt elimination reaction of [(CuCl)2(CDP(Py)2] (2) with sodium carbazolate. Cationic Cu(I) complexes were prepared upon treating 1 with two equivalents of [Cu(NCMe)4]PF6, followed by the addition of either two equivalent of an aryl phosphine (PPh3, P(C6H4OMe)3) or one equivalent of a bisphosphine ligands DPEPhos, XantPhos or dppf. For the first time carbodiphosphorane CDP(CH2PPh2)2 (13) could be isolated upon treating its precursor [CH(dppm)2]Cl (12) with NaNH2 in liquid NH3. A protonated and a deprotonated derivative of ligand 13 were prepared and their coordination was compared to neutral CDP ligand 13. NMR analysis and DFT calculations reveal, that the most stable tautomer of 13 does not show a CDP (or carbone) structure in its uncoordinated base form. For most of the prepared complexes, photoluminescence upon irradiation with UV light at room temperature was observed. Quantum yields (PL) were determined to 36% for dicationic [(CuPPh3)2(CDP(Py)2)](PF6)2 (4) and to 60% for neutral [(CuSPh)2(CDP(CH2PPh2)2] (16).

The application of transformations of the state equations of continuous linear and bilinear systems to the canonical form of controllability allows one to simplify the computation of Gramians of these systems. In the paper we developed the method and obtain algorithms for computation of the controllability and observability Gramians of continuous linear and bilinear stationary systems with many inputs and one output, based on the method of spectral expansion of the Gramians and the iterative method for computing the bilinear systems Gramians. An important feature of the concept is the idea of separability of the Gramians expansion: sep333arate computation of the scalar and matrix parts of the spectral Gramian expansion reduces the sub-Gramian matrices computation to calculation of numerical sequences of their elements. For the continuous linear systems with one output the method and the algorithm of the spectral decomposition of the controllability Gramian are developed in the form of Xiao matrices. Analytical expressions for the diagonal elements of the Gramian matrices are obtained, making use of which the rest elements can be calculated. For continuous linear systems with many outputs the spectral decompositions of the Gramians in the form of generalized Xiao matrices are obtained, which allows to significantly reduce the number of calculations. The obtained results are generalized for continuous bilinear systems with one output. Iterative spectral algorithms for computation of elements of Gramians of these systems are proposed. Examples are given that illustrate theoretical results.

Due to the fact that negative energies have no existence in physical reality, the advanced mechanics of purely positive energies should describe gravitational interactions and collisions in monistic terms of extended kinetic energies and their local stresses. Such non-Newtonian mechanics of continuous inertial densities reinforces the Cartesian concept of matter-extension in the metric formalism of Einstein-Grossmann with a supplemental (dark, aether) fraction of bi-vertex mass-energy distributions. Local accelerations or decelerations of mono-vertex material densities in a multi-vertex distribution of complete kinetic energy arise under its constant integral due to nonlocal organization of continuous densities. Such integral conservation of the distributed mass-energy occurs instantaneously throughout the whole continuum of correlated densities and metric stresses despite the time-varying contributions of complementary mono-vertex and bi-vertex fractions. Under the nonlocal organization of purely kinetic (positive) mass-energy, geodesic self-heating and self-cooling of the pulsating space-matter conserve the integral energy in the two-fraction virial theorem for the averaged motion of visible mono-vertexes in the presence of invisible bi-vertex (interference, dark) mass-energy. Metric stresses of such material space are subordinate to nonlocal self-government of continuously distributed kinetic energy, including the relativistic rest-energy of General Relativity. These mutually consistent or correlated stresses in inertial space-time-energy create timelessly coordinated self-accelerations, observed for dense material volumes as distant gravitational pulls. In order to falsify/verify the nonlocal self-organization of adaptive kinetic energy, the monistic mechanics of self-consistent inertial densities and metric stresses can suggest moderate field changes in the temporal redshift, cycles of geodetic falls and takeoffs in pulsating kinetic organizations, and the calculated acceleration of the expanding Metagalaxy in its current phase of geodesic self-cooling.

Biological diversity (BD) explored by the biological systematics is a complexly organized natural phenomenon and can be partitioned in several aspects defined with references to various causal factors structuring biota. These BD aspects are studied by particular research programs based on specific taxonomic theories (TT). They provide in total a framework for comprehending the structure of the biological systematics and its multi-aspect relations to other fields of biology. General principles of individualizing BD aspects and construing TT as quasi-axiomatics are briefly considered. It stressed that each TT is characterized by a specific combination of interrelated ontological and epistemological premises most adequate to the BD aspect a TT deals with. The following contemporary research programs in systematics are recognized and characterized in brief: phenetic, rational (with several subprograms), numerical, typological (with several subprograms), biosystematic, biomorphic, phylogenetic (with several subprograms), evo-devo. From a scientific pluralism perspective, all these research programs related to particular naturally defined BD aspects are of the same biological and scientific significance and no one of them can pretend to take a privileged position. They elaborate “locally” natural classifications that can be united by a kind of generalized faceted classification.

It is well-known that surface plasmon wave propagates along a straight line, but this common sense was broken by the artificial curved light – plasmon Airy beam. In this paper, we introduce a new class of curved surface plasmon wave - the photonic hook plasmon. It propagates along wavelength scaled curved trajectory with radius less than surface plasmon polariton wavelength, and can exist despite the strong energy dissipation at the metal surface.

A class $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ of coarse spaces is called a variety if $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ is closed under formation of subspaces, coarse images and products. We classify the varieties of coarse spaces and, in particular, show that if a variety $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ contains an unbounded metric space then $\mathfrak{M}$ is the variety of all coarse spaces.

A class $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ of coarse spaces is called a variety if $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ is closed under formation of subspaces, coarse images and products. We classify the varieties of coarse spaces and, in particular, show that if a variety $\mathfrak{M}$ $$ contains an unbounded metric space then $\mathfrak{M}$ is the variety of all coarse spaces.

Laser irradiation of metals is widely used in research and applications. In this work, we study how the material geometry affects electron-phonon coupling in nano-sized gold samples: an ultrathin layer, nano-rod, and two types of gold nanoparticles: cubic and octahedral. We use the combined tight-binding molecular dynamics Boltzmann collision integral method implemented within XTANT-3 code to evaluate the coupling parameter in irradiation targets at high electronic temperatures (up to Te~20,000 K). Our results show that the electron-phonon coupling in all objects with the same fcc atomic structure (bulk, layer, rod, cubic and octahedral nanoparticles) is nearly identical at electronic temperatures above Te~7000 K, independently of geometry and dimensionality. At low electronic temperatures, reducing dimensionality reduces the coupling parameter. Additionally, nano-objects under ultrafast energy deposition experience nonthermal damage due to expansion caused by electronic pressure, in contrast to bulk metal. Nano-object ultrafast expansion leads to ablation/emission of atoms, and disorder inside of the remaining parts. These nonthermal atomic expansion and melting are significantly faster than electron-phonon coupling, forming a dominant effect in nano-sized gold.

N-(diisopropylphosphanyl)benzamide, PhC(O)NHPiPr2, has been synthesized in good yield following two alternative procedures that employ benzamide as the starting material. The first one is a two-step preparation, in which N-(trimetilsilyl)benzamide is reacted with PiPr2Cl, to give the title compound in good yield, whereas the second one is a straightforward synthesis which converts benzamide into N-(diisopropylphosphanyl)benzamide by reaction with PiPr2Cl in the presence of N,N-dimethylpyridin-4-amine (DMAP) and triethylamine. NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses have been performed to characterize the new compound and elucidate its molecular structure in the solid state. N-(diisopropylphosphanyl)benzamide adds to the limited family of amido-substituted phosphines, RC(O)NHPR’2, which can be classified as bidentate hybrid P,O-ligands, both in their neutral and anionic forms, the latter achievable by deprotonation of the NH group.

In no-tillage systems, there is an accumulation of crop residues (CR) which plays an important role in available of soil-N. A study was set up to provide information regarding the CR N credit, and the influence of N mineral fertilizer. An incubation was run in a loam soil with addition of a similar rate of residue (10 Mg ha-1; sugarcane, soybean, and brachiaria) and N mineral fertilizer (urea; 120 kg N ha-1). After the stabilization of biological activity, soil and remaining residues were collected, and N monitored. Results showed that the N credit was positive with application of soybean, sugarcane, and brachiaria. There was an expressive performance of soybean N credit represented by a positive balance, and a reduction from 2.49 to 0.9 g kg-1 of N in residue, with direct increase of 90% of soil-N. There is no need of N fertilizer to potentialize the soybean N credit, but it is requested to potentialize N credit of brachiaria and sugarcane. The urea demonstrated be a good enhancer of brachiaria N credit, but it was not adequate to sugarcane residues. Based in our result, the accumulation and incorporation of CR can be considered as a N credit with positive contribution in soil-N.

Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacteria usually found in stomach and first part of small intestine, is known to cause infections and ulcers and may have association with cancer. Normally, the treatment options include combinations of antibiotics with proton pump inhibitors and antiinflammatory drugs. However, all of them have high systemic exposure, and hence, unfavourable side effects, whereas their exposure in stomach mucus, the predominant location of the bacteria, is very limited. We have attempted to develop a predominantly gut-restricted formulations of antibiotic + adjuvant combinations as a basis for potentially more safe and efficacious treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections. We have considered E. coli (as a model of H. pylori) and Lactobacilli to study the antibacterial activity of nanogel with combined drugs (classical antibiotics and individual components of essential oils). It has been shown that levofloxacin (LF) in combination with zephirol demonstrates synergy effect against E. coli (cell viability has decreased by about 50%) and weakens the effect against Lactobacilli. A number of other combinations of antibiotic + adjuvant is also shown to be effective. Using FTIR and UV spectroscopy, it has been proved that chitosan nanogels with the drug are well adsorbed on the mucosal model, thereby increasing the bioavailability of drugs. Using ABTS assay, the antioxidant properties of flavonoids and other drugs are shown, which is potentially necessary to minimize the harmful effects of toxins and radicals produced by pathogens. Thus, chitosan nanogels loaded with a combination of drugs can be considered as a new strategy for the treatment of infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and applicable to difficult-to-treat bacteria.

Myocardial hypertrophy is the most common condition that accompanies heart changings in children. Transcriptional pathways regulating gene expression playing a critical role both in cardiac embryogenesis and in the pathogenesis of congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, neonatal posthypoxic myocardial hypertrophy and congenital heart diseases. This paper describes the state of cardiac gene expression and potential pharmacological modulators at different transcriptional levels. An experimental model of perinatal cardiac hypoxia showed downregulated expression of genes responsible for cardiac muscle integrity and overexpressed genes associated with energy metabolism and apoptosis, which may provide a basis for a therapeutic approach. Current evidence suggests that RNA drugs, theaflavin, neuraminidase, proton pump and histone deacetylase inhibitors are promising pharmacological agents in progressive cardiac hypertrophy. The different points of application of the above drugs makes combined use possible, potentiating the effects of inhibition in specific signaling pathways. The special role of N-acetyl cysteine in both the inhibition of several signaling pathways and the reduction of oxidative stress was emphasized.

Land use and cover change (LUCC) is an important method to investigate the causes of global environment change. We utilized the emergy ecological footprint (EEF) model to construct a land-use change model to be used as a systematic measuring tool for monitoring sustainable development trends. In particular, we estimated the eco-security of the Cing-jing region as a case study so that responsible agencies can use it to maintain a balance between ecological preservation and tourism development. The results indicated the following: First, the ecological environment of the Cing-jing region satisfied the safety standard in 2008–2014; however, the related indices increased considerably. Second, the grey model predicted a decrease in 2015–2024 ecological carrying capacities of Cing-jing and a large increase in capita EFs, resulting in a larger ecological deficit and higher EFI. The eco-security from 2015–2024 was higher compared to 7 years ago and is predicted to reach the Grade 2 intermediate level in 2022; thus the Cing-jing region is gradually becoming ecologically unsustainable. Strengths of our study included the use of EEF theory in a quantitative analysis of slope lands for the effective evaluation of ecological security. Finally, we expanded our research to include ecological security issues.

New possibilities of Gramian computation by using canonical transformations into diagonal, controllable and observable canonical forms are shown. With the help of such a technique the Gramian matrices can be represented in the form of products of Hadamard matrices of multipliers and matrices of the transformed right-hand side of Lyapunov equations. It is shown that the multiplier matrices are invariant under various canonical transformations of linear continuous systems. The modal Lyapunov equations for continuous SISO LTI systems in diagonal form are obtained and their new solutions based on Hadamard decomposition are proposed. New algorithms for element-by-element computation of Gramian matrices for stable continuous MIMO LTI systems are developed. For continuous SISO LTI systems given by equations of state in controllable and observable canonical forms, new algorithms for the computation of controllability Gramians and their traces in the form of Hadamard products in the form of Xiao matrices are developed. The application of transformations to the canonical forms of controllability and observability allowed to simplify the formulas of spectral decompositions in the form of Xiao matrices. In the paper new spectral decompositions in the form of Hadamard’s products for solutions of Sylvester algebraic and differential equations of MIMO LTI systems, including spectral decompositions of finite and infinite cross-Gramians of continuous MIMO LTI systems. Recommendations on the use of the obtained results are given.

Formation of the excited doublet (D) and quartet (Q) states of free radicals under their photoexcitation is discussed. Relative positions of D and Q states are compared to the positions of photoexcited states of organic molecules (Jablonsky diagram). A number of representative cases of the detected by emission or absorption excited is presented. A special case of the population lowest Q-state in some radicals of is discoursed. Spin-statistical factor in the reactions of Q and D is debated.

Biological systematics, exploring the structure of taxonomic diversity (TD), needs a proper conceptualization that would (a) make it complying with certain universal criteria of scientificity and (b) take into account specificity of its studied object. This article outlines a possible conceptual framework for this natural science discipline based on the ideas of contemporary conceptualism. One of the most fundamental of them includes a concept of cognitive situation shaped by three interrelated basic components—ontic, epistemic, and subjective. Its core position is taken by a taxonomic theory (TT) being a conceptual construct resulted from a “summative” effect of all three components and designed for studying TD. The general TT is shown to be composed by a hierarchically arranged array of partial TTs of various levels of generality, and this construct serves as a conceptual justification of taxonomic pluralism. Several kinds of partial TTs are suggested to recognise, viz., ontology- and epistemology-oriented, aspect- and object-based, etc. The aspect-based TTs are of special importance as the conceptual foundations of particular research programs in systematics. The object-based partial TTs are shown to be implemented by concepts of species and homology. A large-scale relation between taxonomic theory and nomenclature is briefly considered.

This paper is concerned with variational methods for open quantum systems with Markovian dynamics governed by Hudson-Parthasarathy quantum stochastic differential equations. These QSDEs are driven by quantum Wiener processes of the external bosonic fields and are specified by the system Hamiltonian and system-field coupling operators. We consider the system response to perturbations in these operators and introduce a transverse Hamiltonian which encodes the propagation of the perturbations through the unitary system-field evolution. This approach provides an infinitesimal perturbation analysis tool which can be used for the development of optimality conditions in quantum control and filtering problems. Such settings employ, as performance criteria, quadratic (or more complicated) cost functionals of the system and field variables to be minimised over the energy and coupling parameters of system interconnections. We demonstrate an application of the transverse Hamiltonian variational approach to a mean square optimal coherent quantum filtering problem for a measurement-free field-mediated cascade connection of a quantum system with a quantum observer.

This paper combines a literature survey and data analysis. The literature on the Subtropical Front (STF) in the Southern Ocean is reviewed with a two-pronged emphasis on the double-front structure of the STF, hence the existence of a subtropical frontal zone (STFZ), and the circumpolar continuity of the STFZ. The data analysis is based on the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) sections. The STFZ is detected along each section independently from other sections, while moving circum-polarly downstream (eastward). The literature survey and data analysis confirm the circumpolar continuity of the STFZ extending from the Brazil Current across the South Atlantic, South Indian, and South Pacific up to Chile, being bound by the North and South STF. The circumpolar continuity of the STFZ is partly interrupted by South Africa and Tasmania, where the North STF ceases, while the South STF continues eastward. The South Atlantic STFZ is the southern boundary of the well-defined Subtropical Mode Water (STMW) thermostad, which cools eastward from 15°C to 11°C between the Brazil Current and Greenwich Meridian. In the southeast Pacific, the STFZ is the southern boundary of the 17-to-19°C thermostad (South Pacific Eastern STMW). The STFZ’s vertical extent is at maximum in the South Atlantic (>1000 m), decreasing eastward to 300 m in the southeast Pacific off Chile. A special attention is given to the South Pacific and the STFZ’s role in the ecology of Chilean jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi that spawn at the STFZ and migrate along the STFZ from Chile up to New Zealand.

A relationship between the functional Schr\"odinger representation and the precanonical quantization of a nonlinear scalar field theory is extended to arbitrary curved space-times. The canonical functional derivative Schr\"odinger equation is derived from the manifestly covariant precanonical Schr\"odinger equation in a singular limiting case when the ultraviolet parameter $\varkappa$ introduced by precanonical quantization is identified with the invariant delta-function at equal spatial points. In the same limiting case, the Schr\"odinger wave functional is expressed as the trace of the multidimensional product integral of Clifford-algebra-valued precanonical wave functions restricted to a certain field configuration. Thus the standard QFT in curved space-time in functional Schr\"odinger representation emerges from the precanonical formulation of quantum fields as a singular limiting case.

Magnetic nanoparticles are met across many biological species ranging from magnetosensitive bacteria, fishes, bees, bats, rats, birds, to humans. They can be both of biogenetic origin and due to environmental contamination, being either in paramagnetic or ferromagnetic state. The energy of such naturally occurring single-domain magnetic nanoparticles can reach up to 10-20 room k_BT in the magnetic field of the Earth, which naturally led to supposition that they can serve as sensory elements in various animals. This work explores within a stochastic modeling framework a fascinating hypothesis of magnetosensitive ion channels with magnetic nanoparticles serving as sensory elements, especially, how realistic it is given a highly dissipative viscoelastic interior of living cells and typical sizes of nanoparticles possibly involved.

We have developed a family of N-alkyl-nitrobenzamides that exhibit promising antitubercular ac-tivities. These compounds are a simplification of the structure of known inhibitors of DprE1, an essential Mtb enzyme and an emergent anti-TB target. The compounds were obtained by a simple synthetic methodology and their antitubercular, cyto-toxicity and stability were studied. The most active compounds were the 3,5-dinitro and the 3-nitro-5-trifluoromethyl derivatives. Lipophilicity was shown to be a main parameter modulating activity within each family. The most active compound presented MIC of 16 ng/mL and had in-termediate lipophilicities. The activity was also studied in a macrophage model of infection. In this model the compounds with chain lengths of 6 and 12 carbon atoms presented the best results, ex-hibiting activity profiles comparable to isoniazid. Docking studies performed suggested that the fit of our highly active compounds to the DprE1 binding pocket was very similar to the literature compounds. Furthermore, the metrics used in the analysis were able to distinguish between the families of the highly and least active compounds. Assessment of susceptibility over multiple species and computational together with the structure of the compounds are complementary information that supports DprE1 as a likely target of action for this type of compounds.

In Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) site-specific techniques are needed to match N availability with durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum Desf.) requirements. Enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEF) can improve efficient N supply and reduce leaching, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture. To study the effects of rates, sources and timings of nitrogen application, two-year field experiments were carried out at two Mediterranean NVZs of Central Italy (Pisa and Arezzo). The trial compared: i) two N rates: one based on the crop N requirements (NO), the other on the Action Programmes’ prescriptions of the two NVZ (NAP); ii) three N sources (urea, methylene urea (MU), and nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP); and two top-dressing timings (1st tiller visible and 1st node detectable). Grain yield and yield components were determined, together with N uptake. Results showed that: i) grain and biomass production were reduced with NAP at both locations; ii) urea performed better than slow-release fertilizers; iii) the best application time varied depending on N source and location: at Pisa enhanced-efficiency fertilizers achieved higher yields when applied earliest, while for urea the contrary was true; at Arezzo different N fertilizers showed similar performances between the two application timings. Different behaviors of top-dressing fertilizers at the two localities could be related to the diverse patterns of temperatures and rainfall. Therefore, optimal fertilization strategies vary according to environmental conditions.

Listerias of the phylogenetic lineage II (PLII) are common in the European environment, and are hypovirulent. Despite this, they caused more than a third of sporadic cases of listeriosis, and multi-country foodborne outbreaks. L. monocytogenes ST37 is one of them. During the COVID-19 pandemic ST37 appeared in the clinical cases and ranked second in occurrence among food isolates in the Moscow region. The aim of this study was to describe the genomic features of ST37 isolates from different sources. All clinical cases of ST37 were in the cohort of male patients (age, 48-81 years) with meningitis-septicemia manifestation, and COVID-19 or Influenza in the anamnesis. The core genomes of the fish isolates were closely related. The clinical and meat isolates revealed a large diversity. Prophages (2-4/genome) were the source of the unique genes. Two clinical isolates displayed the pseudolysogeny, and excided prophages were A006-like. Absence of the plasmids, the assortment of virulence factors and resistance determinants in chromosome corresponded to the hypovirulent characteristics. However, all clinical isolates caused severe disease with deaths in four cases. Thus, these studies allow us to speculate that a previous viral infection increases a human susceptibility to listeriosis.

The study of coherent vortices remains an urgent field of singular optics of vortex beams. In this paper, coherent properties of partially coherent vortex Bessel—Gaussian optical beams propagating through a uniform medium (free space) or a turbulent atmosphere are examined theoretically. The consideration is based on analytical solution of the equation for the transverse second-order mutual coherence function of the field of a partially coherent optical radiation in a turbulent atmosphere. For the partially coherent Bessel—Gaussian beam, the second-order mutual coherence function of the source field is taken as a Gaussian Shell-model. In this approximation, we analyze the behavior of the coherence degree and the integral coherence scale of these beams as a function of the propagation pathlength, propagation conditions, and beam parameters, such as the radius of the Gauss factor of the beam, parameter of the Bessel factor of the beam, topological charge, and correlation width of the source field of partially coherent radiation. In addition, the integral coherence scale of the partially coherent vortex Bessel—Gaussian beam is compared with that of the partially coherent Gaussian beam. It is found that as a partially coherent vortex Bessel—Gaussian beam propagates through a turbulent atmosphere, there appear not two (as might be expected: one due to atmospheric turbulence and another due to partial coherence of the source field), but only one ring dislocation of the coherence degree (due to the simultaneous effect of both these factors on the optical radiation). In addition, it is shown that the dislocation of the coherence degree that affects significantly the beam coherence level is formed only for beams, for which the coherence width of the source field is larger than the diameter of the first Fresnel zone.

A new cocrystal salt of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, and N,N’-(1,4-phenylene)dioxalamic acid, was synthesized by mechanochemical synthesis, purified by crystallization from solution and characterized by single X-ray crystallography. The structure revealed a salt-type cocrystal composed of one dicationic metformin unit, two monoanionic units of the acid and four water molecules namely H2Mf(HpOXA)2∙4H2O. X-ray powder, IR, 13C-CPMAS, thermal and BET adsorption-desorption analyses were performed to elucidate the structure of the molecular and supramolecurar structure of the anhydrous microcrystalline mesoporous solid H2Mf(HpOXA)2. The results suggest that their structures, conformation and hydrogen bonding schemes are very similar between them. To the best of our knowledge, the selective formation of the monoanion HpOXA⁻, as well as its structure in the solid, is herein reported for the first time. Regular O(-)∙∙∙C(), O(-)∙∙∙N+ and bifacial O(-)∙∙∙C()∙∙∙O(-) of n→* charge-assisted interactions are herein described in H2MfA cocrystal salts which could be responsible of the interactions of metformin in biologic systems. The results, support the participation of n→* charge-assisted interactions independently, and not just as a short contact imposed by the geometric constraint due to the hydrogen bonding patterns.

The article delves into the intricate phase transitions of 1-Octadecanol and n-Nonadecane within a binary system, unveiling dynamic structural changes under varying conditions. Through Fouri-er-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, specific molecular vibrations were identified, shedding light on the molecular composition and interactions. The study highlights the challenges in detecting subtle phase transitions and emphasizes the individuality of molecular behaviours in closely related compounds. The findings underscore the complexity of phase transitions in binary systems and advocate for a nuanced approach to studying molecular structures and behaviours. Addi-tionally, the research contributes valuable insights into the molecular dynamics of Organic Polymer Functional Adsorption Materials, offering implications for synthetic waxy layers in plant epidermis.

In this work model of mirror elements equilibrium of the micromechanical components is developed, the behavior analysis of the mirror element of micromechanical mirrors in case changing of control voltages of electrostatic actuators is carried out, an expression for determining the maximum value of deflection voltage at which the snap-down effect will take the following form is obtained in case of the influence of the coefficient of the electrostatic rigidity of electrostatic actuators. The developed equilibrium model of mirror elements and the obtained results of modeling can be used at design of micromechanical mirrors with internal suspensions.

Gene regulation is vital for cellular function and homeostasis, involving diverse mechanisms controlling specific gene products and contributing to tissue-specific gene expression. Dysregulation leads to diseases, emphasizing the need for understanding these mechanisms. Non-coding regions, notably enhancers and super-enhancers (SEs), act as crucial gene regulators, orchestrating transcriptional activity via transcription factors (TFs). SEs, with high activity, are pivotal in cell identity and disease progression. Current computational approaches focus on individual regulators like TFs and miRNAs, neglecting SE interactions. We emphasize incorporating SEs into models to enhance understanding. Experimental studies have recently linked miRNAs and TFs to SEs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) provides valuable SE information. In this review, we categorize computational methods leveraging TF and miRNA data into three areas and explore challenges integrating enhancers/SEs. These include unraveling indirect regulatory networks, identifying network motifs, and enriching pathway identification by dissecting gene regulators, including SEs. We hypothesize that addressing these challenges will enhance our understanding of gene regulation, aiding in identifying therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers. We believe that understanding the role of ChIP-Seq data in predicting the effect of miRNA on gene regulation is crucial to construct statistical/computational model that would tackle these challenges.

The forest regeneration phase in Sweden commonly involves mechanical soil preparation followed by planting of Scots pine or Norway spruce seedlings. The prepared soil offers planting positions with different properties, including decreased damage by pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.). Nitrogen fertilization can be applied at the time of planting to aid establishment of the seedlings. In this study we compared the effect of organic nitrogen-fertilization for different planting positions, and seedling sizes on early survival and growth of Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings. The main planting positions were capped mound, hinge, and mineral soil. Seedlings planted close to organic material were categorized as “low quality positions”, since proximity to organic material increase pine weevil attraction. Higher mortality rates related to pine weevil damage were recorded for seedlings planted in the low-quality positions, regardless of seedling size or N-fertilization. Pine weevil attack rates increased with increasing seedling size. Growth was in general lowest in mineral soil positions. The effect of organic N-fertilization on growth was positive for spruce regardless of planting positions and seedling size, while depending on planting position and seedling size for pine, indicating that effects of organic N-fertilization depend on seedling species, -size and planting position.

Let β= (((24!)!)!)!, and let {${\mathcal P}_{n^2+1}$} denote the set of all primes of the form {$n^2+1$}. Let ${\mathcal M}$ denote the set of all positive multiples of elements of the set {${\mathcal P}_{n^2+1} \cap (\beta,\infty)$}. The set {${\mathcal X}=\{0,\ldots,\beta\} \cup {\mathcal M}$} satisfies the following conditions: (1) ${\rm card}({\mathcal X})$ is greater than a huge positive integer and it is conjectured that ${\mathcal X}$ is infinite, (2)} we do not know any algorithm deciding the finiteness of ${\mathcal X}$, (3)~a~known and short algorithm for every {$n \in N$} decides whether or not {$n \in {\mathcal X}$}, (4) a known and short algorithm returns an integer~$n$ such that ${\mathcal X}$ is infinite if and only if ${\mathcal X}$ contains an element greater than $n$. The following problem is open: {\em simply define a set {${\mathcal X} \subseteq N$} such that ${\mathcal X}$ satisfies conditions (1)-(4), and \underline{we do not know any representation of~~${\mathcal X}$~~as a finite union of sets whose definitions are simpler than} \underline{the definition of ${\mathcal X}$}} {\tt (5)}. Let {$f(1)=2$}, {$f(2)=4$}, and let {$f(n+1)=f(n)!$} for every integer {$n \geqslant 2$}. For a positive integer $n$, let {$\Psi_n$} denote the following statement: {\em if a system of equations ${\mathcal S} \subseteq \Bigl\{x_i!=x_k: i,k \in \{1,\ldots,n\}\Bigr\} \cup \Bigl\{x_i \cdot x_j=x_k: i,j,k \in \{1,\ldots,n\}\Bigr\}$ has only finitely many solutions in positive integers \mbox{$x_1,\ldots,x_n$}, then each such solution \mbox{$(x_1,\ldots,x_n)$} satisfies {$x_1,\ldots,x_n \leqslant f(n)$}.} We prove that for every statement $\Psi_n$ the bound {$f(n)$} cannot be decreased. The author's guess is that the statements {$\Psi_1,\ldots,\Psi_9$} are true. We prove that the statement $\Psi_9$ implies that the set ${\mathcal X}$ of all {non-negative} integers $k$ whose number of digits belongs to {${\mathcal P}_{n^2+1}$} satisfies conditions {\tt (1)-(5)}.

Background: Recurrent approximation of retention parameters in reversed-phase HPLC is effective for revealing anomalies difficult to detect otherwise, namely, the reversible hydration of analytes. This was demonstrated previously for restricted sets of analytes with acetonitrile–water eluents. Expanding the number of analytes and eluents seems to be a topical problem. Two kinds of derivatives of aromatic carbonyl compounds were characterized: unsubstituted hydrazones and oximes. Methods: If analyte demonstrates no anomalies in dependences of retention times vs. concentration of organic modifier, the recurrent approximations of these dependences are linear. To explain the features of recurrent approximations, the numerical experiments were proposed and considered. The artificial shifting of one, two, or more points allows modeling the different kinds of deviations of approximations from linearity. Results: It was shown that hydrazones are the class of analytes having no anomalies of retention parameters. On the contrary, several anomalies were detected for oximes. Downward deviations of points in the plots of recurrent approximations of retention times are the signs of reversible hydration. This effect for methanol–water eluents was detected for the first time. Some of oximes underwent hydrolysis. Conclusion: Recurrent approximation of retention times allows detecting chemical transformations of analytes during RP HPLC analysis.

We reviewed various physical and biological manifestations of an unprecedented large-scale water temperature anomaly that emerged in the Northeast Pacific in late 2013. The anomaly dubbed “The Blob” persisted through 2014-2016, with some signs of its persistence through 2017-2018 and a possible reemergence in 2019. The tentative timeline of The Blob’s successive appearances around the Northeast Pacific is suggestive of its advection by currents around the Gulf of Alaska, along the Aleutians, into the Bering Sea, and eventually to the Bering Strait. During the initial phase of The Blob’s development in 2013-2014, advection along the Polar Front might have played a certain role. The extreme persistence and magnitude of The Blob resulted in numerous and sometimes dramatic ecosystem responses in the eastern Bering Sea. The multi-year duration of The Blob might have preconditioned the Bering Sea for the record low seasonal sea ice extent during the winter of 2017-2018 and disappearance of the cold pool in 2016 and 2018 that profoundly affected zooplankton, invertebrates, fishes, sea birds, and marine mammals. Comparison of time-series of population responses across trophic levels suggests that The Blob lowered primary production during spring, increasing small copepod production and jellyfish, and reducing energy transfer efficiently to higher trophic levels. While the Bering Sea’s water temperature, seasonal sea ice, and cold pool seem to return to the long-term mean state in 2022, it remains to be seen if the Bering Sea ecosystem will completely recover. The two most likely alternative scenarios envision either irreversible changes or hysteresis recovery.

In our study we investigated the accelerated aging process of PLA under 253.7 nm UV-C irradiation with the use of GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC methods and formal kinetic analysis. The results of GPC and DSC indicated a significant degree of destructive changes in PLA macromol-ecules, while spectroscopic methods NMR and FTIR showed maintenance of PLA main structural elements even after a long time of UV exposure. In addition to that, the GPC method displayed the formation of a high-molecular fraction starting from 24 hours of irradiation, and an increase in its content after 144 hours of experiment. It has been showed for the first time that a distinctive feature of prolonged UV exposure is the occurrence of intra- and intermolecular radical recom-bination reactions, leading to the formation of a high-molecular fraction of PLA decomposition products. This causes the observed slowdown of the photolysis process. It was concluded that photolysis of PLA is a complex of physicochemical processes, the mechanism of which depends on morphological changes in a solid phase of the polymer under UV radiation.

The partial discharge (PD) event in high voltage insulation releases energy, exerts mechanical pressure, and generates elastic waves. Detecting and locating these PD events through short-duration acoustic pulses is well-established, particularly in gas-insulated systems and oil-insulated transformers. However, its full potential remains untapped in solid insulation systems, where the propagation capability of acoustic pulse and the acoustic reflections pose fundamental challenges to the Acoustic Emission (AE) detection technique. This study investigates the influence of reflections and multiple paths on the propagating acoustic pulse in polymeric insulating materials using a finite element method (FEM) in COMSOL. It was observed that the reflections from the boundary influence the propagating pulse's shape, peak magnitude, and arrival time. An analytical MATLAB model further quantifies the impact of multiple propagation paths on the shape, magnitude, and arrival time of the pulse travelling in a cylinder. Additionally, a Perfect Matched Layer (PML) was implemented in the COMSOL model to eliminate reflections from the boundary, and it revealed that the acoustic pulse magnitude decreases with distance following the inverse square law. In essence, the models aid in measuring how reflections contribute to the observed signals, facilitating the precise identification of the source of the PD event in the tested system.

The aim of our study was a comprehensive comparative assessment of the effect of consumption of 1 and 2% cholesterol as part of a standard diet with and without regular moderate physical activity on the main biomarkers of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as the intestinal microbiota of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups according to body weight and Open Field test results: Control (n=10), 1% Chol (n=10), 2% Chol (n=10), 1% Chol + RUN (n=10) and 2% Chol + RUN. The cholesterol was additionally added in the amount of 1g or 2g/100g, respectively, to the diet of animals. The rats of experimental groups 1% Chol + RUN and 2% Chol + RUN were subjected to regular (2 days a week) physical activity on a Treadmill. In rats of four experimental groups, when compared to the Control, a response of 39 indicators was revealed. The largest number of changes in biomarkers - 29 (statistically significant, p

The Subtropical Front (STF) plays a key role in the ecology of Chilean jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi. Nonetheless, there are few remote sensing studies of the STF in the open Southeast Pacific Ocean, and almost all of them have been conducted by satellite oceanographers in Russia and Ukraine to support respective large-scale fisheries of jack mackerel in this region. We reviewed these studies that documented long-term seasonal and interannual variability of the STF from sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height (SSH) data. We also mapped the STF from satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) data of the SMOS mission (2012-2019). The Subtropical Front consists of two fronts -- North and South STF about 500 km apart -- that border the Subtropical Frontal Zone (STFZ) in-between. The STF is density-compensated, with spatially divergent manifestations in temperature and salinity. In the temperature field, the STF extends in the WNW to ESE direction in the Southeast Pacific. In the salinity field, the STFZ appears as a broad frontal zone, extending zonally between 30-35°S across the entire South Pacific. Three major types of satellite data – SST, SSH, and SSS – can be used to locate the STF. The SSH data is most advantageous with regard to the jack mackerel fisheries owing to the all-weather capability of satellite altimetry and the radical improvement of the spatial resolution of SSH data in the near future. Despite the dearth of dedicated in situ studies of the South Pacific STFZ, there is a broad consensus regarding the STFZ being the principal spawning and nursing ground of T. murphyi as well as a major migration corridor between Chile and New Zealand.

Introduction. “Vein definition” for locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LA PDAC) assumes portal-to-superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) unreconstructability due to tumor involvement or occlusion. Radical pancreatectomies with SMV resection without PV/SMV reconstruction are scarcely discussed in the literature. Retrospective analysis of 19 radical pancreatectomies for “low” LA PDAC with SMV and all its tributaries resection without PV/SMV reconstruction has shown zero mortality, overall morbidity – 56%, Dindo-Clavien – 3-10,5%, R0- rate – 82%, mean operative procedure time – 355±154 min, mean blood loss – 330±170 ml, delayed gastric emptying– 25%, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula – 8%. In three cases surgery was associated with superior mesenteric (n2) and common hepatic artery (n1) resection. Surgery was completed without vein reconstruction (n13) and with inferior mesenteric-to-splenic anastomosis (n6). There were no cases of liver, gastric, or intestinal ischemia. A specific complication of the SMV resection without reconstruction was 2-3 days-long intestinal edema (48%). Median overall survival – 25 months, median progression-free survival – 18 months. All the relapses, except two, were distant. The possibility of successful SMV resection without PV/SMV reconstruction can be predicted before surgery by CT-based reconstructions. The mandatory anatomical conditions for the procedure were: 1) preserved SMV-SV confluence; 2) occluded SMV for any reason (tumor or thrombus); 3) well-developed inferior mesenteric vein collaterals with dilated intestinal veins; 4) no right-sided vein collaterals, and 5) no varices in the upper abdomen. Conclusion: “Low” LA PDACs involving SMV with all its tributaries can be radically and safely resected in highly and specifically selected cases without PV/SMV reconstruction with an acceptable survival rate.

Progress in macrophage research is crucial for numerous applications in medicine, including cancer and infectious diseases. However, the existing methods to manipulate living macrophages are labor intense and inconvenient. Here we show that macrophage membranes can be reconstituted after storage for months at 4C, with their CD206 receptor selectivity and specificity being similar to that in the living cells. Then, we have developed a mannose ligand, specific to CD206, linked with PEG as IR spectroscopy marker to detect binding with the macrophage receptor. PEG was selected due to its unique adsorption band of C-O-C group at IR spectra, which does not overlap with other biomolecule’s spectroscopic feature. Next, competitive binding assay versus the PEG-bound ligand, has enabled selection of other higher-affinity ligands specific to CD206. Further, those higher-affinity ligands were used to differentiate activated macrophages in patient’s bronchoalveolar (BAL) or nasopharyngeal (NPL) lavage. CD206- control cells (HEK293T) showed only non-specific binding. Therefore, biochips based on reconstituted macrophage membranes as well as PEG-trimannoside as an IR spectroscopic marker, can be used to develop new methods facilitating macrophage research and macrophage-focused drug discovery.

Abstract: Scavenging of electrogenerated superoxide radical anion (O2•−) by pyrogallol (PyH3) was investigated on the basis of cyclic voltammetry and in situ electrolytic electron spin resonance spectrum in N,N-dimethylformamide with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Quasi-reversible dioxygen/O2•− redox coupe was modified by the presence of PyH3, suggesting that O2•− was scavenged by PyH3 through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) involving two proton transfer and one electron transfer. The DFT calculation suggested that the formation of hydrogen bond (HB) complex and the subsequent concerted-two-proton coupled electron transfer (2PCET) characterized by catechol moiety in PyH3 is plausible mechanism which embodies the superior kinetics of the O2•− scavenging by PyH3 as shown in the electrochemical results. Furthermore, it was clarified that three hydroxyl groups of PyH3 promote the formation of prereactive HB complex, in comparative analyses using related compounds, resulting the promotion of the O2•− scavenging.

Lectins, characterized by their carbohydrate-binding ability, have an extensive practical application. However, their industrial use is limited by low yields, and few active recombinant lectins have been reported. In this study, the algal lectin BPL-3 (Bryopsis plumosa lectin 3) was successfully produced using a bacterial expression system, BL21(DE3), with an artificial repeated structure (dimeric construct). Recombinant dimeric BPL3 (rD2BPL3) was confirmed by LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Expression efficiency was greater for the construct with the repeat structure (rD2BPL3) than the monomeric form (rD1BPL3). Optimal conditions for expression were 1 mM IPTG at 20 °C. Recombinant lectin was purified under denaturing conditions and refolded by the flash dilution method. Recombinant BPL3 was solubilized in 1× PBS containing 2 M urea. rD2BPL3 showed strong hemagglutination activity using human erythrocytes, similar to that of native BPL3. rD2BPL3 had a similar sugar specificity to that of the native protein, i.e., to N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc). Glycan array results showed that recombinant BPL3 and native BPL3 exhibited different binding properties. Both showed weak binding activity to α-Man-Sp. Native BPL3 showed strong binding specificity to the alpha conformation of amino sugars, and rD2BPL3 had binding activity to the beta conformation. The process developed in this study was suitable for the quality-controlled production of high amounts of soluble recombinant lectins.

Currently, obesity is a critical global public health burden. Numerous studies have demonstrated the regulation of the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic abnormalities by the gut microbiota and microbial factors; however, their involvement in the various degrees of obesity is not yet understood well. Previously, obesity has been shown to be associated with decreased levels of vitamin B12. Considering exclusive microbial production of vitamin B12, we hypothesised that a decrease in cobalamin levels in obese individuals may be at least partially caused by its depleted production in the intestinal tract by the commensal microbiota. In the present study, our aim was to estimate the abundance of enzymes and metabolic pathways for vitamin B12 synthesis in the gut microbiota of mouse models of alimentary and genetically determined obesity, to evaluate the contribution of the obesogenic microbiome to vitamin B12 synthesis in the gut. We have defined a significantly lower representation of enzymes and metabolic pathways for vitamin B12 biosynthesis in obese mice compared to non-obese mice, wherein enzyme depletion was more pronounced in lepr(-/-) (db/db) mice, which developed severe obesity. The representation of enzymes involved in cobalamin synthesis is strongly correlated with representation of several microbes in high-fat diet fed mice, whereas there were almost no correlations in db/db mice. Therefore, the degree of obesity and the composition of the correspondent microbiota are the main contributors to the representation of genes and pathways for cobalamin biosynthesis in the mouse gut.

Wood is poised to become a material of choice for future construction. When appropriately managed, it is a renewable material with unique mechanical properties. Beyond its inherent sustainability, the use of wood has a crucial role in addressing climate change concerns due a significantly lower energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing and transportation, while simultaneously acting as a carbon sink. Thus, there has been a growing demand for hardwoods for structural applications, including Castanea sativa Mill., the focal point of this investigation. Albeit in a limited capacity, Eurocode 5-2 offers friction coefficients for softwoods, but it falls short for hardwoods which it is a gap to bridge with this research. These coefficients play a critical role in numerical simulations involving friction, enabling the optimization of joints and, by extension, the overall structural integrity. Test samples were evaluated at 18% moisture content, which is typical of Service Class 2, for various orientations of timber-to-timber and timber-to-steel friction. Considering previous friction coefficients at 12% moisture content, the linear variation was evaluated at an intermediate value of 15%. The results provide an experimental database for numerical simulations and highlight the influence of moisture content on the coefficients, which increase linearly along moisture percentages.

This paper evaluates the potential of solar concentration technologies—compound parabolic collector (CPC), linear Fresnel collector (LFC) and parabolic trough collector (PTC)—as an alternative to conventional sources of energy for industrial processes in Latin America, where high levels of solar radiation and isolated areas without energy supply exist. The analysis is addressed from energy, economic and environmental perspective. A specific application for Argentina in which fourteen locations are analyzed is considered. Results show that solar concentration technologies can be an economically and environmentally viable alternative. Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranges between 2.5 and 16.9 c€/kWh/m² and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided range between 33 and 348 kgCO₂/(m²·year). CPC technology stands out as the most recommendable technology when the working fluid temperature ranges from 373K to 423K. As the working fluid temperature increases the differences between the LCOE values of the CPC and LFC technologies decrease. When 523K is reached LFC technology is the one which presents the lowest LCOE values for all analyzed sites, while the LCOE values of PTC technology are close to CPC technology values. Results show that solar concentration technologies have reached economic and environmental competitiveness levels under certain scenarios, mainly linked to solar resource available, thermal level requirements and solar technology cost.

The orchid genus Brachystele Schltr. comprises 20 species distributed from Mexico to Argentina; 10 are found in Brazil. Anatomical studies of Orchidoideae Lindl. have been scarce, and the anatomy and histochemistry of Brachystele are still largely unknown. We characterized the vegetative organs of B. guayanensis (Lindl.) Schltr. using standard anatomical and histochemical microtechniques. Brachystele guayanensis was observed to display the anatomical characters commonly found in the vegetative organs of representatives of the Orchidaceae and Orchidoideae (including a uniseriate epidermis, thin cuticle, amphistomatic leaves, anomocytic, diacytic and tetracytic stomata, a homogeneous mesophyll, collateral vascular bundles, rhizomes with pericyclic fibers, roots with velamen, uniseriate exodermis, endodermis and pericycle). Histochemical tests confirmed the presence of lignin, proteins, and alkaloids, the lipidic nature of the cuticle, starch grains stored in spiranthosomes in the roots, and the composition of the raphides. Alkaloids were observed in great abundance, especially in the roots, and may have potentially useful medicinal activities, as has been observed in groups phylogenetically related to Brachystele.