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Carvone belongs to the chemical family of terpenoids and is the main component of various plant oils. Carvone and its hydrogenated products are used in the flavouring and food industries. A quantitative thermodynamic analysis of the general network of carvone hydrogenation reactions was performed based on the thermochemical properties of the starting carvone and all possible intermediates and end products. The enthalpies of vaporisation, enthalpies of formation, entropies and heat capacities of the reactants were determined by complementary measurements and a combination of empirical, theoretical and quantum chemical methods. The energetics and entropy change in the hydrogenation and isomerisation reactions that take place during the conversion of carvone were derived, and the Gibbs energies of the reactions were estimated. It was shown that negative Gibbs energies are recorded for all reactions that may occur during the hydrogenation of carvone, although these differ significantly in magnitude. This means that all these reactions are thermodynamically feasible in a wide range from ambient temperature to elevated temperatures. Therefore, all these reactions definitely take place under kinetic and not thermodynamic control. Nevertheless, the numerical Gibbs energy values can help to establish the chemoselectivity of catalysts used to convert carvone to either carvacarol or to dihydro- and terahydrocarvone, either in carvotanacetone or carveol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is developed to produce large titanium monolithic burning particles with a diameter of 250–550 μm. The combustion of titanium particles in free fall in air is investigated. The characteristic times of the beginning of fragmentation, end of fragmentation, and end of burning as well as the laws of motion of particles (in particular, coordinate and velocity at the starting moment of fragmentation) are determined using video recording. The size of particles at which the fragmentation mode changes from "star" to "fir branch" is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its second year. The invasion disrupted higher education institutions across the country and forced both staff and students to adapt to the new reality. This article focuses on the experiences of university students to understand how their educational process was impacted by the invasion. The research data comprise written testimonies from 81 students at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in three themes: organisation of studies by the university; self-organisation of studies; and personal experiences. The article concludes that the invasion shifted the educational process online; however, students are often prevented from accessing the virtual classrooms due to constant air raids, power outages and connectivity issues with the internet, thus leading students towards more self-studying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, whole-exome sequencing (WES) is used to conduct the massive screening of structural and regulatory genes in order to identify the allele frequencies of disease-associated polymorphisms in various populations and thus detect pathogenic genetic changes (mutations or polymorphisms) conducive to malfunctional protein sequences. With its extensive capabilities, exome sequencing today allows both the diagnosis of monogenic diseases (MDs) and the examination of seemingly healthy populations to reveal a wide range of potential risks prior to disease manifestation (in the future, exome sequencing may outpace costly and less informative genome sequencing to become the first-line examination technique). This review establishes the human genetic passport as a new WES-based clinical concept for the identification of new candidate genes, gene variants, and molecular mechanisms in the diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of monogenic, oligogenic, and multifactorial diseases. Various diseases are addressed to demonstrate the extensive potential of WES and consider its advantages as well as disadvantages. Thus, WES can become a general test with a broad spectrum pf applications, including opportunistic screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of 12 composite propellants of the following composition was studied: 60% ammonium perchlorate of the sieve fraction (180–250 m), 20% energetic binder, and 20% titanium particles of different sizes and types (spongy particles of size m and rolled pseudospherical particles of size m). The burning rates and agglomeration parameters of the metallic component at a pressure of 0.35 MPa in nitrogen and 0.1 MPa in air were determined. It was found that agglomerates of minimum size were formed when using titanium powder with minimum particles size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its second year. The invasion disrupted higher education institutions across the country and forced both staff and students to adapt to the new reality. This article focuses on the experiences of university students to understand how their educational process was impacted by the invasion. The research data comprise written testimonies from 81 students at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in three themes: organisation of studies by the university; self-organisation of studies; and personal experiences. The article concludes that the invasion shifted the educational process online; however, students are often prevented from accessing the virtual classrooms due to constant air raids, power outages and connectivity issues with the internet, thus leading students towards more self-studying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following nanoarchitectural approach, mesoporous halloysite nanotubes with internal surface composed of alumina were loaded with 5-6 nm RuCo nanoparticles by sequential loading/ reduction procedure. Ruthenium nanoclusters were loaded inside clay tube by microwaveassisted method followed by cobalt ions electrostatic attraction to ruthenium during wetness impregnation step. Developed nanoreactors with bimetallic RuCo nanoparticles were investigated as catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch process. The catalyst with 14.3 wt.% of Co and 0.15 wt.% of Ru showed high activity (CO conversion reached 24.6%), low selectivity to methane (11.9%), CO2 (0.3%), selectivity to C5+ hydrocarbons of 79.1% and chain growth index (α) = 0.853. Proposed nanoreactors showed better selectivity to target products combined with high activity in comparison to the similar bimetallic systems supported on synthetic porous materials. It was shown that reducing agent (NaBH4 or H2) used to obtain Ru nanoclusters at first synthesis step played a very important role in the reducibility and selectivity of resulting RuCo catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper demonstrates the feasibility of information and communication technologies (ICT) in English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching and learning process. The organizational and pedagogical approaches to efficient EFL learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have been outlined. Furthermore, the main perspectives and challenges appearing in an online learning environment have been characterized. The proposed paper aims to consider the possibility of integrating innovative computer technologies into online foreign language learning to foster students' autonomy and boost their language proficiency. The findings suggest that using ICT is beneficial for mastering a foreign language in out-of-class settings. Admittedly, there is no perfect or universal blend that may suit all the EFL learning environments. Therefore, it is claimed that blended programs should be created for each academic course regarding students' wants, needs, and abilities. Furthermore, each higher educational institution needs to have a strategy for designing and implementing a distance EFL learning program that considers instructional, pedagogical, and technological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes knowledge on the species composition of oribatid mites of the Transcarpathian lowlands. In total, 174 species of oribatid mites (97 genera and 50 families) are recorded from 53 localities and 18 types of biotopes. Ecological and distributional data for each species are specified. The fauna is compared with that of the other areas of the Pannonian lowlands (Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania). Two species, Rhinoppia similifallax Subías & Mínguez, 1986 and Galumna bimorpha Mahunka, 1987 are first records from Ukraine. Two other species, Cosmochthonius tenuisetus Gordeeva, 1980 and Ceratozetella maxima (Berlese, 1908) are found for the first time from the Pannonian Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of drugs of natural origin that increase endurance and/or accelerate recovery is an integral part of sports medicine and physiology. In this paper, decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and two ammonium salts—chloride (ACL) and carbonate (ACR)—were tested individually and in combination with GTE as stimulants of physical performance in a forced swimming rat experimental model. The determined parameters can be divided into seven blocks: functional (swimming duration); biochemistry of blood plasma; biochemistry of erythrocytes; hematology; immunology; gene expression of slow- and fast-twitch muscles (m. soleus, SOL, and m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL, respectively); and morphometric indicators of slow- and fast-twitch muscles. Regarding the negative control (intact animals), the maximum number of changes in all blocks of indicators was recorded in the GTE + ACR group, whose animals showed the maximum functional result and minimum lactate values on the last day of the experiment. Next, in terms of the number of changes, were the groups ACR, ACL, GTE + ACL, GTE and NaCl (positive control). In general, the number of identified adaptive changes was proportional to the functional state of the animals of the corresponding groups, in terms of the duration of the swimming load in the last four days of the experiment. However, not only the total number but also the qualitative composition of the identified changes is of interest. The results of a comparative analysis suggest that, in the model of forced swimming we developed, GTE promotes restoration of the body and moderate mobilization of the immune system, while small doses of ammonium salts, especially ammonium carbonate, contribute to an increase in physical performance, which is associated with satisfactory restoration of skeletal muscles and the entire body. The combined use of GTE with ammonium salts does not give a clearly positive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CFD modeling of radiative heat transfer in a large-scale PANDA facility in a presence of steam. • The finite-volume method for the discrete-ordinate solution of radiation transfer equation using CABARET technique. • The influence of thermal radiation on the temperature of the steam-containing atmosphere inside large-scale enclosures. The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of OECD/NEA HYMERES-2 H2P2 series experiments in the large-scale PANDA facility aimed at studying the effect of thermal radiation on heat transfer in steam-containing atmosphere, using CABARET-SC1 CFD code. The code was designed for the 3D high-resolution numerical simulations of hydrogen safety problems. It is based on the eddy resolving CABARET technique, which allows implicit modeling of the subgrid turbulence scales without using tuning parameters (Implicit LES approach). To model radiative heat transfer a control volume method for discrete ordinates numerical solution with an artificial speed of light has been developed and implemented in code. Fairly good agreement with the experiment was obtained for the gas temperature, helium concentration, and pressure values. Thus, the calculation results confirm the experimental conclusions about the significant effect of thermal radiation on the gas temperature distribution even in a low steam content atmosphere. The developed radiative heat transfer model can be further improved in terms of angular discretization method and gas radiation absorption model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a process of thermal decomposition of metal carbonyls in oxygen-enriched supercritical carbon dioxide was studied. Manganese, iron, cobalt, and tungsten carbonyls were found to be soluble in supercritical CO2 at relatively mild conditions. For each metal carbonyl studied in this work, the thermal decomposition led to the formation of branched agglomerated structures throughout the high-pressure vessel. More specifically, for manganese and iron carbonyls, the procedure yielded partially monolithic aerogel-like structures, while for cobalt and tungsten carbonyls, the formation of branched aggregates was observed. The morphology of all the obtained metal oxides was studied by means of TEM. The study revealed that all materials consisted of individual nanoparticles with sizes between 2 and 40 nm. Pore structure was investigated by analyzing N2 adsorption/desorption curves. The specific surface area varied greatly depending on the type of oxide from 10 m2/g for CoOx to 130 m2/g for MnOx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsupported catalysts were obtained during hydrogenation by in situ high-temperature decomposition (above 300 °C) of water-soluble metal precursors (ammonium molybdate and nickel nitrate) in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions stabilized by surfactant (SPAN-80) using elemental sulfur as sulfiding agent. These self-assembly Ni–Mo sulfide nanosized catalysts were tested in hydrogenation of aromatics under CO pressure in water-containing media for hydrogen generation through a water gas shift reaction (WGSR). The composition of the catalysts was determined by XRF and active sulfide phase was revealed by XRD, TEM and XPS techniques. The calculations based on TEM and XPS data showed that the catalysts are highly dispersed. The surfactant was found to affect both dispersion and metal distribution for Ni and Mo species, providing shorter slab length in terms of sulfide particle formation and stacking within high content of NiMoS phase. Catalytic evaluation in hydrogenation of aromatics was performed in a high-pressure batch reactor at T = 380–420 °С, p(CO) = 5 MPa with water content of 20 wt.% and CO/H2O molar ratio of 1.8 for 4–8 h. As shown experimentally with unsupported Ni–Mo sulfide catalysts, the activity of aromatic rings depends on the substituent therein and decreases as follows: anthracene>>1-methylnaphthalene≈2-methylnaphthalene>1,8-dimethylnaphthale-ne>>1,3-di-methylnaphthalene>2,6-dimethylnaphthalene≈2,3-dimethylnaphthalene>2-ethyl-naphthalene. The anthracene conversion reaches up to 97–100% for 4 h over the whole temperature range, while for 1MN and 2MN it doesn't exceed 92 and 86% respectively even at 420 °С for 8 h. Among dimethyl-substituted aromatics the higher conversion of 45% was achieved for 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene with 100% selectivity to tetralines at 400 °С for 6 h. Similar to 1- and 2-methylnaphtalenes, the hydrogenation of asymmetric dimethyl-substituted substrate carries out through the unsubstituted aromatic ring indicating that steric factors influence on the sorption mechanism over active metal sites. The catalysts were found to be reused for at least six cycles when the hydrogenation is sulfur-assisted preventing metal oxide formation. It was established, that at the first 2–3 h known as the induction period, the oxide catalyst precursors formed slowly by metal salt decomposition, which reveals that it is the rate-determining step. The sulfidation is rather fast based on high catalytic activity data on 2MN conversion retaining at 93–95% upon recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruthenium particles with size from 1 to 7 nm were formed by reduction of ruthenium complexes with urea, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, acetone azine, 1,2-Bis(2-furylmethylene)hydrazine) inside halloysite nanotubes. Catalysts of different morphology with Ru content from 0.75 to 0.93 %wt. were obtained using NaBH4 or H2 as reducing agents and tested in benzene hydrogenation as a model reaction. NaBH4 reduced catalysts showed similar catalytic activity with 100 % benzene conversion after 1.5 h. Reduction with H2 resulted in a decrease of catalytic activity for all samples. High benzene conversion was achieved only in the case of 1,2-Bis(2-furylmethylene)hydrazine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It was concluded that the thermal stability of complexing agents plays a key role in activity of catalysts reduced with H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mathematical models implemented in the CABARET-SC1 code are described and the code validation results characterizing its potential in the description of key processes influencing hydrogen propagation in the reactor containment in the course of a severe accident are presented. Agreement with experimental data was achieved by refining the computational grids and adding a radiative heat-transfer model with no adjustable parameters or semi-empirical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsupported highly dispersed nanosized catalysts based on transition metal sulfides were prepared insitu, in water-oil emulsions, by high-temperature decomposition of oil soluble metal precursors using elemental sulfur as sulfiding agent. Their catalytic activity was tested in hydroconversion of 2-methylnaphtalene and dibenzothiophene at 380 °C under H2 pressure of 5 MPa. In addition, the catalysts were tested in the same reactions in the CO−H2O medium (p(CO) = 5 MPa, the CO: H2O molar ratio was 2: 1, ω(H2O) = 20 wt.%) in which hydrogen is formed through a water gas shift reaction (WGSR). Unsupported Ni−Mo-sulfide catalysts were found to be the most active compared to catalysts supported on alumina. Transmission electron microscopy served to investigate the structure and determine general geometric characteristics of Ni−Mo−S particles formed in toluene—water medium by decomposition of transition metal naphthenates and hexacarbonyls in the presence of elemental sulfur under CO pressure. The method described in this study enables one to synthesize nanosized catalysts with a high content of active sulfide phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that play an important role in the mRNA regulation translation and degradation. Recent studies uncovered the implication of miRNA in the development of preeclampsia (PE)—a common and potentially fatal complication in pregnancy. This review provides an analysis of the current knowledge on miRNA associated with PE. We discuss the potential for using miRNA for the early diagnosis and prevention of PE. We briefly describe the miRNA targets associated with PE and point out the most promising PE predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of the genetic causes of inherited disorders from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data remains a complicated process, in particular due to challenges in interpretation of the vast amount of generated data and hundreds of candidate variants identified. Inconsistencies in variant classification, where genetic centers classify the same variant differently, can hinder accurate diagnoses for rare diseases. Publicly available databases that collect data on human genetic variations and their association with diseases provide ample opportunities to discover conflicts in variant interpretation worldwide. In this study, we explored patterns of variant classification discrepancies using data from ClinVar, a public archive of variant interpretations. We found that 5.7% of variants have conflicting interpretations (COIs) reported, and the vast majority of interpretation conflicts arise for variants of uncertain significance (VUS). As many as 78% of clinically relevant genes harbor variants with COIs, and genes with high COI rates tended to have more exons and longer transcripts, with a greater proportion of genes linked to several distinct conditions. The enrichment analysis of COI-enriched genes revealed that the products of these genes are involved in cardiac disorders, muscle development, and function. To improve diagnoses, we believe that specific variant interpretation rules could be developed for such genes. Additionally, our findings underscore the need for the publication of variant pathogenicity evidence and the importance of considering every variant as VUS unless proven otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic mechanisms of the defense vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex in humans with polymorphisms in the genes ADBR2, ACE, AGTR1, BDKRB2, and REN. We hypothesized that protective vascular reactions, in response to the diving reflex, are genetically determined and are distinguished in humans with gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin and kinin-bradykinin system. A total of 80 subjects (19 ± 1.4 yr) participated in the study. The intensity of the vascular response was estimated using photoplethysmogram. The I/D polymorphism (rs4340) of ACE was analyzed by PCR. REN (G/A, rs2368564), AGTR1 (A/C, rs5186), BDKRB2 (T/C, rs1799722), and ADBR2 (A/G, rs1042713) polymorphisms were examined using the two-step multiplex PCR followed by carrying allele hybridization on the biochip. Subjects with the BDKRB2 (C/C), ACE (D/D), and ADBR2 (G/G, G/A) genotypes exhibited the strongest peripheral vasoconstriction in response to diving. In subjects with a combination of the BDKRB2 (C/C) plus ACE (D/D) genotypes, we observed the lowest pulse wave amplitude and pulse transit time values and the highest arterial blood pressure during face immersion compared with the heterozygous individuals, suggesting that these subjects are more susceptible to diving hypoxia. This study observed that humans with gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin and kinin-bradykinin systems demonstrate various expressions of protective vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex. The obtained results might be used in estimation of resistance to hypoxia of any origin in human beings or in a medical practice. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrates that the vascular reactions in response to the diving reflex are genetically determined and depend on gene polymorphisms of the kinin-bradykinin and the renin-angiotensin systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antagonistic functions of Polycomb and Trithorax proteins are essential for proper development of all metazoans. While the Polycomb proteins maintain the repressed state of many key developmental genes, the Trithorax proteins ensure that these genes stay active in cells where they have to be expressed. Ash1 is the Trithorax protein that was proposed to counteract Polycomb repression by methylating lysine 36 of histone H3. However, it was recently shown that genetic replacement of Drosophila histone H3 with the variant that carried Arginine instead of Lysine at position 36 did not impair the ability of Ash1 to counteract Polycomb repression. This argues that Ash1 counteracts Polycomb repression by methylating yet unknown substrate(s) and that it is time to look beyond Ash1 methyltransferase SET domain, at other evolutionary conserved parts of the protein that received little attention. Here we used Drosophila genetics to demonstrate that Ash1 requires each of the BAH, PHD and SET domains to counteract Polycomb repression, while AT hooks are dispensable. Our findings argue that, in vivo, Ash1 acts as a multimer. Thereby it can combine the input of the SET domain and PHD-BAH cassette residing in different peptides. Finally, using new loss of function alleles, we show that zygotic Ash1 is required to prevent erroneous repression of homeotic genes of the bithorax complex in the embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ruthenium-containing catalyst on ZSM-5/MCM-41 micro-mesoporous aluminosilicate support was synthesized. The micro-mesoporous support and supported catalyst were characterized by low-temperature nitrogen desorption/adsorption, temperature-programmed ammonia desorption, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. Ru/ZSM-5/MCM-41 has high specific surface area (392 m2 g−1) and high acidity (1087 µmol g−1); the mean ruthenium particle size is 1.7 nm. The catalyst was studied in hydrodeoxygenation of a modelbio-oil compound, guaiacol, in the presence of water at a hydrogen pressure of 5 MPa and temperatures in the interval 130–290°C. The catalyst obtained exhibits high activity in guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation: The conversion was 90%, and the selectivity with respect to cycloalkanes was 64% in 3-h reaction performed at a hydrogen pressure of 5 MPa and a temperature of 230°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • NiMoS x /Al-MCM-41 and NiMoS x /Al-HMS catalysts were synthesized. • Ni-Mo sulfide catalysts are active in WGSR providing in situ hydrogen generation. • Ni-Mo sulfide catalysts are active in HDS and HYD in H 2 O/CO system. • Al-MCM-41 supported catalyst provide better DBT conversion. • Al-HMS-based catalysts are more active in HYD of aromatics. Abstract The mesoporous aluminosilicates Al-HMS (Si/Al = 10) and Al-MCM-41 (Si/Al = 20) types were synthesized via the neutral templating pathway and used as supports for Ni-Mo sulfide catalysts, prepared by standard incipient wetness co-impregnation technique followed by sulfidation procedure. Ni and Mo content were 7 and 24 wt.% respectively. Both mesoporous aluminosilicates and supported oxide Ni-Mo catalyst precursors were characterized by TEM, solid-state 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR, N 2 adsorption/desorption, TPD-NH 3 , TPR-H 2 , ICP-AES techniques. The chemical state and surface composition of freshly sulfided catalysts were revealed by XPS and TEM. The performance of mesoporous Al-HMS and Al-MCM-41 supported Ni-Mo sulfide catalysts in hydroconversion of 1-methylnaphtalene (1 MN), 2- methylnaphthalene (2 MN) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) was studied in high-pressure batch reactor at T = 320-400 °C, P(CO) = 3–5 MPa in the presence of water (20 wt.%) providing in situ hydrogen generation through a water gas shift reaction (WGSR). The results obtained showed that Al-HMS-based catalysts are more active in hydrogenation of aromatics while the higher DBT conversions were obtained over Al-MCM-41 supported catalyst. Mo-containing supported catalysts promoted by Ni were found the most active at T = 380 °C, P(CO) = 3 MPa and CO/H 2 O molar ratio 1.5–2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report the novel hybrid metal-clay mesocatalysts with halloysite nanotubes as carriers and cobalt as catalytic metal for hydrogen production from sodium borohydride. The ligand assisted metal adsorption on the surface of halloysite and intercalation into nanotubes was achieved using azines or silane. The catalyst with pre-formed cobalt oxide nanoparticles adsorption on the pristine halloysite surface showed low catalytic efficiency. The most active cobalt-containing system was formed using ketazine as the ligand. The chelating agent selection strongly affected the hydrogen evolution process and was optimized. The best halloysite based core-shell mesocatalyst contained 16 wt% of cobalt with maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 3 L/min×g(cat). Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Mesoporous cobalt/halloysite catalysts with 8-16 wt % of cobalt were synthesized. • Cobalt was linked to halloysite nanotubes via azines of different composition. • Catalytic activity of samples was tested in hydrolysis of NaBH 4. • The best Cobalt/halloysite catalyst showed hydrogen production rate of 3 L/min×g(cat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation of humans to challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperature, malnutrition, or hypoxia, is an interesting phenomenon for both basic and applied research. Identification of the genetic factors contributing to human adaptation to these conditions enhances our understanding of the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms. In our study, we analyzed the exomes of 22 high altitude mountaineers to uncover genetic variants contributing to hypoxic adaptation. To our surprise, we identified two putative loss‐of‐function variants, rs1385101139 in RTEL1 and rs1002726737 in COL6A1 in two extremely high altitude (personal record of more than 8500 m) professional climbers. Both variants can be interpreted as pathogenic according to medical geneticists' guidelines, and are linked to inherited conditions involving respiratory failure (late‐onset pulmonary fibrosis and severe Ullrich muscular dystrophy for rs1385101139 and rs1002726737, respectively). Our results suggest that a loss of gene function may act as an important factor of human adaptation, which is corroborated by previous reports in other human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here, we determined basic differentially expressed genes in endometrial lesions compared to eutopic endometrium of the patients with endometriosis (EM). Endometrial biopsy and tissue sampling were performed in ten women with pelvic EM and nine controls at their mid-secretory phase. NGS of mRNA combined with bioinformatic analysis and complemented by RT-qPCR analysis were used for analysis. A list of differentially expressed genes of ectopic compared to eutopic endometrium during mid-secretary phase has been composed. Functional annotation has found profound gene expression perturbations in numerous EM pathways including extracellular matrix, complement and coagulation, as well as cell cycle-related gene family. The genes of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and fatty binding protein 4 (FABP4) were determined as the most dramatically up-regulated genes in ectopic endometrial lesions. Both genes were not reported before to be associated with EM. Several other genes including PLA2G2A were also up-regulated in ectopic EM lesions. Notably, FABP4 and ADH1B are key genes in basic metabolism and known for their function in adipose tissue. The results provide intriguing new avenue for endometriosis studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanoparticles, being objects with high surface area are prone to agglomeration. Immobilization onto solid supports is a promising method to increase their stability and it allows for scalable industrial applications, such as metal nanoparticles adsorbed to mesoporous ceramic carriers. Tubular nanoclay – halloysite – can be an efficient solid support, enabling the fast and practical architectural (inside / outside) synthesis of stable metal nanoparticles. The obtained halloysite‐nanoparticle composites can be employed as advanced catalysts, ion‐conducting membrane modifiers, inorganic pigments, and optical markers for biomedical studies. Here, we discuss the possibilities to synthesize halloysite decorated with metal, metal chalcogenide, and carbon nanoparticles, and to use these materials in various fields, especially in catalysis and petroleum refinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of the telephone chest-compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guided by a pre-recorded instructional audio when compared with dispatcher-assisted resuscitation. METHODS: It was a prospective, blind, randomised controlled study involving 109 medical students without previous CPR training. In a standardized mannequin scenario, after the step of dispatcher-assisted cardiac arrest recognition, the participants performed compression-only resuscitation guided over the telephone by either: (1) the pre-recorded instructional audio (n=57); or (2) verbal dispatcher assistance (n=52). The simulation video records were reviewed to assess the CPR performance using a 13-item checklist. The interval from call reception to the fi rst compression, total number and rate of compressions, total number and duration of pauses after the first compression were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the recording-assisted and dispatcher-assisted groups based on the overall performance score (5.6±2.2 vs. 5.1±1.9, P>0.05) or individual criteria of the CPR performance checklist. The recording-assisted group demonstrated significantly shorter time interval from call receipt to the fi rst compression (86.0±14.3 vs. 91.2±14.2 s, P<0.05), higher compression rate (94.9±26.4 vs. 89.1±32.8 min-1) and number of compressions provided (170.2±48.0 vs. 156.2±60.7). CONCLUSION: When provided by untrained persons in the simulated settings, the compression-only resuscitation guided by the pre-recorded instructional audio is no less efficient than dispatcher-assisted CPR. Future studies are warranted to further assess feasibility of using instructional audio aid as a potential alternative to dispatcher assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of the oxidation products of aromatic compounds in oils is analyzed by Fourier transform ion-cyclotron mass spectrometry. Pyrene, phenanthrene derivatives, and naphthenonaphthalenes are shown to be oxidation-resistant aromatic components of oil. Ozoneoxidation products of homologs of benzene, naphthalene, and compounds having four or more aromatic rings are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To summarise and appraise cumulative published scientific evidence relevant to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education in Russia. DATA RESOURCES: We searched Medline, Scopus, Science Direct and Russian Science Citation Index databases from December 1991 to December 2016 to identify studies pertaining to the field of CPR education that were carried out by Russian researchers and/or investigated the topic of interest for Russia/Russian population. Reference lists of eligible publications, contents pages of relevant Russian journals and Google Scholar were also searched. There was no limitation based on publication language or study design. RESULTS: Of 7 964 unique citations identified, 22 studies were included. All studies were published from 2009 to 2016, mainly in Russian. Only three studies were reported to be randomized controlled. Non-medical individuals constituted 17% of studied populations. Most of the studies aimed to assess effects of CPR educational interventions, generally suggesting positive infl uence of the training conducted. The studies were highly heterogeneous as for methodological approaches, structure and duration of educational interventions, evaluation methods and criteria being used. Methodological quality was generally poor, with >40% publications not passing quality screening and only 2 studies meeting the criteria of moderate high quality. CONCLUSION: The results suggest paucity, low population coverage, high thematic and methodological heterogeneity and low quality of the studies addressing CPR education, which were carried out in the Russian Federation. There is a critical need in conducting methodologically consistent, large-scale, randomized, controlled studies evaluating and comparing efficiency of educational interventions for teaching CPR in different population categories of Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia is a disorder that can occur during pregnancy and is one of the leading causes of death among pregnant women. This disorder occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by arterial hypertension, proteinuria, fetoplacental, and multiple organ dysfunctions. Despite the long history of studying preeclampsia, its etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood, and therapy is symptomatic. One of the factors of the disorder is believed to be misfolded proteins that are prone to form amyloid aggregates. The CRD tests, utilizing the binding of the amyloid-specific dye Congo red to urine components, demonstrate high efficiency in diagnosing preeclampsia. However, these tests have also been found to be positive in other disorders with proteinuria, presumably associated with concomitant amyloidosis. To assess the limitations of the CRD tests, we examined urine congophilia and protein components mediating Congo red positivity in patients with proteinuria, including preeclampsia, amyloid and non-amyloid nephropathies. We stained the urine samples and calculated congophilia levels. We also assessed the contribution of large protein aggregates to congophilia values using ultracentrifugation and determined the molecular weights of congophilic urinary proteins using centrifugal concentrators. All proteinuric groups demonstrate positive results in the CRD tests and congophilia levels were more than two times higher compared with the control non-proteinuric groups (p <0.01). There was a strong correlation between urine protein excretion and congophilia in amyloid nephropathy (rs = 0.76), non-amyloid nephropathies (rs = 0.90), and preeclampsia (rs = 0.90). Removal of large aggregates from urine did not affect the congophilia levels. Separation of urine protein fractions revealed congophilic components in the range of 30–100 kDa, including monomeric serum albumin. Our results indicate limitations of CRD tests in preeclampsia diagnostics in women with renal disorders and underscore the need for further research on the mechanisms of Congo red binding with urine components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are a powerful tool for the identification of genes affecting human traits. Still, the interpretation of GWAS results is complicated, and new tools are actively being developed. Due to the scarcity of available datasets, simulation of GWAS data with known genetic effects is important as it enables accurate evaluation of such tools. In this study, we developed a flexible tool, bioGWAS, that provides a set of important functionalities for simulating GWAS results. We demonstrate that bioGWAS can efficiently generate GWAS results with predefined causal genes and biological processes and is capable of recapitulating the results of published GWAS studies. We thus believe that bioGWAS is an excellent method for testing bioinformatics software for GWAS results processing, as well as for the generation of datasets for educational purposes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven to be a powerful tool for the identification of genetic susceptibility loci affecting human complex traits. In addition to pinpointing individual genes involved in a particular trait, GWAS results can be used to discover relevant biological processes for these traits. The development of new tools for extracting such information from GWAS results requires large-scale datasets with known biological ground truth. Simulation of GWAS results is a powerful method that may provide such datasets and facilitate the development of new methods. In this work, we developed bioGWAS, a simple and flexible pipeline for the simulation of genotypes, phenotypes, and GWAS summary statistics. Unlike existing methods, bioGWAS can be used to generate GWAS results for simulated quantitative and binary traits with a predefined set of causal genetic variants and/or molecular pathways. We demonstrate that the proposed method can recapitulate complete GWAS datasets using a set of reported genome-wide associations. We also used our method to benchmark several tools for gene set enrichment analysis for GWAS data. Taken together, our results suggest that bioGWAS provides an important set of functionalities that would aid the development of new methods for downstream processing of GWAS results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halloysite tubular nanoclay was applied as a template for synthesis of ruthenium core–shell composite catalysts for the first time; 50 nm diameter ceramic tubular systems with metal seeded interiors were produced. The procedure for the metal deposition and prior halloysite modification had a significant influence on properties of the catalyst and, as a consequence, on its activity in hydrogenation of phenol. Cyclohexanol was the main reaction product, but its yield depended on the substrate conversion and nanoarchitectural composition of the catalysts used. The maximum catalytic activity (turnover frequency, TOF) achieved was 17 282 h-1 in terms of hydrogen uptake per surface Ru atoms. The substrate selectivity of halloysite-based catalysts was also demonstrated at the comparative hydrogenation of phenol and various cresols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of measurement of the burning rate of aluminized composite solid propellants (CSPs) and parameters of sampled condensed combustion products including their particle size distribution, chemical and phase composition. Effect of ultra-fine iron and amorphous boron additives in CSP formulations based on AP, butadiene rubber and Alex (2 wt. %) on the combustion characteristics was studied. The sampled particles of condensed combustion products (CCPs) were classified as oxide particles (less than 55 µm) and agglomerate particles (up to 500 µm). The CCPs particles were subjected to morphological, particle size, chemical and phase analyses. It was found that partial replacement of Alex by 2 wt. % of iron in CSP leads to 1.3-1.4 fold increase in the burning rate in the pressure range of 2.2-7.5 MPa. At the same time the agglomeration of metal fuel is slightly increased: the mean diameter of agglomerate particles in CCPs is increased up to 1.2 fold and their content is increased up to 1.4 fold. The content and mean diameter of oxide particles in CCPs are reduced by 16 % and 13 %, respectively. Upon partial replacement of Alex by 2 wt. % of boron the burning rate is practically unchanged as compared with that for basic propellant with Alex. However the agglomeration is significantly enhanced, which is manifested at the increase in the agglomerate particles content in CCPs by 1.8-2.2 times, increase by 1.6-1.7 times in the agglomerates mean diameter and increase in the unburned metal fraction in agglomerates by 1.6-1.9 times. The content and the mean diameter of the oxide particles are reduced more significantly than in the case of iron introduction, namely, by 20-30 % and 30-40 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurella multocida is among the most important respiratory pathogens of cattle. Outer-membrane protein ( OmpH ) constitutes an essential bacterial antigen and is well studied in avian bacterial strains. Studies on isolates from cattle with signs of respiratory disease caused by Pasteurella multocida serotypes A and D have not yet been covered in the literature. The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of the ompH gene sequences from 83 isolates and four Russian reference strains of P. multocida to assign them to the allelic variants of the gene ( OmpH -types). In addition, the above P. multocida strains have been characterized on the basis of capsular serotypes and virulence-associated genes. The isolates were classified into the OmpH -types based on allele specific PCR and gene fragment sequencing. The isolates of capsular serotype A have been subdivided into 6 OmpH -types, of which the most common types identified were A1 and A2. All capsular serotype D isolates belong to the same OmpH -type (D1). On 16 of a total of 23 farms all isolates belong to only one OmpH -type, on 4 farms - to 2, and on 3 farms - to three OmpH -types. The tbpA and pfhA genes were found more often in the isolates of capsular group А as compared to capsular group D (p ≤ 0.05). OmpH -types of serogroup А differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among themselves by the prevalence of the pfhA and hgbB genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials based on mesoporous MCM-41/γ-Al 2 O 3 silicon oxide with the supported compounds of La, W, and Ni and with W, Co, Mo, Zn, Ni, and La supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 were synthesized and studied as additives to FCC catalysts. The samples were characterized by BET, TEM, and NH 3 -TPD methods, IR spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. The catalytic tests of the above additives in mixtures with a commercial cracking catalyst were performed in a MAT laboratory system. It was established that the addition of 10 wt% La/MCM-41/γ-Al 2 O 3 to the catalyst made it possible to decrease the sulfur content of the liquid products of the cracking of vacuum gas oil to 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combustion energies and heat capacities of 6 esters measured by calorimetry. • Enthalpies of vaporisation measured using thermogravimetry. • Available thermochemical data compiled and evaluated. • Group-additivity developed to estimate enthalpies of formation. • Reliable calorific values recommended for thermochemical calculations. The fatty acids methyl esters with the saturated and unsaturated alkyl chains are known as a renewable alternative fuel – biodiesel. Calorific values were measured using high-precision combustion calorimetry. Heat capacities were measured using differential scanning calorimetry. Vaporisation enthalpies were measured using thermogravimetric analysis. The thermodynamic properties of fatty acid methyl esters available in the literature were collected, combined with our own new results and validated using structure–property relationships and quantum chemical calculations. The sets of evaluated thermodynamic properties have been recommended for chemical-engineering calculations. The group additivity contributions to the prediction of vaporisation and formation enthalpies of esters relevant to biodiesel production were developed and tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mechanism of acetylene hydrogenation over PdMn catalyst has been studied. • A kinetic model of acetylene hydrogenation has been proposed. • Shift of mechanism has been found at acetylene conversions > 75%. • The adsorption substitution of ethylene by acetylene is the key reaction step. • The rate constants and activation energy for ethylene formation were calculated. Kinetic analysis of acetylene hydrogenation over Pd-Mn/Al 2 O 3 catalyst has been performed. Based on a set of data of stationary catalytic process and non-stationary experiments at 303–323 K, a reaction mechanism scheme is proposed. The overall process is found to proceed by two paths: the initial one comprises formation of an intermediate of C 2 H 4 Z 2 type that may release C 2 H 4 by acetylene attack (main reaction) or form ethane by hydrogen attack (minor reaction). The main and minor reactions are parallel ones. The second stage comprises consecutive C 2 H 4 attack of adsorbed hydrogen with formation of C 2 H 5 Z species and their hydrogenation to ethane. This conclusive stage takes place at acetylene conversions higher than 75%. Kinetic description of two stages of acetylene hydrogenation has been developed and reaction constants are calculated. The activation energy of ethylene formation E 2 equals to 64.9 kJ/mol. For conclusive stage of acetylene hydrogenation, the kinetic model developed gave rise to equation for description of selectivity-conversion dependence S C2H4 = f(X C2H2) up to X C2H2 = 100%. General factors for achieving high selectivity to ethylene have been formulated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity and selectivity of a bimetallic Ni-Mo sulfide catalyst based on mesoporous aluminosilicate Al-HMS with Si/Al ratio of 10 in the vacuum gas oil hydrocracking process in a reactor with a fixed catalyst bed was studied. The dependence of the activity and selectivity of the NiS-MoS/Al-HMS (Si/Al = 10) catalyst on the process parameters (temperature, hydrogen pressure, volume stock feed rate, etc.) was investigated. It was shown that in the 380-450°C range at 5 MPa hydrogen pressure the catalyst ensures conversion of the heavy part of the hydrocarbon stock into fuel fractions with high selectivity in the middle distillates and makes it possible to reduce the sulfur content of the liquid hydrocracking products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy that affects 5-8% of women after 20 weeks of gestation. It is usually diagnosed based on the de novo onset of hypertension and proteinuria. Preexisting hypertension in women developing PE, also known as superimposed PE on chronic hypertension (SPE), leads to elevated risk of maternal and fetal mortality. PE is associated with an altered microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern in the placenta, suggesting that miRNA deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of PE. Whether and how the miRNA expression pattern is changed in the SPE placenta remains unclear. The present study analyzed the placental miRNA expression profile in pregnancies complicated by SPE. miRNA expression profiles in SPE and normal placentas were investigated using an Ion Torrent sequencing system. Sequencing data were processed using a comprehensive analysis pipeline for deep miRNA sequencing (CAP-miRSeq). A total of 22 miRNAs were identified to be deregulated in placentas from patients with SPE. They included 16 miRNAs previously known to be associated with PE and 6 novel miRNAs. Among the 6 novel miRNAs, 4 were upregulated (miR-518a, miR-527, miR-518e and miR-4532) and 2 downregulated (miR-98 and miR-135b) in SPE placentas compared with controls. The present results suggest that SPE is associated with specific alterations in the placental miRNA expression pattern, which differ from alterations detected in PE placentas, and therefore, provide novel targets for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying SPE pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic chromatin is organized in contiguous domains that differ in protein binding, histone modifications, transcriptional activity, and in their degree of compaction. Genome-wide comparisons suggest that, overall, the chromatin organization is similar in different cells within an organism. Here, we compare the structure and activity of the 61C7-61C8 interval in polytene and diploid cells of Drosophila. By in situ hybridization on polytene chromosomes combined with high-resolution microscopy, we mapped the boundaries of the 61C7-8 interband and of the 61C7 and C8 band regions, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the 61C7-8 interband is significantly larger than estimated previously. This interband extends over 20 kbp and is in the range of the flanking band domains. It contains several active genes and therefore can be considered as an open chromatin domain. Comparing the 61C7-8 structure of Drosophila S2 cells and polytene salivary gland cells by ChIP for chromatin protein binding and histone modifications, we observe a highly consistent domain structure for the proximal 13 kbp of the domain in both cell types. However, the distal 7 kbp of the open domain differs in protein binding and histone modification between both tissues. The domain contains four protein-coding genes in the proximal part and two noncoding transcripts in the distal part. The differential transcriptional activity of one of the noncoding transcripts correlates with the observed differences in the chromatin structure between both tissues. The significance of our findings for the organization and structure of open chromatin domains will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RF plasma annealing (RFPA) and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of high-dose implanted n-type and p-type amorphized Ge layers have been studied by Raman scattering spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. It is shown that recrystallization of n-Ge implanted by BF 2 + ions requires higher RTA temperatures and power density of RFPA as compared to p-Ge implanted by P + ions with the same dose. The RFPA has been performed at considerably lower temperatures than RTA and resulted in the formation of a sharp interface between the implanted and underlying Ge layers both for BF 2 + ion implantation and P + ions implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upgrading the properties of diesel fractions is considered one of the crucial processes in the petrochemical industry; and for this purpose in laboratory-scale researching it is studied on the base of the hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane as a main model reaction. Recently, zeolite-based bifunctional catalysts have proven their efficiency due to their remarkable acidity, shape-selectivity and relative resistance to deactivation. In this review, different topological-type zeolite-based catalysts, the mechanism of their catalytic effect in n-C16 isomerization, and the principles of shape-selectivity are reviewed. A comparison of their structural-operational characteristics is made. The impact of some feedstock impurities on the catalyst's performance and deactivation due to carbonaceous deposits as well as various modern eco-friendly cost-effective synthesis techniques are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The triglycerides with the saturated alkyl chains containing 3, 4, and 6 carbon atoms, as renewable energy sources were investigated. Specific energies of combustion were measured by using high-precision combustion calorimetry. The standard molar enthalpies of combustion and formation were derived from these results. Validation of the new calorific data for triglycerides was performed using the structure-property relationships. The experimental and additive enthalpies of formation for triglycerides measured in this work agree well and could be recommended for the thermochemical calculations for triglyceride technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report efficient hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol via in situ hydrogen generated through Water Gas Shift (WGS) reaction over nanosized unsupported NiMoS catalysts with tunable selectivity toward cyclohexene. This strategy possesses a direct reaction route of oxygen-containing compounds from bio-oils depending on catalysts precursors and reaction conditions. The active catalytic species were formed in situ through the high-temperature decomposition of oil-soluble metal precursors followed by sulfidation in water-in-oil sulfur-containing emulsions. Unsupported NiMoS catalysts were found to provide 100% guaiacol conversion at 320–380 ℃ and 5 MPa CO pressure. Reaction routes and mechanisms for hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol were proposed. Ni:Mo= 1:3 and sulfur content of 1.2–1.5 wt% favor higher cyclohexene selectivity decreases at low temperature and short reaction time (30–40 wt% water content, CO pressure of 5 MPa). The catalysts were found to be reusable at least 6 cycles in the sulfur-assisted hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol with maintaining conversion, and active component evolution was studied. [Display omitted] • NiMoS catalysts from oil-soluble precursors were formed in situ under WGSR conditions. • HDO of GUA via in situ H 2 generated through a WGSR over NiMoS catalysts was studied. • Reaction pathway for HDO of GUA over NiMo sulfide under WGSR conditions was proposed. • Increasing temperature and reaction time favors CH-ene formation in water-rich media. • The reusability in HDO and active component evolution under S-assisted recycling was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]