Search

For the first time, data on the effect of space flight factors on the interaction of a bacteriophage with a host bacterium have been obtained. The research was carried out on the Russian segment of the ISS using the E. coli—bacteriophage T7 model system. It was found that the lysis of cells by bacteriophage in space experiments, which were carried out in the first 2 days of exposure to microgravity on microorganisms, was 1.5 times faster than in terrestrial ones. With a longer exposure to microgravity on E coli, they acquired resistance to bacteriophage T7, which persisted for 2 days after returning to Earth. Sensitivity to the bacteriophage was fully restored by 4–5 days after the return of cells from the ISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To inform the management of wild fish populations, it is equally important to understand both the ecological connectivity of habitat patches, apparent at annual and seasonal scales, and the genetic connectivity, emerging at evolutionary scales across generations. Ecological connectivity indicates the potential for rapid recolonization upon local depletion, while genetic connectivity informs about the conservation needs related to the evolution of subpopulations and ecotypes in metapopulations. We combined acoustic biotelemetry and pooled-genome sequencing to study a northern pike (Esox lucius) population as a model of a freshwater piscivore that inhabits a network of shallow brackish lagoons in the southern Baltic Sea. We found limited ecological connectivity among genetically similar subpopulations of pike, suggesting a metapopulation structure characterized by discrete local subpopulations with infrequent migrations between them. Connectivity of different lagoons increased during spawning, suggesting directed spawning migrations to either freshwater rivers or low salinity patches in connected lake-like bays. Spawning site fidelity to either brackish or freshwater spawning sites was observed, further contributing to the reproductive isolation of certain subpopulations. The genetic population structure aligned with salinity gradients and geographical distance and was significant between pairs of rivers draining into the lagoon network, but it was unrelated to ecological connectivity. The results collectively suggest that local subpopulations may not rapidly replenish upon local depletion and that even weak connectivity among subpopulations was sufficient to maintain genetic homogeneity across lagoons with similar salinity levels. Effective management and conservation of species forming metapopulations, such as the coastal northern pike studied here, necessitate localized approaches that adapt fishing mortality to local abundance and promote access to specific habitats, especially rivers, during spawning to conserve the entire genetic biodiversity and foster resilience of the metapopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of the gene of pattern recognition receptor TLR2, proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was analyzed in the peripheral blood of nonagenarians (n=219; mean age 92.1 years, 77 men and 142 women) in comparison with healthy young donors (n=24; mean age 22.5 years, 16 women and 8 men). Nonagenarians were interviewed, medical records were analyzed, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed according to the Clinical Guidelines on Frailty. The level of gene expression was determined by real-time PCR. The participation of inflammatory mechanisms in the immunosenescence was revealed. It was shown that increased expression of IL1B and TLR2 genes is associated with the development of frailty in nonagenarians and can be a factor of pathological aging. Increased expression of IL10 gene can be considered as a factor of successful aging in nonagenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a generalization of composition algebras is given, in which the quadratic form is replaced by a form of arbitrary degree. Two series of generalized composition algebras are found: cyclic algebras of arbitrary order and algebras that are obtained by the generalized doubling procedure applied to cyclic algebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research is a socio-economic assessment of the effective integrated use of forest resources in the region. The methodology of socio-economic assessment of the effective integrated use of forest resources of the region is proposed, which is based on: an assessment of the number of contributions to the regional trust fund, based on the differentiation of minimum rates of payment for the use of forest resources; calculation of an integral coefficient reflecting the effectiveness of the mechanism of financial regulation according to economic, social and environmental criteria. The conceptual novelty of the research is determined by the creation of a Regional Trust Fund to support projects for the development of the forest complex in the region, which makes it possible: to level the conditions of forest resources management in the republic by differentiating minimum rates of payment for the use of forest resources; to assess the effectiveness of various measures up to time and allocate more funds for reforestation; minimize personnel risk in the industry and obtain information necessary to adapt the proposed mechanism to changes in the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparing the effects of acute and chronic hypoxia in monocytic THP-1 cell culture, Bauer and colleagues [[5]] have described in detail the profiles of differential gene expression. TGF- 2 and hypoxia synergistically but diversely induced EMT of the HRPE cells, judging by the fluctuations in HIF-1 and target genes mRNA expression, as well as mitochondrial metabolism. A feature of the method is the ability to not only maintain in cell cultures a low level of oxygen close to the physiological norm (physioxic level), but also to gradually reduce it even further (hypoxia modeling). An important factor that largely determines the level of translation of cell proteins in response to hypoxia are post-transcriptional processes, in particular the regulation of functional dynamics of RNA. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract—The environmental preferences of the bank vole were studied in the protected area of the Middle Urals in different biotope conditions formed as a result of the consequences of natural catastrophic events. According to the abundance of the population, the "success" of the existence of the species in four biotopes with varying degrees of disturbance by wind and pyrogenic effects was assessed. A statistically highly significant level of differences between the compared biotopes was shown for six microenvironmental variables that assess the food-protective conditions of animal habitats. In general, the biotopic variability turned out to be higher than the chronographic (interannual) variability. Over the long period of the study, the bank vole prevailed in numbers in the undisturbed biotope, which was distinguished among the studied biotopes by high values of microenvironmental indicators that assess mainly the food resources of animal habitats: the coverage of areas by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Habitat conditions in the biotope undisturbed by natural catastrophic factors are most consistent with the environmental preferences of the bank vole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches to solving the issue of crushing wastes of highly stiff and dense nonwovens, direction and technology of secondary material processing with production of high-demand products, and organization of the waste treatment process in combination with modern instrumentation are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manifestations of biotopic and interannual variability in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) were assessed in biotopes that appeared after windfall followed by forest fire in the territory of the Visim Nature Reserve (the Middle Urals). The methods of geometric morphometrics were used to compare variations in the mandible shape and morphofunctional mandibular indices in even-age youngster samples taken in climatically different adjacent years in the windfall and burnt-out areas. Significant morphogenetic differences between them and the functional peculiarities of mandibles were revealed. Interannual climatogenic variations are comparable in value with biotopic ones but are differently directed in the common morphospace. At burnt-out sites, the spread of climatogenic variability of mandibular shape is higher than in the windfall area. In a year with a rainy summer, the morphofunctional differentiation of bank voles from both biotopes associated with the trophic preferences of animals increased. High phenotypic plasticity revealed in different years in restoring biotopes directly indicates the presence in the animals of cenopopulations of historically emerged pre-adaptations of individual development as a range of adaptive modifications of morphogenesis to particular climate fluctuations and biotopic consequences of natural disasters: windfall and fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the A. E. Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, a series of silatrane-sulfonamide hybrids 1a-d and 2a-d was synthesized. The antibacterial activity of 1a, 1b, 1d, 2a, and 2b against test strains of bacteria Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG, Yersinia enterocolitica 628/1, Listeria monocytogenes 766, and Starhylococcus aureus ATCC 6538-P (FDA 209-Р) was evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration for silatrane-sulfonamide hybrids was 100-200 mg/liter. Silatrane-sulfonamide hybrid 1d was the most active against all tested strains: minimum inhibitory concentration 100 mg/liter. Exposure to silatrane-sulfonamide hybrids in a doses of 100-200 mg/liter inhibited culture growth by 50-75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cerebral hemispheres neuropil of rats with experimental nitrite-induced Alzheimer's type dementia was studied after mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) introduction. Rats were injected with an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite (50 mg/ kg) for 14 (group 1) and 28 days (group 3), and half of them additionally got intravenously MSC (500000 cells per rat) (groups 2 and 4). The control group received saline in the same way. The acetylcholine level, TBA-active substances contents, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in brain homogenates, and the content of 2,3-diphofoglycerate (2,3- DFG) in erythrocytes were measured spectrophotometrically. Brain slices were stained with Congo red and according to the Einarson method. They were then examined on an Axiostar plus binocular microscope ("Zeiss", Germany). The optical density of the cerebral hemispheres neuropil had been measured. In all experimental groups, an increase in the content of 2,3-DFG in erythrocytes and an imbalance in the pro- and antioxidant system, oxidative stress development in brain were observed. The neuropil structure of the cerebral hemispheres was changed: we observed focal zones of neurofilaments degeneration and atrophy and amyloid accumulation, especially in group 3. The optical density of neuropil was reduced; this was accompanied by a decrease in the content of acetylcholine. MSC injections resulted in a significant increase in the content of acetylcholine, decrease in the brain oxygen demand and the content of TBA-active substances. Consequently, prolonged sodium nitrite administration leads to the cerebral hemispheres neuropil structure and functional injury. MSC introduction contributes to the improvement of the neuropil morphofunctional state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential tunneling conductance of the interlayer van der Waals surface (0001) is investigated in n-Bi2 – xSbxTe3 – y – zSeySz multicomponent solid solutions at x = 0.2, y = z = 0.09, optimized for near room temperatures with a high power factor and, at x = 0.4, y = 0, z = 0.06, with optimal thermoelectric properties for low temperatures and a high Seebeck coefficient. It is shown that the intensity of the fluctuations ΔED of the Dirac point energy, the shift of the valence band top, and the presence of surface levels in the energy gap formed by impurity defects are determined by the composition and thermoelectric properties of solid solutions. The contribution of the surface states of Dirac fermions increases in n-Bi1.8Sb0.2Te2.82Se0.09S0.09 solid solution with a high power factor due to a significant decrease in the surface concentration near the charge-neutrality point and an increase in fermion mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectral dependences of the absorption coefficient α in the submicron samples of the n-Bi2Te3 + CdBr2 topological insulator, which have the optimal thermoelectric properties at high values of the Seebeck coefficient at temperatures below room temperature, are studied at temperatures of 205 and 300 K. The components of the optical absorption spectra related to interband and intersubband electron transitions are revealed and analyzed. It is found that in bismuth telluride, as the temperature decreases, the optical transitions of electrons at the threshold of interband absorption remain direct and permitted. The energy gaps between the absolute extremums of the conduction band and the valence band, as well as between the main and additional subbands of the conduction band, are estimated. It is shown that the rates at which they change with temperature are opposite in sign. The energy band diagram of Bi2Te3, corresponding to the experimental data, is constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the (0001) interlayer surface has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy in n-Bi1.6Sb0.4Te2.94Se0.06, n-Bi1.8Sb0.2Te2.82Se0.09S0.09, p-Bi0.8Sb1.2Te2.91Se0.09, and p-Bi0.7Sb1.3Te2.91Se0.09 solid solutions. Impurity and intrinsic defects (tellurium vacancies, antisite defects, and adatoms) were found on the (0001) surface, which are formed in these compositions due to the substitution of atoms in Bi2Te3 sublattices. The mean values of HM and the root-mean-square deviations HS with respect to height in the distribution of atoms on the surface have been determined depending on the composition of the solid solution. The effect of detected defects on the thermoelectric properties of solid solutions has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In anisotropic layered films of a multicomponent n-Bi1.92In0.02Te2.85Se0.15 solid solution in strong magnetic fields from 2 to 14 T at low temperatures, quantum oscillations of the magnetoresistance associated with the surface states of electrons in three-dimensional topological insulators are studied. From analysis of the spectral distribution of the amplitudes of quantum magnetoresistance oscillations, the main parameters of the Dirac-fermion surface states are determined. The results are compared with data obtained by the method of scanning tunneling spectroscopy. It is shown that a high surface concentration determines the contribution of the Dirac-fermion surface states to the thermoelectric properties of n-Bi1.92In0.02Te2.85Se0.15 films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose The Covid-19 pandemic has created many adverse effects. It overloads the healthcare system, causes deaths, and angers some at anti-covid restrictions. This study examines the feasibility of using technical and technological ideas to overcome these effects. The solution is based on new knowledge about the virus, its nature, formation, and activation in the environment. Background The rapid spread of a new coronavirus infection is taking place against the background of a lack of time required to create new treatment scenarios for the disease, development, production, and vaccine safety research. In such a situation, it became necessary to gain this time for organizing and conducting events that could reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Methodology The science that studies the morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution of viruses is virology. The modern development of virology is moving towards a more accurate and comprehensive description of the mechanisms of interaction of viruses with the host organism. This contributed to the emergence of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and immunomics. However, in virology, there is no particular discipline that sets itself three fundamental goals: to substantiate a single concept of the emergence of viruses; to study the natural mechanisms of formation of virus molecules in the environment; to describe the natural mechanisms of activation of certain viruses in the environment that cause viral pandemics. As a result, there are many articles among the published scientific articles on viruses dealing with the mechanisms of interaction of viruses with the host organism. However, there are no articles on the natural mechanisms of formation and activation of certain viruses in the environment. In the absence of such specialized articles, we were forced to use the method of systems transdisciplinary generalization of disciplinary knowledge to achieve our article's purpose. Generalization created new knowledge about the nature of viruses, about the mechanisms of their formation and activation in the environment and cells of biological organisms. It is logical to assume that to synchronize the state of biological objects of all functional ensembles on the planet, it is necessary to create and activate appropriate "technological tools." We have suggested and proved that RNA viruses play the role of such tools. Piezoelectricity activates viruses. It occurs during the compression and stretching of sedimentary rocks and bases of continental plates in different territories. Contribution The systems transdisciplinary generalization of the knowledge of scientific disciplines made it possible to edit the concept of viruses, to eliminate stereotypes that arose due to the use of unsuccessful analogies. As a result of this generalization, it was possible to prove that viruses are not intracellular parasites. The virus is a "technological tool" of the planetary organizing component. This "tool" aims to correct the genetic programs of organisms of all functional ensembles (plants, animals, people), which will maintain the state of organisms and the parameters of their metabolism in changing environmental conditions. Findings The viruses that triggered pandemics in the 20th century and early 21st century are RNA viruses. RNA molecules play the role of "technological tools" that the planetary organizing component uses to carry out short-term and long-term adjustments and constant support of the genetic programs of biological organisms. Therefore, in such a situation, it is advisable to talk not about the fight against the virus but only about eliminating the negative manifestations of the Covid-19 pandemic: reducing the number of people in need of emergency hospitalization, eliminating cases of the acute course of the disease and deaths. It is proposed to use certain technical and technological ideas and solutions to eliminate these negative manifestations. Recommendations for Practitioners Some scientists claim that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus will be active for a long time. In such circumstances, it is essential to ensure the safety of medical workers who work in covid hospitals, and every day they risk getting sick and dying. Therefore, the proposed technical and technological ideas and solutions can be used, among other things, to solve this problem. Recommendations for Researchers This paper recommends that researchers use new interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. They challenge assumptions and conclusions about the nature of viruses, and the mechanisms of their formation and activation in the environment can initiate. Such new research might describe the mechanisms that form and activate viruses in the environment and the body's cells. They also might provide practical use of this knowledge to eliminate the multiple speculations and fears that arise against the background of reports of the likely appearance of more deadly viruses and viral infections. Impact on Society Viral pandemics negatively affect society's quality of life: economic ties and the established way of life are disrupted. The proposed technical and technological solutions will significantly reduce this influence and eliminate society's discontent by those annoyed with the periodically introduced anti-covid restrictions. Future Research The results of a systems transdisciplinary generalization of disciplinary knowledge about the nature and purpose of viruses are essential for expanding the horizon of the scientific worldview. Future fundamental research on the mechanisms of objective organizing constituents, a general description given in this article, will contribute to a deeper understanding of chemical and biological evolution mechanisms in which modern humanity is involved. In due time, such an understanding will allow a new look at the existing scenarios of the world socio-economic order, explore and describe new principles of sustainable development of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose: This paper focuses on systematizing and rethinking the conformity of modern transdisciplinarity with its prime cause and initial ideas. Background: The difficulties of implementing transdisciplinarity into science and education are connected with the fact that its generally accepted definition, identification characteristics, and methodological features are still missing. In order to eliminate these disadvantages of transdisciplinarity, its prime cause and initial ideas had to be detected. It is also important to analyze the correspondence of the existing opinions about transdisciplinarity with the content of these cause and ideas. Methodology: The qualitative analysis of the literature reviews on the subject of transdisciplinary was used in order to determine the correspondence of the opinions about the transdisciplinarity with the meaning of its prime cause and initial ideas. These opinions had to be generalized as well. Through this method, it was possible to detect and classify opinions into 11 groups including 39 stereotypes of transdisciplinarity. For substantiation of transdisciplinary approaches that are consistent with the approaches of contemporary science, C.F. Gauss random variables normal distribution was used. The "Gauss curve" helped to show the place of transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches in the structure of academic and systems approaches. The "Gauss curve" also demonstrated the step-by-step "broadening of the scientific worldview horizon due to sequential intensification of synthesis, integration, unification, and generalization of the disciplinary knowledge." Contribution: After reconsideration of the results on qualitative analysis of the literature reviews, the generalized definition of transdisciplinarity could be formulated, including the definition for transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches. It was proven that transdisciplinarity is a natural stage for the development of contemporary science and education, and the transdisciplinary approaches were able to suggest the methods and tools to solve the complex and poorly structured problems of science and the society. Findings: Many existing stereotypes of transdisciplinarity do not meet its prime cause and initial ideas. Such stereotypes do not have deep philosophic and theoretical substantiation. They also do not suggest the transdisciplinary methods and tools. Thus, the authors of such stereotypes often claim them to be transdisciplinary or suggest perceiving them as transdisciplinarity. This circumstance is the reason why many disciplinary scientists, practitioners, and initiators of higher education view transdisciplinarity as a marginal direction of contemporary science. Based on the generalized definition of transdisciplinarity, as well as its prime cause and initial ideas, it was shown that transdisciplinarity is presented in contemporary science in the form of two different approaches, i.e., the transdisciplinary approach and systems transdisciplinary approach. The objective of the transdisciplinary approach is to ensure science development at the stage of synthesis and integration of disciplinary knowledge, while the objective of the systems transdisciplinary approach is to ensure that the problems of modern society are solved through unification and generalization of the disciplinary knowledge. Recommendations for Practitioners: The practitioners should take into consideration that the transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches have different specific features. Within the limits of the transdisciplinary approach, a team of disciplinary specialists forms a new method to solve each new problem every time. As a result, the solution of the problem is created based on the consensus formed by compromises. Such a solution is difficult to be risk analyzed. Within the limits of the systems transdisciplinary approach, a team of disciplinary specialists uses a universal systems transdisciplinary methodology to solve each problem. In this case, the disciplinary specialists do not seek compromises, but perform their part of research using the disciplinary methods and tools. The disciplinary results are unified and generalized by the generalist specialist, who has a methodology of the systems transdisciplinary approach. Thus, the solution of the problem should be subject to risk analysis since it is included into the basic research process. Recommendations for Researchers: The researchers should consider that within the limits of the transdisciplinary approach, the disciplinary specialists are managed. Within the limits of the systems transdisciplinary approach, the disciplinary knowledge is managed. Thus, the transdisciplinary approach is efficient for organization and research with participation of the scientists of the complementary disciplines. An example of such research can be a team of researchers of medical disciplines and complementary disciplines from chemistry, physics, and engineering. The systems transdisciplinary approach is efficient for organization and performance of research with participation of the scientists of non-complementary disciplines such as economics, physics, meteorology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and sociology. Impact on Society: The prime cause of transdisciplinarity is associated with a desire of economists, politicians, and managers to find a method of efficient long-range forecasting, planning, and control of social and economic development of the modern society, as well as the search for the solution to current problems accompanying this development. The transdisciplinary approaches formed the methods and tools to solve these tasks. Although society could use the advantages of the transdisciplinary approaches, it is necessary to ensure that in the consciousness of the disciplinary specialists, "the desire to have such approaches" should coincide with "the desire to apply such approaches" for the benefit of the society. Future Research: In terms of the main initial idea, transdisciplinarity is formed as a global approach. The global approach should have a traditional institutional form. This implies that it should be a science discipline (meta-discipline) and have carriers with the transdisciplinary worldview. Training for such carriers can be organized by the universities within the limits of the systems transdisciplinarity departments and Centers of Systems Transdisciplinary Retraining for Disciplinary Specialists. Thus, it is reasonable to initiate discussions for the idea to reform the disciplinary structure of the universities while considering the creation of such departments and centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In p-type thermoelectrics based on bismuth and antimony chalcogenides with a bismuth excess, the effective mass of the density of states m/m0 increases in nanocomposite and nanostructured solid solutions compared with the base material obtained by the direct crystallization method. It is shown that an increase in m/m0 is associated with an increase in the effective scattering parameter reff and strengthening of the dependence of the relaxation time on energy, which is typical for topological insulators. The material parameter β, proportional to the thermoelectric efficiency of ZT, at temperatures below room temperature increases greater in the nanostructured composition than in the nanocomposite with the inclusions of SiO2 due to the growth of m/m0 and a decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity κL. At high temperatures in the range of 300—500 K, the greatest growth in parameter β in the base material is associated with higher mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological neurons have adaptive nature and perform complex computations involving the filtering of redundant information. However, most common neural cell models, including biologically plausible, such as Hodgkin–Huxley or Izhikevich, do not possess predictive dynamics on a single-cell level. Moreover, the modern rules of synaptic plasticity or interconnections weights adaptation also do not provide grounding for the ability of neurons to adapt to the ever-changing input signal intensity. While natural neuron synaptic growth is precisely controlled and restricted by protein supply and recycling, weight correction rules such as widely used STDP are efficiently unlimited in change rate and scale. The present article introduces new mechanics of interconnection between neuron firing rate homeostasis and weight change through STDP growth bounded by abstract protein reserve, controlled by the intracellular optimization algorithm. We show how these cellular dynamics help neurons filter out the intense noise signals to help neurons keep a stable firing rate. We also examine that such filtering does not affect the ability of neurons to recognize the correlated inputs in unsupervised mode. Such an approach might be used in the machine learning domain to improve the robustness of AI systems. • Biological neurons do control the weight growth guided by firing rate homeostasis. • Nonlinear plasticity control keeps the firing rate constant with a varying input. • The model leads to correlation sensitivity amplification and filtering of noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in the fir‒spruce forests of the Middle Urals, in habitats with varying degrees of transformation by natural disasters (windfalls and fires), have shown that the abundance and dynamics of invertebrate communities determine the food supply of shrew habitats, one of the most important microhabitat characteristics. The indicator of food supply reflects the state of the foraging base of the common shrew and is a stable biotopic characteristic, the stability of which is maintained due to the redistribution of the abundance of different taxonomic groups of soil mesofauna in the course of their long-term dynamics. The abundance of the common shrew was not related to the food supply of the habitats of the current year, but depended on the food supply of the previous year, and this dependence was most pronounced in strongly disturbed habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose The article is designed to contradict the existing opinion that "transdisciplinarity is a marginal direction of contemporary science." Background The difficulties of implementing transdisciplinarity into science and education are connected with the fact that its generally accepted definition, identification characteristics, and methodological features are still missing. In order to eliminate these disadvantages of transdisciplinarity, its prime cause and initial idea had to be detected. Then an attempt was made to analyze correspondence of the existing opinions about transdisciplinarity with the content of its prime cause and initial ideas. Methodology The bibliometric content analysis of the literature reviews on the subject of transdisciplinary was used in order to determine correspondence of the opinions about transdisciplinarity with the meaning of its prime cause and initial ideas, as well as to generalize these opinions. This method allowed detecting and classifying opinions into 11 groups including 39 stereotypes of transdisciplinarity. For substantiation of transdisciplinary approaches consistency with the approaches of the contemporary science C.F. Gauss random variables normal distribution was used. The "Gauss curve" helped to show the place of transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches in the structure of academic and systems approaches. The "Gauss curve" demonstrated the step-by-step broadening of the scientific worldview horizon due to sequential intensification of synthesis, integration, unification, and generalization of the disciplinary knowledge. Contribution Based on rethinking the results from bibliometric content analysis of the literature reviews, the generalized definition of transdisciplinarity could be formulated, as well as the definition for the transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches could be given. It was shown that transdisciplinarity is a natural stage for development of contemporary science and education, and the transdisciplinary approaches were capable to suggest the methods and tools to solve the complex and poorly structured problems of science and society. Findings Many existing stereotypes of transdisciplinarity do not meet its prime cause and initial ideas. Such stereotypes do not have deep philosophic and theoretical substantiation, as well as not suggesting the transdisciplinary methods and tools. Thus, the authors of such stereotypes often claim them to be transdisciplinary or suggest perceiving them as transdisciplinarity. This circumstance contributed to the fact that many disciplinary scientists, practitioners, and initiators of higher education view transdisciplinarity as a marginal direction of contemporary science. Based on the generalized definition of transdisciplinarity, as well as its prime cause and initial ideas, we managed to show that transdisciplinarity is presented in contemporary science in the form of two different approaches: the transdisciplinary approach and the systems transdisciplinary approaches. The objective of the transdisciplinary approach is ensuring science development at the stage of synthesis and integration of disciplinary knowledge. The objective of the systems transdisciplinary approach is ensuring solving of modern society problems using unification and generalization of disciplinary knowledge. Recommendations for Practitioners The practitioners should consider that the transdisciplinary and systems transdisciplinary approaches have different specific features. Within the limits of the transdisciplinary approach a team of disciplinary specialists forms a new method to solve each new problem every time. As a result, the problem solution is formed based on the consensus formed by compromises. Such a solution is difficult to be risk analyzed. Within the limits of the systems transdisciplinary approach a team of disciplinary specialists uses a universal systems transdisciplinary methodology to solve each problem. In this case the disciplinary specialists don't seek compromises but perform their part of the research using the disciplinary methods and tools. The disciplinary results are unified and generalized by the generalist specialist, who has a methodology of the systems transdisciplinary approach. In this case the problem solution shall be subject to risk analysis, as it is included into the basic research process. Recommendations for Researchers The researchers should consider that within the limits of the transdisciplinary approach the disciplinary specialists are managed. Within the limits of the systems transdisciplinary approach the disciplinary knowledge is managed. Thus, the transdisciplinary approach is efficient for organization and research with participation of the scientists of complementary disciplines. An example for such research can be a team of researchers of medical disciplines and complimentary disciplines from chemistry, physics, and engineering. The systems transdisciplinary approach is efficient for organization and performance of research with participation of scientists of non-complementary disciplines, for example, economics, physics, meteorology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and sociology. Impact on Society The prime cause of transdisciplinarity is associated with a desire of economists, politicians, and managers to find a method of efficient control for social and economic development of modern society searching for the solution for current problems accompanying this development. The transdisciplinary approaches formed the methods and tools to solve these tasks. So society can use the advantages of the transdisciplinary approaches, it is necessary to ensure that in the consciousness of the disciplinary specialists "the desire to have such approaches" coincide with "the desire to apply such approaches" for the benefit of the society. Future Research In terms of the main initial idea, transdisciplinarity is formed as a global approach. The global approach should have a traditional institutional form: it should be a science discipline (meta-discipline) and have carriers with the transdisciplinary worldview. Training for such carriers can be organized by the universities within the limits of the systems transdisciplinarity departments and Centers of Systems Transdisciplinary Retraining for Disciplinary Specialists. Thus, it is reasonable to initiate discussion for the idea to reform the disciplinary structure of the universities considering creation of such departments and centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we compared the pharmacological activity of Venarus Plus, Venarus and Detralex 1000 mg on the reversion of endothelial dysfunction (ED), and on the effect on venous tone, vascular permeability, and platelet aggregation. We used 150 Wistar male rats, weighing 180-220 g, and 80 adult albino rabbits weighing 2800 - 3200 g. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was induced with the non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase, N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ether (L-NAME). Functional vascular tests and biochemical markers were used to determine the reversion of the functional disorders. The anti-inflammatory effects of the drugs was evaluated in rabbits using o-xylene. The venotonic effects of the compounds was carried out on an isolated segment of the rat portal vein with Ca2+ solutions at a concentration of 0.08-1.75 mM. Our results show that the maximum daily therapeutic dose of Venarus Plus, produces a significant decrease in the ED coefficient (CED), an increase in NO synthesis, and an extended ADP-induced platelet aggregation time. The studied drugs dose-dependently reduce vascular permeability disorders caused by the application of o-xylene, which was manifested in a profound decrease the size of spots and the extension of the time interval before their onset. To study the Ca2+-mediated smooth muscle response, showed that the maximum force of vein contraction occurs with a higher dosage of drugs in the presence of a lower concentration of Ca2+, the effects of the drugs are comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Therapy of pain syndromes involves exposure to its source, receptors, and peripheral fibers. Treatment of acute pain and inflammation involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nonnarcotic analgesics. An alternative to obsolete analgesics is combined compositions. Experimental results clearly indicates that caffeine effectively enhances the peripheral analgesic activity when combined in an analgesic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the peripheral analgesic activity of meloxicam, piroxicam, and their pharmacological combinations with caffeine. Materials and Methods: The peripheral analgesic activity of piroxicam, meloxicam, and their combinations with caffeine was studied using the abdominal writhing test. This method was used to induce pain of peripheral origin by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid solution. The investigated drugs, their combinations, and 3% starch mucilage were administrated 1 h before the introduction of the algogen. The cumulative number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid was determined over the subsequent 20 min. Results: All investigated drugs supplied a decrease in writhing in rats. Meloxicam and caffeine showed peripheral analgesic activity of 63.6% and 64.5%, respectively (p<0.05). The pharmaceutical combination of meloxicam and caffeine showed analgesic potential of 76.4%. Thus, caffeine potentiates the analgesic activity of meloxicam. The results exceeded the corresponding value of diclofenac sodium (67.3%). Conclusion: Experimental results clearly indicates that caffeine effectively enhances the peripheral analgesic action of meloxicam when combined in a pharmaceutical composition. These results can serve as a basis for the development of new domestic combined drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to justify the use of the universal scenario method of strategic planning and forecasting the development of the agroindustrial complex of the regional rural economy. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the application of a set of theoretical and methodological provisions for scenario planning and forecasting the development of agriculture in the regions, taking into account the assessment of their existing potential and constructing a territorial planning scheme for the priority of participation in the implementation of strategic directions of rural development in agricultural production. The paper presents a territorial model of the priority of participation of the municipal regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the implementation of strategic areas in the areas of development of production of grain crops, sugar beet, and oilseeds. The developed scenario method, reflecting the qualitatively heterogeneous directions of the development of enterprises, is formed taking into account the achievement of the strategic goal and potential opportunities of rural areas. This allows determining strategic decisions for the further development of rural areas and integrating them into a uniform industry development strategy. The developed approach is recommended to be used as a guideline in the development of long-term programs for the development of the crop production industry, as well as for adjusting the activities of ongoing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the preparation of a new salt spiropyran of indoline series containing vinyl-3H-indolium fragment in the 8' position of the 2H-chromene moiety and a chlorine atom in the benzene ring of the indoline fragment. The structure of the reaction product was studied by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The data of X-ray diffraction study indicate that the reaction leads to the partial exchange of the indoline hetarene fragment to provide previously described salt spiropyran containing no chlorine atom in the indoline portion of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term data on fluctuations in the abundance of Laxmann's shrew (Sorex caecutiens Laxmann) in the foothill taiga of the Northern Urals (Pechora-Ilych State Biosphere Reserve) have been evaluated using spectral analysis of time series. Periodic components in the population dynamics of the species have been revealed, including a statistically significant component that had a period of 3 years but was not highly regular. Analysis of factors accounting for variation in abundance parameters has shown that the population dynamics of S. caecutiens are influenced by both weather conditions and mechanisms of density-dependent regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface states of Dirac fermions in p-Bi2Te3, p-Bi2 –xSbxTe3 –ySey, and p-Bi2 –x–ySnxGeyTe3 thermoelectrics were studied and its topological characteristics were obtained by scanning tunneling techniques in dependence on compositions. It was shown that the thermoelectric power factor and the material parameter enhance with the shift of the Dirac point to the top of the valence band with the increasing of atomic substitution in these thermoelectrics. A growth contribution of the surface states is determined by an increase of the Fermi velocity for large atomic substitutions of Bi at x > 1.5 and small substitutions in the Te sublattice (y = 0.06). In compositions with smaller substitutions at x = 1–1.3 and y = 0.06–0.09, similar effect of the surface states is determined due to raising the surface concentration of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses various approaches to the concept of "individualization of learning" and their relevant changes in connection with the development of educational technologies. An analysis of the relevant literature shows that a more precise content of this concept in each specific case depends on what goals are meant when talking about individualization. There are large differences found in different countries, among different authors, and in everyday educational practice when this concept is used. More than that, the authors demonstrate that the very notion of "individualization of learning" is replaced by "individual learning," i.e. by the concept of "independently performing learning tasks." The research also clearly shows that a number of opportunities for better individualization of training are limited in conditions of traditional didactics, as well as in terms of group work and the existing system of lectures and seminars. The authors argue that "individualized learning" is a part of "personalized learning," since personalization is the realization of a person's desire to be a person. And personality is a systemic quality of an individual. This quality appears in three spaces, one of which is the space of a person's individual life. Another claim is that full individualization of potentials existing in education can only be achieved through a didactic-technological paradigm based on web-technology and application of intelligent robots in education. The second requirement implies administration of both education and educational process management. The authors additionally provide a case study of the "LUNCH Intellectual Information System" in order to support their arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid paragangliomas (CPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the head and neck. "Germline" and somatic mutations in a number of genes were shown to be associated with the development of CPGLs; however, molecular mechanisms of the tumor pathogenesis have not been fully understood. In the work, we have used whole exome sequencing data of 52 CPGLs obtained earlier. Using MutSigCV, the search for genes with high mutation rate was performed. Thirty four genes (MADCAM1, SARM1, ZFPM1, CTDSP2, DSPP, POTED, ANP32B, FRG2B, BAGE3, CCDC89, ACOT2, KRTAP10-1, ATXN1, GXYLT1, MUC2, AQP7, TMPRSS13, KRTAP4-3, PRR21, PSPH, PLBD1, ZNF595, IGSF3, PRR16, FAM157A, KCNJ12, HYDIN, IGFBP2, KIAA1671, DISC1, MUC6, XKR3, HRNR, and MUC4) potentially associated with the CPGL initiation and progression were revealed. The involvement of these genes in the pathogenesis of CPGLs was first shown, and possible mechanisms of their participation in that were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • There were pure samples dicyclopropyldinitromethane and tricyclopropylmethane. • Energy of combustion of these compounds was determined by calorimetry of combustion. • The enthalpies of vaporization were estimated using electrostatic potential model. • The formation enthalpies of liquid and gas of these compounds were calculated. • Obtained experimental and calculation values of formation enthalpy were compared. Abstract The energies of combustion of liquid dicyclopropyldinitromethane and liquid tricyclopropylmethane were determined by calorimetry of combustion at T = 298.15 K. The enthalpies of vaporization were estimated on the basis of electrostatic potential model. The formation enthalpies of the compounds in liquid and gas states were obtained from these data. The gas enthalpies of formation were also calculated by methods of the group additivity and isodesmic reactions. The obtained experimental and calculation values were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In n-Bi2Te3 and n-Bi2Te3 –ySey thermoelectrics, the surface states of Dirac fermions of the interlayer Van der Waals surface (0001) are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The surface morphology and modulated line profiles of the tunneling microscopy images are determined by local distortions of the surface density of electronic states and depend on the composition. The Dirac point ED in the studied compositions is localized in the band gap and shifts to the top of the valence band with increasing Se content in n-Bi2Te3 –ySey alloys. The dependence between the parameters of the surface states of Dirac fermions (Dirac-point position, Fermi velocity, surface fermion concentration) and thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficient and power parameter) in the thermoelectrics under study is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoelectric properties in the temperature range 4.2–300 K and magnetoresistance oscillations in strong magnetic fields at low temperatures are studied in nanostructured layered films of topological thermoelectric materials n-Bi2 –xSbxTe3 –ySey. It is shown that the thermoelectric figure of merit in layered n-Bi2 –xSbxTe3 –ySey films is larger than that in the bulk material due both to an increase in the Seebeck coefficient below room temperature and to a decrease in the thermal conductivity and its weaker temperature dependence. Analysis of the magnetoresistance oscillations is used to determine the parameters of the topological surface states of Dirac fermions and estimate their influence on the thermoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The sample of the copper(II) pivalate (Cu (C 5 H 9 O 2) 2, cr) was synthesized. • The combustion energy of crystalline copper(II) pivalate was determined. • The standard enthalpy of formation was derived. • The enthalpy of breaking bond Cu-----Piv was calculated. • The formation enthalpy of the trimer Cu 3 (Piv) 6 in the gaseous state was computed. Abstract The combustion energy of crystalline copper(II) pivalate was determined by static-bomb isoperibolic calorimetry. The standard enthalpy of formation was calculated on basis of obtained results. The value of standard enthalpy of formation was used to calculate the enthalpy of breaking bond Cu---Piv by the reaction: Cu(C 5 H 9 O 2) 2 (cr) = Cu(cr) + 2C 5 H 9 O 2 · (g) and the enthalpy of formation of the trimer Cu 3 (Piv) 6 in the gaseous state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A significant grain refinement of alloy Mg-1.0%Zn-0.3%Ca by ECAP was demonstrated. • A sharp inclined basal texture was formed by ECAP processing. • ECAP slightly increase the strength characteristic and fatigue life of the alloy. • Doubling of ductility due to the activation of prismatic slip was achieved by ECAP. • ECAP did not impair the chemical corrosion resistance of the alloy. Abstract Magnesium alloy Mg-1.0%Zn-0.3%Ca was processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with the aim to refine its microstructure. ECAP was found to reduce the average grain size from 106.0 ± 2.05 μm in the initial state to 4.0 ± 0.19 μm and 8.0 ± 0.18 μm in the transverse and longitudinal sections, respectively. This resulted in a slight strengthening (the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength rose from 92 and 194 MPa in the initial stat to 106 and 215 MPa after processing, respectively). The main advantage of ECAP is the concurrent increase of tensile elongation from 12.8% to 23.9%. The absence of pronounced strengthening and a significant increase in ductility are associated with the formation of an inclined basal texture, along with activation of prismatic slip during ECAP. It was also shown that ECAP leads to an increase in the fatigue limit of the alloy from 100 MPa to 110 MPa and does not impair its resistance to chemical corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New indoline spiropyrans containing conjugated cationic fragments and bulky substituents in the 2H-chromene moiety were synthesized by a simple one-pot method. The structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR (including 2D methods) and IR spectroscopy, as well as by element analysis and HRMS. Molecular structure of 1,3,3-trimethyl-6′-formyl-8′-benzyl-spiro[indoline-2,2′-2H-chromene] was refined by single crystal X-ray. A comparative analysis of the spectral and photochromic properties of salt spiropyrans and similar structures without a cationic fragment was carried out. It was found that the introduction of the cationic substituent at the 6′-position of the 2H-chromene moiety leads to a significant increase in the photoinduced isomer's lifetime. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • New indoline spiropyrans with cationic and bulky substituents were obtained. • Spiropyran salts show a strong bathochromic shift of the merocyanine absorption maximum. • Introduction of the cationic substituent at the 6′-position increases the merocyanine lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the primary causes of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. Patients with locally advanced PCa with metastases in regional lymph nodes are usually marked as a high-risk group. One of the chief concerns for this group is to make an informed decision about the necessity of conducting adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy after radical surgical treatment. During the oncogenic transformation and progression of the disease, the expression of many genes is altered. Some of these genes can serve as markers for diagnosis, predicting the prognosis or effectiveness of drug therapy, as well as possible therapeutic targets. We undertook bioinformatic analysis of the RNA-seq data deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas consortium database to identify possible prognostic markers. We compared the groups with favorable and unfavorable prognosis for the cohort of patients with PCa showing lymph node metastasis (pT2N1M0, pT3N1M0, and pT4N1M0) and for the most common molecular type carrying the fusion transcript TMPRSS2-ERG. For the entire cohort, we revealed at least six potential markers (IDO1, UGT2B15, IFNG, MUC6, CXCL11, and GBP1). Most of these genes are involved in the positive regulation of immune response. For the TMPRSS2-ERG subtype, we also identified six genes, the expression of which may be associated with prognosis: TOB1, GALNT7, INAFM1, APELA, RAC3, and NNMT. The identified genes, after additional studies and validation in the extended cohort, could serve as a prognostic marker of locally advanced lymph node-positive PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis, structure study, and photochromic properties of new salt spiropyrans of indoline series containing chlorine and bromine atoms in the 6'-position of the 2H-chromene moiety have been reported. The structure of the obtained compounds has been confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The compounds are photochromic; the long-wavelength absorption maximum for photoinduced isomer shows a considerable hypsochromic shift, while the lifetime increases considerably as compared with the fluorine-containing analog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of landscape heterogeneity on changes in the common shrew population were researched. Multiyear (1987-2017) time series data on species abundance in the plain and piedmont areas of the Pechora-Ilych State Nature Biosphere Reserve have been analyzed using the Fourier spectral analysis method. A cyclic component of three years and another one of lower value at five years were identified in the common shrew population dynamics in the piedmont area. In the plain area, changes in the animal population are more chaotic and periodic components are poorly manifested in the time series. The influence of landscape heterogeneity on the species population and its amplitude of fluctuation were also identified; these parameters are significant in the piedmont area and negligible on the plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the results of measuring characteristics of the artificial plasma disturbances excited at altitudes of 450-500 km with the ionospheric F2 layer modified by high-power HF radio waves from the Sura facility. It is found that at these altitudes there are plasma temperature and density variations in the HF-perturbed magnetic flux tube. No ducts with increased plasma density that were previously observed at altitudes of about 660 km were detected. The results of the studies are compared with the data from the DEMETER satellite and the results of radiotomographic measurements. It is noted that the field-aligned currents induced in a perturbed ionosphere during the Sura operation were detected for the first time using SWARM satellites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy of combustion of a pure sample diphenyl oxide in crystal and liquid states at T  = 298.15 K was determined by isoperibolic calorimeter combustion. The enthalpy of fusion, the triple-point temperature and the purity of the sample were estimated by studying the melting process by calorimetric method. The enthalpies of formation in the crystalline, liquid and gaseous states were calculated. All results are compared with the experimental values reported in the literature. The value of gas-phase enthalpy of formation was calculated by G4 method in combination with isodesmic reactions. The results of this calculation are in good agreement with the obtained experimental value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study that uses the web application deadartist.me to study data collection procedures and their social impacts. The study performs a test game, wherein Facebook users will enable the app to access their public profile, electronic-mail, and friend list to identify which dead artist they would be a reincarnation. The study reveals that posting results on Facebook timelines have attracted friends of its users to also use the app.

New spiropyran salts in the row of 1,3,3-trimethylspiro-indoline-2,2'-[2Н]-chromene are prepared and their structures are investigated. Molecular structures of obtained compounds are confirmed by X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. An open merocyanine isomer is found to be the most stable structure for one of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocompatibility of magnesium alloy WE43 was investigated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The biodegradation of WE43 samples in vitro was found to occur very rapidly. The evolution of a significant amount of hydrogen as a product of biodegradation prevented the attachment of cells to the sample surface and caused their likely damage. A tendency to the lysis of red blood cells and a drop in the index of survival of mesenchymal stromal cells were observed. By contrast, in vivo , after subcutaneous implantation to mice, the biodegradation rate of WE43 was significantly lower and no sizeable hydrogen generation occurred. An intimate contact between the sample surface and the surrounding tissue was formed without damage to the tissue, with the occurrence of neoangiogenesis in the contact area. Importantly, morphological studies showed that no major detrimental systemic effects were associated with the implantation of WE43 in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of the topological insulator n-Bi2Te3 (0001) have been studied in air by means of atomic force microscopy. The possibility to increase the sample conductivity by five or more orders of magnitude has been found. Bulk single crystalline films (few microns thick) and microflakes (∼100 nm thick) are compared. Unlike the local effect on the bulk film, the entire surface of the microflake can be switched to the conductive state. Besides, when switched, the conductivity of the microflake is usually higher by orders of magnitude than that of the bulk film. A possible mechanism for the effect is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]