Search

We report here studies of the possibility of using contemporary biomarkers of in vivo kidney damage - cystatin C and clusterin – in the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line model. The drugs used as nephrotoxic agents were cisplatin (cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2]) and vancomycin. Biomarker protein concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay. A sharp increase in the clusterin concentration was demonstrated during the first 4 h of incubation with vancomycin, after which the clusterin concentration returned to normal. The cystatin C concentration increased gradually throughout the entire incubation period on exposure to both cisplatin and vancomycin. These results demonstrate that clusterin and cystatin C could be used as in vitro biomarkers to assess drug-induced nephrotoxicity in RPTEC/TERT1/TERT1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dense layers of La1 –xSrxCo1 –yFeyO3 – δ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4; y = 0, 0.2, 0.8) cathode materials located on the electrolyte surface on the polarization characteristics of porous cathodes has been studied. The electrode characteristics were measured by impedance spectroscopy on symmetric samples with three types of electrodes: a porous electrode, a dense electrode, and a double layer electrode consisting of dense and porous layers. It has been shown that the introduction of the dense layer into the cathode structure can have both a positive and a negative effect on the polarization resistance. It has been found that the effect of the dense layer on the high-frequency contribution to the polarization resistance correlates with the surface specific resistance of the dense layer. The layers from La1 –xSrxCoO3 (x = 0.1, 0.3) highly conductive materials lead to a decrease of polarization resistance while the layers from La1 –xSrxCo1 –yFeyO3 – δ (x = 0.2, 0.4; y = 0.2, 0.8) materials lead to an increase of polarization resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies experimentally and theoretically the interference structure of the low-frequency spatial amplitude and phase responses of the scalar field and three projections of the vibrational velocity vector formed by tone signals from towed omnidirectional acoustic sources in zones near the interference maxima and minima of the sound pressure. The experimental dependences of these field characteristics on the distance obtained by four-component vector-scalar receivers when the sources are towed are compared with the calculated ones within the Pekeris model and waveguide model with a three-layer seafloor, the parameters of which were calculated based on acoustic calibration of the operations area. Satisfactory agreement was established between the amplitude and phase responses of the field, calculated by acoustic calibration and measured experimentally. It is shown that in the zones of maxima, a slow change in the angle of arrival is observed and the phase gradients are "smooth", while in the zones of the minimum, sharp jumps in the amplitudes and phases form in the horizontal and vertical planes, leading for deep minima to the formation of circulations: local vortices around the poles. Numerical analysis of the fine structure of the sound pressure and vibrational velocity projections in the acoustic vortex zone is carried out, and hodographs of the vibrational velocity and phase gradients of the sound pressure are calculated, confirming the formation of vortices in the vertical plane in the zone of the poles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of an ion beam injected along the axis of the anode electrode of a planar magnetron on the ignition of an anomalous low-pressure glow discharge in the magnetron is considered. The characteristics of the discharge ignition at pressures <8·10–2 Pa and the properties of a planar magnetron upon irradiation of the magnetron cathode by an argon ion beam are determined. It has been established that the discharge ignition voltage decreases with increasing ion energy. Its dependence on the ion beam current has a threshold character. The prospects of expanding the functionality of planar magnetrons by matching the sputtering modes of the central anode by an ion beam and the magnetron cathode by plasma ions of an anomalous glow discharge is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas-discharge device based on a planar magnetron and a plasma ion source is considered. The longitudinal injection of an ion beam into the magnetron and sputtering of the cathode and central anode of the magnetron by the ion beam contributes to the ignition of an anomalous low-pressure (below 8 × 10–2 Pa) glow discharge in the magnetron. It has been found that the discharge ignition voltage decreases with an increase in the ion energy and depends on the ion-beam current in a threshold manner. The prospects of expanding the functionality of planar magnetrons in the synthesis of nanostructured TiN–Cu composite coatings are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the approximation of kinetic energy transfer in collision cascades, a numerical estimate of the sputtering coefficient of the copper anode of a magnetron is considered. It has been shown that when a 1–10 keV ion beam is injected into a magnetron, the sputtering coefficient of the copper anode of the magnetron is three to six atoms per incident ion, which makes it possible to introduce and control impurities, in particular copper, under conditions of synthesis of superhard TiN–Cu coatings by reactive magnetron sputtering and directed action on the nanocrystalline structure of the coatings with high accuracy and in small fractional ratios (units of at %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of composites based on polystyrene with addition of halloysite nanotubes, mica, and montmorillonite aluminosilicates are obtained and the influence of these fillers on viscoelastic, mechanical, and structural properties of composites is studied. It is shown that an addition of up to 5% of mica can increase the rigidity of composites along with maintaining their strength at the level of pure polystyrene and without considerable embrittlement of samples. The addition of halloysite nanotubes and montmorillonite also increases the material stiffness but reduces its strength and elasticity. A significant (up to 50%) increase in the bending elasticity modulus of the composite was achieved by addition of 15% of halloysite nanotubes or 5% of mica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for the synthesis of 2-unsubstituted and 2-substituted 3-(N-arylcarbamoyl)-chromones by the reaction of 3-dimethylamino-1-(2-hydroxyaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones with arylisocyanates has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade a number of original works were published by Prof. I.A. Ovid'ko on the analysis of deformation mechanisms in nanostructured materials. It should be noted that in recent years nanostructuring of commercial alloys have been advanced for practical application. This work is devoted to improving the performance properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by hardening through the formation of ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure using severe plastic deformation and consequent application of the (Ti + V) N coating by vacuum - plasma deposition. The influence of the UFG structure on the enhancement of strength and adhesion properties of the coating was demonstrated. Mechanical tests at running temperatures of the alloy increased softening resistance was revealed for the coated UFG alloy in contrast with its CG and UFG counterparts without coating. The nature of the alloy behavior in terms of the barrier effect'' formation in the metal subsurface is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Stabilization of the threads tension is based on the optimization of the transfer function of the comb tensioner of the thread. Methodology. The optimization of the transfer function of the comb tensioner of the thread is based on the complex theoretical researches of the interaction the threads with guides and working bodies of textile machinery in view of creasing, bending stiffness and is aimed at stabilizing the thread tension, that will allow to avoid its breakage and will improve the performance of the process equipment and the quality of produced products. Findings. The conduction of the complex theoretical and experimental studies of the process of interaction between the real threads and comb strain relief of the process equipment, in view of the multi-dependence of this process, using modern tools and devices of registration the initial parameters, the active experiment planning, the application software of the computer allowed us to obtain the value of the transfer function and stabilize the thread tension based on improving the construction of the comb tensioner of the thread. Originality. For the first time, were obtained the equations to determine the tension of the after comb tensioner of the thread based on actual physical and mechanical properties and the law of the change of the input tension. Practical value. The construction parameters of a comb tensioner of the thread was optimized, that allowed to reduce breakage and, as a consequence, to improve the performance of the process equipment and the quality of produced products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full-scale measurements of initial stresses and numerical modeling of stresses in rock mass enclosing deep open pit mine Zhelezny under planning at Kovdor Mining-and-Processing Integrated Work are presented in the article. The authors have located hazardous areas in pit wall rock mass and validated stability conditions for pit walls with steeply sloped benches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The explosive evaporation of a fullerene mixture in a vacuum of ∼10 Pa during the contraction of a 1-kW hollow electron beam into a spot on a substrate in a time of 0.1-1 s is considered. A comparative analysis of the Raman spectra and the absorption electron spectra of a starting fullerene mixture powder and the vapor condensates shows that the evaporation of C and C fullerenes proceeds without breaking C-C covalent bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of electron-beam evaporation of a target in a vacuum of ~10 Pa is considered. Initially, a focused electron beam spot moves at the periphery of the target in a circular path with an angular velocity of 8-80 rad/s by means of a ring sweep in the frequency range of 50-500 Hz. Then, by radial displacement with a linear velocity of 10-100 mm/s, the spot is guided over a spiral path from the edge of the target to its center. Due to spiral scanning, the spot runs across the entire target surface with a much larger area in 0.1-1.0 s and rapidly vaporizes the target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with investigation of mechanical properties and fatigue behavior of the ultra-fine grained (UFG) alloy Ti-6Al-4V at elevated temperatures. UFG samples were produced by means of combination of equal-channel angular pressing and thermomechanical treatments. Studies of the temperature dependence of mechanical properties of the UFG alloy demonstrated their thermal stability upto 175-350 °C. It was revealed that 100-hour creep rupture strength at 300 °C increased from 750 MPa in the conventional state to 890 MPa in the UFG state. The alloy demonstrates stability of the UFG structure at 300 and 370 °C in the conditions of long-term tests. The fatigue tests were conducted with axial loading applied on a sample at 175 °C, the asymmetry factor of the cycle was 0.1. The fatigue endurance limit of the UFG alloy was almost 50 % higher than that of the CG alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the synthesis of monothiodibenzoylmethanes was developed. The method involves a reaction of potassium thioacetate with 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropynone prepared from salicylaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on enhancement of the fatigue properties of Ultrafine Grain titanium (UFG Ti) processed by ECAP-Conform and subsequent drawing. By examining specific combinations of ECAP-Conform and drawing, we have shown that the size and shape of grains, dislocation substructure formation, and grain boundary state are among the main microstructural parameters that determine the strength and ductility in UFG Ti. The increase in fatigue resistance of UFG Ti to 610 MPa was attributed to the high values of strength and ductility (UTS = 1290 MPa with elongation = 13 %) This value is comparable with the fatigue resistance of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis of photosensitive 3-acyl-2-hetarylchromones containing bromomethyl group in the 3-aroyl fragment and their further modification by the reactions with N-, S- and O-nucleophiles are described. A dependence of spectral properties from the structure of compounds was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooperative motion of a fluid and a parabolic tank is modeled. Use is made of a discrete model based on the Hamilton-Ostrogradsky principle for an arbitrary body of revolution and a non-Cartesian parametrization of the domain occupied by the fluid. A set of coordinate functions satisfying kinematic boundary conditions and solvability conditions is set up. The discrete model is used to study the transients in the system. It is shown that the model adequately describes the nonlinear dynamic properties of the system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a synthetic approach of obtaining bioisosteres from Colchicine through Diels- Alder reaction. It says that Diels-Alder reaction of dienophile V was carried out by heating reactants in toluene or in benzene in a tin (IV) chloride that acts as a Lewis acid. It relates that the initial dienophile and diene polymerization were the only products isolated from the reaction mixture. Moreover, it mentions that the Russian Foundation for Basic Research supported the study.

A compact source of gas, vapor, metal, and carbon ions based on a cold-hollow-cathode reflective discharge has been developed, in which a 6-mm-diameter flat target (Cu, Mo, W, C) is installed on the bottom of the cold cathode insulated from it. The density of the ion flow from cathode plasma reaches 100 mA/cm2 at an accelerating voltage of up to 10 kV and a discharge current of 0.2-0.5 A. Vapors produced during ion sputtering of the target are ionized in the cathode and anode cavities. A beam containing ions of the plasma-producing gas and vapor is extracted throug h the channel in the reflector cathode. A fraction of the vapor of the sputtered target, the flow of which is sufficient for growing layers at a rate of ∼0.03 nm/s at a distance of 10 cm from the emission channel under the action of an ion beam, is extracted together with ions. The fraction of metal ions in the extracted beam is 0.05-0.10. The total current of the ion beam is 20-30 mA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of fatigue resistance of technically pure titanium obtained by combined treatment with the use of severe plastic deformation are studied. Fatigue tests of smooth and notched specimens are performed. The main approaches to formation of ultrafine-grained structure in titanium alloys for raising the fatigue resistance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of an ion beam injected along the axis of the anode electrode of a planar magnetron on the initiation of an anomalous low-pressure glow discharge in a magnetron has been considered. The characteristics of the discharge ignition at pressures <8 × 10−2 Pa and the properties of a planar magnetron with an ion-beam-irradiated cathode are determined. It is established that the discharge ignition voltage decreases with an increase in the ion energy and exhibits a threshold behavior as a function of the ion-beam current. It is shown that there is a prospect for extending the functional capabilities of planar magnetrons through matching of the modes of sputtering of the magnetron anode and cathode by an ion beam and plasma ions of an anomalous glow discharge, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) of titanium creates an ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructure which results in significantly enhanced mechanical properties, including increasing the high cycle fatigue strength. This work addresses the challenge of maintaining the high level of properties as SPD processing techniques are evolved from methods suitable for producing laboratory scale samples to methods suitable for commercial scale production of titanium semi-products. Various ways to optimize the strength and fatigue endurance limit in long-length Grade 4 titanium rod processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with subsequent thermal mechanical treatments are considered in this paper. Low-temperature annealing of rods is found to increase the fatigue limit, simultaneously enhancing UFG titanium strength and ductility. The UFG structure in titanium provides an optimum combination of properties when its microstructure includes mostly equiaxed grains with high-angle boundaries, the volume fraction of which is no less than 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to the synthesis of films containing fullerenes and doping elements is described. It is suggested that a cluster mechanism of the target sputtering by accelerated ions makes possible the deposition of fullerenes on a substrate with a certain probability for dopant atoms being introduced into the cavities of fullerene molecules and a higher probability of their occurrence between fullerene molecules. The proposed method has been experimentally implemented by using an Ar+ ion beam to sputter C60 /C70 fullerene mixtures (synthesized in a plasmachemical reactor at a pressure of 105 Pa) pressed into disk targets with a doping element (Fe, Na, B, Gd, or Se). The ion beam sputtering of dopant-containing fullerene mixtures in a vacuum of ∼10–2 Pa allowed micron-thick films containing C60 and C70 fullerenes and the corresponding dopant element (Fe, Na, B, Gd, or Se) to be grown on quartz substrates. © 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses key issues concerning the dynamically equilibrium shapes of ocean-flow rings. Rings are near-surface mesoscale vortex forms that arise as a result of meandering ocean flows. These flows propagate along frontal zones separating water masses that substantially differ in terms of their characteristic properties.

A magnetron discharge with a cold hollow cathode and an uncooled rod cathode is studied. It is shown that such a discharge can be efficiently used to generate a plasma emitting charged particles. For a discharge current of 2 A and an accelerating voltage of 10 kV, ion and electron emission currents of 0.1–0.15 and 1 A, respectively, are achieved. The energy cost of ion extraction is 1–2 W/mA, which is two to five times less than for typical ion sources, and the energy efficiency is 15 mA/W, which is a factor of five or six higher than for electron emitters based on a hollow-cathode reflex discharge. © 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of finding the dynamically equilibrium shape of a rotating mass of liquid with homogeneous density (lens) submerged in a stratified ocean at rest on the rotating Earth is formulated. An equation for the shape of the interface between water masses is derived. An exact solution of the problem for an anticyclonically rotating lens in a linearly stratified ocean in the neighborhood of the lens depth shows that the dynamically equilibrium shape of the interface is a triaxial ellipsoid inclined with respect to the horizon and similar to an ellipsoid of revolution for real parameters of the phenomenon. The limiting values of the latitudes at which these formations can exist are determined. Degeneration of the shape with decrease in the intrinsic lens angular rate is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes mechanical models for the lenses 'Meddy' and the lens 'Mesopolygon-85,' which explain the displacements of the lenses for long distances from Gibraltar to the southwest and the south and the long lifetime of the formations. Reactions from the theory of motion for a solid in liquid; Expression of the blocking perturbances introduced by a lens in a bounded region.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of the IgG1 isotype obtained to the full-length recombinant pneumolysin (rPly) did not recognize or poorly recognized conformational epitopes of native pneumolysin in ELISA. At the same time, polyclonal antibodies (pAbs(rPly)) detected native pneumolysin in sandwich ELISA when they were used as capture and detecting antibodies simultaneously. All mAbs(rPly) inhibited erythrocyte hemolysis induced by native pneumolysin. The combined use of mAbs(rPly) did not reveal an increase in optical density in ELISA and an increase in inhibition hemolytic activity, which suggests that mAbs(rPly) are directed to the same or spatially closely located epitopes. pAbs(rPly) more effectively inhibited erythrocyte hemolysis than mAbs(rPly). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A planar magnetron with a rotating central anode has been developed. The central flat anode, which functions as a target sputtered by an ion beam, is installed with the possibility of rotation and at an angle of 45°–50° relative to the direction of incidence of the sputtering ion beam, and the anode rotation axis coincides with the symmetry axis of the ion beam. Calculation of the sputtering coefficient of the central copper anode of the magnetron shows that, under oblique incidence of sputtering ions and all other conditions being equal, the sputtering coefficient of the copper anode of the magnetron increases from six to nine atoms per incident ion, while the maximum accuracy of sputtered copper atoms on the growth surface of the substrates is achieved. The planar magnetron of the proposed design has wider functionality, in particular, in the synthesis of nanostructured TiN–Cu composite coatings. The homogeneous globular structure of the growth surface of the TiN–Cu coating with globule sizes in the range of 50–100 nm indicates a normal (unfaceted) growth mechanism. The microhardness of the coatings is approximately 42 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid-phase graphite-to-carbyne transformation providing a high content of carbon phases with valence electron sp-hybridization is considered. Transformation takes place under the action of an intense electron beam. At the first stage of the process, a graphite target is sputtered by a 4-keV argon ion beam at a pressure of 6.6 × 10 Pa to obtain a micrometer-thick carbon coating. At the second stage, the coating is subjected to thermal treatment by means of a pulsed 20-keV electron beam from 1 to 2 s wide. It is shown that direct solid-state graphite-to-carbyne phase transformation and crystallization of hexagonal carbyne occur at a fairly low temperature, 1500-1600 K, since the reaction goes at a low pressure of 2 × 10 Pa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapidly focused annular electron beam can provide for the effective evaporation of a fullerene mixture in a vacuum of ∼10–2 Pa. A 1-kW beam focused into a spot within 0.1–1 s produces explosive evaporation of a fullerene target at an extremely high efficiency of heating. A comparison of the Raman and electronic absorption spectra of the initial fullerene powder and a film deposited upon its evaporation shows that C60 and C70 fullerenes are evaporated without rupture of C–C covalent bonds. The electron beam evaporation in vacuum has been successfully used to obtain fullerene films on substrates with an area of ∼0.1 m2. © 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is proposed in this paper to use the focal characteristics of small seismic events, in particular, the scaled energy and the rupture propagation velocity, as indicators of possible dynamic movements along a fault. The two sites selected for analysis underwent microseismic events induced by mining operations. The first site, the Korobkovskoe iron ore deposit of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, is located in the aseismic region. The second site, the apatite–nepheline deposit of the Khibiny massif, is characterized by relatively intensive natural and human-triggered seismicity. Based on the results of the analysis, the values of the scaled seismic energy and the rupture propagation velocity are drastically different at the deposits under consideration. At the apatite–nepheline ore deposit, the parameter values are close to the range of values characteristic for "normal" earthquakes. At the KMA deposit, the obtained anomalously low values of the scaled energy and the rupture propagation velocity correspond to "slow" earthquakes. The results obtained are indicative of the prospects for using the selected parameters as indicators of possible large dynamic events at the studied site of the fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the immunogenicity of recombinant S. pneumoniae pneumolysin (rPly) when administered with and without Al(OH)3 adjuvant, and evaluated the protective properties of recombinant protein in the active defense experiment. It was shown that double immunization with rPly+Al(OH)3 increases the levels of IgG antibodies in comparison with the control (p<0.01), while triple immunization results in a more significant increase in IgG antibody levels (p<0.001). Double immunization with rPly without Al(OH)3 does not induce a significant increase in antibody levels in comparison with the control, while triple immunization results in a slight but significant increase in antibody levels (p<0.05). The active defense test proved the protective activity of rPly against S. pneumoniae serotype 3 at intranasal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties of biological coenzyme FAD in an aqueous solution have been studied. Two fluorescence lifetimes, a rotational diffusion time, and an anisotropy parameter have been determined from experiments by recording the decay of polarized fluorescence excited by picosecond laser pulses. The results obtained are discussed and compared with the results of other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of ultra fine grained (UFG) and coarse grained (CG) microstructure of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V on the strength of a diffusion bonded (DB) joint was studied using a laboratory DB fixture and a new shear test rig. The DB process was carried out at 725 °C and 825 °C during 2 and 4 h in a vacuum furnace. Coarsening of grain structure resulting from different DB cycles was quantified. The chain pores were observed at 725 °C for both microstructure conditions bonded during 2 h. The increase of bonding time up to 4 h leads to subsequent elimination of the pores. The UFG samples bonded at 725 °C showed a higher level of the shear strength than CG samples for both bonding times. The CG material demonstrated the highest shear strength after 4 h of DB bonding at 825 °C. The increase of the creep deformation of UFG samples when compared to the CG condition was observed as a result of DB at of 725 °C during 4 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosensitive 3-aroyl-2-hetarylchromone derivatives containing a bromomethyl-group in the 3-aroyl fragment are synthesized and reacted with various N-, S-, and O-nucleophiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plasma-chemical reactor with the coupling of gas-discharge processes has been developed. These processes combine arc evaporation of titanium in a nitrogen-containing plasma and ion-plasma sputtering of copper with the formation of copper vapor. Experiments were carried out on the deposition of superhard nanostructured TiN−Cu composite layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the condensation of carboxylic acid chlorides or anhydrides with 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-oxopropionitrile (I), a general synthesis of the title compounds (III) is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of bottom sediment samples taken in 2020 during the Roshydromet marine scientific research in Stepovoi and Litke bays of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and in the coastal zone of the Kara Sea near Amderma village. All sediment samples were analyzed for the concentration of radionuclides 137Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239 + 240Pu, and some samples were analyzed for the content of toxic chemicals: heavy metals, persistent organochlorine compounds, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The analysis of the results showed that the levels of radionuclides and toxic chemicals in bottom sediments of Stepovoi Bay are generally consistent with the data of similar surveys in previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents experimental data on concentrations of a wide range of pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, toxaphenes), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, in soil and adjacent environments in the impact area of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM) and neighboring areas (including the city of Baikal'sk). The features of toxicants levels formation depending on a type and properties of soil, potential sources of inflow, and location of sampling points are analyzed. The data are of practical interest for assessing the levels of the natural environment pollution prior to starting measures for the disposal of waste from the BPPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites consisting of a polymethylmethacrylate or polystyrene matrix with embedded silicon dioxide nanoparticles surface-modified by silazanes have been prepared by melting technology. The influence of particles on viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposites has been studied using dynamic mechanical analysis. It has been revealed that the addition of 20 wt % of SiO raises the flexural modulus of the nanocomposites by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen with the aid of Radahlorin® photosensitizer has been investigated. The dependences of the intensity of singlet oxygen phosphorescence and photosensitizer fluorescence on the excitation radiation wavelength in the range of 350-440 nm and on the irradiation dose have been obtained. The dependence of the ratio of the sensitizer fluorescence intensity at about 670 nm to the singlet oxygen phosphorescence intensity at a wavelength of 1270 nm on the excitation radiation wavelength is found to be nonmonotonic and have a minimum near the center of the absorption band on its red wing. The results obtained can be used to monitor the singlet oxygen concentration in solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]