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An aluminum oxide (AlOx)/silicon nitride (SiNy) dielectric stack was developed using an industrial plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system with low‐frequency (LF) plasma source for the surface passivation of undiffused textured p‐type crystalline silicon. The median recombination current density is 4.3 fA cm−2 as determined from photoconductance decay lifetime measurements and numerical device modeling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to present a high‐quality LF‐PECVD AlOx/SiNy passivation stack on undiffused textured p‐type crystalline silicon wafers, which are cleaned with industrial processes using HF, HCl, and O3. The simulation agrees well with the measured effective carrier lifetime if the velocity parameters of 5.6 cm s−1 for holes and 803 cm s−1 for electrons are applied with a fixed negative charge density of −3 × 1012 cm−2. The process integration of developed AlOx/SiNy dielectric stack is successfully demonstrated by fabricating p‐type back junction solar cells featuring a poly‐Si‐based passivating contact at the cell rear side. As the best cell efficiency, we achieve 24.2% with an open‐circuit voltage of 725 mV on a M2‐sized Ga‐doped p‐type Czochralski‐grown Si wafer as independently confirmed by ISFH CalTeC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of high-entropy alloy powder preparation on the coatings deposited via high-velocity oxygen fuel sprayings was studied. The powders of FeNiCoCrMo0.5Al1.3 composition were prepared by milling and gas atomization. The structures, porosity, phase composition, and microhardness of the coatings produced from mechanically alloyed and gas-atomized powders were compared. The influence of milling parameters on the powder phase composition and morphology was studied. Milling at 600 rpm for 1.5 h allowed the production of mechanically alloyed powder with a homogeneous distribution of Fe, Ni, and Al and thin lamellas enriched with Co, Cr, and Mo. Despite the difference in the feedstock powders' phase compositions, the phase compositions of the coatings deposited from mechanically alloyed and gas-atomized powders are the same consisting of BCC, FCC solutions, and oxide. The amount of FCC solutions and oxide in the coating depends on the size distribution of the sprayed powder. It was found that the phase composition and the properties of the coatings deposited from the mechanically alloyed and gas-atomized powders of similar sizes are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have claimed that pharyngeal teeth in medaka (Oryzias latipes) are induced independent of retinoic acid (RA) signaling, unlike in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In zebrafish, pharyngeal tooth formation depends on a proper physical contact between the embryonic endodermal pouch anterior to the site of tooth formation, and the adjacent ectodermal cleft, an RA‐dependent process. Here, we test the hypothesis that a proper pouch–cleft contact is required for pharyngeal tooth formation in embryonic medaka, as it is in zebrafish. We used 4‐[diethylamino]benzaldehyde (DEAB) to pharmacologically inhibit RA production, and thus pouch–cleft contacts, in experiments strictly controlled in time, and analyzed these using high‐resolution imaging. Results: Pharyngeal teeth in medaka were present only when the corresponding anterior pouch had reached the ectoderm (i.e., a physical pouch–cleft contact established), similar to the situation in zebrafish. Oral teeth were present even when the treatment started approximately 4 days before normal oral tooth appearance. Conclusions: RA dependency for pharyngeal tooth formation is not different between zebrafish and medaka. We propose that the differential response to DEAB of oral versus pharyngeal teeth in medaka could be ascribed to the distinct germ layer origin of the epithelia involved in tooth formation in these two regions. Key Findings: Pharyngeal tooth formation in medaka depends on the retinoic acid (RA)‐controlled establishment of physical pouch‐cleft contacts.Retinoic acid sensitivity for pharyngeal tooth formation is conserved across teleost fish.Differential response to RA inhibition of oral versus pharyngeal teeth in medaka could be ascribed to the distinct germ layer origin of the epithelia involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis of various cells, primarily macrophages, in atherosclerotic arterial lesions is considered to be an important element in the pathogenesis of this disease. It is assumed that one of the main inducers of cell death in the intima of the affected arteries are oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs). In this work, we studied the influence of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), oxLDLs, and the TNF-α factor in different concentrations on macrophage-like cells obtained from mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. It has been established that oxLDLs in small concentrations can cause the death of human macrophage-like cells after a short-term effect, which indicates their high cytotoxicity. HDLs in physiological concentrations completely block the processes of apoptosis caused by oxLDLs. It has been shown that HDLs are capable not only of protecting cells from oxLDLs, but also of significantly reducing the number of dead cells when exposed to TNF-α. The results obtained suggest that HDLs are capable of protecting cells from a wide range of cytotoxic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time an electrochemical sensor based on nanomaterial-supported molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is applied to the sensitive and specific determination of chloroquine phosphate (CHL). The sensor was produced using an electropolymerization (EP) approach, and it was formed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using CHL as a template and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and aniline (ANI) as functional monomers. Incorporating Prussian blue polyethyleneglycol-amine nanoparticles (PB@PEG-NH2) in the MIP-based electrochemical sensor increased the active surface area and porosity. The developed CHL/AMPS-PANI/PB@PEG-NH2/MIP-GCE sensor was characterized morphologically and electrochemically using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The indirect measurement of CHL was accomplished in 5.0 mmol L−1 [Fe(CN)6]−3/−4 solution using differential pulse voltammetry, displaying linear response between 1.75 × 10−12 and 2.50 × 10−13 M, and limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 6.68 × 10−14 M and 2.23 × 10−13 M, respectively, in standard solutions. CHL recoveries in spiked serum and tablet form ranged from 99.13 to 101.51%, while the relative standard deviations (RSD%) were below 2.41% in both types of samples. In addition, the sensor's excellent selectivity was successfully demonstrated in the presence of components with a chemical structure similar to CHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination environment of magneto-luminescent Dy3+-based Single-Molecule Magnets (SMM) is a crucial factor influencing both magnetic and luminescent properties. In this work, we explore how triphenylmethanolate (Ph3CO−), in combination with other ligands, can modulate the structure and, therefore, the magnetic properties of Dy3+-based SMM. Using triphenylmethanolate in combination with THF and pyridine (Py) as co-ligands, we synthesized a series of mononuclear cis-[Dy(OCPh3)2(THF)4][BPh4]·(2,6-Me2C5H3N) (1), trans-Dy(OCPh3)3(THF)2 (2), fac-Dy(OCPh3)3(py)3 (3) and dinuclear [(Ph3CO)Dy(THF){(μ2–Cl)2Li(THF)2}μ2–Cl]2 (4) complexes where the Dy3+ ion presents five- or six-coordinate geometries. Dinuclear compound 4 exhibits a genuine SMM behavior with a relatively high energy barrier of 421 cm−1, while mononuclear complexes 1–3 are field-induced SMM. These complexes also present Dy3+-characteristic luminescence, highlighting their multifunctional character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secreted molecule that plays an important role in the survival and growth of nerve cells. BDNF undergoes complex post-translational processing with cellular proteases. Pro- and mature BDNF forms bind to different receptor types in the brain. BDNF is prominent in the neonatal cerebral cortex. The neonatal period is critical for the proper development of the brain and nervous system. Disruptions in these critical periods can have long-lasting effects on behavior and mental health. Individuals who experience adverse effects in the neonatal period have demonstrated a predisposition to depression and other neurobehavioral disorders. In this work we studied the influence of transient expression (P3–P8) elevation of pro-, mature and mutant forms of BDNF that could not be processed with cellular convertases in the neonatal medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on anxiety and depressive-like behavior in adolescents. Elevated expression of mature BDNF (LV-BDNF) increased anxiety and depressive-like behavior at P30. Only immobility in the tail suspension test was increased after expression of mutant BDNF (LV-pBDNF mut). Using our RNA-seq data and available online sn-RNAseq results, we investigated transcriptomic changes in the neonatal mPFC at P8 that underlie subsequent behavioral changes. Mature BDNF expression caused an increased transcriptional response in perivascular stromal cells (PSC) with such genes: Ptgds, Slc6a13, Slc22a6, Bnc2, Slc13a4, Aldh1a2. Based on GWAS data, Ptgds is a candidate gene associated with ADHD and bipolar disorder Pujol-Gualdo et al. (2021); Marín-Méndez et al. (2012); Munkholm et al. (2015). LV-pBDNF mut caused a complete opposite set of transcriptional changes in the PSC compared to LV-BDNF. The observed similar behavioral phenotype after expression of mature and mutant forms of BDNF together with the detected genes related to bipolar disorder underpinned that Bdnf could play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of this neurobehavioral disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a comparative study of the genetic structure, parameters of intraspecific genetic diversity, and spatial differentiation of 35 populations of Picea abies–P. obovata–P. koraiensis species complex, located within the areas of distribution of "pure" species and in the contact zones of their ranges were presented. P. abies populations from Eastern Europe (Belarus, Poland); spruce populations from the European part of Russia, the Urals, and the West Siberian Plain, located in the zone of P. abies and P. obovata introgressive hybridization; P. obovata populations from various parts of the extensive range of this species in Siberia and Mongolia; and P. koraiensis populations from the Russian Far East and Northeast China were analyzed. The study of genetic variability and differentiation of populations was based on the analysis of variability of three microsatellite loci: Pt63718, Pt71936, and Pt26081, developed on the basis of Pinusthunbergii Parl chloroplast genome. The use of these DNA markers made it possible to obtain data indicating a fairly high degree of P. koraiensis genetic divergence from two other spruce species included in the complex, P. abies and P. obovata. Korean spruce growing in the Far East differs significantly from the populations of these species in the number and composition of haplotypes, the level of genetic diversity, and population structure, which gives us reason to consider it as a separate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study of the influence of radionuclide and chemical pollution on the morphological and anatomical parameters of Calamagróstis epigéjos plants growing in the territory of "Degelen" at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS). Quantitative data of morphological and anatomical parameters are given, and the content of radionuclides and toxic elements in samples of plants obtained. Statistical processing of the obtained data was conducted. The results revealed that elevated concentrations of radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr, and the calculated absorbed dose, do not have effects on plants. Changes in the anatomical parameters of leaves and stems were observed at elevated concentrations of the elements: for leaves—Al, Pb, Sr, U, Ni, Rb, Sm; for stems—Al, Cr, Cd, U, Cu, Be, Ni, Sm, Fe. The mesophyll of the leaves and the epidermis of the stems were the most exposed to toxic elements. The data of the anatomical parameters are recommended to be used as indicative parameters of plants grown in chemically contaminated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have reported that periderm (the outer ectodermal layer) in zebrafish partially expands into the mouth and pharyngeal pouches, but does not reach the medial endoderm, where the pharyngeal teeth develop. Instead, periderm-like cells, arising independently from the outer periderm, cover prospective tooth-forming epithelia and are crucial for tooth germ initiation. Here we test the hypothesis that restricted expansion of periderm is a teleost-specific character possibly related to the derived way of early embryonic development. To this end, we performed lineage tracing of the periderm in a non-teleost actinopterygian species possessing pharyngeal teeth, the sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), and a sarcopterygian species lacking pharyngeal teeth, the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Results: In sturgeon, a stratified ectoderm is firmly established at the end of gastrulation, with minimally a basal ectodermal layer and a surface layer that can be homologized to a periderm. Periderm expands to a limited extent into the mouth and remains restricted to the distal parts of the pouches. It does not reach the medial pharyngeal endoderm, where pharyngeal teeth are located. Thus, periderm in sturgeon covers prospective odontogenic epithelium in the jaw region (oral teeth) but not in the pharyngeal region. In axolotl, like in sturgeon, periderm expansion in the oropharynx is restricted to the distal parts of the opening pouches. Oral teeth in axolotl develop long before mouth opening and possible expansion of the periderm into the mouth cavity. Conclusions: Restricted periderm expansion into the oropharynx appears to be an ancestral feature for osteichthyans, as it is found in sturgeon, zebrafish and axolotl. Periderm behavior does not correlate with presence or absence of oral or pharyngeal teeth, whose induction may depend on 'ectodermalized' endoderm. It is proposed that periderm assists in lumenization of the pouches to create an open gill slit. Comparison of basal and advanced actinopterygians with sarcopterygians (axolotl) shows that different trajectories of embryonic development converge on similar dynamics of the periderm: a restricted expansion into the mouth and prospective gill slits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as novel electronic devices for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, are better suited as signal-testing sensors or as components within larger wearable Internet of Things (IoT) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, where they handle small-device power supply and signal acquisition. Consequently, TENGs hold promising applications in self-powered sensor technology. As global energy supplies become increasingly tight, research into self-powered sensors has become critical. This study presents a self-powered sport sensor system utilizing a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which incorporates a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film doped with graphene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as friction materials. The graphene-doped TPU nanocomposite film-based TENG (GT-TENG) demonstrates excellent working durability. Furthermore, the GT-TENG not only consistently powers an LED but also supplies energy to a sports timer and an electronic watch. It serves additionally as a self-powered sensor for monitoring human movement. The design of this self-powered motion sensor system effectively harnesses human kinetic energy, integrating it seamlessly with sport sensing capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolerite dikes were studied in the western part of the Aldan terrane, in the middle reaches of the Tokko River. These dolerite dikes form a swarm of submeridional trend about 1 km wide. The dolerites of the thickest dike preserve their primary textural and structural features and mineral composition: plagioclase + pigeonite + augite + titanomagnetite. Dolerite in the chilled margins and central parts of the dike are homogeneous in composition, corresponds to low-Mg tholeiites, has low contents of Ti and other HFSE, with weak enrichment in light REE and small negative Nb anomalies. Sm–Nd isotope data on magmatic minerals of dolerite from the central part of the dike yield a good linear regression in an isochron diagram that gives to an age of 2510 ± 64 Ma, which probably corresponds to the crystallization age of the basalt. Metadolerites in a thin dike retain plagioclase porphyritic structures, but the pyroxenes are completely replaced by amphibole and chlorite. The metadolerites are contrastingly different in low contents of MgO, Cr, and Ni and in higher contents of TiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, Nb, and all REE. The differences in the composition of the dikes may be explained by the longterm (about 65%) crystallization differentiation of the initial melt and the emplacement of the residual melt from a shallow intermediate magma chamber via opening cracks. Such conditions probably may have existed in tectonically stable intraplate settings. The age of the dolerites of the dike swarm is comparable to that of the anorogenic granites of the Nelyuki complex (~2.4–2.5 Ga), which are widespread in the western part of Aldan granulite–gneiss terrane. Our data bridge some gaps in characteristics of intraplate anorogenic magmatism that occurred in the western Aldan Shield in the Late Archean and marked the final consolidation of a large block of Archean crust in the Chara–Olekma granite–greenstone area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: For genomic selection to enhance the efficiency of broiler production, finding SNPs and candidate genes that define the manifestation of main selected traits is essential. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for growth and meat productivity traits of roosters from a chicken F2 resource population (n = 152). Methods: The population was obtained by crossing two breeds with contrasting phenotypes for performance indicators, i.e., Russian White (slow-growing) and Cornish White (fast-growing). The birds were genotyped using the Illumina Chicken 60K SNP iSelect BeadChip. After LD filtering of the data, 54,188 SNPs were employed for the GWAS analysis that allowed us to reveal significant specific associations for phenotypic traits of interest and economic importance. Results: At the threshold value of p < 9.2 × 10−7, 83 SNPs associated with body weight at the age of 28, 42, and 63 days were identified, as well as 171 SNPs associated with meat qualities (average daily gain, slaughter yield, and dressed carcass weight and its components). Moreover, 34 SNPs were associated with a group of three or more traits, including 15 SNPs significant for a group of growth traits and 5 SNPs for a group of meat productivity indicators. Relevant to these detected SNPs, nine prioritized candidate genes associated with the studied traits were revealed, including WNT2, DEPTOR, PPA2, UNC80, DDX51, PAPPA, SSC4D, PTPRU, and TLK2. Conclusions: The found SNPs and candidate genes can serve as genetic markers for growth and meat performance characteristics in chicken breeding in order to achieve genetic improvement in broiler production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the structure of two-domain laccase ScaSL from Streptomyces carpinensis VKM Ac-1300 (with a middle-redox potential) revealed determinants that could affect the increased potential of ScaSL. Site-directed mutagenesis of the ScaSL laccase was carried out, and mutants H286A, H286T, H286W, and F232Y/F233Y were obtained. Replacement of His 286 with Ala led to a decrease in redox potential (0.45 V) and an increase in stability at pH 9 and 11; replacement with Thr led to an increase in redox potential (0.51 V) but to a decrease in the thermal stability of the protein; replacement with Trp did not affect the enzyme properties. Replacement of Phe residues 232 and 233 with Tyr led to a shift in enzyme activity to the acidic pH range without changing the redox potential and a decrease in the thermostability and pH stability of the enzyme. All mutants more efficiently oxidized phenolic substrate 2,6-DMP and were able to participate in direct electron transfer (DET) with MWCNT-modified electrodes. The F232Y/F233/Y mutant was unable to degrade triphenylmethane dyes without a mediator but showed a greater degree of decolorization of azo dyes in the presence of the mediator. The crystal structure of laccase with the highest potential was determined with high resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. The major clinical challenge includes the asymptomatic state of the disease, making diagnosis possible only at advanced stages. Another OC complication is the high relapse rate and poor prognosis following the standard first-line treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. At present, numerous clinical trials are being conducted focusing on immunotherapy in OC; nevertheless, there are still no FDA-approved indications. Personalized decision regarding the immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade and immune cell-based immunotherapies, can depend on the effective antigen presentation required for the cytotoxic immune response. The major aim of our study was to uncover tumor-specific transcriptional and epigenetic changes in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Another key point was to elucidate how chemotherapy can reprogram monocytes and how that relates to changes in other immune subpopulations in the blood. To this end, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with HGSOC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment (NACT) and in treatment-naïve patients. Monocyte cluster was significantly affected by tumor-derived factors as well as by chemotherapeutic treatment. Bioinformatical analysis revealed three distinct monocyte subpopulations within PBMCs based on feature gene expression - CD14.Mn.S100A8.9hi, CD14.Mn.MHC2hi and CD16.Mn subsets. The intriguing result was that NACT induced antigen presentation in monocytes by the transcriptional upregulation of MHC class II molecules, but not by epigenetic changes. Increased MHC class II gene expression was a feature observed across all three monocyte subpopulations after chemotherapy. Our data also demonstrated that chemotherapy inhibited interferon-dependent signaling pathways, but activated some TGFb-related genes. Our results can enable personalized decision regarding the necessity to systemically re-educate immune cells to prime ovarian cancer to respond to anti-cancer therapy or to improve personalized prescription of existing immunotherapy in either combination with chemotherapy or a monotherapy regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the activity concentrations of 137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu, 241Am, and 3Н in the form of tritiated water (НТО) and organically bound tritium (ОBТ) in the tissues and organs of roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pal., 1771) that inhabit the 'Degelen' test location of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. Tissues and organs were sampled from six deer by killing. The activity concentrations of specific radionuclides in the samples were measured using γ-, α-, and β-spectrometry. The radionuclide activity concentrations in the tissues and organs showed considerable variation, for example, 0.6–170 Bq kg-1 for 137Cs and 0.3–2.8×103 Bq kg-1 for 90Sr. The activity concentrations of radionuclides in animal muscular tissue did not exceed permissible values for the meat of wild animals. The tissues and organs in the roe deer were arranged as follows in descending order of their ability to accumulate 137Cs and 90Sr: for 137Cs, muscular tissue–kidneys–lungs–spleen–heart–liver–bone tissue; for 90Sr, bone tissue–liver–lungs–muscular tissue–spleen–heart–kidneys. The activity concentrations of 241Am and 239+240Pu did not exceed the minimum detectable activity. Therefore, no quantitative values could be determined for 241Am, and the 239+240Pu activity concentration could be derived for only one sample: 0.5±0.1 Bq kg-1 (liver). The distribution pattern of these radionuclides in the tissues and organs of the roe deer could not be determined because of insufficient data. The HTO volumetric activity in the tissues and organs of the examined animals ranged from 2.6×10−2 to 77 kBq l-1; activity concentration of OBT, 3.0×10−2 to 16 kBq kg-1; and OBT-to-HTO ratios, 2.0×10−3 to 5.3×102. This ratio can serve as an indicator of how long the examined animals stay in radioactively contaminated ecosystems. Within the 'Degelen' site, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and tritium, in the form of HTO and OBT, are expected to be high in the bone tissues, soft tissues, and organs, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the White Sea islands and coast of North Karelia, in the Chupa sector of the Belomorian mobile belt (BMB), carbonate–silicate and quartz veins are localized in bodies of Early Proterozoic metabasites and their contacts with host gneisses. The isotopic characteristics of coarse crystal vein carbonates (δ18O and δ13C), as well as associated quartz (δ18O) and biotite (δ18O and δD), were studied. The isotopic composition of oxygen suggests biotite–quartz–carbonate equilibria during the formation of veins at temperatures of 520–450°C. The O and H isotopic characteristics of biotite correspond to the equilibrium of the fluid with metamorphic rocks. At the same time, the isotopic compositions of O and C carbonates indicate different CO2 sources in fluids. There are three groups of carbonates according to δ18О and δ13С. The first group shows "magmatic" isotopic characteristics of the CO2 source (δ18ОVSMOW = 7.1...12.1‰; δ13СVPDB = –6.3...–4.5‰). Carbonates of the second group have high δ18О and δ13С, characteristic of Precambrian sedimentary carbonates (δ18ОVSMOW = 21.9...24.7‰; δ13СVPDB = –2.2...–2‰), similar to those described earlier in the neighboring Engozero sector of the BMB. In the third group, the δ13С values are similar to the carbonates of the first group, and δ18О, to the second group (δ13СVPDB = –1.7...0.9‰, δ18ОVSMOW = 6...12‰). The O and C isotopic compositions of carbonates of the third group can be obtained from the action of a putative magmatic fluid on both the primary sedimentary source of metamorphic fluids and redeposited vein carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia is a group of zoonotic diseases caused by Chlamydiaceae spp., which carries high potential risks for animal welfare, public health and animal husbandry. The application of effective vaccines for livestock is still one of the major important tools of managing Chlamydia infection. In this study, the main characteristics of the currently available Russian commercial inactivated whole-cell mono-, polyvalent, and combination vaccines for the prevention of either a single Chlamydia infection (monoinfection) or multi-pathogen infection in livestock, cattle, small ruminants, pigs, farm birds, and fur animals are briefly reviewed. All of the vaccines are inactivated, absolutely safe for the immunization of target livestock and naive untreated contacting animals in the same herd and produce no documented serious vaccine-related complications. Since chlamydia has not yet been eradicated in the world, the infection persists in nature and can be transmitted from infected livestock, wild, domestic animals, and migratory birds to unprotected farm animals. Thus, the availability of effective and safe chlamydia vaccines remains an important aspect for the prevention and control over Chlamydia infection in Russian Federation and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the determination method of the exact geographical coordinates of aboveground nuclear tests (NT) epicenters based on the radioecological study results the example of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. By testing the NT Epicenter software for determining the exact geographic coordinates of the NT centers, it was established that it is indeed possible to determine the exact coordinates of most of the aboveground NTs. Their locations are currently determined by the presence are currently determined by the presence of technogenic disturbance of the soil surface in the area of the alleged epicenter (the presence of a crater), as well as by comparing maps of radioactive contamination and a space image. The accuracy of the precise coordinates of the NT is highly dependent on the density of the auxiliary grid: the smaller the pitch of the auxiliary grid, the higher the accuracy of the NT epicenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new results of geochronological, rock magnetic, paleomagnetic and paleointensity studies of the olivine gabbro dyke located at the northern part of the Murmansk craton, NE Fennoscandia (the Kola Peninsula). According to its geochemistry, petrographic and geochronology features, the dyke belongs to the 2.68 Ga dyke swarm, as confirmed by Sm-Nd mineral isochron. We find a significant difference in the rock magnetic and paleomagnetic characteristics of the central and marginal parts of the dyke, which is independently supported by petrography and geochemistry. It is shown that the rocks of the central part of the dyke retained not only their primary mineral composition, but also the primary component of the natural remanent magnetization. We use its direction to determine the 2.68 Ga virtual geomagnetic pole for the Murmansk craton: Slat = 68.64292° N, Slong = 37.7945° E, N = 41 specimens, Plat = –73.5°, Plong = 138.9°, dp/dm = 3.2°/3.4°, paleolat = –65.9°. We also obtain reliable estimates (17 samples) of the Earth's magnetic field intensity at ca. 2.68 Ga: VDM value is found to be 1.85 × 1022 A m2 corresponding to the geomagnetic field several times weaker than the present-day field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the problems that landscape design students face when using Zoom as an educational platform for distance learning purposes and determine their level of satisfaction with distance learning. The main research method was a Likert-scale survey used to assess students’ satisfaction with distance learning. The sample included 90 full-time students enrolled in the garden and landscape construction program. According to the students, the main difficulties in distance learning were systemic errors during the use of the platform. The results can help develop a set of measures to solve and alleviate the identified problems in the future. The findings will enhance the optimization of distance education in general. Future research can focus on the advantages and disadvantages of online educational platforms and explore how user-friendly they are for both students and faculty. Studies can also describe faculty barriers to quality online education and provide suggestions to create a comfortable learning experience for landscape students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research on the assessment of the radioecological state of plant cover surrounding two research reactor facilities located within the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) as examples of nuclear fuel cycle facilities (NFC). Source data on the concentrations of artificial radionuclides in the plant cover were obtained. Quantitative values for 137Cs, 241Am, and 239+240Pu activity concentrations were determined in plants across the perimeters of the facilities, indicating that these compounds may be present in the associated media from the perspective of accumulative bioindication. The values determined for artificial radionuclides in the 'soil‒plant' system around the researched NFC facilities were attributed to radioactive contamination of the STS territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a highly pathogenic bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a relatively rare food-borne infectious disease that affects farm, domestic, wild animals and humans as well. The infected livestock is the frequent sources of Lm. Vaccination is one of the methods of controlling listeriosis in target farm animals to prevent Lm-associated food contamination. Here we report the complete sequence of the Lm strain AUF attenuated from a fully-virulent Lm strain by ultraviolet irradiation, successfully used since the 1960s as a live whole-cell veterinary vaccine. The de novo assembled genome consists of a circular chromosome of 2,942,932 bp length, including more than 2,800 CDSs, 17 pseudogenes, 5 antibiotic resistance genes, and 56/92 virulence genes. Two wild Lm strains, the EGD and the 10403S that is also used in cancer Immunotherapy, were the closest homologs for the Lm strain AUF. Although all three strains belonged to different sequence types (ST), namely ST12, ST85, and ST1538, they were placed in the same genetic lineage II, CC7. Design Type(s) sequence analysis objective • sequence assembly objective• sequence annotation objective • genotyping by high throughput sequencing design Measurement Type(s) whole genome sequencing • genome assembly • sequence annotation Technology Type(s) DNA sequencing • whole genome sequencing Factor Type(s) Organism Strain • live whole cell vaccine genome Sample Characteristic(s) Listeria monocytogenes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, different in situ grown plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)‐grown interfacial oxides for n‐type polysilicon‐passivating contacts are investigated. Herein, SiOx(Ny)/n‐type amorphous silicon stacks created from either N2O plasma or O2 plasma are applied to POLy‐silicon on Oxide interdigitated back‐contact (POLO IBC) solar cells using the structured deposition process through a glass mask to create the IBC layout. The impact of plasma exposure time for interfacial oxide growth on solar cell efficiencies is experimentally determined. In the POLO IBC cell results, it is shown that the PECVD oxides SiOxNy and SiOx with optimized plasma exposure time give similar maximum efficiencies of 23.8% and 23.7%, respectively. In these data, the feasibility to deposit a high‐quality in situ PECVD interfacial SiOx(Ny) layers for surface passivation and current transport of passivated contacts at the same time is demonstrated. For the SiOx/n‐type polysilicon stack, it is found that both plasma exposure time for interfacial oxide growth and polysilicon anneal temperature variations can lead to similar optimum of solar cell efficiencies. The current open‐circuit voltage losses due to metallization for the solar cells are analyzed and a realistic efficiency of 25.22% is calculated to achieve optimized POLO IBC solar cells applying the synergistic efficiency gain analysis on Quokka3 simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as viable micro power sources for an array of applications. Since their inception in 2012, TENGs have been the subject of significant advancements in terms of structural design and the development of friction materials. Despite these advancements, the complexity of their structural designs and the use of costly friction materials hinder their practical application. This study introduces a simplified TENG model utilizing an economical composite film of fullerene carbon soot (FS)-doped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (FS-TENG). It confirms the FS-TENG's ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, as demonstrated through experimental validation. The generated electricity by the FS-TENG can power devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), digital watches, kitchen timers, and sports stopwatches, highlighting its efficiency. This research enhances the development of TENGs featuring low-cost, streamlined structures for sustainable and autonomous energy sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of quasars show that the polarization position angle of the emission coming from them varies greatly over time, including periods called rotations during which the angle changes in an orderly manner. The study proposes a method for identifying such events and assessing their statistical significance. The operation of the method is demonstrated using the example of long-term polarimetric observations of the blazars CTA 102, 3C 454.3, and OT 081. During the analysis of light curves, 51 rotations of the polarization position angle were found and it was shown that for CTA 102 and 3C 454.3 the rotations are predominantly oriented in one direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report on the synthesis and investigation of new hybrid multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated by coumarin-bound copolymer, which combine magneto- or photothermal heating with luminescent thermometry. A series of amphiphilic block copolymers, including Coum-C11-PPhOx27-PMOx59 and Coum-C11-PButOx8-PMOx42 bearing luminescent and photodimerizable coumarin moiety, as well as coumarin-free PPhOx27-PMOx57, were evaluated for their utility as luminescent thermometers and for encapsulating spherical 26 nm IONPs. The obtained IONP@Coum-C11-PPhOx27-PMOx59 nano-objects are perfectly dispersible in water and able to provide macroscopic heating remotely triggered by an alternating current magnetic field (AMF) with a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 240 W.g−1 or laser irradiation with a photothermal conversion efficiency of η = 68%. On the other hand, they exhibit temperature-dependent emission of coumarin offering the function of luminescent thermometer, which operates in the visible region between 20 °C and 60 °C in water displaying a maximal relative thermal sensitivity (Sr) of 1.53%·°C−1 at 60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of petrographical, mineralogical, geochemical, and isotope-geochemical studies of granophyres and host ferrogabbros, quartz ferromonzogabbros, quartz monzodiorites, and quartz monzonites in the Mesoproterozoic Valaam sill in the Ladoga Graben on the Karelian Craton. The sill is poorly layered: the ferrogabbros compose the lower part of the sill, the middle part consists of quartz gabbro-monzonites and quartz monzonites, while graphic leucogranites (granophyres) form a dense network of veins mainly in the upper part of the sill. Geochemical features of ferrogabbro, iron-rich composition of olivine and pyroxene, and low Ca composition of plagioclase indicate the evolution along the Fenner trend. The granophyres have petro- and geochemical characteristics of anorogenic alkaline granites, with negative Eu/Eu* = 0.15–0.49 and REE distribution patterns similar to those of granophyres of layered intrusions. All rocks of the sill have close Sr isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr)T = 0.7043–0.7066, and εNd values ranging from −9.6 to −11.2. Model calculations show that fractional crystallization can lead the initial ferrogabbro melt into the immiscibility field. Ilmenite–magnetite–silicate microstructures have been identified in the ferrogabbro and ferromontzogabbro from the sill; similar microstructures in layered intrusions are considered as evidence for the immiscibility of Fe-rich and Si-rich liquids (Holness et al., 2011; Dong et al., 2013). The segregation of the high-silica melt may have occurred in an intermediate crustal chamber at around 350 MPa and 960oC; magma was supplied as crystalline mush at the sill emplacement level at around 70 MPa and acidic melt migrated through it. This melt underwent fractional crystallization and interacted with host minerals. At the level of sill emplacement, it crystallized under supercooling into granophyre aggregates. The example of the Valaam sill shows that when the Fenner fractionation reaches the final composition–-ferrogabbro, its further evolution with a conjugate decrease in SiO2 and Fe contents can be related to the incomplete separation and mixing of Fe-rich melts and immiscibly split felsic melt. Such a mechanism can be implemented for the formation of the mafic part of AMCG-type massifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic, and luminescence measurements of a novel family of luminescent cage-like tetranuclear silsesquioxanes (PhSiO15)8(LnO15)4(O)(C5H8O2)6(EtOH)2(CH3CN)2-2CH3CN (where Ln = Tb, 1; Tb/Eu, 2; and Gd, 3), featuring seven-coordinated lanthanide ions arranged in a one-capped trigonal prism geometry. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit characteristic Tb[sup 3+] and Tb[sup 3+]/Eu[sup 3+]-related emissions, respectively, sensitized by the chelating antenna acetylacetonate (acac) ligands upon excitation in the UV and visible spectral regions. Compound 3 is used to assess the energies of the triplet states of the acac ligand. For compound 1, theoretical calculations on the intramolecular energy transfer and multiphonon rates indicate a thermal balance between the [sup 5]D4 Stark components, while the mixed Tb[sup 3+]/Eu[sup 3+] analog 2, with a Tb:Eu ratio of 3:1, showcases intra-cluster Tb[sup 3+]-to-Eu[sup 3+] energy transfer, calculated theoretically as a function of temperature. By utilizing the intensity ratio between the [sup 5]D4^[sup 7]F5 (Tb[sup 3+]) and [sup 5]D0^[sup 7]F2 (Eu[sup 3+]) transitions in the range 11-373 K, we demonstrate the realization of a ratiometric luminescent thermometer with compound 2, operating in the range 11-373 K with a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.0% K[sup -1] at 373 K. These findings highlight the potential of cage-like silsesquioxanes as versatile materials for optical sensing-enabled applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis, structures, and magnetic and luminescence properties of a series of new monoand dinuclear Er3+ complexes derived from sterically demanding aryloxide and fluorinated alkoxide ligands: [4-tBu-2,6-(Ph2CH)2C6H2O]3Er(THF) (1), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(Me3SiOH) (2), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er[(Me3Si)2NH] (3), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(C6H5CH3) (4), [(C6F5)3CO]3Er(o-Me2NC6H4CH3) (5) and {[Ph(CF3)2CO]2Er(μ²-OC (CF3)2Ph)}2 (6). In compounds 1, 2, and 4, the Er3+ ion is four-coordinated and adopts a distorted trigonal pyramidal geometry, while in 3, 5, and 6, the coordination geometry of Er3+ is impacted by the presence of several relatively short Er...F distances, making them rather 6-coordinated. All compounds behave as field-induced Single Molecule Magnets (SMMs) and exhibit an Er3+ characteristic near infrared (NIR) emission associated with the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition with a remarkably long lifetime going up to 73 µs, which makes them multifunctional luminescent SMMs. The deconvolution of the NIR emission spectra allowed us to provide a direct probe of the crystal field splitting in these compounds, which was correlated with magnetic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents research findings on 3H in abiotic environmental compartments, specifically, the 'water-soil-air' system. All of the research areas are located within the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS): the perimeter of the 'Degelen' site, the riverside zone of the Shagan river and the 'background' area–the southeastern part of the STS (SEP). As research progressed, numerical values of 3H and its species were revealed in various environmental compartments. The presence of 3H was registered not only in underground nuclear test locations but also in the 'background' area–SEP. Maximum 3H tritium concentrations in the water were detected at the 'Degelen' site (up to 57000±5000 Bq/kg) and the Shagan riv (up to 61500±6000 Bq/kg), in the air of the 'Degelen' site (up to 56±11 Bq/m3), in the soil of the 'Degelen' site (up to 5170±500 Bq/kg) and the Shagan riv (4100±400 Bq/kg) in the free water, at SEP (up to 1710±170 Bq/kg) in the organic constituent. Based upon all of the findings, 3H was found to be readily distributed in abiotic environmental compartments depending on certain conditions. Research suggests that water plays a key role in 3H migration processes in the natural system of interest. The second most but equally important constituent is soil and microorganisms of plant and animal origin living there. These assumptions are indirectly proven by research findings that show the HTO and HT air concentration dynamics depending on the sampling location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New U–Pb data for zircon from the Konchezero sill reliably determine the age of the Suisari Formation of the Ludicovian and the limit of the maximum age of the volcanogenic–sedimentary Zaonega Formation with isotope-light carbon and the Shunga isotope event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials based on the Ti-Si-C system were obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis with the use of carbon black and graphene as a source of carbon. The comparative investigations of the phase composition and structure of the materials were performed by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that in the sample obtained with carbon black, ∼ 94 wt.% of MAX-phase Ti3SiC2 is formed. When graphene is used, the content of the MAX phase is heterogeneous throughout the sample volume and is in the range of ∼ 67 – 90 wt.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study of groundwater contaminated with tritium in the vicinity of the 'Atomic Lake' - a crater filled with water as a result of a thermonuclear explosion on the territory of the former Semipalatinsk test site. This crater was created as part of an experimental thermonuclear explosion in 1965 with the aim of creating an artificial reservoir in arid areas. The study was carried out to identify the source of groundwater contamination near the crater formed from a thermonuclear test. There were two possible factors of pollution: the influence of contaminated water from the crater on the groundwater of the adjacent area, or groundwater polluting the water in the crater. It was necessary to find out the source of groundwater contamination and its connection with the water in the funnel. For this purpose, a study of the geological and lithological conditions of the territory adjacent to the funnel was carried out, which was carried out using drilling operations and hydrological measurements. Drilling work made it possible to study the depth of distribution of groundwater, hydrological work made it possible to determine the conditions of distribution of groundwater, as well as to take samples of groundwater. The assessment of the degree of groundwater contamination was carried out through water sampling and laboratory analysis. As a result, it was established that the geological and lithological conditions of the area limit the flow of contaminated groundwater to the water in the crater - the 'Atomic Lake'. Despite the fact that the waters in the crater from a thermonuclear explosion and the groundwater of the adjacent territory are contaminated with the radionuclide tritium, they have different sources of contamination and are not interconnected. Radionuclide analysis of groundwater showed that increased concentrations of tritium with a specific activity of up to 95 000 Bq/l are found in groundwater near the river bed. Shagan and this is due to the influence of the flow of groundwater coming from other parts of the landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of photoactive Prussian blue nanoparticles dispersed in thermo‐responsive PNIPAM hydrogels in 4D printing using a stereolithography is investigated with digital light processing. The proportion of Prussian blue nanoparticles used in the resin is chosen to deliver a significant photothermal effect providing a heating above the volume phase transition temperature of the final nanocomposite hydrogels; while, giving only a limited effect on light scattering during the 3D printing process. Four formulations with various amounts of Prussian blue nanoparticles are used to print 3D structures with different shapes, such as Aztec pyramids, cylinders, gyroid porous cubes, and porous films. The shrinkage effect triggered by light irradiation at 808 nm on the as‐obtained nanocomposite hydrogels is demonstrated through the delivery of a representative molecule fluorescein and a triggered 4D shape‐morphing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrographic, geochemical, and isotope–geochemical studies of the Mesoproterozoic volcanic association (lava flows and the Valaam sill) in the Ladoga graben in the suture zone of the Karelian craton and Svekofennian orogenic complex are conducted. Ferrobasites of close composition and geological position in lava flows and the sill have different Nd isotopic compositions, differing by 5 units of εNd(t): = –4...–5 in ferrobasalts of lava flows and a very low-radiogenic Nd isotopic composition in mafic rocks of the sill (εNd(t) to –11 for ferrogabbros), and identical to the isotopic composition of its acidic rocks (εNd(t) to –11 for granophyres). It is shown that in the crust, which is heterogeneous in age, the process of fractional crystallization along the tholeiitic trend combined with assimilation of melts from wall rocks of magma chambers could have been an effective mechanism for forming such "paradoxical" features of the Nd isotopic composition. The isotopic composition of sill rocks indicates the likely occurrence of Mesoarchean blocks in the lower crust of the Ladoga graben region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for SNPs and candidate genes that determine the manifestation of major selected traits is one crucial objective for genomic selection aimed at increasing poultry production efficiency. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for traits characterizing meat performance in the domestic quail. A total of 146 males from an F2 reference population resulting from crossing a fast (Japanese) and a slow (Texas White) growing breed were examined. Using the genotyping-by-sequencing technique, genomic data were obtained for 115,743 SNPs (92,618 SNPs after quality control) that were employed in this GWAS. The results identified significant SNPs associated with the following traits at 8 weeks of age: body weight (nine SNPs), daily body weight gain (eight SNPs), dressed weight (33 SNPs), and weights of breast (18 SNPs), thigh (eight SNPs), and drumstick (three SNPs). Also, 12 SNPs and five candidate genes (GNAL, DNAJC6, LEPR, SPAG9, and SLC27A4) shared associations with three or more traits. These findings are consistent with the understanding of the genetic complexity of body weight-related traits in quail. The identified SNPs and genes can be used in effective quail breeding as molecular genetic markers for growth and meat characteristics for the purpose of genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying a composite material based on Nb–Si–C are presented. The alloy was obtained by aluminothermic self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. To prepare the initial charge a mixture of powders of commercial niobium pentoxide Nb2O5 and commercial silicon carbide SiC was used. The process of niobium oxide Nb2O5 reduction was implemented using an aluminum powder. The study of the Nb–Si–C ternary system is of interest in terms of obtaining high-temperature materials of new generation for gas turbine engine construction capable of replacing heat-resistant nickel alloys, as well as the potential possibility of forming MAX phases (Mn + 1AXn phases, where n = 1, 2, 3, ... ; M is the transition d-metal; A is the p-element; and X is carbon). The phase composition of the obtained Nb–Si–C composite was studied by X-ray diffraction. It has been shown that as a result of high-temperature synthesis NbC carbide and γ-Nb5Si3 and NbSi2 silicides are formed which are competing relative to the Nb2SiC MAX phase. The formation of Nb2SiC under the selected synthesis conditions was not detected. Using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral analysis, the morphological distribution of the phases formed during high-temperature synthesis is analyzed in detail. It is shown that NbC carbide makes up the majority of the volume of the composite and is present in the form of pyramidal-shaped particles with a pyramid face size of ~10 μm. NbSi2 silicides are elongated rod-shaped particles with smooth edges measuring 30 × 80 μm; Nb5Si3 silicides do not have a specific shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immunometabolism is essential factor of tumor progression, and tumor-associated macrophages are characterized by substantial changes in their metabolic status. In this study for the first time, we applied targeted amino acid LC-MS/MS analysis to compare amino acid metabolism of circulating monocytes isolated from patients with breast, ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancer. Methods: Monocyte metabolomics was analyzed by liquid chromatographymass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS) analysis of amino acid extracts. The targeted analysis of 26 amino acids was conducted by LCMS/MS on an Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source and an Agilent 1260 II liquid chromatograph. Results: Comparison of monocytes of cancer patients with monocytes of healthy control individuals demonstrated that in breast cancer most pronounced changes were identified for tryptophan (AUC = 0.76); for ovarian cancer, aminobutyric acid was significantly elevated (AUC= 1.00); for lung cancer significant changes we indented for citrulline (AUC = 0.70). In order to identify key amino acids that are characteristic for monocytes in specific cancer types, we compared each individual cancer with other 3 types of cancer. We found, that aspartic acid and citrulline are specific for monocytes of patients with colorectal cancer (p<0.001, FC = 1.40 and p=0.003, FC = 1.42 respectively). Citrulline, sarcosine and glutamic acid are ovarian cancer-specific amino acids (p = 0.003, FC = 0.78, p = 0.003, FC = 0.62, p = 0.02, FC = 0.78 respectively). Glutamine, methionine and phenylalanine (p = 0.048, FC = 1.39. p = 0.03, FC = 1.27 and p = 0.02, FC = 1.41) are lung cancer-specific amino acids. Ornithine in monocytes demonstrated strong positive correlation (r = 0.63) with lymph node metastasis incidence in breast cancer patients. Methyl histidine and cysteine in monocytes had strong negative correlation with lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer patients (r = -0.95 and r = -0.95 respectively). Arginine, citrulline and ornithine have strong negative correlation with tumor size (r = -0.78, citrulline) and lymph node metastasis (r = -0.63 for arginine and r = -0.66 for ornithine). Discussion: These alterations in monocyte amino acid metabolism can reflect the reaction of systemic innate immunity on the growing tumor. Our data indicate that this metabolic programming is cancer specific and can be inhibiting cancer progression. Cancer-specific differences in citrulline, as molecular link between metabolic pathways and epigenetic programing, provide new option for the development and validation of anti-cancer therapies using inhibitors of enzymes catalyzing citrullination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most promising applications of FeNiCoCrMoAl-based high-entropy alloy is the fabrication of protective coatings. In this work, gas-atomized powder of FeNiCoCrMo0.5Al1.3 composition was deposited via high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying. It was shown that in-flight oxidation of the powder influences the coating's phase composition and properties. Powder oxidation and phase transformations were studied under HVOF deposition, and during continuous heating and prolonged isothermal annealing at 800 °C. Optical and scanning electron microscopy observation, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and microhardness tests were used for study. In a gas-atomized state, the powder consisted of BCC supersaturated solid solution. The high rate of heating and cooling and high oxygen concentration during spraying led to oxidation development prior to decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution. Depleted Al layers of BCC transferred to the FCC phase. An increase in the spraying distance resulted in an increase in α-Al2O3 content; however, higher oxide content does not result in a higher microhardness. In contrast, under annealing, the supersaturated BCC solid solution decomposition occurs earlier than pronounced oxidation, which leads to considerable strengthening to 910 HV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]