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Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the decreased activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP), caused by mutations in the ALPL gene. The aim of this study was to conduct differential diagnostics in HPP patients using whole-exome sequencing (WES). The medical records of HPP patients and the genetic testing of the ALPL gene were reviewed. Seven patients were recruited and underwent WES using the Illumina or MGI sequencing platforms. All of the exome samples were matched onto a GRCh38.p13 reference genome assembly by using the Genome Analysis ToolKit (GATK) and the BWA MEM read aligner. We present the clinical and molecular findings of the seven patients referred for genetic analyses due to a clinical and biochemical suspicion of HPP. In two patients out of three (with identified heterozygous variants in the ALPL gene), we also identified c.682T>A in exon 3 of the WNT10A gene and c.3470del in exon 23 of the SMC1A gene variants for the first time. In four patients, variants in the ALPL gene were not detected, but WES allowed us to identify for the first time rare variants (c.5651A>C in exon 36 of the TRIO gene, c.880T>G in exon 6 of the TRPV4 gene, c.32078-1G>T in intron 159 of the TTN gene, c.47720_47721del in exon 235 of the TTN gene, and c.1946G>A in exon 15 of the SLC5A1 gene) and to conduct differential diagnostics with HPP. Using WES, for the first time, we demonstrate the possibility of early differential diagnostics in HPP patients with other rare genetic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study is a mathematical model of a synchronous electric motor, obtained on the basis of experimental data, which takes into account the temperature mode and uses artificial features to increase the accuracy of its operation. A characteristic feature of this work is that the model takes into account the temperature mode as a component of the technical-operational state of the object. The resulting mathematical model could make it possible to synthesize an optimal automatic control system in terms of the operational state of the object. The problem addressed was to increase the accuracy of the identified mathematical models by applying the approach of feature engineering. The results showed that the identification of mathematical models by the initial data leads to a low level of accuracy of the obtained models, namely 65–70 % for the first output channel, 80–85 % for the second, and 75–80 % for the third, fourth, and fifth output channels. Accordingly, building models with a higher threshold of accuracy requires the use of other, more significant data for identification. This paper reports a method for reformatting the original data into artificial features and provides results of their effectiveness in relation to the original channels. The resulting artificial features and the original features were used for further identification; the resulting mathematical model has on average higher accuracy thresholds, namely 82 %, 93 %, 88 %, 85 % for the corresponding output channels. The results prove the effectiveness of applying the principle of feature engineering since the accuracy of the resulting model is 5–10 % higher compared to the baseline. The scope of practical application of the results includes the synthesis of automatic control systems based on mathematical models of control objects obtained as a result of identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participating in the circulation of nutrients, epilithic biofilms play an important role in water bodies. Denitrification actively proceeds in the epilithon of water bodies. However, information on the environmental factors that affect the process in biofilms is still limited. The object of study in this article involves the number of cultivated denitrifying bacteria in biofilms formed on the stony substrates in different parts of the Lake Baikal littoral zone. It has been found out that the main factors explaining the differences in the number of cultivated bacteria who perform complete denitrification were the temperature and the concentration of total nitrogen in shallow water. This article shows that a lower amount of denitrifiers is typical for biofilms experiencing nitrogen deficiency, as is indicated by the low stoichiometric N : P ratio in biofilms. An uneven distribution of heavy metals in the biomass of epilithic biofilms has been determined. It also may potentially impact denitrification in the epilithon of Lake Baikal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides an overview of current methods for recognizing and classifying visual images in static images or video stream. The paper will discuss various approaches, including machine learning, current problems of these methods and possible improvements. The biggest challenges of the visual image retrieval and classification task are discussed. The main emphasis is placed on the review of such promising algorithms as SSD, YOLO, R-CNN, an overview of the principles of these methods, network architectures. Objective. The aim of the work is to analyze existing studies and find the best algorithm for recognizing and classifying visual images for further activities. Method. Primary method is to compare different factors of algorithms in order to select the most perspective one. There are different marks to compare, like image processing speed, accuracy. There are a number of studies and publications that propose methods and algorithms for solving the problem of finding and classifying images in an image [3–6]. It should be noted that most promising approaches are based on machine learning methods. It is worth noting that the proposed methods have drawbacks due to the imperfect implementation of the Faster R-CNN, YOLO, SSD algorithms for working with streaming video. The impact of these drawbacks can be significantly reduced by applying the following solutions: development of combined identification methods, processing of edge cases – tracking the position of identified objects, using the difference between video frames, additional preliminary preparation of input data. Another major area for improvement is the optimization of methods to work with real-time video data, as most current methods focus on images. Results. As an outcome of the current research we have found an optimal algorithm for further researches and optimizations. Conclusions. Analysis of existent papers and researches has demonstrated the most promising algorithm for further optimizations and experiments. Also current approaches still have some space for further. The next step is to take the chosen algorithm and investigate possibilities to enhance it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) products are used in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, polymer, medical, and other industries. The creation of a pan-genome will be an important advance in flax research and breeding. The selection of flax genotypes that sufficiently cover the species diversity is a crucial step for the pan-genomic study. For this purpose, we have adapted a method based on Illumina sequencing of transcriptome libraries prepared using the Tn5 transposase (tagmentase). This approach reduces the cost of sample preparation compared to commercial kits and allows the generation of a large number of cDNA libraries in a short time. RNA-seq data were obtained for 192 flax plants (3–6 individual plants from 44 flax accessions of different morphology and geographical origin). Evaluation of the genetic relationship between flax plants based on the sequencing data revealed incorrect species identification for five accessions. Therefore, these accessions were excluded from the sample set for the pan-genomic study. For the remaining samples, typical genotypes were selected to provide the most comprehensive genetic diversity of flax for pan-genome construction. Thus, high-throughput sequencing of tagmentation-based transcriptome libraries showed high efficiency in assessing the genetic relationship of flax samples and allowed us to select genotypes for the flax pan-genomic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of FME Transactions is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents the result of assessing the antiradical status of consumers (in the context of Russia) in connection with their well-being. This approach is based on a multistage study, in which the results of sociological surveys were applied, as well as estimates of the antiradical potential (ARP) of diets obtained using neural networks, bootstrapping the chemical composition of diets, and calculating reference values using mathematical models. The paper presents data collected from residents living in the territories of at least 21 regions and cities of Russia: Magadan, Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Krasnodar, Lipetsk, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Voronezh, etc. A total of 1001 people were interviewed, which, according to our calculations, gives a margin of error in value of approximately 3.1%. To calculate the lack of vitamins in the diets of residents of the Russian Federation, data on the chemical composition of food products from the FNDDS database were used. The assessment of dietary habits showed a lack of vitamins below the recommended level in 73% of Russians for vitamin D, 59% for retinol, 38% for β-carotenes, 13% for vitamin E, and 6% for ascorbic acid. The study showed that at least 36% of the Russian population has a low antiradical status, while it was found that "poor" consumers are more likely to consume economically more expensive foods (in terms of their nutritional value). The "poor" segments of the population consume 180–305% more canned food and 38–68% more sweet carbonated drinks than other social groups, but their consumption of vegetables is 23–48% lower. On the contrary, "wealthy" consumers consume 17–25% more complex (varied) dishes, 10–68% more fresh vegetables, and 8–39% more fish. From the obtained values it follows that consumers with low levels of ARP in their diets are in a group with an increased probability of a number of "excess" diseases (diseases of the cardiovascular system, obesity, etc.). In general, the ARP values of food consumed for low-income segments of the population were 2.3 times lower (the ratio was calculated as the percentage of consumers below the level of 11,067 equivalents necessary for the disposal of free radicals generated in the human body per day) than for those who can afford expensive food (consumers with high income). A simple increase in consumption of unbalanced foods, in our opinion, will only contribute to the entry of these consumers into the "average diet trap". All this makes it imperative to develop comprehensive measures to create a new concept of public catering; otherwise, we can expect a reduction in both the health of the population and the performance of the economy of the whole country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The paper reports mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace element composition, structure, and geological setting of the phlogopite peridotite lens within the Bug granulite–gneiss terrane of the Dniester–Bug Province, Ukrainian Shield. Geochemical features of the studied peridotites and minerals indicate a complex evolution of the lens. The early stage is marked by the crystallization of olivine + spinel (Al-chromite) cumulus from melt of supposably picritic composition, and further crystallization of clinopyroxene. The melt shows signs of hybridization by host gneissic enderbite. Orthopyroxene crystallized later and frequently replaces clinopyroxene. The phlogopite cystallization is likely related to the fluid activity and the growth of potassium potential in the fluid. Granulite-facies metamorphism accompanied by ductile deformations affected the mineral asseblage and chemical compositions of peridotites and orthopyroxenites. At the final stage, the rocks and minerals experienced retrograde metamorphism and local foliation of the rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research is focused on various pine ecotypes' seed reproduction in the chalky substrate, challenging environmental conditions on the carbonate soils on chalk outcrops in the south of the Central Russian Upland in relation to pine woods re-afforestation. The winter and spring sowing methods were studied, along with a pre-seeding treatment, by biopreparations based on a consortium of Glomales fungi, bacteria of the genus Bacillus, and bioactive substances. The seeds of two pine ecotypes, Pinus sylvestris L.; Pinus sylvestris var. cretacea Kalenicz exKom, underwent treatment. The study revealed that biopreparations and bioactive substances promote higher pine seed germination rates and ensure the stability and survivability of seedlings in an environment that is unfavorable for plant and tree ontogenesis. Applying biopreparations proved effective during spring sowing, whereas, in the case of winter sowing, their positive impact was not statistically significant. The net effect size of the three organized factors studied in the experiment (pine ecotype, biopreparation, sowing term) (h2x) on the "survivability of P. sylvestris seedlings" effective feature significantly increased from 90.8 to 93.8%. The effect size of the "pine ecotype" factor on seedling survivability in P. sylvestris was at its highest (14.4%) during the seedlings' first-year growth period. The effect size of the "sowing term" factor was at its highest (79.4%) at the stage of seed germination. The effect size of the "biopreparation" factor was at its highest (44.0%) during the seedlings' second-year growth stage. Our results indicate that it is preferable to create forest plantations on chalk outcrops using Pinus sylvestris var. cretacea ecotypes and with pre-sowing seed treatment via biopreparations based on a microorganismal consortium and Biogor KM. The Spearman correlation between the nitrification capacity of soil substrate and seedling survivability during the first three growth periods (from planting till the next year's springtime) was of a moderate size (rs = 0.617–0.673, p < 0.05). To improve the growth and productivity of young and mature Scots pine stands, a Biogeosystem Technique (BGT*) methodology was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is attacked by numerous devastating fungal pathogens, including Colletotrichum lini, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Fusarium verticillioides (Fusarium moniliforme). The effective control of flax diseases follows the paradigm of extensive molecular research on pathogenicity. However, such studies require quality genome sequences of the studied organisms. This article reports on the approaches to assembling a high-quality fungal genome from the Oxford Nanopore Technologies data. We sequenced the genomes of C. lini, A. pullulans, and F. verticillioides (F. moniliforme) and received different volumes of sequencing data: 1.7 Gb, 3.9 Gb, and 11.1 Gb, respectively. To obtain the optimal genome sequences, we studied the effect of input data quality and genome coverage on assembly statistics and tested the performance of different assembling and polishing software. For C. lini, the most contiguous and complete assembly was obtained by the Flye assembler and the Homopolish polisher. The genome coverage had more effect than data quality on assembly statistics, likely due to the relatively low amount of sequencing data obtained for C. lini. The final assembly was 53.4 Mb long and 96.4% complete (according to the glomerellales&lowbar;odb10 BUSCO dataset), consisted of 42 contigs, and had an N50 of 4.4 Mb. For A. pullulans and F. verticillioides (F. moniliforme), the best assemblies were produced by Canu--Medaka and Canu--Homopolish, respectively. The final assembly of A. pullulans had a length of 29.5 Mb, 99.4% completeness (dothideomycetes&lowbar; odb10), an N50 of 2.4 Mb and consisted of 32 contigs. F. verticillioides (F. moniliforme) assembly was 44.1 Mb long, 97.8% complete (hypocreales&lowbar;odb10), consisted of 54 contigs, and had an N50 of 4.4 Mb. The obtained results can serve as a guideline for assembling a de novo genome of a fungus. In addition, our data can be used in genomic studies of fungal pathogens or plant--pathogen interactions and assist in the management of flax diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax is grown worldwide for seed and fiber production. Linseed varieties differ in their oil composition and are used in pharmaceutical, food, feed, and industrial production. The field of application primarily depends on the content of linolenic (LIN) and linoleic (LIO) fatty acids. Inactivating mutations in the FAD3A and FAD3B genes lead to a decrease in the LIN content and an increase in the LIO content. For the identification of the three most common low-LIN mutations in flax varieties (G-to-A in exon 1 of FAD3A substituting tryptophan with a stop codon, C-to-T in exon 5 of FAD3A leading to arginine to a stop codon substitution, and C-to-T in exon 2 of FAD3B resulting in histidine to tyrosine substitution), three approaches were proposed: (1) targeted deep sequencing, (2) high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, (3) cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers. They were tested on more than a thousand flax samples of various types and showed promising results. The proposed approaches can be used in marker-assisted selection to choose parent pairs for crosses, separate heterogeneous varieties into biotypes, and select genotypes with desired homozygous alleles of the FAD3A and FAD3B genes at the early stages of breeding for the effective development of varieties with a particular LIN and LIO content, as well as in basic studies of the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis in flax seeds to select genotypes adequate to the tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codoped (Tb,Eu) ZnO films grown by magnetron sputtering on a silicon substrate and annealed up to 1200 °C showed intense photoluminescence (PL) emission from Eu3+ ions. The high-temperature annealing led to diffusion and segregation of rare earth (RE) elements toward the bottom of the film, which induced the formation of nanometric Zn-free inclusions responsible for remarkable PL emission intensity. Combined electron diffraction, chemical contrast imaging, and optical studies of these nanometric phases have been carried out. Large inclusions of zinc silicates and RE silicates a few hundreds of nanometers in size were observed, embedded in a silica phase. The structural determination of these RE-rich inclusions was carried out by combining atomic Z contrast imaging (high-angle annular dark-field imaging) and precession electron diffraction data. Upon annealing at 1200 °C, it appeared that the structure was related to an F-type disilicate structure. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy experiments were carried out to determine the ratios between elements and the oxidation states of the RE elements in the abovementioned inclusions. A (Tb,Eu)2Si2O7 formulation is proposed from dynamical precession electron diffraction tomography refinements, leading to a +III valence state for the RE species in agreement with spectroscopic results. PL modeling is also in good agreement with the experimental data. These results complete those obtained at 1100 °C for which the inclusions were identified as some RE10–x(SiO4)6O2–x oxyapatite structures and pointed out a combined structural and PL properties' evolution between 1100 and 1200 °C annealing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process, the results of studies of the geometry shaping of the deposited preform elements on 5086 aluminum alloy plates and developing a set of WAAM technology design procedures are presented. Studies during the surfacing of the first bead on the plate were carried out under the conditions of the established mode of non-pulse jet transfer at reverse polarity and various surfacing rates. Correlation interactions are studied, and mathematical dependences are obtained to describe the relationship between the process parameters and the bead geometry. It is shown that the geometric parameters will change along the length of the bead and, moreover, depending on the deposition rate, which must be taken into account when designing the WAAM process. For an element of the "cooling fin wall with variable height section" type in the manufacture of a preform, the correlation relationships of the geometry and process parameters were studied under the conditions of the actual layer-by-layer variable surfacing mode, the sensitivity of the output parameters to the process parameters was studied, the sensitivity coefficients were determined, and mathematical models were constructed for predicting and deviating the output parameters from the deviations of the input ones. The article shows and substantiates the compensatory nature of the effect of changing the magnitude of the current and speed on the geometric parameters of the beads, which can be used in the design and control of the WAAM process. For the main design tasks, a number of exploratory design procedures for WAAM are proposed that best organize the design process, as well as their formalized rules based on mathematical models. The rules for choosing the initial setting point for the process of direct supply of energy and material are considered, taking into account changes in the geometry of the beads along their length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality genome sequences help to elucidate the genetic basis of numerous biological processes and track species evolution. For flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)—a multifunctional crop, high-quality assemblies from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) data were unavailable, largely due to the difficulty of isolating pure high-molecular-weight DNA. This article proposes a scheme for gaining a contiguous L. usitatissimum assembly using Nanopore data. We developed a protocol for flax nuclei isolation with subsequent DNA extraction, which allows obtaining about 5 μg of pure high-molecular-weight DNA from 0.5 g of leaves. Such an amount of material can be collected even from a single plant and yields more than 30 Gb of ONT data in two MinION runs. We performed a comparative analysis of different genome assemblers and polishers on the gained data and obtained the final 447.1-Mb assembly of L. usitatissimum line 3896 genome using the Canu—Racon (two iterations)—Medaka combination. The genome comprised 1695 contigs and had an N50 of 6.2 Mb and a completeness of 93.8% of BUSCOs from eudicots_odb10. Our study highlights the impact of the chosen genome construction strategy on the resulting assembly parameters and its eligibility for future genomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of Lake Baikal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its unique ecology and value as a global aquatic resource have resulted in strict environmental regulations to protect the watershed and biota it supports. Despite this, the ecosystem of the lake is being exposed to negative anthropogenic impact and deteriorating water quality. In this article, we describe the bioecological state of Mukhor Bay – the warmest bay of Lake Baikal and one which is actively visited by tourists. We try to highlight the environmental problems of Baikal and aim to change attitudes towards water resources in this unique ecosystem. We present data on the taxonomic, genetic, and biochemical characteristics of cyanobacteria blooms that develop in the plankton of the bay. Further, we establishing their risk to human health and provide information for the environmental state management. Toxic blooms of Dolichospermum lemmermannii (cyanobacteria) were detected in the phytoplankton of Mukhor Bay. The nutrients content and chlorophyll concentration was low and corresponded to the oligo-mesotrophic status. Microcystins were detected in the dried phytoplankton biomass and the water, coastal samples contained a higher amount of this toxin. We hypothesize that one of the factors contributing to toxic cyanobacteria growth in the Mukhor Bay is the nutrient loadings due to surface and groundwater runoff from surrounding area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying present-day oil product concentrations in water of Baikal and its tributaries are given. The highest concentrations of oil products have been identified in the Southern Baikal. Seasonal and year-to-year dynamics of oil product concentrations in lake tributaries was determined. The level of water pollution by hydrocarbons was evaluated in accordance the sanitary-hygienic standards for water bodies used for fishery. The inflow of oil products from Baikal through the Angara River was calculated, and their approximate budget in the lake was compiled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of developing post-quantum algorithms of McEliece and Niederreiter crypto-code constructs based on LDPC (Low-Density ParityCheck) codes are presented. With the rapid growth of computing capabilities of mobile technologies and the creation of wireless mesh and sensor networks, Internet of Things technologies, and smart technologies on their basis, information security is becoming an urgent problem. At the same time, there is a need to consider security in two circuits, internal (directly within the network infrastructure) and external (cloud technologies). In such conditions, it is necessary to integrate threats to both the internal and external security circuits. This allows you to take into account not only the hybridity and synergy of modern targeted threats, but also the level of significance (degree of secrecy) of information flows and information circulating in both the internal and external security circuits. The concept of building security based on two circuits is proposed. To ensure the security of wireless mobile channels, it is proposed to use McEliece and Niederreiter crypto-code constructs based on LDPC codes, which allows integration into the credibility technology of IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.16 standards. This approach provides the required level of security services (confidentiality, integrity, authenticity) in a full-scale quantum computer. Practical security technologies based on the proposed crypto-code constructs, online IP telephony and the Smart Home system based on the use of an internal server are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Radio Electronics, Computer Science, Control is the property of Zaporizhzhia National Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A study of the degradation profiles of drugs based on recombinant monoclonal antibodies under stress conditions made it possible to determine the dynamics and mechanisms of degradation processes, to identify drug degradation products, and to reveal differences in the stability of biosimilar drugs for relatively short times. A strategy for accelerated (35 d) stability assessment under stress conditions of the original product Soliris® (Switzerland) and its biosimilar PRK-001 (Russia) was proposed. Their degradation profiles after exposure to extreme pH, oxidative stress, and UV radiation were studied. Antibody fragments were analyzed using size-exclusion chromatography, capillary isoelectric focusing, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Both products showed similar degradation profiles and similar changes in isoform contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of shared and different first language (L1) background, L1 use amounts, and peer familiarity on the frequency of language‐related episodes (LREs) and task scores in interactive pair work. By exploring these variables in distinct interactions, the authors attempted to obtain a more fine‐grained picture of peer interaction patterns and develop strategies to facilitate short interactive tasks. The study's recordings of the same‐L1 dyads were translated to explore whether the participants stayed on task and why they used their L1. Forty‐two intermediate students of English as a second language (ESL) from various L1 backgrounds recruited from a U.S. university participated in the study. They were placed into four dyad types: same‐L1/familiar, same‐L1/unfamiliar, different‐L1/familiar, and different‐L1/unfamiliar. Each dyad completed a short interactive spot‐the‐difference task. Peer familiarity positively affected the production of LREs and task scores, but no clear differences were found between the same‐L1 and different‐L1 dyads. The researchers also found evidence that peer familiarity affected the same‐L1 and different‐L1 dyads differently. The dyads stayed on task the entire time, using L1 for task management or vocabulary deliberations. Finally, strong negative correlations were found between L1 use amounts and both LREs and task scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the regularities of distribution of siderophile elements, including platinum group elements (PGE), in rock and in sulfides from Archean (2814 ± 51 Ma) peridotites collected in a fragment of deformed dike within the Bug granulite complex, Ukrainian Shield. In comparison with the primitive mantle, the studied rocks are enriched in Rh, Pd, Ni, Fe, and Co, and are characterized by low concentrations of other PGE. Sulfides are represented by a high-temperature variety of pentlandite and a small amount of chalcopyrite, with an inhomogeneous PGE distribution in them. Pd/Ir ratio typical of superchondrite is revealed for rocks and some sulfides. It is supposed that enrichment in Pd was not resulted from fractionation, but was rather related to mantle metasomatism. Saturation of the melt with sulfides and liquation process were favored by contamination of harzburgite with the host gneissic enderbite and fractionation of olivine. Solid sulfide solutions formed from sulfide melts at temperatures close to the crystallization temperature of magnesium phlogopite from a silicate melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of silica mesoporous molecular sieves SBA-15 with a 7.7 ± 0.8 nm pore diameter, the surface of which is hydrophobized with methylsilyl groups, and polymethylsiloxane derivatives with a 1.6 ± 0.8 nm pore diameter were obtained. These sieves are characterized by X-ray phase analysis, adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K and water at 293 K, as well as IR spectroscopy. It is established that there is a significant resistance to water intrusion (absorption) only in the case of substances characterized by the nitrogen adsorption potential value ∆μ0 ≤ 6.4 kJ/mol. The studied systems can be used as "molecular springs" in shock load damping devices due to their functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the work, (i) the danger of the contact between the fan impeller blades and the body of a gas turbine engine (GTE) is justified, (ii) the factors affecting the value of the radial clearance in flight are established, (iii) the main causes of contact are revealed, (iv) the modern tools for determining the radial clearance of GTEs are analyzed, and (v) the in-flight method for identifying the contact between the fan blades and the body of a GTE is proposed based on the complex processing of vibration signal of the fan body and pressure sensor signals behind the fan. Introduction of the identification method based on processing the vibration and pressure pulsation signals improves the flight safety, especially for prototype GTEs at first stages of flight tests without the need for additional preparation and mounting of complex clearance control systems. This method may be applied for identifying the contact at excessive decrease in the radial clearance, which allows in-time decision making about relieving the flight mode (if it is possible at the flight stage when the contact occurs) in order to avoid substantial damage caused by contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: flax; Linum usitatissimum L.; de novo genome assembly; Nanopore; Illumina; pure high-molecular-weight DNA EN flax Linum usitatissimum L. de novo genome assembly Nanopore Illumina pure high-molecular-weight DNA N.PAG N.PAG 7 01/20/21 20210114 NES 210114 Introduction Flax ( I Linum usitatissimum i L.) has been grown for seeds and fiber since ancient times (Vaisey-Genser and Morris, [40]). To fill this gap, we sequenced the genome of fiber flax cultivar Atlant using ONT and Illumina platforms to obtain a combination of long reads with insufficient accuracy and short high-precision reads, which is extremely important for high-quality genome assembly. In the NCBI genome database, assemblies of only three I L. usitatissimum i genomes are presented: linseed cultivar CDC Bethune (representative genome, chromosome level, GenBank: GCA 000224295.2), linseed cultivar Longya-10 (scaffold level, GenBank: GCA 010665275.1), and fiber flax cultivar Heiya-14 (scaffold level, GenBank: GCA 010665265.1). The obtained results are useful for the evaluation of I L. usitatissimum i polymorphism at the genome level, the identification of sequences specific to fiber flax, as a reference in studies of fiber flax cultivars, and the development of flax genomic selection and genome editing. [Extracted from the article]

An abundance of the trace elements has been determined in olivine of the Achaean spinel-bearing phlogopite harzburgite enclave (sample UR17/2) from the Bug granulite complex of the Ukrainian Shield by SIMS analysis. Major elements were analyzed in the olivine by SEM-EDS and EPMA analysis. The olivine shows a homogeneous chemical composition: MgO — 45.20- 45.64 wt.%, FeO — 13.66-14.23 wt.%, with Fo85-86 and Fe/Mn ratio of 68.3-68.6 which corresponds to the ratio of 60-70 in olivine of peridotites. Ni content in the UR17/2 olivine ranges from 4730 to 5612 ppm, which is higher than in olivine from mantle peridotites, high magnesium OIB and Hawaiian picrites. The olivine has average content of Ti — 20.6 ppm, Nb — 0.03 ppm, Zr — 0.32-0.60 ppm, the low total REE (0.1-0.5 ppm). The olivine crystallization temperature, calculated using an Al-in-olivine thermometer, corresponds to ~900 °C. Enrichment in Fe and Ni is the main feature that distinguishes the UR17/2 olivine from other mantle-derived olivine. Composition of the UR17/2 olivine and host harzburgite indicates an influence of T, P, the oxygen fugacity and composition of parent magma on the partition coefficients of Fe and Ni. Composition and structure (degree of polymerization) of magma are the main factors responsible for the olivine enrichment by iron and nickel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: flax; Linum usitatissimum L.; transcriptome sequencing; comparative genomics; genotype-phenotype; gene expression; DNA polymorphism EN flax Linum usitatissimum L. transcriptome sequencing comparative genomics genotype-phenotype gene expression DNA polymorphism N.PAG N.PAG 6 12/02/20 20201130 NES 201130 Introduction Flax ( I Linum usitatissimum i L.) is widely used to produce fiber and seed. Differential gene expression in response to Fusarium oxysporum infection in resistant and susceptible genotypes of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Digital gene expression profiling of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) stem peel identifies genes enriched in fiber-bearing phloem tissue. Flax, Linum usitatissimum L., transcriptome sequencing, comparative genomics, genotype-phenotype, gene expression, DNA polymorphism. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is grown for fiber and seed in many countries. Flax cultivars differ in the oil composition and, depending on the ratio of fatty acids, are used in pharmaceutical, food, or paint industries. It is known that genes of SAD (stearoyl-ACP desaturase) and FAD (fatty acid desaturase) families play a key role in the synthesis of fatty acids, and some alleles of these genes are associated with a certain composition of flax oil. However, data on genetic polymorphism of these genes are still insufficient. Results: On the basis of the collection of the Institute for Flax (Torzhok, Russia), we formed a representative set of 84 cultivars and lines reflecting the diversity of fatty acid composition of flax oil. An approach for the determination of full-length sequences of SAD1, SAD2, FAD2A, FAD2B, FAD3A, and FAD3B genes using the Illumina platform was developed and deep sequencing of the 6 genes in 84 flax samples was performed on MiSeq. The obtained high coverage (about 400x on average) enabled accurate assessment of polymorphisms in SAD1, SAD2, FAD2A, FAD2B, FAD3A, and FAD3B genes and evaluation of cultivar/line heterogeneity. The highest level of genetic diversity was observed for FAD3A and FAD3B genes – 91 and 62 polymorphisms respectively. Correlation analysis revealed associations between particular variants in SAD and FAD genes and predominantly those fatty acids whose conversion they catalyze: SAD – stearic and oleic acids, FAD2 – oleic and linoleic acids, FAD3 – linoleic and linolenic acids. All except one low-linolenic flax cultivars/lines contained both the substitution of tryptophan to stop codon in the FAD3A gene and histidine to tyrosine substitution in the FAD3B gene, while samples with only one of these polymorphisms had medium content of linolenic acid and cultivars/lines without them were high-linolenic. Conclusions: Genetic polymorphism of SAD and FAD genes was evaluated in the collection of flax cultivars and lines with diverse oil composition, and associations between particular polymorphisms and the ratio of fatty acids were revealed. The achieved results are the basis for the development of marker-assisted selection and DNA-based certification of flax cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Change of the photoluminescence (PL) polarization is studied by changing the excitation intensity and temperature for aligned In(Ga)As quantum dot (QD) structures with varying inter-dot distances grown by molecular beam epitaxy on semi-insulating GaAs (100) substrates. An unusual increase of the polarization ratio is observed by increasing the temperature and/or excitation intensity throughout a low temperature (T < 70 K) and low intensity (Iex < 1 W/cm2) range. This increase as well as the general behavior of the polarized PL are the results of the exciton dynamics and the peculiarities of the system morphology. They are due to the varying inter-dot distances which change the system from zero-dimensional comprised of isolated QDs to one-dimensional comprised of wire-like structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic spectroscopic study of the carrier transfer between quantum dot (QD) and quantum well (QW) layers is carried out in a hybrid dot-well system based on InAs QDs and InGaAs QWs. We observe a strong dependence of the QD and QW photoluminescence (PL) both on the dot-well barrier thickness and height. For thick (or high) barriers QD and QW systems accumulate independently sufficient photogenerated carrier densities to be seen in PL even at low nonresonant excitation power. For thin (or low) barriers it is impossible to detect the PL signal from QW at low excitation densities due to effective carrier transfer from QW to QDs. Strong state-filling effects of the excited QD states influence the carrier transfer efficiencies. By investigating the carrier dynamics using time-resolved spectroscopy and the state-filling effects in the continuous wave excitation regime the basic characteristics of interlevel, intersublevel, and dot-well relaxation are determined. The mechanisms of the dot-well coupling are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements are carried out for the InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on (001) and (311) oriented GaAs substrates. The detection energies scan the spectral region from the energy of the QD excitonic transition up to the wetting layer absorption edge. A convex-shaped decay of the PL signal in this region gives evidence of carrier relaxation through the continuum states below the wetting layer similar to a diffusion process. Strong dependence of the decay time on the excitation density observed for the QD ground-state PL is consistent with a presented theoretical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence is investigated in bilayer InAs/GaAs quantum dot structures with constant InAs deposition θ1 in the seed layer, but variable deposition θ2 in both the second layer and the GaAs spacer layer. It is shown that interlayer coupling, leading to the formation of asymmetric quantum dot pairs, strengthens the high-temperature photoluminescence and strongly influences carrier relaxation channels. We report that radiative recombination and carrier capture efficiency by the quantum dots in the second layer can be tailored using the deposition θ2 and the GaAs spacer thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive study (electron microscopy, mass-spectrometry of secondary ions, Raman spectroscopy) of zircon from harzburgite inclusion in granulites of the Bug complex (Ukrainian Shield) is carried out. Based on a number of features, the studied zircons are subdivided into three groups. Zircon from the first group is of igneous genesis and crystallized 2.8 Ga ago at the temperature of about 650°C from a melt of orthopyroxenite composition. Zircon from the second group underwent hydrothermal alteration ca. 2.75 Ga ago at the temperature of about 750°C. Zircon from the third group is distinctive in several geochemical characteristics (higher Lu/Hf ratio, etc.) and formed before the hydrothermal process, but their compositions were altered by the fluid. Conditions of the igneous zircon (first group) crystallization were characterized by the higher value, compared to the later hydrothermal alteration. The hydrothermal process has provided the distortion of zircon crystal lattice, which is reflected in the Raman spectra, and the formation of amorphous structure in the uranium-rich zircon from the third group. In terms of trace element contents, the first and second zircon groups indicate different initial melts (from which they originated) from the third zircon group; the melt of the third group was more mafic. The obtained results support the idea about the hybrid character of the melt and that the rock formed in two main stages, namely, a magmatic one and fluid alteration, separated in time and having different oxidation-reduction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to assess the levels of Se, as well as other essential and toxic trace elements in wheat grains and traditional Roti-bread from whole-grain flour in a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Wheat grain and bread selenium levels originating from seleniferous areas exceeded the control values by a factor of more than 488 and 179, respectively. Se-rich wheat was also characterized by significantly increased Cu and Mn levels. Se-rich bread also contained significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, and V. The level of Li and Sr was reduced in both Se-enriched wheat and bread samples. Roti bread from Se-enriched wheat was also characterized by elevated Al, Cd, and Ni, as well as reduced As and Hg content as compared to the respective control values. Se intake with Se-rich bread was estimated as more than 13,600% of RDA. Daily intake of Mn with both Se-unfortified and Se-fortified bread was 133% and 190% of RDA. Therefore, Se-rich bread from wheat cultivated on a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) may be considered as a potent source of selenium, although Se status should be monitored throughout dietary intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of light trapping engineering for semiconductor surfaces covered with randomly distributed spheroidal metallic nanoparticles has been considered. The absorption of incident light by such a structure has been calculated using the Green functions method, involving the concept of an effective susceptibility. A target function, optimizing broad-band light absorption throughout the visible range has been constructed taking the geometry of the structure as the control parameters. The optimization problem of light-trapping in such structure has been solved, and the optimum nanoparticle coverage for matching the required shape of absorption spectra has been obtained. Our results can be applied to the design of plasmonic-enhanced light-collecting elements in solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of long-term routine measurements of the concentration of major ions in the water of the Lake Baikal pelagic zone, the Angara River source, and main tributaries of the lake are analyzed. The average values of ion concentration in the water column of the lake and in the Angara River obtained for the recent decade are presented and compared with the data of previous studies. Long-term trends in the concentration of ions in the main Baikal tributaries are shown. Under low-water conditions, the inflow of ions to Lake Baikal through tributaries decreases despite an increase in their concentration in river water. Changes in the chemical composition of water in the tributaries did not affect the ionic composition of water in the Lake Baikal pelagic zone and in the Angara River source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of comparative studies of the frequency and distribution of chiasmata in pollen mother cells (PMCs) in five diploid tomato species, Solanum lycopersicum, S. pimpinellifolium, S. peruvianum, S. habrochaites, and S. neorickii, and one autotetraploid species, S. pimpinellifolium. It was established that under the same growing conditions, the total chiasma frequency in the cell depended on the species. At the same time, the green-fruited species S. peruvianum, S. neorickii, and S. habrochaites differed in distal chiasma frequency, while the red-fruited species S. lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium differed in interstitial chiasma frequency. It was shown that the total chiasma frequency in PMCs of plants of one species is a stable index of recombination potential that does not depend on the growing conditions. The redistribution between distal and interstitial chiasmata was found to be more variable, depending on the species, year, geographic growth conditions. In autotetraploid, the chiasma frequency per bivalent was lower than that in diploid S. pimpinellifolium plants, primarily due to interstitial chiasmata, the frequency of which remained at the level characteristic for diploid plants. It was concluded that the recombination plasticity of the tomato genomes was due to the redistribution of chiasmata along bivalents, and not to the change in their number in the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In interspecific hybrids a decrease in genetic exchanges between chromosomes from different species and negative interactions between functionally incompatible loci limit genetic variation among the progeny. Earlier the fraction of crossover genotypes was increased in intraspecific hybrids of the cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum with the expression of the recA Escherichia coli gene. In this research transgenic hybrids between S. lycopersicum and some wild tomato species were obtained in order to study the effect of recA gene expression on the frequency of crossovers in the progeny of interspecific hybrids. Interspecific hybrids showed negative interactions between the loci of the cultivated tomato and the S. cheesmaniae, S. pimpinellifolium, and S. habrochaites species. In the latter case it resulted in semilethal necrosis. The recA gene expression in interspecific hybrids with S. cheesmaniae partially compensates among the F2 progeny the deficiency of recessive genotypes at the Wv:wv locus of chromosome 2. In general, the fractions of crossover genotypes in the F2 progeny were higher in transgenic interspecific hybrids than in control non-transgenic hybrids of the same combination of crossing, but lower than in intraspecific S. lycopersicum hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop which is used for the production of textile, oils, composite materials, pharmaceuticals, etc. Soil acidity results in a loss of seed and fiber production of flax, and aluminum toxicity is a major factor that depresses plant growth and development in acid conditions. In the present work, we evaluated gene expression alterations in four flax genotypes with diverse tolerance to aluminum exposure. Using RNA-Seq approach, we revealed genes that are differentially expressed under aluminum stress in resistant (Hermes, TMP1919) and sensitive (Lira, Orshanskiy) cultivars and selectively confirmed the identified alterations using qPCR. To search for differences in response to aluminum between resistant and sensitive genotypes, we developed the scoring that allowed us to suggest the involvement of MADS-box and NAC transcription factors regulating plant growth and development and enzymes participating in cell wall modifications in aluminum tolerance in flax. Using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we revealed that glutathione metabolism, oxidoreductase, and transmembrane transporter activities are the most affected by the studied stress in flax. Thus, we identified genes that are involved in aluminum response in resistant and sensitive genotypes and suggested genes that contribute to flax tolerance to the aluminum stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of optimal control of the process of baking carbon products involves consideration of the influence of characteristic zones of the furnace and uniformity of the temperature field of workpieces. This statement suggests the development of a distributed-parameter mathematical model of the furnace. It is known that the calculation time of such models is quite large, and then their application in real time is impossible. According to the above, for further development of the optimal control system of the baking process, there is a need to reduce the full mathematical model providing the necessary calculation time. The reduced mathematical model of the baking process, which differs from the known models in shorter calculation time was developed and investigated in compliance with accuracy requirements. It is found that for cases of using n>15 first basis vectors, the restriction on the permissible error of approximation of the values of Fourier coefficients is fulfilled. The possibility of choosing the optimal structure of identification models determines the possibility of obtaining temperature images of the reduced mathematical model with the necessary accuracy. The results obtained allow flexible selection of the reduced mathematical model in accordance with the technical capabilities of computing equipment. Given that in the process of baking carbon products, the defining temperatures are workpiece temperatures, only control points of workpieces were selected for the quality study of reduced models. Since the process of baking carbon products consists of three main stages, three reduced mathematical models of these stages were implemented for adequate modeling of such a process. The study of the accuracy of reduced models included comparisons of temperature values calculated by the reduced model with temperatures calculated by the initial model, which in this case was considered as a generator of experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sr isotope characteristic of carbonate rocks in the Central Azov Group has been reported (0.70322–0.70352), the Nd model age of silicate sediments has been calculated (2.34–2.31 Ga), and the U–Pb age of trondhjemites (2052 ± 5 Ma) breaking through carbonates was determined. According to the data obtained, the marine sedimentary cover of the Azov block making up the Early Precambrian Sarmatia Continent was formed in the Early Paleoproterozoic 2.23–2.34 Ga ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]