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Two novel pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids, 6-chlorodamirone A and 6-bromodamirone A, have been identified for the first time from the marine sponge Latrunculiasp. (order: Poecilosclerida: family Latrunculiidae), sourced from Western Australia. Alongside these new compounds, seven previously known metabolites were also isolated. Despite being obtained in submilligram quantities, the structures of these natural products were successfully elucidated using high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To confirm the structures of these newly discovered alkaloids, a semisynthetic approach was employed starting from the more abundant metabolite, damirone A, additionally, single crystal X-ray crystallography was used to validate our structural proposals. The semisynthetic studies suggest that the chlorinated alkaloids are likely formed through a nonenzymatic conjugate halide substitution reaction rather than an enzymatic process. This reactivity parallels that observed in related metabolites, such as the caulibugulones B and C. Furthermore, a biomimetic cascade reaction was attempted to synthesize the spirodienone moiety characteristic of the discorhabdin alkaloids, inspired by the nucleophilic substitution observed in the tricyclic damirone A system. Albeit unsuccessful, these findings provide valuable insight into the reactivity of halogenated pyrroloiminoquinones under various conditions.

Background: This study aims to explore how Russian society perceives children with cancer and their families to determine its potential as a tool for solving the social struggles of cancer-affected youth. Methods: The study took place between 2019 and 2020 and involved 237 parents of cancer-affected children enrolled for inpatient treatment in 5 pediatric oncology clinics in the North Caucasus Federal District (Russia). The study exploits a specially designed questionnaire survey as its main research method. Results: About half of the parents did not observe changes in their attitude towards their child following a cancer diagnosis, with women more frequently noting these changes (40% vs. 18%). Public sentiment diverges between poles of sympathy and alienation: 53% acknowledge the expression of sympathy, while 39% perceive a sense of alienation. This study underscores the imperative for adequate support for these families, encompassing both financial and social dimensions. Conclusion: The present findings can be used to design cancer awareness and anti-stigma programs aimed at educating the general population about the early symptoms of cancer, where to receive health consultation services, how to talk with and act around cancer-affected children, and how to support such children and their families. Impact:

Despite advances in modern medicine and multiple cases of pediatric cancer being successfully treated, stereotypes about the incurable nature of cancer still exist in many countries.

The present findings can serve as a platform for the comparative study of cancer-related issues in other regions and countries.

The results of this study can also be used to design cancer awareness and anti-stigma programs aimed at educating the general population about the early symptoms of cancer, where to receive health consultation services, how to talk with and act around cancer-affected children, and how to support such children and their families.

This study analyzed 14 stratigraphic sections exposing the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary interval in the North Urals, representing different facies from shallow-water carbonate platform to bathyal, in order to assess the possibility of recognizing regional levels corresponding to the base of the conodont zones S. sulcataand Protognathodus kockeli. The base of the S. sulcataZone is regionally recognized by the first appearances of the conodonts Siphonodella sulcata(Huddle), S. semichatovaeKononova and Lipnjagov and Patrognathus crassusKononova and Migdisova, roughly correlated with the first appearance of the foraminifer Tournayellina pseudobeataReitlinger and Kulagina, and with the first appearances of the ostracods Cribroconcha primarisKochetkova, Chamishaella grekoffiTchizhova, Glyptolichvinella spiralis(Jones and Kirkby), Armilla uralicaSobolev, Calcaroferaex gr. mediaSchornikov, Compositocostata cuminaSobolev, Spinoalacia tschigovaeSobolev, Richterina latiorRabien. The base of the S. sulcataZone occurs in the interval between two positive inorganic carbon isotope excursions. The base of the Protognathodus kockeliZone is marked by the first appearance of Protognathodus kockeli(Bischoff) in a very narrow facies belt on the slope of the carbonate platform, recognized regionally by the onset of the last phase of the positive inorganic carbon isotope excursion, the beginning of the transgression after the terminal Famennian regression, the beginning of the unilocular foraminifera Bisphaerabloom and probably the appearance of the ostracods Monoceratinasp. 1. The level corresponding to the base of Pr. kockeliZone is poorly supported biostratigraphically, but is characterized by clear isotope-stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic data, although the eustatic signal may be obscured in places by local tectonics.

A study of saturated vapor over the pyridine N-oxide-boron trifluoride (PyO-BF3) adduct was carried out at T= 448(5) K by a synchronous gas electron diffraction/mass spectrometry (GED/MS) experiment. Due to the absence of ions in the mass spectrum, indicating the presence of a structure with an O–B dative bond, several models of vapor composition were tested by the GED method. It was found that the dominant molecular form (up to 100%) in vapor is the PyO-BF3adduct. Using the DFT/M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ method, geometric optimization of the molecular ion [PyO-BF3]+was carried out, which showed its intrinsic instability and dissociation into a [PyO]+cation and a BF3molecule. This study certainly demonstrates the significant advantage of the GED method to determine the qualitative and quantitative gas-phase composition of dative-bonded adducts and other noncovalent complexes as well, whereas the interpretation of mass spectra may be ambiguous due to the possible intrinsic instability of ions containing a dative bond. The nature of the O–B bond is discussed in terms of the natural bond orbitals (NBOs) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). A comparison of structural and energetic parameters for PyO-BF3and the previously studied BF3adducts allows the theoretical comprehension of the nature of the O–B bond to be extended and to explain the different thermal stabilities of these compounds.

Nowadays, the development of multifrequency high-power subterahertz gyrotrons for electron cyclotron (EC) heating and plasma diagnostics is in great demand. The article examines the prospects of using a special two-channel quasi-optical converter for the output of radiation at several frequencies through two separate windows. The converter was developed by hybrid synthesis and the MoM/electric field integral equation (EFIE) method. The approach is being investigated for the gyrotron with a frequency of 250 GHz and a power of up to 330 kW. The designed system makes it possible to output radiation at up to five frequencies in the range of 176–250 GHz with efficiency at the level of optimized single-frequency gyrotrons.

The crystal structure of ammonium polyuranates xUO3·yNH3·zH2Ohas been investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) has been employed to define single-phase samples within a series of synthesized compounds, which are further characterized by elemental analysis to ascertain the stoichiometry, revealing compositions of 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·3H2O. Analysis using extended X-ray absorption fine structure and vibrational spectroscopy has elucidated that both 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·3H2Opossess a local structure similar to the metaschoepite─layered U(VI) oxohydroxide UO3·2H2O, but with H2O and NH4+groups in the interlayers. The structures of ammonium polyuranates are solved from PXRD data, revealing their relationship to the U(VI) oxohydroxide with the established composition of NH4[(UO2)3O2(OH)3]·3H2Oand NH4[(UO2)2O2(OH)]·2H2Ofor 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·H2O, respectively. These structures maintain the arrangement of U–O polyhedra as pentagonal bipyramids. However, disparities in lattice parameters, space group, and layer topology from UO3·2H2O emphasize significant structural modifications resulting from the substitution of water by ammonium. Moreover, the anion topology of the NH4[(UO2)2O2(OH)]·2H2Ohas no analogues among uranium oxohydroxide minerals. Notably, ammonium polyuranates, when compared, have minimal alterations in lattice parameters regardless of the presence of ammonia within the structure. The revealed results contribute valuable insights into the UO3–NH3–H2O system and hold potential applications in the field of nuclear power as ammonium polyuranates form during actinide precipitation in back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle and also serve as precursors in the fabrication of nuclear fuel.

The EMDataResource Ligand Model Challenge aimed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of modeling ligands bound to protein and protein–nucleic acid complexes in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps determined at near-atomic (1.9–2.5 Å) resolution. Three published maps were selected as targets: Escherichia colibeta-galactosidase with inhibitor, SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase with covalently bound nucleotide analog and SARS-CoV-2 virus ion channel ORF3a with bound lipid. Sixty-one models were submitted from 17 independent research groups, each with supporting workflow details. The quality of submitted ligand models and surrounding atoms were analyzed by visual inspection and quantification of local map quality, model-to-map fit, geometry, energetics and contact scores. A composite rather than a single score was needed to assess macromolecule+ligand model quality. These observations lead us to recommend best practices for assessing cryo-EM structures of liganded macromolecules reported at near-atomic resolution.

Background This study aimed to compare visual results following the implantation of two distinct diffractive trifocal IOLs utilizing various vision evaluation techniques and subjective satisfaction.Methods The study included 32 eyes receiving AcrySof IQ PanOptix implantation and 32 receiving AT LISA tri 839 MP. Post-operative examination at one year included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA) at 4 m, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm, Contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions, and a questionnaire on subjective quality of vision, optical phenomena, and spectacle independence.Results The two groups were similar in baseline demographics, pre-operative visual, biometric data (except for axial length), and surgical paraments. The PanOptix outperformed the AT LISA tri in the intermediate range when using the standard visual acuity testing (UCVA: 0.23 ± 0.14 logMAR vs. 0.31 ± 0.17 logMAR, p = 0.04; BCVA: 0.21 ± 0.12 vs. 0.28 ± 0.14, p = 0.03) and in the intermediate and far range when using the interactive computer program (intermediate: UNVA “E” optotype test: 0.05 ± 0.12 vs. 0.12 ± 0.13, p = 0.03; Far: UNVA “E” optotype: 0.07 ± 0.12 vs. 0.13 ± 0.10, p = 0.05). In addition, the PanOptix group had higher contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare at all spatial frequencies. There was no difference in subjective outcomes between the groups.Conclusions Patients who received PanOptix IOL had better visual outcomes for intermediate and far with higher contrast sensitivity under various conditions. Based on patients ‘ needs and demands, these results could support discussion when tailoring the optimal multifocal IOl.

Abstract—Experiments were carried out on the production and testing of hard alloys from VK10KhOM and VRK15 powders coated with multigraphene obtained by the electrochemical method. Samples with multigraphene were sintered under standard conditions for the VK10KhOM and VRK15 grades. The amount of multigraphene additive was 0.1 wt % for the VK10KHOM alloy and 0.1 and 0.5 wt % for the VRK15 alloy. Friction tests on VK10KhOM samples showed that the width of wear areas of samples with multigraphene is 8% smaller than the original ones. At 0.1 wt % of multigraphene, the density of samples of the VK10KhOM grade is 14.5 g/cm3and VRK15 is 14.0 g/cm3, and the porosity is 0.02 and 2%, respectively. Comparative tests were carried out on cutting VT-3 titanium. As a result of cutting, it was found that the coating of powders with multigraphene increases the durability of carbide inserts of both grades. It was shown that, for VRK15, the plate life increased by 4 times, but for the VK10KhOM grade, it was not possible to determine the failure time of the plate. The increase in wear resistance is presumably caused by a decrease in the coefficient of friction due to multigraphene, which, when dissolved in the hard alloy, is released in the form of graphite.

Abstract: The structural and magnetic properties of magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles obtained by a modified codeposition method with reduced concentrations of metal cations in the initial solution are studied, and an approach with ultrasonic stirring of the solution is developed. It is found that ultrasonic synthesis leads to the formation of nanoparticles with a high content of the crystalline phase compared to particles obtained using the classical approach with mechanical stirring, which produces nanoparticles of a smaller size and with a larger volume fraction of the X-ray amorphous phase. Nanoparticles obtained by the modified method have a high saturation magnetization, and therefore the approach can be adapted to obtain magnetic nanocomposites by introducing nanoparticles of a different nature into the solution, which will act as a nucleus for growth of the magnetic phase.

Abstract: The Ozerninsky ore cluster is a geological megastructure with unique rich and diverse mineralization. It hosts more than 20 deposits of lead, zinc, iron, copper, barite, and gold, including the Ozernoe polymetallic deposit, which has the largest Zn reserves of Russia. Our studies showed that many morphological features of ores of this deposit, which is ascribed to a hydrothermal–sedimentary type by most researchers, are ambiguous and include the signatures of metasomatic origin of sulfide mineralization. In addition to Pb–Zn deposits, the Ozerninsky ore cluster also contains complex gold–polymetallic, iron oxide (hematite–magnetite), and copper–barite deposits, the origin of which remains discussible. The presence of abundant exogenic gold deposits requires necessary estimation of gold potential of various types of endogenic ore mineralization as potential sources of noble metals. In spite of relatively long period of studies of the Ozerninsky ore cluster (more than half a century), many questions of proportions between various mineralization types, age and genesis of ores, and geodynamic formation settings of the deposits are still a matter of debate. The solution of these questions requires more detailed geochronological and lithological–stratigraphic studies in combination with study of mineral composition of ores, their isotopic–geochemical characteristics, and physicochemical formation conditions.

Magnetoelectric composites based on polymers with inclusions of magnetic nanoparticles have found novel applications in bone tissue engineering as growth-promoting substrates for stem cells. Current research focuses on the surface properties of composite materials, in particular their topographical features, as these have a significant impact on the behavior of stem cells and can promote their differentiation. In this paper, helium-plasma modification is proposed as a method to effectively modify the surface roughness and wettability of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based films. It is demonstrated that this modification method facilitates the development of a topography and increases the surface roughness of PVDF substrates; it also contributes to a reduction in the contact angle, which is due to surface functionalization through defluorination and chemical oxidation. Such surface properties make it possible to use these nanocomposites as functional substrates for bone tissue engineering.

Nowadays a new class of two-dimensional materials, MXenes, is attracting considerable attention as nanoadsorbents for the removal of heavy-metal ions from water. Pollutants such as copper and other heavy metals possess a negative impact on human health and the quality of natural ecosystems when their concentration exceeds an acceptable limit, which makes it urgent to develop cheap and effective methods to reduce the concentration of such pollutants. In this work we study the adsorptive properties of Ti3C2TxMXenes with mixed functionalization by –O, –F, and –OH surface groups in relation to copper Cu(II) ions. Herein, multilayer MXene particles are investigated, since their yield is much greater than that of single-layer particles when using standard synthesis methods, and the experimental results are compared with previously published data for single-layer MXenes. It is established that, at low concentrations (below 50 mg/L), multilayer Ti3C2TxMXenes demonstrate a comparable adsorption capacity of ~102 mg/g which makes it possible to use them for practical applications.

Nanoadsorbents, including 2D MХenes, are being actively studied as materials for the removal of heavy metals from water. Adsorption is a cheap and effective way to reduce the pollution level with such-kind toxic substances. Ti3C2TxMXenes are one of the most promising materials in this field, due to their large specific surface area rich in adsorption centers. Additionally, the composition of this material can be optimally selected to ensure the maximum adsorption efficiency, for example, by controlling their surface functionalization. Density functional theory (DFT) modeling is one of the most effective methods for studying and predicting the adsorption properties of MXenes. In this work, the DFT approach is used to determine the adsorption energies (Eads) of mercury and iron ions on the surface of Ti3C2O2and Ti3C2F2MXenes. It is found that the maximum adsorption energy (Eads= –3.59 eV for Fe and –0.357 eV for Hg) is exhibited by MXenes with oxygen surface functionalization. Also, the work describes the synthesis and characterization of Ti3C2TxMXenes with a predominant content of –O functional groups. Characterization of the material includes the study of its optical properties, i.e., absorption spectra: their analysis is a simple way to subsequently detect the content of MXenes in treated water. It is found that Ti3C2TxMXenes have a light-absorption peak at a wavelength of 795 nm, and the dependence of the intensity of this peak on the concentration is linear in the range from 10 to 100 μg/mL, which is convenient for subsequent use in optical detection.

Abstract: This work is focused on the calibration of magnetometers for the attitude control system of the SamSat-ION university nanosatellite. A calibration methodology is proposed to take into account the temperature drift of the sensors readings. Measurements are carried out in twelve static positions, with sequential cooling and heating in the temperature range from –10 to +50°С, and are used to calculate the estimates of the temperature dependences of the bias, scale factor, and nonorthogonalities of the magnetometer axes. The main results of the ground tests of the SamSat-ION onboard systems obtained in accordance with the proposed methodology are discussed. The operability of the onboard systems during and after calibration under temperature variations (rise and drop) has been confirmed. Taking into account the found parameters, affected by various temperature gradients, decreases the measurement error about twelve-fold, which makes it possible to ensure reliable operation of the attitude control and stabilization system of nanosatellites that include magnetometers.

In everyday life, rolling motion is typically associated with cylindrical (for example, car wheels) or spherical (for example, billiard balls) bodies tracing linear paths. However, mathematicians have, for decades, been interested in more exotically shaped solids such as the famous oloids1, sphericons2, polycons3, platonicons4and two-circle rollers5that roll downhill in curvilinear paths (in contrast to cylinders or spheres) yet indefinitely (in contrast to cones, Supplementary Video 1). The trajectories traced by such bodies have been studied in detail6–9, and can be useful in the context of efficient mixing10,11and robotics, for example, in magnetically actuated, millimetre-sized sphericon-shaped robots12,13, or larger sphericon- and oloid-shaped robots translocating by shifting their centre of mass14,15. However, the rolling paths of these shapes are all sinusoid-like and their diversity ends there. Accordingly, we were intrigued whether a more general problem is solvable: given an infinite periodic trajectory, find the shape that would trace this trajectory when rolling down a slope. Here, we develop an algorithm to design such bodies—which we call ‘trajectoids’—and then validate these designs experimentally by three-dimensionally printing the computed shapes and tracking their rolling paths, including those that close onto themselves such that the body’s centre of mass moves intermittently uphill (Supplementary Video 2). Our study is motivated largely by fundamental curiosity, but the existence of trajectoids for most paths has unexpected implications for quantum and classical optics, as the dynamics of qubits, spins and light polarization can be exactly mapped to trajectoids and their paths16.

Layered van der Waals (vdW) chalcogenides of 3d transition metals are a rich source of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, in which atomically thin layers with the terminating chalcogen atoms exhibit promising functionality for novel spintronic devices. Here, we report on the synthesis, crystal growth, and magnetic properties of FeAl2Se4, MnAl2S4, and MnAl2Se4ternary chalcogenides. Crystal structures are probed by powder X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. We improve the structural models of FeAl2Se4and MnAl2S4and show that isostructural MnAl2S4and MnAl2Se4crystallize in the centrosymmetric R3̅̅mspace group. In the crystal structure, transition metal and Al atoms mutually occupy the octahedral and tetrahedral voids of four close-packing chalcogen layers terminated by vdW gaps. The transition-metal atoms form a triangular arrangement inside the close-packing layers. As a result, FeAl2Se4and MnAl2S4show no long-range magnetic order in the studied temperature range. In the paramagnetic state, Fe and Mn possess effective magnetic moments of 4.99(2) and 5.405(6) μB, respectively. Furthermore, FeAl2Se4enters a frozen spin-disordered state below 12 K.

The kinetics of hydroxyapatite growth on titanium alloys (CP–Ti and Ti65Zr) was studied. Specimens were treated by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) and immersed into the Hanks' solution. The PEO method was performed at AC mode with the current density of 4 A/dm2in an electrolyte containing calcium acetate and calcium glycerophosphate, allowing the inclusion of calcium and phosphorus in the obtained oxide layer, which promotes the osseointegration when applied to bone tissue. The treated specimens were immersed in the Hanks’ solution with different exposure times, followed by studying changes in morphology, chemical, and phase composition. In addition, the surface wettability was tested, and the corrosion behavior of the treated samples was investigated. Tiny HA crystals can be seen on the surface of CP-Ti samples treated by PEO for 5 and 30 min. The morphology with a distinct layer of HA was obtained for the Ti65Zr sample after 5 min of PEO treatment. As for the immersion times, the highest crystal growth velocity was observed for the Ti65Zr of 5 min of PEO and 14 days of immersion. The change in morphology and EIS analysis confirms the observed behavior. Finally, based on the XRD analysis for the Ti65Zr of 5 min PEO treatment samples, the Srilankite phase in an amount of 60% is responsible for the crystal growth, resulting in the best crystal growth velocity and good corrosion properties (Rp = 0.732 MΩ cm2).

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in young people is increasing, but treatments remain limited. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an empagliflozin dosing regimen versus placebo and linagliptin versus placebo on glycaemic control in young people with type 2 diabetes.

Here, we discuss a recent critical advancement made by Shao et al.1demonstrating a successful synthesis of nano-structured MAX phases from carbon nanotubes and graphene aerogels as sacrificial scaffolds. Their efficient approach provides a possibility for tunable and controlled morphology, size, and composition of the MAX phase. Consequently, the formation of MXenes from that MAX happens in record times with high yield and a potential for a narrow flake-size distribution. Their work provides an avenue toward a realistic integration of MXenes in large-scale advanced research and technologies.

In 2019 September, a sudden flare of the 6.7 GHz methanol maser was observed toward the high-mass young stellar object (HMYSO) G24.33+0.14. This may represent the fourth detection of a transient mass accretion event in an HMYSO after S255IR NIRS3, NGC 6334I-MM1, and G358.93−0.03-MM1. G24.33+0.14 is unique among these sources as it clearly shows a repeating flare with an 8 yr interval. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), we observed the millimeter continuum and molecular lines toward G24.33+0.14 in the pre-flare phase in 2016 August (ALMA Cycle 3) and the mid-flare phase in 2019 September (ALMA Cycle 6). We identified three continuum sources in G24.33+0.14, and the brightest source, C1, which is closely associated with the 6.7 GHz maser emission, shows only a marginal increase in flux density with a flux ratio (Cycle 6$/$Cycle 3) of 1.16 ± 0.01, considering an additional absolute flux calibration uncertainty of $10\%$. We identified 26 transitions from 13 molecular species other than methanol, and they exhibit similar levels of flux differences with an average flux ratio of 1.12 ± 0.15. In contrast, eight methanol lines observed in Cycle 6 are brighter than those in Cycle 3 with an average flux ratio of 1.23 ± 0.13, and the higher excitation lines tend to show a larger flux increase. If this systematic increasing trend is real, it would suggest radiative heating close to the central HMYSO due to an accretion event which could expand the size of the emission region and/or change the excitation conditions. Given the low brightness temperatures and small flux changes, most of the methanol emission is likely to be predominantly thermal, except for the 229.759 GHz (8−1–70E) line known as a class I methanol maser. The flux change in the millimeter continuum of G24.33+0.14 is smaller than in S255IR NIRS3 and NGC 6334I-MM1 but is comparable with that in G358.93−0.03-MM1, suggesting different amounts of accreted mass in these events.

To drive change, it is necessary to leverage emerging health technologies while accounting for basic elements of human behaviour and ever-developing findings in the science of health-related behaviour. A third approach is to design third-party digital nudging applications that augment consumer choices across platforms, such as automatically providing price comparisons between online retail stores. Features AS EACH DAY PASSES, more and more of our choices and behaviours are occurring online. PRINCIPLE 2: PUT DATA TO WORK Designers of digital nudges should identify the necessary data to track behaviour and other contextual variables to optimize nudging techniques. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract—: Composite multiferroics are materials in which electric polarization of the material is possible under the action of an external magnetic field and vice versa, a change in the magnetization of the structure when an electric field is applied. Such properties have a high practical potential for application in science and technology. Based on these materials, it is possible to manufacture a number of devices with unique properties, such as, for example, random access magnetoelectric (ME) memory, ME sensors of magnetic fields, current, magnetic nanoparticles, micromechanical ME antennas, voltage-adjustable microwave filters, resonators and phase shifters. Therefore, the search for new materials of composite multiferroics and the study of the ME effect in them is a priority and urgent task in the search and creation of new electronic devices. One of the most promising and close to practical implementation directions is the creation of highly sensitive sensors of ultra-weak magnetic fields on the basis of composite multiferroics. The absence of the need to cool such sensors is a significant technical advantage over superconducting quantum interferometers currently used for these purposes. To date, the best achieved limits for detecting magnetic fields using sensors based on composite magnetoelectrics are values of the order of pT/Hz1/2, and new works are regularly published that reduce this threshold by improving processing electronics and changing the sensor design. This threshold of sensitivity is already sufficient for reliable detection of magnetic fields induced by alpha-rhythm currents of the brain with amplitudes of units of pT (magnetoencephalography) and for detecting the magnetic activity of the human heart. The review article is devoted to composite magnetoelectric structures with a focus on sensor structures capable of detecting ultra-weak magnetic fields. The comparison of the limiting sensitivity to the magnetic field of the existing ME composite structures is carried out, the ways of increasing the sensitivity to the magnetic field are shown.

Peptides are currently considered promising therapeutic agents, ranging from antimicrobial to anticancer drugs. Damage to the cell membrane is the most studied mechanism of action of antibacterial peptides. The membrane toxicity of peptides towards human cells is assessed using hemolysis estimation. Several in silico methods have been developed to predict the hemolytic activity of potential antibacterial drugs. Most of the programs use classification models whose results are difficult to interpret. Usually, a researcher does not have the opportunity to understand under what conditions the prediction results can be realized. Furthermore, the authors often use the same external data as training ones not considering the principles of dividing the active and non-active subjects despite that underlying results were obtained under differed conditions. To overcome the gap between the prognosis and real study, we developed the regression models involving the details of differed experimental protocols. We reviewed the literature and supplemented the training data for 951 peptides with quantitative descriptors of the experimental conditions. The resulting regression models predicted the peptide concentration that would cause a certain level of hemolysis at a certain incubation time. Under different validation schemes, our models achieved acceptable performance estimates of 0.69 for R2and 58 µM for RMSE. Having evaluated the impact of descriptors on model performance, we confirmed the importance of accounting for the experimental conditions for reliable prediction of the peptide membrane toxicity.

Despite regulators’ warnings that investing in cryptoassets is highly risky, cryptocurrency investments are prevalent. To explore investors’ engagement with regulatory risk advice, we conducted two surveys. Cryptocurrency investors residing in the UK and the US were asked about their interpretation of the notion of risk, awareness of regulatory risk advice, and attitudes towards the advice and the regulators. Investors were also asked whether they followed the advice. Qualitative content analysis of their answers suggests that people often invest in cryptocurrencies although they understand the risks involved and are aware of the regulators’ advice. They do so due to their risk propensity, self-reliance, criticism of the informativeness of the advice, or attitudes towards regulators. Furthermore, negative attitudes towards regulators often stem from lack of trust and the perception that regulators are dated. This study suggests that regulators could benefit investors by providing them with more informative advice and addressing their attitudes.

Background: The aim of the study was to develop a technique for quantitative determination of rat urine metabolites by HPLC–MS/MS, which can be used to search for biomarkers of acute intoxication with organophosphates (OPs). Results: The content of metabolites in the urine of rats exposed to a single dose of paraoxon (POX1x); interval, twice daily administration of paraoxon (POX2x); exposure to 2-(o-cresyl)-4H-1, 3, 2-benzodioxaphosphorin-2-oxide and paraoxon (CBPOX) was investigated. New data were obtained on the content in the urine of intact rats as well as rats in 3 models of OP poisoning: 3-methylhistidine, threonine, creatine, creatinine, lactic acid, acetylcarnitine, inosine, hypoxanthine, adenine, 3-hydroxymethyl-butyrate and 2-hydroxymethyl-butyrate. Conclusions: The proposed assay procedure is a simple and reliable tool for urine metabolomic studies. Within 1–3 days after OP exposure in all three models of acute intoxication, the concentration of metabolites in rat urine, with the exception of adenine, changes similarly and symmetrically, regardless of the method of poisoning modeling, in all three models of acute intoxication. Further studies are needed to determine the specificity and reliability of using urinary metabolite concentration changes as potential biomarkers of acute organophosphate intoxication. Graphical Abstract: