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Introduction In this study, physicochemical, genotoxic, and mutagenic properties of water samples from 10 rivers of the Almaty region (Kazakhstan) were evaluated. Results The results of the study demonstrated an increased level of mineralization and electrical conductivity that might be caused by the high concentration of dissolved mineral salts and ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2 +, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−. The excess of Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) for various heavy metals was revealed. The results of tests using the pXen7-lux biosensor showed toxic effects of river waters. At the same time, the studies involved lux biosensors pRecA-lux, pColD-lux, pSoxS-lux, pKatG-lux did not find any genotoxic and oxidative effects. However, toxicity and mutagenicity of the studied water samples was detected by using plant test (Allium cepa and Hordeum vulgare). Phytotoxic, cytotoxic (decrease in the mitotic index) and mutagenic (increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations) activity of the water samples was observed. The data of in vivo tests (Danio rerio) showed the high toxicity and teratogenicity of river waters for fish embryos at all stages of development. Conclusions The results of this comprehensive study indicate that the contamination of the surface natural waters poses a threat to rivers dwellers and the human population in the rivers areas.

Ni-phosphides present a promising alternative to the conventional hydrotreatment NiMo sulfides. The hydrotreatment catalysts are supported on Al2O3 granules, and the similarly Al2O3 supported Ni-phosphide catalysts provide an interesting case for comparison. In this work the Ni-phosphide catalysts supported on Al2O3 granules were prepared using two procedures: 1) temperature-programmed reduction of “phosphite”-type precursor in hydrogen flow (TPR_I catalyst), 2) treatment of Ni nanoparticles with triphenylphosphine solution at elevated temperature (LP catalyst). The catalysts were characterized by ICP-AES chemical analysis, N2 physisorption, XRD, TEM, XPS, 27Al MAS NMR. The Ni2P particles were found in LP samples, while TPR method gives the mixture of Ni12P5 and Ni2P particles and amorphous AlPO4 on the alumina surface. The behavior of granulated Ni phosphide and conventional sulfided NiMo/Al2O3 catalysts was compared in hydroprocessing of straight-run gas oil (SRGO) at 340 °C, 4 MPa, V(H2)/V(feed) - 400 Nm3/m3, LHSV - 1,5 h−1. Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) activity of nickel phosphide catalysts were shown to be lower in comparison with NiMo/Al2O3. Hydrotreating of S-containing model compounds (DBT, 4-MDBT, 4,6-DMDBT) was carried out over TPR_I catalyst, and a negative effect of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and acridin additions on the HDS activity was observed.

In this work, the possibility of stabilizing aqueous dispersed systems of carbon with vinyl ether copolymers of various composition and structure was investigated. It was shown that the presence of hydrophobic fragments in the macromolecule chain plays a significant role and positively affects the results of stabilization of aqueous dispersions of carbon particles. It was shown that the composition and molecular architecture of the stabilizing copolymer strongly affects the stabilizing ability in studied systems. Studies have shown that the use of a polymeric stabilizer in combination with ultrasonic treatment of dispersed systems makes it possible to obtain stable, homogeneous, highly dispersed suspensions. At the same time, it was demonstrated that a strong increase in the time and intensity of ultrasonic treatment of the system does not lead to a significant improvement in the results

This article compares the microstructures of alloys formed upon the sintering of powdered mixtures of tungsten (PV2, average particle size 3.8–6.0 μm) and copper (PMS–11, particle-size fraction 45–60 μm) produced by various methods: the simple mixing of powdered metals, the mechanical activation (MA) of powdered metals, and the deposition of copper from a solution of its sulfate (Cu2SO4·5H2O) on powdered tungsten with simultaneous mechanical activation. The molar ratio in metals in mixtures is Cu/W = 1. The aqueous solution for copper deposition is comprised of diethylene glycol (up to 30%), glycerol (up to 8%), hydrofluoric acid (up to 0.1%), and the OP-10 wetting agent (up to 0.8%). Mechanical activation is carried out in an AGO-2 planetary mill with a drum load of 200 g of steel balls and a drum rotation speed of 2220 rpm for 5 min. Reduced copper in the solution and in air is rapidly oxidized to Cu2O; therefore, the composite powders were washed, dried, and stored in an argon environment. The samples pressed from the powders (tablets with a diameter of 3 mm, height of 1.5–2.0 mm, and density of 7.7–8.0 g/cm3) are sintered in argon at ambient pressure and in a temperature range from 1000 to 1500°C. During the sintering of Cu–W composite particles, it is possible to highlight several regions of the progress of the process. At temperatures below the melting point of copper, solid-phase sintering in the contact points of composite particles occurs. Upon heating from the melting points to 1200°C, the samples from the mixture of powdered metals are sintered according to the liquid-phase mechanism, forming a low porous cake. Sintering of composite powders produced by MA upon copper deposition and the MA of mixtures of powdered metals results in the segregation of samples with the formation of coarse pores extended perpendicularly to the axis of pressing and are partially filled with molten copper. Upon the heating of samples produced by the MA of powders above 1400°C, phase separation occurs and all copper is displaced from the sample to the surface.

The effect of electron irradiation (doses up to 53 kGy) on the relaxation properties and segmental mobility in polyvinyl alcohol molecules has been studied using relaxation spectrometry. It has been shown that radiolysis leads to the formation of radicals that do not cause crosslinking of polymer chains. Irradiation with electrons causes a linear increase in the relaxation microheterogeneity of the alpha-process in the internal friction spectrum; this change manifests itself in broadening of the corresponding loss peak.

Autophagy is known to play a critical role in the early stages of embryogenesis including the formation of blastocyst. The existence of p53 protein-deficient mice may identify that p53 is not indispensable for the activation of autophagy in pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. We utilized a p53-knockout (KO) mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line to investigate the contribution of p53 in autophagy. We showed that lack of p53 has no effect on cell pluripotency but significantly hinders the differentiation process induced by retinoic acid. Using MRT68921, we revealed that Ulk1-dependent autophagy is activated in response to serum deprivation despite the deletion of p53 in mESCs. However, under retinoic acid-induced differentiation, the accumulation of autophagosomes and lysosomes is impaired in p53 KO mESCs, indicating a critical role of p53 in the regulation of autophagy upon differentiation.

Abstract In this work, results of the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) based on transition metals Pd, Ni, and Fe reduced by quercetin in reverse-micellar solution (RMS) of Н2О/AOT/isooctane are presented. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the formation of bimetallic structure of PdcoreNishell NP is shown and a synergetic enhancement of optical absorbance is revealed in the plasmon resonance spectra at the wavelength values intrinsic for monometallic NPs. Investigation of the adsorption of bimetallic NPs on the surface of γ-alumina proves the advantage of palladium-containing particles with Fecore/Pdshell obtained as a result of targeted reduction of palladium in RMS on the surface of large Fe NPs, which appears in the increase in the adsorption effectiveness of such a structure due to stronger binding with the carrier surface. This approach decreases the amount of expensive metal during production of palladium nanocomposites through a significant decrease in production costs.

CuCr composite particles have been obtained using copper deposition from the solution of its sulfate onto chromium powder particles with the simultaneous mechanical activation (MA) of the mixture in an AGO-2 planetary ball mill for 5 min. The CuSO4·5H2O concentration in the solution with complete copper reduction provides a molar ratio of Cu/Cr = 1. Since deposited fine crystalline copper is highly active and rapidly oxidizes to Cu2O oxide in air, the composite powders are washed, dried, and stored in an argon atmosphere. After drying, the mixture is subjected to additional MA for 5 min. During MA, composite particles with a laminate structure start forming in the solution. The powders are used to press tablets with a diameter of 3 mm, height of up to 1.5 mm, and density of 4.2–4.5 g/cm3. Samples are sintered in an argon atmosphere at 700–1400°С. To compare microstructures, we have also sintered samples from mixtures of Cr and Cu metal powders with a volume ratio of chromium to copper of 50 : 50, which were obtained by simple mixing in a porcelain mortar for 20 min and MA for 10 min. Three regions of the alloy structure formation can be distinguished depending on the heating temperature. When temperatures are heated below the eutectic melting point, composite particles are sintered at separate points. With heating temperatures above the liquidus temperature, the alloy melts with its phases separated; one part of the sample consists of copper enriched in chromium, and the other part consists of chromium enriched in copper. With intermediate heating temperatures, liquid phase sintering accompanied by phase separation is observed. Copper-enriched chromium particles become spherical and are located in a chromium-enriched copper matrix. A comparison of samples sintered under the same conditions from powder mixtures obtained by different methods showed that samples with deposited copper have a more uniform and fine-grained structure.

The present work is devoted to the studies of behavior of porous spherical calcium carbonate vaterites (СаСО3) used as components of target drug delivery systems. The samples were implanted into rat muscle tissue and investigated in 3 days, 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after operation. It was demonstrated that structural transformation and bioresorption of the implanted carriers occurred over time. In 3 days after implantation, spherical structures rearranged to form needle-like objects, which underwent complete bioresorption during the following two weeks. No pathogenic impact of the samples on the surrounding tissues was revealed, which confirms safety of СаСО3 vaterites; thus, vaterites can be recommended for further studies as components of target drug delivery systems.

In order to prolong the release and reduce the toxicity of anticancer drug – doxorubicin (DOX), delivery systems (DS) using different polyanions have been developed. Structural (size, morphological...

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that is thought to have regulated primary productivity in global oceans after the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis. The prime source of seawater phosphorus is regarded to be continental weathering of phosphate minerals. Ancient seawater phosphorus concentrations have been constrained using the phosphorus content of iron-rich chemical sediments—banded iron formations (BIFs); however, the removal processes and depositional phases remain unclear. Here we report that nanometer-sized apatite crystals (

Dark blue lazurite from the Malo-Bystrinskoe lazurite deposit, Baikal Lake area, Eastern Siberian region, Russia, was analyzed by electron microprobe and revealed an unusually high content of total sulfur corresponding to 8.3 wt% S. The relative content of sulfur in sulfate and sulfur in sulfide form was determined by wet chemical analysis. The H2O content was measured by means of differential thermal analysis in combination with mass spectrometry and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The charge-balanced empirical formula of lazurite calculated on the basis of 12 (Al+Si) atoms per formula unit was (Na6.97Ca0.88K0.10)Σ7.96[(Al5.96Si6.04)Σ12O24](SO4)1.092−(S3−)0.55S0.052− Cl0.04·0.72H2O. The presence of H2O molecules and (S3)– and (SO4)2– groups was confirmed by the combination of IR, Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. The idealized formula of lazurite is Na7Ca[Al6Si6O24](SO4)2–(S3)–·H2O, and it is believed that extra-framework cations and anions are grouped into clusters of [Na3Ca·SO4]3+ and [Na4(S3)–]3+. The types of isomorphous substitutions in nosean and haüyne are discussed. Lazurite is a clathrate-type mineral, which may be an effective (S3)– sensor due to the stability of the trisulfur radical anion in isolated cages of the crystal structure. This specific feature makes it possible to study the behavior of this ubiquitous radical anion over larger T and P ranges as compared to free species. This kind of lazurite, with oxidized and reduced sulfur species, seems to be appropriate for the estimation of the fugacity of SO2 and O2 in metasomatic systems forming lazurite-containing rocks. The systematic presence of incommensurate modulations is a unique structural feature of Baikal lazurite and may be an important marker indicating provenance of the mineral.

The adverse effects of the construction from the perspective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are becoming increasingly important in terms of sustainable development and the growth of construction output. Construction actors involved in the process of creating buildings are responsible for the deterioration of the environmental situation. Flexible tools to motivate construction participants to actively and purposefully decarbonize construction and maintain the production and use of low-carbon technologies should be established. Multilevel institutional tools for regulating extended responsibility of construction participants through organizational and economic incentives for low-carbon design and construction and optimization of building design solutions are presented in the article. Recommendations are also provided to improve the environmental safety of construction, including the establishment of the of low-carbon certification institute for developers, based on a cost estimate of the carbon impact of buildings used in the development of compensatory and incentive measures. The proposed methodological aspects of rational low-carbon design and construction of buildings with minimal carbon footprint will allow to formulate the basic principles of functioning of the low-carbon certification institute of builders as a tool to improve their bid competitiveness.

The aim was to the assess the health impact of substances measured in the air originating from the decomposition of organic components of sewage sludge in the landfill. Methods: The study was performed at the Severny landfill in a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Sanitary and chemical methods of landfill emissions research we applied. Health risk assessment of the chemicals polluting the air was used. Results. In total, 30 pollutants are emitted from the landfill to the air with the total emission of 768.11 tons/year. The main pollutant was methane. The emissions contained 12 pollutants with a carcinogenic effect. A total of 18 substances comprised 99.9 % of the total index of non-carcinogenic hazard with dihydrosulfide (hydrogen sulfide), formaldehyde and ammonia being the main contributors. Conclusions. The maximum values of carcinogenic risk from exposure to formaldehyde at the calculated points reached 5.8x10-6. The levels of individual carcinogenic risk from formaldehyde exposure correspond to the second risk range (maximum permissible). The value of the total individual carcinogenic risk does not exceed the value of 7.4E-06. The maximum values of the hazard factors for chronic exposure are due to hydrogen sulfide - 0.27. The maximum values of the exposure hazard index at calculated points on the respiratory system are 0.46; on the immune system - 0.16; on the eyes - 0.15. These risk levels were rated as minimal.

To fabricate Cu–Ti composite particles, the method of copper deposition from its sulfate solution on titanium powder particles with the simultaneous mechanical activation (MA) of the mixture in an AGO‑2 planetary ball mill for 5 min is used. The CuSO4 ⋅ 5H2O concentration in solutions is 10 and 16%, which provides molar ratio Cu/Ti = 0.85 and 1.36, respectively, with the complete reduction of copper. The rapid reduction of copper in the form of highly dispersed partially amorphized powder occurs during MA, and composite particles with a thin laminate structure and high reaction ability are formed. Prepared composites are rinsed and stored in argon because reduced copper possesses high activity and rapidly oxidizes in air to oxide Cu2O. After drying, the additional MA of the mixture is performed for 5 min. Pellets 3 mm in diameter and up to 1.5 mm in height are compacted from prepared powders and heated in argon to 700–1200°C. An intense reaction with heat liberation (heat explosion) and the formation of TiCu, Ti2Cu3, and Ti2Cu intermetallic compounds starts upon sample heating. The critical inflammation temperature for composite powders formed by MA with simultaneous copper deposition from the solution is 480°C, which is 400°C below the inflammation temperature of the usual powder mixture of titanium and copper. The alloy has a dendritic structure at a heating temperature close to the melting point, while, if it is exceeded by more than 100°C, the phase distribution in the alloys becomes more uniform and their size decreases.

Successful treatment of the majority of oncological diseases that affect solid organs is related to appropriate use of potent and (to varying degrees) toxic antitumor drugs. In a number of cases, chemotherapy requires the maximum localized action of a drug in the tumor area. The most efficient methods of drug administration are introducing medicinal compounds (MC) directly into the tumor or use of target drug delivery systems. The second method makes it possible to decrease general toxicity of MC, and to reach prolonged therapeutic action due to uniform and time-controlled release of a MC into tumor tissue. In the present work, we studied behavior of porous spherical СаСО3 vaterites (components of delivery systems for antitumor drugs) in various environments (human blood plasma, rat muscle tissue). It was demonstrated that the studied drug carriers undergo morphological transformations and are destructed with time. In blood plasma, due to ion exchange reactions, vaterites are transformed into gradually disintegrating needle-like structures (as shown by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy). Similar processes were observed in muscle tissue: in three days, spheres were transformed into needle-like structures and then underwent complete bioresorption.

A convenient synthetic route to 4-arylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid has been proposed on the basis of substituted benzaldehydes according to the Krohnke method, followed by oxidation of methyl group.

A method is developed for creating highly active and selective catalysts for associated petroleum gas cracking which is based on use of activated carbons derived from renewable sources of plant raw materials (Jerusalem artichoke, false flax, rape, wheat) modified with nanosized iron particles obtained in reverse-micellar solutions. It is shown that carbon matrices modified with iron nanoparticles possess а high catalytic activity with the maximum conversion attained at 900 К and a high selectivity for olefin formation (about 95%).

Methyl 6-(6-aryl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine-2-carboxylates were synthesized in up to 70% yield by one-step condensation of substituted ω-bromoacetophenones with methyl 6-(hydrazinecarbonyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate in DMF. The reaction of methyl 6-(hydrazinecarbonyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate with 2-bromo-1-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]ethan-1-one afforded exclusively the corresponding arylglyoxal bishydrazone, dimethyl 6,6′-(2,2′-{1-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]ethane-1,2-diylidene}bis(hydrazine-1-carbonyl))bis(pyridine-2-carboxylate).

This work presents the results of the development and application of a filtration unit - a cartridge filter with a throttle (discharge) hole - for separating the solid phase - crystalline aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3, formed during long-term operation of an air and aluminum chemical cell with alkaline electrolyte and power plants based on them. The main theoretical provisions on the filtration mechanism using the discharge hole are formulated, according to which the filtration process consists of two types of filtration - blowout piping and particle coupling. The developed method made it possible to: purify electrolyte with low friction to electrolyte flow at high concentrations of the solid phase; ensure long-term performance of the purification system with large masses of the solid phase formed; be able to quickly regenerate the electrolyte; have a small mass and volume; leave a sufficient amount of solid phase in the electrolyte so that the crystals of aluminum hydroxide passing through the filter are a seed for the crystallization of dissolved aluminum in the circuit. The studies carried out allowed us to conclude that the use of mechanical cartridge filters with an orifice hole is an effective and reliable method for cleaning the electrolyte of a power plant with an air and aluminum chemical cell.

In recent years a few attempts have been made to integrate multimodal discourse analysis into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) curriculum. In such pedagogical proposals the emphasis is frequently placed on professional communication; however, multimodality is present in all kinds of social interaction, which is partly reflected in Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This paper presents a flexible instructional approach to teaching how to identify, interpret and create multimodal ensembles in discourse. The authors argue that this approach might be used in various instructional contexts and at all levels of proficiency. The methodology consists of six steps and is aimed at discovering, practicing and producing target non-verbal elements and multimodal ensembles in appropriate contexts. Flipped classroom is chosen as the main pedagogical approach. We suggest using multimodal discourse analysis (MMDA) as a tool for guided discovery to let learners reveal functions of non-verbal elements in authentic contexts step by step under instructor’s guidance. Since mastering MMDA could be challenging and might divert students’ attention from the subject matter, we also provide guidelines to adapt analytical procedures to reduce cognitive load if learners are new to MMDA. This paper presents a conceptual framework for planning lessons while a discussion of implementation of the proposed methodology is beyond its scope. We hope that, notwithstanding its theoretical nature, this pedagogical proposal would contribute to the growing area of research into EFL teaching in multimodal perspective by exploring how explicit teaching of MMDA might foster the development of overall language proficiency.

The study investigates the effect of biochar on nitrous oxide emission in Endoargic Anthrosols in the southern territory of the Russian Far East. Biochar (bio-charcoal) was applied in the amounts of 1 kg/m2 and 3 kg/m2 in combination with organic and mineral fertilizers to drained and drain-free fields during the vegetation season, and the five-gas analyzer G2508 (Picarro) was used. Cumulative flows of N2O were estimated. The analysis revealed that biochar reduces the emissions and the cumulative flow of nitrous oxide. The higher the dose of biochar, the lower the emission and cumulative flows of nitrous oxide, regardless of a drainage system. Biochar (1 kg/m2) reduced the cumulative N2O flow from the soil by 52.2% throughout the experiment conducted, while a dose of 3 kg/m2 allowed for 97.8% reduction. The study found that organic and mineral fertilizers can be effectively used in combination with biochar, as N2O emission from the soil with mineral fertilizers is significantly higher than from the soil with organic fertilizers. Biochar (1 kg/m2) combined with organic fertilizers reduces N2O emission by 53.7%, while a dose of 3 kg/m2 can reduce emissions by 88.9%. Biochar (1 kg/m2) combined with mineral fertilizers reduced the flow of N2O by 17.5%, while a 3 kg/m2 dose of biochar used with mineral fertilizers reduced the emission by 85.3%.

The IclR-family is a large group of transcription factors (TFs) regulating various biological processes in diverse bacteria. Using comparative genomics techniques, we have identified binding motifs of IclR-family TFs, reconstructed regulons and analyzed their content, finding co-occurrences between the regulated COGs (clusters of orthologous genes), useful for future functional characterizations of TFs and their regulated genes. We describe two main types of IclR-family motifs, similar in sequence but different in the arrangement of the half-sites (boxes), with GKTYCRYW3–4RYGRAMC and TGRAACAN1–2TGTTYCA consensuses, and also predict that TFs in 32 orthologous groups have binding sites comprised of three boxes with alternating direction, which implies two possible alternative modes of dimerization of TFs. We identified trends in site positioning relative to the translational gene start, and show that TFs in 94 orthologous groups bind tandem sites with 18–22 nucleotides between their centers. We predict protein–DNA contacts via the correlation analysis of nucleotides in binding sites and amino acids of the DNA-binding domain of TFs, and show that the majority of interacting positions and predicted contacts are similar for both types of motifs and conform well both to available experimental data and to general protein–DNA interaction trends.

Hydrogen is the key element to accomplish a carbon-free based economy. Here, the first evidence of plasmonic gallium (Ga) nanoantennas is provided as nanoreactors supported on sapphire (α-Al2O3) acting as direct plasmon-enhanced photocatalyst for hydrogen sensing, storage, and spillover. The role of plasmon-catalyzed electron transfer between hydrogen and plasmonic Ga nanoparticle in the activation of those processes is highlighted, as opposed to conventional refractive index-change-based sensing. This study reveals that, while temperature selectively operates those various processes, longitudinal (LO-LSPR) and transverse (TO-LSPR) localized surface plasmon resonances of supported Ga nanoparticles open selectivity of localized reaction pathways at specific sites corresponding to the electromagnetic hot-spots. Specifically, the TO-LSPR couples light into the surface dissociative adsorption of hydrogen and formation of hydrides, whereas the LO-LSPR activates heterogeneous reactions at the interface with the support, that is, hydrogen spillover into α-Al2O3 and reverse-oxygen spillover from α-Al2O3. This Ga-based plasmon-catalytic platform expands the application of supported plasmon-catalysis to hydrogen technologies, including reversible fast hydrogen sensing in a timescale of a few seconds with a limit of detection as low as 5 ppm and in a broad temperature range from room-temperature up to 600 °C while remaining stable and reusable over an extended period of time. The authors thank all of the students and colleagues in their groups who were actively involved with nanoparticles research. M.L., Y.G., and F.M. have received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant Agreement No. 899598—PHEMTRONICS. F.M. acknowledges MINECO (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, project PGC2018-096649-B-100).

Several hybrid systems for oral delivery of a therapeutic peptide have been prepared and investigated. Poly(l-glutamic acidco-d-phenylalanine) and silica sub-microparticles, porous CaCO3 microparticles and Lycopodium clavatum spore capsules were employed as the first level carriers included in sodium alginate granules as the second level carriers. Efficiency of the peptide encapsulation and release rate strongly depended on the nature and structure of the carriers.

An original and convenient procedure has been proposed for one-step preparation of 1-dichloromethyl- and 1-trichloromethylisoquinolines in up to 40% yields via aza-Diels–Alder reaction of the readily available 3-dichloromethyl- and 3-trichloromethyl-1,2,4-triazines (in the role of dienes) with 1,2-dehydrobenzene (in the role of in situ generated dienophile). The structure of 1-trichloromethyl-4-phenylisoquinoline was confirmed by X-ray structural analysis.

Reactivity of dihydroacridines bearing a С–X fragment at the geminal C-9 atom (where X = C, N, O, P, S) on anode has been investigated by means of electrochemical oxidation and thermodynamic and quantum-chemical calculations. The electrochemical oxidation results either in the formation of the 9-substituted acridines or in the cleavage of the C–X bond. This dual behavior of dihydroazines is analogous to processes reported in literature that take place upon treatment with chemical oxidants.

The effect of a humate reagent obtained from oxidized brown coal and sodium oleate on the wettability of minerals present in the composition of fluorite ores such as fluorite, calcite, and quartz is studied. It is shown that, in the case of successive treatment of fluorite and calcite with a humate reagent and sodium oleate, the difference in the wettability of the minerals significantly increases, which promotes the selection of these minerals during flotation.

Silicates of composition K2.75Tm[Si6(O,OH)12]·0.82H2O and K2.61Eu[Si6(O,OH)12]·0.95H2O and aluminosilicates of composition K1.94Pr[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.32H2O, K1.98Tb[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.32H2O and K1.96Dy[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.38H2O were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. K3REESi6O15·nH2O (REE = Tm, Eu) are orthorhombic, S.G. Pbam, and have the following unit cell parameters: a = 14.850(1) and 14.834(1) A, b = 15.899(1) and 15.877(1) A, c = 7.242(1) and 7.243(1) A, V = 1709.9(1) and 1705.8(1) A3 for KTm- and KEu-silicate phase, respectively. K2REEAlSi4O12·nH2O (REE = Pr, Tb, Dy) are monoclinic, S.G. C2/c, a = 26.853(1), 26.619(1) and 26.625(1) A, b = 7.393(1), 7.255(1) and 7.249(1) A, c = 14.855(1), 14.820(1) and 14.774(1) A, β = 123.551(1), 123.515(1) and 123.522(1)°, V = 2462.6(2), 2386.3(2) and 2377.2(1) A3 for KPr-, KTb- and KDy-aluminosilicates, respectively. Eu, Pr, Tb, Dy in the crystal structures have a trivalent state, while Tm has two- and three-valence form. The article describes the features of the crystal structures and the form of the entry of REE into the synthesized under hydrothermal conditions silicates of composition K2.75Tm[Si6(O,OH)12]·0.82H2O and K2.61Eu[Si6(O,OH)12]·0.95H2O and aluminosilicates of composition K1.94Pr[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.32H2O, K1.98Tb[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.32H2O and K1.96Dy[AlSi4(O,OH)12]·0.36H2O.

The relevance of the article is based on the fact that the state of work on the creation of power sources (PS) with AA chemical current sources (CCS) is at the stage of development and testing of prototypes. The purpose of this article is to calculate dimensions of the electrolyte circuit and the crystallizer. There were experimental studies of the decomposition kinetics of the process solutions of potassium aluminate in the range of temperatures and compositions corresponding to operating conditions with PS AA CCS for various purposes. This study presents the results of applying various methods of cleaning an alkaline electrolyte from dissolved reaction products formed during the operation of an air-aluminum (AA) chemical current source (CCS). The kinetic parameters of decomposition of aluminate solutions were experimentally determined, depending on temperature, the concentration of dissolved aluminum, concentration of initial aluminum hydroxide and the size of the first surface. The dimensions of the electrolyte purification systems from dissolved reaction products — electrolyte circuit and crystallizer — were calculated, which significantly increased the time continuous operation of power sources (PS) based on AA CCS. It was demonstrated that for a 100 W power supply, the crystallizer volume should be 1.3 l with initial concentration of 20 % of mass. The mass of water consumed during the operation of the PS for 6 hours is 1.4 kg.

The emergence and spread of resistant strains of pathogens as well as reduction of the efficacy of current antimicrobial agents requires the development of novel antimicrobial compounds. The aim of the present study was synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of new arylaliphatic aminopropanols. The objects of the present study were 1-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]-3-dialkylamino-2-propanol quaternary salts (compounds I–XIV). Compounds synthesis was carried out by heating of precursor epoxide and excessive amount of appropriate amines in isopropanole, followed by treatment with excess of alkyl halides. Methods of elemental analysis, IR- and PMR-spectroscopy were used for confirmation of chemical structure. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus аureus АTCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa АТСС 27853 and Candida albicans NCTC 885/653 was determined by a broth dilution method and evaluated via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Our investigation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of 1-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetra methylbutyl)phenoxy]-3-dialkylamino-2-propanol quaternary salts showed that compounds possess narrow spectrum, as well as broad spectrum action. Significant antimicrobial activity of the novel aryl aliphatic aminoalcohols indicates their potential usage as a component of new antimicrobial drugs.

The completeness of animal nutrition rations in terms of the content of minerals is considered one of the conditions for balanced feeding, since their lack in the diet often leads to metabolic process disorder among animals, which reduces growth and development, productivity, disturbs reproductive ability, and develops endemic diseases. Currently, for the partial compensation of trace mineral deficiency in the diets of use mineral substances of natural origin. One of such sources is bentonite clay of the Zamankul deposit. Taking into account the significant increase of the economically useful traits among young cattle identified in our studies when feeding with bentonite, substantiated by physiological studies, we performed research to study the exchange of nitrogen, mineral elements and the digestibility of nutrients in the body of 9 - 18-month-old cattle of the Simmental breed for fattening at the farm “Kaloev”, stanitsa Zmeyskaya, North Ossetia-Alania. Studies have established the digestibility of nutrient increase in the feed ration from 1.8 to 3.5%, a significantly greater retention of nitrogenous substances in the body of animals fed with bentonite - by 8.2%, a significant improvement of mineral element use in the feed.

Defective pluripotent cells are removed from embryos prior to differentiation, presumably due to upregulation of the p53 pathway. However, the mechanism underlying p53 protein activation is still unknown. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), corresponding to cells of the preimplantation blastocyst, likely have similar mechanisms for abnormal cell elimination. Using a mouse ESC cell line with inducible ulk1 gene expression, we showed that Ulk1 upregulation is accompanied by p53 phosphorylation on Ser15. ESCs tolerated the activated p53 and did not undergo apoptosis or cell cycle blockade upon Ulk1 overexpression. However, massive cell death was observed after retinoic acid treatment, suggesting a role of Ulk1-induced p53 activation in the elimination of defective pluripotent cells prior to differentiation.

Novel 1-aryl-3-biphenyl-4-yl-3-hydroxy-2,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-3H-imidazo[1,2-a]azepin-1-ium bromides and their 2,5-dehydrogenated analogues were designed and synthesized using a reaction of aryl-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-azepin-2-yl)-amines with 1-biphenyl-4-yl-2-bromoethanone. Among the 16 novel compounds 5 derivatives displayed in vitro antimicrobial activity; while three of them showed promising activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans.

Every year, influenza B viruses (IBVs) contribute to annual illness, and infection can lead to serious respiratory disease among humans. More attention is needed in several areas, such as increasing virulence or pathogenicity of circulating B viruses and developing vaccines against current influenza. Since preclinical trials of anti-influenza drugs are mainly conducted in mice, we developed an appropriate infection model, using an antigenically-relevant IBV strain, for furtherance of anti-influenza drug testing and influenza vaccine protective efficacy analysis. A Victoria lineage (clade 1A) IBV was serially passaged 17 times in BALB/c mice, and adaptive amino acid substitutions were found in hemagglutinin (HA) (T214I) and neuraminidase (NA) (D432N). By electron microscopy, spherical and elliptical IBV forms were noted. Light microscopy showed that mouse-adapted IBVs caused influenza pneumonia on day 6 post inoculation. We evaluated the illness pathogenicity, viral load, and histopathological features of mouse-adapted IBVs and estimated anti-influenza drugs and vaccine efficiency in vitro and in vivo. Assessment of an investigational anti-influenza drug (oseltamivir ethoxysuccinate) and an influenza vaccine (Ultrix&reg, SPBNIIVS, Saint Petersburg, Russia) showed effectiveness against the mouse-adapted influenza B virus.

Two-level delivery systems (DSs) for oral administration of therapeutic proteins and peptides were developed. The first level consists of outer walls of Lycopodium clavatum spores (sporopollenin exine capsules, SECs) with included target objects; the alginate microgranules serve as the second (outer) level. Alginate (a pH-dependent natural polymer) protects peptides from gastric acidity and enzyme exposure and provides slow release of target objects in an alkaline intestinal medium. Introducing ovomucoid (a peptidase inhibitor) into alginate coatings prevents enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide objects in the intestinal medium. The elemental composition of spores and SECs was controlled using energy-dispersion spectroscopy and combustion analysis; their morphology was visualized by SEM. The efficiencies of different methods of SEC loading were compared. It was demonstrated that the load value was controlled by molecular mass and the value of the isoelectric point of target objects. A comparison of peptide in vitro release profiles from DSs of various structures into simulated gastric and intestinal fluids was carried out. The mechanism of peptide release from two-level DSs was suggested. SECs were found in rat blood after intragastric administration of the two-level DSs. Time profiles of therapeutic peptide release were obtained in vivo.

The study of translation initiation in prokaryotes assumes that there should be a mechanism different from the canonical model, which postulates the formation of the pre-initiation complex through the interaction of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence (SD) at the 5′-end of mRNA and the anti-Shine-Dalgarno site at the 3′-end of 16S rRNA. In this paper we’ve studied the effect of TPS (Translation-initiation Promoting Site) on β-glucuronidase expression in E. coli cells at different cultivation temperatures. The examined leader sequences were cloned into the pET23c plasmid upstream the β-glucuronidase gene; protein expression was performed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. β-glucuronidase activity was measured in bacterial cell extracts via paranitrophenyl b-d-glucuronide assay. The quantity of expressed protein was measured by Western blotting with following densitometry. It was shown that TPS increases the level of protein expression at stressful conditions (10 °C and 44 °C) 5–8 times compared to control. The combination of TPS and SD sites in the 5′-leader sequence of the mRNA created an enhancer that increased the expression level 2–3.6 times compared to a single SD-sequence. Based on the obtained data and the computer modeling of interaction between 16S rRNA and TPS, we proposed an alternative variation of prokaryotic translation initiation.

This paper reports the first description of the crystal structure and crystal chemical features of fluorcarletonite, a new mineral from the Murun potassium alkaline complex (Russia), obtained by means of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crystal structure of fluorcarletonite, KNa4Ca4Si8O18(CO3)4(F,OH)⚫ H2O, a rare phyllosilicate mineral, contains infinite double-silicate layers composed of interconnected four- and eight-membered rings of SiO4 tetrahedra and connected through the interlayer K-, Na- and Ca-centered polyhedra and CO3 triangles. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the mineral to be tetragonal, P4∕mbm, a=13.219(1) Å, c=16.707(2) Å, V=2919.4(6) Å3 (powder XRD data), a=13.1808(5) Å, c=16.6980(8) Å, V=2901.0(3) Å3 (single-crystal XRD data, 100 K). The EMPA (average from 10 analyses) gave the following composition (wt %): SiO2 44.1(6), CaO 20.0(3), Na2O 11.1(3), K2O 4.5(2), F 1.3(5), TiO2 0.1(1) and Al2O3 0.03(3). The TG–DSC analysis confirmed the presence of H2O and CO2 (weight losses of 1.17 % and 14.9 %, respectively). The FTIR spectrum acquired in the range from 4000 to 400 cm−1 reveals the presence of H2O, CO3 and OH groups. The average formula of fluorcarletonite calculated from the results of EMPA and crystal structure refinement is K1.04Na3.89Ca3.87Ti0.01Si7.99Al0.01O18(CO3)3.86(F0.72OH0.28)⚫1.11H2O.

The interaction of 6-phenyl-3-trichloromethyl-1,2,4-triazine with 2,5-norbornadiene has been studied. The possibility of partial formation of 2-dichloromethylpyridine has been demonstrated.

Two-level systems for oral delivery of therapeutic peptides were developed; the carriers consist of CaCO3 cores included into alginate granules. Such systems were first used for the delivery of low molecular weight drugs. It was shown that efficiency of encapsulation of peptides depends on their pI value, hydrophobicity, characteristics of the compounds used for doping CaCO3 cores, their surface potential and the techniques employed for loading peptides into the first-level carriers. Doping CaCO3 cores with dextran sulphate save their viability compared to the pristine CaCO3 cores, but ensures delivery of the desired quantity of peptide when using a smaller amount of delivery systems. Introducing the inhibitor of peptidases leads to an increase in the concentration of peptide in rat blood after intragastric administration of the developed delivery systems. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of fragments of destructed first-level carriers in blood and plasma of experimental animals.

Arylaliphatic aminoalcohols appeared to be the new promising class of compounds for the development of antibacterial and antifungal agents. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the «chemical structure-antimicrobial activity» relationship for further activity-directed synthesis of compounds of this class. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was investigated by serial broth dilution method. Primary analysis of the effect of substituents’ structure on the ability of the derivatives to inhibit the growth of test-microorganisms was carried out by empirical method. Molecular structural characteristics of arylaliphatic aminoalcohols (surface area, volume, partition coefficient logP and dipole moment) were calculated by means of «Hyperchem 8.0.8» software. Relationship between the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and molecular characteristics was investigated by correlation analysis using the Spearman test. Statistical processing was performed by «StatSoft Statistica 6.0», the data obtained were evaluated using Chaddock scale. The data obtained suggest, that the presence of both antibacterial and antifungal activity in arylaliphatic aminoalcohols depends on the amino group structure and composition of aryl(alkyl)oxy-radical (4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl, 1-adamantyl, 4-(1-adamantyl)phenyl, 4-phenyl-phenyl or 2,4-ditretbutyl phenyl). The correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between the antimicrobial action and surface area, volume, and lipophilicity of compounds. The tightest correlation was found between these parameters and antistaphylococcal activity. Our results indicate the promises of the synthesis, directed to the reducing of the molecule size and lipophilicity of tetramethylbutylphenyl aminoalcohols, for further development of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with several therapeutic effects, in particular, inducing p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in tumor cells. Resveratrol-induced p53 activation may trigger differentiation and apoptosis in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We show that resveratrol activates p53 that is negatively regulated by SIRT1 deacetylation on Lys379 and positively by AMPK phosphorylation on Ser15 in mouse ESCs (mESCs). Surprisingly, the resveratrol-activated p53 is not associated with either G1/S cell cycle checkpoint or apoptosis in mESCs. Instead, it stimulates autophagy in a transcriptional-dependent manner involving up-regulation of dram1 gene expression. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism of resveratrol-dependent p53 activation in mESCs.

Development of microbial resistance to current antimicrobial drugs created a critical need of the new antiseptics. The object of our study was phenyladamantane derivative (4-(adamantyl-1)-1-(1-aminobutyl)benzol, AM-166). The aim of the presented study was to investigate the specific activity of 4% AM-166 solution in isopropanol and 5% AM-166 solution in 76% ethanol (manufactured by PJSC SIC «Borshchahivskiy CPP») against the wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi, and effective concentrations and exposition time determination. Desinfectant/antiseptic activity was evaluated by quantitative suspension method with subsequent neutralization. Our results showed that both solutions exhibited similar activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as against yeasts. Antibacterial and antifungal action was demonstrated for all investigated concentrations (initial solution, 5-fold and 10-fold dilutions), observed effect was maintained throughout the whole observation period (from 5 to 30 min). Tested solutions in initial concentrations demonstrated fungicidal activity against A. niger. 5-fold dilution of 5% AM-166 solution in 76% ethanol was more effective than 5-fold dilution of 4% AM-166 solution in isopropanol. 10-fold dilutions of both solutions were ineffective against A. niger. The data obtained suggest the prospects of adamantane derivatives for the development of novel antiseptics.

We report new results of a combined focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (FIB/HRTEM) investigation of platinum-group elements (PGE)-rich base-metal sulfides. The Ni-Fe-Cu base-metal sulfides (BMS) studied are millerite (NiS), pentlandite [(Ni,Fe)9S8], pyrite (FeS2), and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). These BMS were found forming composite inclusions (

Bacterial biofilm, particularly formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are a cause of severe chronic infectious diseases. Bacteria within a biofilm are phenotypically more resistant to antibiotics and the macroorganism immune system, making it an important virulence factor for many microbes. The aminopropanol derivatives with adamantyl (KVM-97) and N-alkylaryl radicals (KVM-194, KVM-204, KVM-261, and KVM-262) were used as study object. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm activity of compounds on biofilm formation and on mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa. The effects of the aminopropanol derivatives on the biofilm mass were evaluated by using crystal violet assay. Ciprofloxacin, meropenem, ceftazidime, gentamicin were used as reference substances. Reported results demonstrate that all compounds displayed antibiofilm activity at the tested concentrations. Remarkable reduction in biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa was found after treatment with KVM-97, KVM-261 and KVM-262 in high concentration (5× MIC), biofilm inhibition activity were 84.3%, 90.5% and 83.3% respectively. After a treatment with KVM-204 at 250 μg/ml (5× MIC) 76.6% of the preformed 24-hr biofilms were destroyed. Furthermore, compounds KVM-97, KVM-194, and KVM-261 in both concentrations showed potent antibiofilm activity against the P. aeruginosa, inhibition activity values being between 56.7 and 65.7%. All tested compounds in dose-dependent manner exhibited pronounced inhibition activity against mature 5-days P. аeruginosa biofilm. It was also observed that tested compounds show high antibiofilm activity in comparison to reference antimicrobials. The aminopropanol derivatives may provide templates for a new group of antimicrobial agents and potential future therapeutics for treating chronic infections.