Search

Exploitation of various types of minerals is one of the main economy sectors in many countries. The mining industry and its impact on the environment are regulated by the state. Besides, in every country, though this sphere is economically important, recently, the environmental component also acquires increasing importance. This is especially true for the Arctic regions, whose ecosystems are especially fragile. For mining companies, environmental responsibility is a prerequisite for image success in the international context. The purpose of issuing permits for any mining activity is to avoid, limit, control or compensate for environmental damage that may arise from such activities. State authorities provide licenses, including making decisions about the feasibility of projects basing on a potential threat to the environment. Permits are issued in all countries, but in federal states it is complicated by multi-level administration. Studies show that, despite this fact, the efficiency of issuing permits varies from country to country, does not directly depend on the complexity of management, but is determined by other factors. Setting clear time limits for the tasks of agencies of different levels and competences in the considered countries and simplifying the procedure helps to eliminate delays in issuing various permits for mining projects.

Previous studies demonstrate CD8 T cell immune exhaustion is a major factor in promoting chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection. How other immune cells are impacted by chronic T. gondii infection to promote CD8 T cell exhaustion and chronic parasite infection are not known. We investigated natural killer cells (NK cells) and how they contribute to chronic Toxoplasmosis. We find NK cells are not exhausted because NK cell numbers do not decrease during late stage infection and do not up regulate PD-1 or LAG3. NK cells in chronic parasite infection have reduced IFNγ, do not produce IL-10 or increase their expression of PD-L1, however, they expressed elevated CD107a. We also find NK cells become more highly mature (KLRG1+) during chronic T. gondii infection. We conclude that they do not become exhausted as do CD8 T cells, but alter their function during chronic T. gondii infection. Importantly, we demonstrate NK cell depletion with anti-NK1.1 is therapeutic and rescues mice from death normally caused by CD8 T cell exhaustion and parasite reactivation. This treatment reduced CD8 T cell apoptosis, increased parasite specific polyfunctional CD8 T cell responses and prevented parasite reactivation. NKp46+ NK cells were enriched for expression of CD94 and NKG2A. NKp46 ligand and Qa-1b expression were altered to promote enrichment of this specific NK cell population. Blockade with anti-NKp46 also rescued the mice from death associated with exhausted CD8 T cells and parasite reactivation. We hypothesize NK cells via NKp46 significantly contribute to promoting chronic T. gondii infection. Understanding how NK cells develop this response will improve therapies for individuals at risk for reactivation of chronic infections.

Natural Killer (NK) cells can develop memory-like features and contribute to long-term immunity in mice and humans. NK cells are critical for protection against acute T. gondii infection. However, whether they contribute to long-term immunity in response to this parasite is unknown. We used a vaccine challenge model of parasite infection to address this question and to define the mechanism by which NK cells are activated during secondary parasite infection. We found NK cells were required for control of secondary infection. NK cells increased in number at the infection site, became cytotoxic and produced IFNγ. Adoptive transfer and NK-cell fate mapping revealed that T. gondii-experienced NK cells were not intrinsically different from naïve NK cells with respect to their long-term persistence and ability to protect. Thus, they did not develop memory-like characteristics. Instead, a cell-extrinsic mechanism may control protective NK-cell responses during secondary infection. To test the involvement of a cell-extrinsic mechanism, we used anti-IL-12p70 depletion and IL-12p35−/− mice and found that the secondary NK-cell response was not fully dependent on IL-12. IL-23 depletion with anti-IL-23p19 in vivo significantly reduced the secondary NK-cell response, suggesting that both IL-12 and IL-23 were involved. Anti-IL-12p40 treatment, which blocks both IL-12 and IL-23, eliminated the protective secondary NK-cell response, supporting this hypothesis. Our results define a previously unknown protective role for NK cells during secondary T. gondii infection that is dependent on both IL-12 and IL-23.

Anti-NK1.1 and anti-Asialo GM1 (ASGM1) antibodies are used to deplete NK cells. Many antibody depletion strategies in vivo can have off-target effects. In a vaccine challenge model of T. gondii infection, we observed treatment of mice with these antibodies resulted in different survival outcomes after lethal secondary infection. Anti-ASGM1 resulted in 100% death and greater parasite burden at the site of infection than anti-NK1.1 treatment. We also found that anti-ASGM1 treatment depleted T cells. While both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were affected, CD8+ T cells were more susceptible to the anti-ASGM1 treatment. Surface ASGM1 of the T cells was expressed on a higher percentage of CD8+ T cells than CD4+ T cells. Not all CD8+ T cells expressed ASGM1. In immunized mice ASGM1 was highly enriched on the surface of effector memory (Tem) and central memory (Tcm) CD8+ T cells, with a greater effect on Tem cells. After secondary parasite challenge, Tem, Tcm, effector (Tef) and naïve (Tn) CD8+ T cells were positive for ASGM1. Anti-ASGM1 treatment during rechallenge resulted in greater depletion of activated IFNγ+, Granzyme B+, Tem and Tef than Tcm and Tn CD8+ T cells. In addition, anti-ASGM1 depleted IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells. Recombinant IFNγ supplementation prolonged the survival of anti-ASGM1 treated mice, demonstrating that anti-ASGM1 eliminated IFNγ-producing T and NK cells important for control of the parasite. Our results thus highlight that anti-ASGM1 is not an optimal choice for targeting only NK cells and more precise approaches should be used to target them. This study also uncovers ASGM1 as a marker of activated effector T cells and the potential importance of changes in sialylation in lipid rafts for T cell activation during T. gondii infection.

Reactivation of chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and toxoplasmic encephalitis is a major health concern in immune compromised people. Dysregulated T-cell responses are thought to promote chronic Toxoplasmosis. The non-T-cell factors that contribute to T cell dysregulation and chronic T. gondii infection are unclear. We have discovered that NKp46+ NK cells paradoxically increase the frequency and number of IFNγ+TNFα+CD4+ T-cells in the brain in during chronic T. gondii infection. Depletion of NK cells resulted in a decrease in polyfunctional brain CD4+ T-cells and an increase in IFNγ+Grzb+CD8+ T-cell responses in the brain. This decrease in CD4+ T-cell and increase in CD8+ T-cell responses correlated with better survival of chronically infected mice. This result suggests that NKp46+ NK cells drive an NK cell-dependent CD4+ T cell response that is detrimental to the CD8+ T cell response important for controlling chronic T. gondii infection. In support of this possibility, adoptive transfer of NK cell-dependent CD4+ T cells into chronically infected mice reduced polyfunctional CD8+ T-cell responses in the brain while CD4+ T cells generated in the absence of NK cells during chronic T. gondii infection did not. NKp46+ NK cells were not found in brain tissue, but appear to localize to the vasculature of the brain and periphery during chronic T. gondii infection. Surprisingly, we observe that NKp46+ NK cells increase their expression of MHC Class II. Our results lead us to hypothesize that during chronic T. gondii infection NKp46+ NK cells acquire the ability to prime CD4+ T-cell responses via MHC Class II expression resulting in decreased polyfunctional CD8 T cell responses to promote parasite persistence.

Conventional natural killer cells (NK cells) provide continual surveillance for cancer and rapid responses to infection. They develop in the bone marrow, emerge as either NK precursor cells, immature, or mature cells, and disperse throughout the body. In the periphery NK cells provide critical defense against pathogens and cancer and are noted to develop features of adaptive immune responses. In the tightly regulated and dynamic mucosal tissues, they set up residency via unknown mechanisms and from sources that are yet to be defined. Once resident, they appear to have the ability to functionally mature dependent on the mucosal tissue microenvironment. Mucosal NK cells play a pivotal role in early protection through their cytolytic function and IFNγproduction against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasitic infections. This review presents what is known about NK cell development and phenotypes of mucosal tissue resident conventional NK cells. The question of how they come to reside in their tissues and published data on their function against pathogens during mucosal infection are discussed. Dissecting major questions highlighted in this review will be important to the further understanding of NK cell homing and functional diversity and improve rational design of NK cell based therapies against mucosal infection.

The localization of the P185HER2 transmembrane receptor in SKOV-3 and BT-474 cancer cells was studied by fluorescence, confocal, and electron immunomicroscopy. The P185HER2 receptor is a marker of breast and ovarian tumors; it is also considered to be a target for anticancer therapy. It is extremely important to choose a universal immunicytotoxic agent applicable, firstly, to study the distribution of P185HER2 in cancer cells, secondarily, to remove P185HER2 from the cell surface and, thirdly, to eliminate target cells. In this study, for visualization P185HER2 we propose an immunocytotoxic system, which consists of monoclonal miniantibody 4D5 scFv to the extracellular P185HER2 domain fused with two molecules of barnase (cytotoxic RNAase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and its specific inhibitor, barstar. Fluorescent microscopy showed that the module 4D5 scFc-dibarnase:barstar is efficient for identifying P185HER2 on the surfaces of cancer cells. It was found by confocal microscopy that interaction with 4D5 scFc-dibarnase results in the internalization of P185HER2. The localization of P185HER2 in human ovarian carcinoma cells (SKOV-3) and breast carcinoma cells (BT-474) was compared by electron microscopy using 4D5 scFv-dibarnase:barstar-Au and 4D5 scFv-dibarnase-Au complexes. P185HER2 is distributed unequally on the cell surface with preferential localization on protrusions or close to their bases and at contacts between protrusions and the cell membrane. At 37°C, P185HER2 is internalized through coated pits and vesicles and concentrates in endosomes and multivesicular bodies in the cells of both cell lines, as well as in lysosomes in BT-474 cells.

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is a heterogeneous group of rare recessive disorders with prenatal onset, characterized by hypoplasia of pons and cerebellum. Mutations in a small number of genes have been reported to cause PCH, and the vast majority of PCH cases are explained by mutations in TSEN54, which encodes a subunit of the tRNA splicing endonuclease complex. Here we report three families with homozygous truncating mutations in TBC1D23 who display moderate to severe intellectual disability and microcephaly. MRI data from available affected subjects revealed PCH, small normally proportioned cerebellum, and corpus callosum anomalies. Furthermore, through in utero electroporation, we show that downregulation of TBC1D23 affects cortical neuron positioning. TBC1D23 is a member of the Tre2-Bub2-Cdc16 (TBC) domain-containing RAB-specific GTPase-activating proteins (TBC/RABGAPs). Members of this protein family negatively regulate RAB proteins and modulate the signaling between RABs and other small GTPases, some of which have a crucial role in the trafficking of intracellular vesicles and are involved in neurological disorders. Here, we demonstrate that dense core vesicles and lysosomal trafficking dynamics are affected in fibroblasts harboring TBC1D23 mutation. We propose that mutations in TBC1D23 are responsible for a form of PCH with small, normally proportioned cerebellum and should be screened in individuals with syndromic pontocereballar hypoplasia.

Additional file 1. Flow cytometric analysis of CD31, VEGFR2, CD90 and αSMA expression (Table S1) and Quantification of angiogenic cytokines (Table S2) in cardiac explant-derived cells. Table S1. Flow cytometric analysis of CD31, VEGFR2, CD90 and αSMA expression in cardiac explant-derived cells. Comparison of cells cultivated in endothelial growth medium before and after MACS-separation. Comparison of cells cultivated in smooth muscle cells growth medium at the second and fifth passages. Table S2. Quantification of angiogenic cytokines in cardiac explant-derived cells cultivated in endothelial growth medium before and after MACS-separation.

We designed a new complex drug with antiallergic effect containing, in addition to the main component loratadine, a phytocomplex for an extra therapeutic effect. A collection of plants with sedative activity is chosen and the optimal agent for extraction of bioactive compounds (40% ethanol) and optimal degree of plant fragmentation are determined. Chemical composition of the sedative tea is evaluated by reverse phase HPLC. The marker components of the species are detected: xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol - Humulus lupulus cone components, Mentha piperita rosmarinic acid, and scutellareine, Menyanthes trifolia element - quercetin-3-rutinoside, and caffeic acid. Standardization of the species by the absolute graduation method in conversion to quercetin-3-rutinoside is suggested.

Conventional natural killer (cNK) cells, members of group 1 innate lymphoid cells, are a diverse cell subpopulation based on surface receptor expression, maturation, and functional potential. cNK cells are critical for early immunity to Toxoplasma gondii via IFNγ production. Acute cNK cell responses to infection with different strains of T. gondii have not yet been characterized in detail. Here, we comprehensively performed this analysis with Type I virulent RH, Type II avirulent ME49, and fully attenuated Type I cps1-1 strains. In response to these three parasite strains, murine cNK cells produce IFNγ and become cytotoxic and polyfunctional (IFNγ+CD107a+) at the site of infection. In contrast to virulent RH and avirulent ME49 T. gondii strains, attenuated cps1-1 induced only local cNK cell responses. Infections with RH and ME49 parasites significantly decreased cNK cell frequency and numbers in spleen 5 days post infection compared with cps1-1 parasites. cNK cell subsets expressing activating receptors Ly49H, Ly49D, and NKG2D and inhibitory receptors Ly49I and CD94/NKG2A were similar when compared between the strains and at 5 days post infection. cNK cells were not proliferating (Ki67−) 5 days post infection with any of the strains. cNK cell maturation as measured by CD27, CD11b, and KLRG1 was affected after infection with different parasite strains. RH and ME49 infection significantly reduced mature cNK cell frequency and increased immature cNK cell populations compared with cps1-1 infection. Interestingly, KLRG1 was highly expressed on immature cNK cells after RH infection. After RH and ME49 infections, CD69+ cNK cells in spleen were present at higher frequency than after cps1-1 infection, which may correlate with loss of the mature cNK cell population. Cytokine multiplex analysis indicated cNK cell responses correlated with peritoneal exudate cell, spleen, and serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-12. qPCR analysis of parasite-specific B1 gene revealed that parasite burdens may affect cNK cell responses. This study demonstrates infection with RH and ME49 parasites impacts cNK cell maturation during acute T. gondii infection. Different cNK cell responses could impact early immunity and susceptibility to these strains.

Is a clinical example of combination antiviral therapy drugs interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of liver cirrhosis in chronic HCV infection, class A on Child-Pugh which made the transition of liver cirrhosis in the F1 fibrosis (the Metavir) and achieved sustained antiviral response (SVR).

Alternariol (AOH), a mycotoxin produced by Alternaria sp, is often found as a contaminant in fruit and cereal products. Here we employed the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 to test the hypothesis that AOH causes toxicity as a response to DNA damage. AOH at concentrations of 15-30μM almost completely blocked cell proliferation. Within 30min treatment, AOH (30μM) significantly increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, DNA base oxidations as well as DNA strand breaks and/or alkaline labile sites were detected by the comet assay after 2h exposure of AOH. Cell death (mostly necrosis) was observed after prolonged exposure to the highest concentration of AOH (60μM for 24 and 48h) in our study. The DNA damage response involved phosphorylation (activation) of histone H2AX and check point kinase-1- and 2 (Chk-1/2). Moreover, AOH activated p53 and increased the expression of p21, Cyclin B, MDM2, and Sestrin 2; likewise the level of several miRNA was affected. AOH-induced Sestrin 2 expression was regulated by p53 and could at least partly be inhibited by antioxidants, suggesting a role of ROS in the response. Interestingly, the addition of antioxidants did not inhibit cell cycle arrest. Although the formation of ROS by itself was not directly linked cell proliferation, AOH-induced DNA damage and resulting transcriptional changes in p21, MDM2, and Cyclin B likely contribute to the reduced cell proliferation; while Sestrin 2 would contribute to the oxidant defense.

Overexpression of the P185(HER2) protein determines the malignancy and unfavorable prognosis of ovarian and breast tumors. In this work, the distribution of P185(HER2) in human cancer cells was studied by electron microscopy, using a novel approach. It is based on the interaction between barnase (a ribonuclease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and its specific inhibitor barstar. The monoclonal antibody 4D5 scFv to extracellular P185(HER2) domain fused with two molecules of barnase was used as a recognizing agent, and the conjugate of colloidal gold with barstar, as an electron dense label for electron microscopic visualization. For labeling, we used supramolecular complexes 4D5 scFv-dibarnase:barstar-Au. The distribution of P185(HER2) in human ovarian carcinoma cells SKOV-3 and breast carcinoma cells BT-474 was studied at 4 °C and 37 °C. It was shown that at 4 °C the protein P185(HER2) occurs exclusively on the cell surface, mainly on protrusions or close to their bases. At 37 °C, the internalization of P185(HER2) caused by its interaction with 4D5 scFv-dibarnase was observed. Inside the cells, P185(HER2) was located in the coated pits and vesicles, endosomes and multivesicular bodies. The data obtained indicate that the supramolecular 4D5 scFv-dibarnase:barstar-gold complex can be used as a new immunodetection system for exploring the P185(HER2) distribution.

Dual-frequency hybrid-aligned nematic liquid crystal cells and the influence of the parameters of a control electric field on their optical response are studied. It is found that the harmonic oscillations of the optical transmission in such cells are observed in the interval between low frequency-to-high frequency voltage switchings unlike in conventional twisted nematic cells. A V-shaped bistable optical response is obtained by successively applying sinusoidal electric fields with frequencies of 1 and 30 kHz to a twisted nematic cell. For a liquid crystal layer 8 μm thick and an applied voltage of 50 V, the response time is 10 ms. In a hybrid-aligned twisted-nematic cell with a large initial tilt angle of the director (about 70°), the V-shaped optical response is observed when the inclined homeotropic state is switched to the twisted state by applying a 30-kHz field. The initial structure of the layer recovers as a result of natural elastic relaxation, and the response time increases roughly fourfold.

According to our computer modeling data obtained earlier, nucleoli in interphase ciliates Didinium nasutum are complex netlike structures, in which the trabeculumor lamella-shaped fibrillar component is located on the periphery, and the granular component in the central part of the nucleolus. Chromatin bodies connected with nucleoli act as the nucleolar organizers in D. nasutum. In the present work, the arrangement of all chromatin bodies, which could correspond to nucleolar organizers by morphological criteria, is studied by means of a 3D-reconstruction. It is shown that all of these chromatin bodies are localized outside the nucleoli, on the fibrillar component’s periphery. Even those chromatin bodies which appeared to be completely surrounded by the fibrillar nucleolar component on single ultrathin sections are actually settled down in nucleolus cavities open to the nucleoplasm. This proves that the RNA processing in D. nasutum nucleoli is directed toward the center of nucleoli, where the granular component is located. The analysis of the nucleolar chromatin distribution made it possible to conclude that different parts of the complex interfase netlike nucleoli of D. nasutum have approximately the same activity.

Partial polycondensation of RSi(OMe)3 (R = C6H5, CH3) by the reaction with AcOH in the presence of HCl is studied. Oligoorganomethoxysiloxanes are obtained of the average composition [RSi(OMe)O]4, [RSi (OMe)4/6O7/6]6, RSi(OMe)0.5O1.25]8, and [RSi(OMe)0.4O1.3]10. Using the method of 29Si NMR spectroscopy they were shown to contain three types of structural fragments: RSi(OMe)2O-, RSiOMe(O-)2, RSi(O-)3. Based on the kinetic data, on the composition, properties, and the 29Si NMR spectroscopy data of the products the conclusion is made that the obtained compounds have polycyclic structure with branched fragments. Using the GLC method the reaction was shown to have an induction period, whose duration can be substantially shortened by addition of HCl or methanol.

The density of states for a GaAsN sample with a nitrogen concentration of x = 1.2% is determined experimentally via scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. These data are modelled using the linear combination of isolated nitrogen states (LCINS) model within a Greens function framework. Extrinsic thermal and modulation broadening effects due to the measurement process are also incorporated. Excellent agreement to the experimental data is obtained without arbitrary fitting parameters, providing confirmation of the influence of isolated N and N–N pair states on the conduction band dispersion of GaAsN.

Crosslinked block polycarbonate siloxanes (B-PCSs) with a gel fraction yield of up to 92 wt% were obtained by hydrosilylation and photopolymerisation, respectively, by the vinyl and methacrylate groups in B-PCSs. In the process of photocrosslinking, the strength properties of films of B-PCSs increase by 15–20% by comparison with non-crosslinked specimens. B-PCSs with chemically bound phenyl- and amine-type dyes were synthesised by a two-stage method: by reactions of hydroxy and amine groups of the dye with chloroformate groups of diphenylolpropane with subsequent polycondensation of the reaction mixture with bis-phenolsiloxanes. Investigation by electron spectroscopy in the visible region of the spectrum of crosslinked structurally coloured B-PCSs showed that, during crosslinking, there is no change in their spectral characteristics by comparison with the initial linear coloured copolymers.

In the present study, we have compared the effects of ultrananocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon composite films (UNCD/a-C) and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) containing hydrogels to support the osteogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The course of EPCs osteogenic differentiation was followed 21 days and assayed by measuring cell-associated alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and expression of fibronectin. We found that EPCs were capable to adhere to both surfaces in flattened and elongated morphology. The attachment and spreading on the UNCD/a-C films were faster as compared to the hydrogels containing NCDs (by day 7), and this was connected with the release and adsorption of fibronectin to the surfaces. During the process of EPCs differentiation, the release of fibronectin was favored by hydrogels + NCD (day 21). The formation of calcium nodules, characteristic of osteoblastic mineralization, was detected by Alizarin Red S staining. Differentiation-induced calcium nodules were detected in EPCs growing on both surfaces. The EPCs cultured on hydrogels containing NCD deposited more extracellular calcium in comparison with those on UNCD/a-C films on day 21. These results were consistent with the data about the alkaline phosphatase activity on the same day and verified that an active EPC transformation to osteoblast phenotype occurred on both substrates. Our results could have direct implications in the use of biomaterials in tissue engineering strategies, and this work might be useful for the improvement of the methodologies for substrate preparation (including scaffolds). Thus both surfaces studied could be used for modification of bone implants (bone-anchoring parts of joint prostheses or bone replacements) in order to improve their integration with the surrounding bone tissue, for which improved cell–substrate adhesion is also needed.

The process of selecting a college should be based on the capabilities and needs of the community. When society is faced with a large selection of college criteria and most societies are confused about choosing the appropriate college for themselves and the job demands. From this it was made a decision support system aimed at helping the community to choose a college that suits the ability and demands of the work. Decision support system plays a role in helping people get the right recommendations in the selection of universities. This decision support system is also designed to help the community to choose a college that suits their needs so that the public is not confused because of the many criteria of universities faced by the community because the admin already has recommendations according to the needs of the community by using Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method.

New linear polycarbonate-polysiloxanes are synthesized through the heterophase polycondensation of α,ω-bis[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propyl]oligoorganosiloxanes (PSi-bisphenols) with α,ω-bis(chloroformato)oligocarbonates (method I), the phosgenation of PSi-bisphenol-diphenylolpropane mixtures (method II), the interaction of the same bisphenols with bis(4-chloroformatophenyl)propane (method III), and the polycondensation of the latter with PSi-bisphenol-α,ω-dihydroxyoligocarbonate mixtures (method IV). The highest molecular masses (as high as 130 × 103 at a degree of multiblockiness of 11–14 block pairs) are inherent in poly-carbonate-polysiloxanes synthesized by methods II and III; moreover, the same copolymers have the highest mechanical characteristics (σbr and ɛbr are as high as 48 MPa and 300%, respectively).

In the years 2004-2006, seasonal flight monitoring of oriental fruit moth (OFM), Cydia molesta, and peach twig borer (PTB), Anarsia lineatella was conducted using pheromone traps, in a commercial 3.5-ha orchard, located near Tutrakan in North-East Bulgaria. Pherocon (Trece, USA) traps with sticky changeable bottom and pheromone baits, also products of Trece, were employed. The traps were installed in the middle of April and removed at the end of October, i.e. 2-4 weeks after the last catches. Traps were checked weekly and the caught moths removed after counting. The pheromone baits were replaced every month. In the years of study, the earliest catches of the overwintering OFM generation were recorded at the beginning of May, whereas PTB moths usually appeared in the first ten days of May, few days after OFM. The mass flight of OFM in 2004 was recorded during the third ten days of May, in 2005 at the beginning of June and in 2006 in the second ten days of May. The first peak of PTB flights was noted in the 3 rd ten days of May in all three years of study. A. lineatella developed three generations per year whereas C. molesta four generations. The results of this investigation will be used for perfecting the usage of pheromone traps for these pests, thus improving prognosis of their appearance in North-East Bulgaria. This should be helpful in determining the optimal dates for application of insecticides and signalling them to growers. They may be also useful in predicting the risk of injury to shoots and fruits.

We studied the influence of nitrogen incorporation on the InAsN/GaAs quantum dot formation using cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy. Upon nitrogen exposure during InAs growth, rather strong dissolution effects occur, leading to the formation of extended almost spherical InGaAs quantum dots with a low indium content and almost free of nitrogen. In this paper we will discuss in particular the detailed stoichiometry determination of the quantum dots. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that nitrogen atoms are located in the surrounding GaAs matrix. Indium atoms are found underneath the nominal base plane, where quantum dot growth started, demonstrating strong strain-induced intermixing already during quantum dot formation. The observed strong separation of indium and nitrogen is related to a rather low solubility of nitrogen within InAs as compared with GaAs. Finally, a schematic model for the growth of InAs and InAsN quantum dots in GaAs will be discussed in detail (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

A system for recording a dynamic holographic grating in an optically addressed liquid-crystal spatial light modulator is studied. The system provides the asymmetrisation of the grating profile by using a TV-locked optical feedback loop (nonlinear or adaptive interferometer).

Background. To estimate the efficiency of special child pre-school institution (SCPI) in prophylaxis of allergic diseases in children. Methods. 84 children with allergies aged between 10 months and 4 years old were observed. Among them 56 attended the SCPI and 28 (comparative group) attended the basic CPI. All children were passing through clinical, allergological, immunological examination as well as physical and mental development observation. Results. In this research the risks of development of allergies were thoroughly analyzed as well as the results of observation and check-ups of children with allergic diseases who attended to specialized SCPI or basic CPI. In the SCPI dietary conditions were kept, the hypo allergic diet was introduced into practice, the food allowance was balanced in protein, fat, carbohydrates and calorie contents due to physiological needs by substitution of foodstuffs. In the basic CPI these conditions weren't provide. In the SCPIs systematic observation of children is established and the cooperation of parents and doctor in charge of the case allows carrying out continuous pathogenetic therapy. Medical and prophylactic measures decrease the number of allergies' exacerbations and allow parents to proceed their usual activities, also improve the life conditions of children and their parents. Conclusion. The effectiveness of improving of health on the basis of SCPI is approximately 84,5% and the same in basic CPI is 66,75%. The research proposes the method of calculation of needs in SCPI and can be used in the organization of SCPI for children with allergic pathologies.

The dynamics of the electrooptical 90° twist effect in a dual-frequency nematic liquid crystal is investigated for wavelengths of 0.65 and 1.55μ m. It is shown that the boundary conditions of the interaction between the phases affect the optical threshold of the twist effect, the contrast, and the working voltage range. The switching time of the twist effect from the off to the on state upon a variation of the amplitude of a rectangular dc voltage pulse from 15 to 50 V changes from 1.5 to 0.3 ms for a thickness of the nematic crystal layer of about 7 μ m. The minimal time of switching from the “on” to the “off” state was 3 ms in the case when relaxation of molecules in a cell with asymmetric boundary conditions was controlled electrically. The dynamic range of transmittance variation at a wavelength of 1.55 μm extended to 30 dB.

For the formation of large In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots, aiming at emission wavelengths of 1.3 μm, strategies like the use of strain reducing diluted InGaAs capping layers or the growth of InAs quantum dots embedded in InGaAs quantum wells are very promising. Using cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy we observed for both concepts an increased quantum dot size, but also defective quantum dots, characterized by a material hole or so-called nanovoid. The process of such nanovoid formation is investigated in detail, considering the strain and the limited growth kinetics during capping. The existence of nanovoids impressively shows the limitations of growing larger and thus more strained quantum dots. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The nucleolar organization in ciliate Didinium nasutum somatic interphase nuclei was studied using serial ultrathin sections and compared for various physiological states of the cell, namely, fed ciliates, starved ciliates, and dormant cysts. It has been shown that the interphase nucleoli are large structures with a complex architecture: the fibrillar component forms an intricate network in the macronucleus space, while the granular component is located inside this network. The structures looking as individual nucleoli in single sections are actually parts of branched nucleolar networks. The intricate nucleolar networks do not disintegrate after a 30-h starvation; however, the granular component becomes denser and develops numerous cavities filled with fine fibrils of a nonribonucleoprotein nature. In fed D. nasutum, the fibrillar structures on the periphery of nucleoli contain numerous pores (virtually absent in starved cell nucleoli), which can potentially serve for transporting newly synthesized rRNP. Branched nucleolar networks are undetectable in cysts. Their nucleoli are individual structures consisting mainly of the fibrogranular component.

The subject of investigation is conditions under which thin asymmetric-groove dynamic diffraction gratings with a diffraction efficiency of more than 50% can be recorded in liquid-crystal optically addressed spatial light modulators.

Light transmission through nematic liquid crystal (NLC) cells with a planar alignment and various boundary conditions has been studied as a function of the bias voltage in the regimes of maximum transmittance and complete extinction. The phenomenon of anomalous light leakage in the regime of complete extinction has been observed in the NLC sells with alignment layers of amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), in which an anisotropy was induced by rubbing the electrode surface (for a-C:H) and the alignment layer (for PVA). The anomalous transmission is caused by the deformation of nematic molecules, which are situated near the surface, in the direction perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. The magnitude of anomalous transmission increases with the bias voltage. This behavior is explained by the anisotropy of the surface anchoring energy of nematic molecules at the interface.

Pomalidomide + low-dose dexamethasone is effective and well tolerated for refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma after bortezomib and lenalidomide failure. The phase III trial MM-003 compared pomalidomide + low-dose dexamethasone with high-dose dexamethasone. This subanalysis grouped patients by baseline creatinine clearance ≥ 30 - < 60 mL/min (n=93, pomalidomide + low-dose dexamethasone; n=56, high-dose dexamethasone) or ≥ 60 mL/min (n=205, pomalidomide + low-dose dexamethasone; n=93, high-dose dexamethasone). Median progression-free survival was similar for both subgroups and favored pomalidomide + low-dose dexamethasone versus high-dose dexamethasone: 4.0 versus 1.9 months in the group with baseline creatinine clearance ≥ 30 - < 60 mL/min (P

RNAand DNA-containing structures in the ciliate Bursaria truncatella were studied on ultrathin sections and spread preparations of individual macronuclei isolated at middle interphase. To label DNA-containing structures we used anti-DNA antibodies and protein A-colloidal gold complexes. To label RNP structures, complexes of gold with RNase A were used. Chromatin structures in the form of accumulations of nucleosome fibrils, partially decompacted or compact chromatin bodies were effectively labeled with anti-DNA antibodies. The accumulations of nucleosome fibrils were shown to be heterogeneous. Some of them corresponded to partially or completely decompacted inactive chromatin bodies, while others to active chromatin. The latter contained granules of various sizes (20-50 nm) labeled with RNase-gold. The data obtained also showed that homogeneous accumulations of 20-30 nm granules, which often intermingled with accumulations of nucleosome fibrils, corresponded to nucleolar granular component. Such accumulations were in close contact with nucleosome fibrils, which points out the close connection between nucleolar structures and chromatin in macronuclei of B. truncatella.

Increased PRV-1 mRNA expression and the presence of Jak2(V617F) mutation in peripheral blood granulocytes are specific markers for chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), which facilitate the differential diagnosis between polycythemia vera (PV) and secondary erythrocytosis (SE) and may be helpful for monitoring treatment efficacy in MPD patients. We evaluated the presence of the Jak2V617F mutation and increased PRV-1 mRNA expression along with previously established markers - erythropoietin (EPO) independent colony formation (EEC) and erythropoietin level for diagnosis of PV and assessment of treatment efficiency. Increased PRV-1 expression was found in 37 out of 46 patients diagnosed with PV (80%), in 4 out of 15 patients diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET) (27%) and in 4 out of 8 patients with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF) (50%), and increased PRV-1 expression plus EEC formation was observed in 19 of 36 examined MPD patients indicating the superiority of PVSG and WHO bone marrow criteria for the diagnosis of ET, PV and CIMF. We could confirm a very high sensitivity, specificity and utility of the Jak2(V617F) mutation for differential diagnosis between PV and SE. Spontaneous EEC, serum EPO levels, PRV-1 expression was evaluated in 22 PV patients who carried the Jak2(V617F) mutation. A concordance of increased PRV-1 expression and presence of Jak2(V617F) mutation in 19/22 (85%); of increased PRV-1/Jak2/EEC in 14/22 (63%); and of Jak2/PRV-1/EEC/low Epo level in 10/22 (45%) patients was found indicating the superiority of the presence of Jak2(V617F) mutation for the diagnosis of PV. IFN-alpha therapy in patients with PV was more effective then hydroxyurea treatment and significantly reduced increased PRV-1 expression together with higher levels of Jak2(V617F) mutation (50-100%) in PV patients treated with hydroxy urea (HU) and lower levels of Jak2(V617F) mutation (35-90%) in PV patients treated with IFN-alpha. Normal PRV-1 expression level was observed in 44% of PV patients who achieved clinical remission and only in 3% of patient who did not. These preliminary observations indicate that the Jak2(V617F) mutation in particular and PRV-1 overexpression appear to be suitable markers for monitoring treatment efficiency in prospective randomised clinical studies comparing pegylated interferon and hydroxyurea in well defined PV patients with a clear indication for cytoreductive therapy.

The paper presents the results of a study of the phase conjugation system based on a thin dynamic holographic corrector recorded in an optically addressed liquid-crystal spatial light modulator by using the TV transmission of interferometric information from a CCD array to the photoconductor of the spatial light modulator.

Detailed study of garnet and garnet-pyroxene inclusions from alkali basalts of Primorye allowed us to distinguish two heterogeneous mineral assemblages: early (primary) and late (secondary) ones. The former reflects the initial stage of rock formation and consists of garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, and ilmenite. The latter, orthopyroxene-plagioclase-spinel assemblage replaces garnet. The transformation of garnet typically accompanies the change in the garnet assemblage to a higher temperature pyroxene-plagioclase-spinel assemblage owing to its entrainment in high temperature magma. The study of the chemical composition and textural relationships of minerals, together with the examination of similar mineral assemblages from alkali basalts around the world and mafic-ultramafic intrusions, led us to the conclusion that the garnet inclusions of Primorye are typical xenoliths and xenocrysts representing fragments of tholeiite intrusions of an ophiolite complex that were transformed in the host basaltic magma.

The aim of this study was to assess the presence or absence of association between the degree of changes in microbiota and gene polymorphism of cytokines IL-1Ra, IL-1b, TNFa, IL-4, IL-10 in patients with IBS. Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 81 patients, the diagnosis was verified according to the Rome criteria III. Polymorphism genotyping of IL-1Ra, IL-1b, IL-4, TNFα was carried out by PCR. Statistical processing: chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, odds ratio. The relationship between the heterozygous genotype G/A -308 TNFa and clinically relevant microbiological disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome was established.

Recent investigations of self-organized unstrained inverted GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots, prepared by a combination of Stranski-Krastanov growth mode and an in situ etching technique, show GaAs quantum dots with large confinement energy and high size homogeneity. Here we present first cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy data of these quantum dots, characterized by a lateral extension of about 35 nm, heights of about 5-6 nm, and a reversed truncated pyramidal shape. We further observe a decomposition of the AlGaAs host layers and a roughening of the AlGaAs/GaAs interfaces.

We present cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy results on GaSb nanostructures in GaAs, analyzing their shape, size and chemical composition. By comparing different quantum wells and quantum dot layers, grown both by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and by molecular beam epitaxy, the onset of quantum dot evolution is studied. Quantum dots are found already after a deposition of 1 monolayer GaSb. Intermixing of the deposited GaSb with GaAs due to anion exchange as well as different effects of Sb segregation during overgrowth are demonstrated. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The three-dimensional (3D) organization of nucleoli in the somatic nuclei (macronuclei) of recently fed and starved Didinium nasutum was reconstructed on the basis of serial ultra-thin sections. It was shown that nucleoli, looking on the single sections like individual separate structures, appeared to be parts of the large complicated branchy nucleolar networks. A 30 h starvation did not lead to disintegration of this network, but stimulated formation of numerous vacuoles in the granular component of nucleoli, which becomes more condensed. Unlike starved D. nasutum, in fed ciliates numerous holes appeared in the fibrillar component located at the periphery of nucleoli. These holes may presumably serve as channels for transporting newly synthesized rRNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a 3D reconstruction of the nucleolar apparatus in ciliates.

Effects of the synthesis conditions and other factors on the formation of copolymers with random or block microstructures through the low-temperature homogeneous and heterophase copolycondensation of bisphenol A bis(chloroformate) with mixtures of α,ω-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropyl)oligodimethylsiloxanes and organic bisphenols have been considered. Several new poly(siloxane carbonates) have been synthesized and characterized; for copolymers with different chemical compositions and structures, molecularmass and thermal and mechanical characteristics have been compared.

1. The HCS2 (Helix command specific 2) gene expressed in giant command neurons for withdrawal behavior of the terrestrial snail Helix lucorum encodes a unique hybrid precursor protein that contains a Ca-binding (EF-hand motif) protein and four small peptides (CNP1-CNP4) with similar Tyr-Pro-Arg-X aminoacid sequence at the C terminus. Previous studies suggest that under conditions of increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration the HCS2 peptide precursor may be cleaved, and small physiologically active peptides transported to the release sites. In the present paper, intracellular localization of putative peptide products of the HCS2-encoded precursor was studied immunocytochemically by means of light and electron microscopy. 2. Polyclonal antibodies against the CNP3 neuropeptide and a Ca-binding domain of the precursor protein were used for gold labeling of ultrathin sections of identified isolated neurons maintained in culture for several days, and in same identified neurons freshly isolated from the central nervous system. 3. In freshly isolated neurons, the gold particles were mainly localized over the cytoplasmic secretory granules, with the density of labeling for the CNP3 neuropeptide being two-fold higher than for the calcium-binding domain. In cultured neurons, both antibodies mostly labeled clusters of secretory granules in growth cones and neurites of the neuron. The density of labeling for cultured neurons was the same for both antibodies, and was two-fold higher than for the freshly isolated from the central nervous system neurons. 4. The immunogold particles were practically absent in the bodies of cultured neurons. 5. The data obtained conform to the suggestion that the HCS2 gene products are transported from the cell body to the regions of growth or release sites.