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Deeply subwavelength lasers (or nanolasers) are highly demanded for compact on-chip bioimaging and sensing at the nanoscale. One of the main obstacles for the development of single-particle nanolasers with all three dimensions shorter than the emitting wavelength in the visible range is the high lasing thresholds and the resulting overheating. Here we exploit exciton-polariton condensation and mirror-image Mie modes in a cuboid CsPbBr3 nanoparticle to achieve coherent emission at the visible wavelength of around 0.53 μm from its ultra-small (≈0.007 μm3 or ≈λ3/20) semiconductor nanocavity. The polaritonic nature of the emission from the nanocavity localized in all three dimensions is proven by direct comparison with corresponding one-dimensional and two-dimensional waveguiding systems with similar material parameters. Such a deeply subwavelength nanolaser is enabled not only by the high values for exciton binding energy (≈35 meV), refractive index (>2.5 at low temperature), and luminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3, but also by the optimization of polaritons condensation on the Mie resonances with quality factors improved by the metallic substrate. Moreover, the key parameters for optimal lasing conditions are intermode free spectral range and phonons spectrum in CsPbBr3, which govern polaritons condensation path. Such chemically synthesized colloidal CsPbBr3 nanolasers can be potentially deposited on arbitrary surfaces, which makes them a versatile tool for integration with various on-chip systems.

A dynamic system is considered where the regulating impact is the product of the control signal on the output variable of a linear dynamic system driven by the same applied control. The essence of the proposed method consists in the dynamic linearization of a nonlinear control operator, which makes it possible to guarantee a desired regulating impact. In a particular case, this approach corresponds to vector (field-oriented) control. It is shown that dynamic linearization based on the internal model method makes it possible to decompose a nonlinear system into a cascade of two subsystems. The proposed regulator consists of two blocks connected in series where the first block solves the problem of regulation with the Luenberger observer, and the second block compensates for a nonlinear dynamic operator. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an example of numerical modeling of a neutrally stable plant with an output adaptive control is given. In practice, this method may be in demand in the tasks of controlling induction and synchronous motors and multi-link robotic manipulators.

Certain drugs used for the treatment of cancer can have a toxic effect on various organs and tissues, including the heart. Not only high-dose monotherapy can lead to damage to the heart muscle, but also a combination of two or three chemotherapy drugs can do so. Cancer patients receiving combination of potentially cardiotoxic anticancer therapy have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Heart rhythm disturbances, arterial and venous thrombosis, coronary heart disease, valvular lesions, arterial hypertension and, in particular, chronic heart failure may be induced by chemotherapy. An important aspect is to identify groups of individuals with an initially high or very high risk of cardiotoxicity. Such patients should be under the supervision of a cardiologist or a multidisciplinary team for the entire duration of antitumor therapy and undergo additional examinations. Without the necessary laboratory and instrumental monitoring, it is impossible to predict in advance the development of heart failure, which often complicates life-saving chemotherapy, and in some cases even causes its cancellation. It is turned out that cardioprotection aimed at preventing myocardial dysfunction in cancer patients can prevent the development of heart failure and not to interrupt patients’ life-saving treatment even at a late stage of the disease. In the case of verified chronic heart failure, which occurred before the chemotherapy or during antitumor treatment, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers are used, drugs with a proven cardioprotective potential. Data is gradually accumulating on the significant effect of other groups of drugs used on the regression of chronic heart failure in cancer patients. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity in various chemotherapy regimens, as well as current and future options for cardioprotection in cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy.

The problem of estimating the parameters of non-salient synchronous motor with surface-mounted permanent magnets is considered. A parameterization of a nonlinear motor model is proposed, which allows obtaining a linear regressor equation using measured (estimated) values of current and voltage in the stator windings and the angular rotor position. Using the method of dynamic regressor extension and mixing, an algorithm for estimating the desired parameters in finite time is designed.

Susceptibility to emotional contagion is defined as the disposition of how susceptible someone is to catch others' emotions and it has long been studied in research on mental health, well-being, and social interaction. Given that existing self-report measures of susceptibility to emotional contagion have focused almost exclusively on negative emotions, we developed a self-report measure to assess the susceptibility to emotional contagion of both positive and negative emotions (2 scales). In two studies, we examined their factor structure, validity, and reliability using exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, N = 257), confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2, N = 247) and correlations. Our results confirmed the two-factor structure and demonstrated good internal consistencies. Regarding external validity, our scales showed diverging correlational patterns: While susceptibility to negative emotional contagion was linked to mental health problems and negative emotions, susceptibility to positive emotional contagion was linked to interpersonal functioning and prosocial tendencies. In conclusion, our scales appear to be internally/externally valid and a promising tool for future research.

The article is devoted to a long-term dispute about the peculiarity / non-property of the fairy tale genre of the typical features of the heroic epos. On the basis of the historical-typological method and the method of plot analysis, the corpus of texts of the Chuvash and Kalmyk fairy tale epic has been studied. The study considers the main works devoted to this problem, compares the relevant Chuvash texts with the Kalmyk fairytale epic, points to the incorporation of the biography and exploits of the fairytale hero in the heroic epic “Dzhangar”. The author also considers such blocks of heroic matchmaking as the childlessness of parents, a miraculous origin, heroic childhood and martial arts. All these motives are inherent in both the heroic tale and the heroic epic. The heroic traditions of the Chuvash and Kalmyk fairy tale epic are expressed in ethno-cultural realities, plot, epic motifs, and artistic devices. At the same time, researchers have no reason to talk about the complete identity of the ideological and artistic complex of the heroic epic and the heroic tale. The heroic epic and fairy tale are essentially differentiated genres. Here, one can speak as much as possible about the epic nature of heroic tales, about similarities and diffusion, but not about complete identity, and, naturally, there is no need to complete the magic-heroic tale to the classical epic. The publication contributes to the substantiation of the main features of the heroic epos in the heroic tale.

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) for a patient with cancer is complex, as it complicates antitumor treatment. In some cases, severe CHF is a contraindication to the chemotherapy or surgical treatment. Despite significant progress in CHF treatment, some groups of drugs, particularly mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, and sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors, have not been studied related to cancer patients. Clinical case description: In this report, we introduce two clinical cases in which, because of the invaluable contribution of the cardio-oncological team, we have managed to solve complex problems of treating patients with CHF and cancer. In patient 1 with severe CHF, it was possible to achieve regression of systolic dysfunction, despite the progression of bladder cancer T4N1M0. In patient 2 with severe ischemic cardiopathy and CHF, owing to the timely administration of quadruple therapy, we managed to significantly improve the cardiac status and increase the LV EF that the patient underwent gastrectomy and cholecystectomy for cancer of the cardiac part of the stomach cT2N0M0 without complications. Conclusion: The above clinical cases demonstrate the possibilities of a team, multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of complex category of patients with CHF and active oncological disease. Modern therapy of cancer patients with severe heart failure allows successful antitumor treatment.

The history of the Chuvash people during ancient times and the early Middle Ages is still not well-known or thoroughly understood. The Bulgars were most often named as the historical ancestors of the Chuvash in research from the 18th to the 20th centuries. In the 21st century, a view is beginning to take shape that the Savirs, not the Bulgars, were the predecessors of the Chuvash. The primary sources for this view are the works of Claudius Ptolemy, Aelius Herodianus, Ammianus Marcellinus, and others. Modern archaeological excavations support these historical facts. In this article, the author analyzes material that refutes the theory of the origins of the Savars/Savirs/Suvars in Siberia and confirms their habitation in the Caucasus. The focus of this study is the migration history of the ancestors of the Chuvash from the 2nd to the 10th centuries. The arguments laid out in the study are accompanied by explanatory illustrations.

Due to the large amount of binder and low water-cement ratio, high-performance cement composites have high compressive strength and a dense hardened cement paste microstructure. External curing is insufficient, as it cannot reach the interior parts of the structure, which allows autogenous shrinkage to occur in the inside. Lack of prevention of autogenous shrinkage and high restraint causes structural microcracks around rigid components (aggregate, rebars). Consequently, this phenomenon leads to the propagation of internal microcracks to the surface and reduced concrete durability. One way to minimize autogenous shrinkage is internal curing. The use of soaked lightweight aggregate to minimize the risk of cracking is not always sufficient. Sorption and desorption kinetics of fine and coarse fly ash aggregate were tested and evaluated. The correlation between the development of linear autogenous shrinkage and the tensile stresses in the restrained ring test is assessed in this paper. A series of linear specimens, with cross-section and length custom designed to match the geometry of the concrete ring, were tested and analyzed. Determination of the maximum tensile stresses caused by the restrained autogenous shrinkage in the restrained ring test, together with the approximation of the tensile strength development of the cement composites were used to evaluate the cracking risk development versus time. The high-performance concretes and mortars produced with mineral aggregates and lightweight aggregates soaked with water were tested. The use of soaked granulated fly ash coarse lightweight aggregate in cementitious composites minimized both the autogenous shrinkage and cracking risk.

Introduction. The paper examines some archaeological evidence for a line of continuity between the Savirs (an ethnic group that had inhabited the Caucasus up to the mid-1st millennium CE), the Suvars (who were part of the northward migration of the Bulgar tribal federation to the middle reaches of the Volga later in the 1st millennium CE), and the present-day Chuvash people (first attested under that name in the early 16th century). Goals. The article aims to shed light on the history of ancestors of the Chuvash. Materials. Pottery and other artefacts support the link postulated to exist between the mentioned ethnic groups from different periods in history, while other archaeological discoveries indicate what connected them to and what distinguished them from their neighbors, suggest how they lived, and show the persistence of certain traditions and practices up to date. Results. Excavations of archaeologists from Makhachkala reject the version of the mid-fifth-century migration of Savirs from the region of Derbent towards southeastern Ciscaucasia allegedly because of the Pseudo-Avars that had arrived from Siberia. In fact, such movement resulted from the offensive of Sassanid Iran. The paper also reviews burial grounds located in Kizilyurtovsky District of Dagestan. The analysis of archaeological evidence confirms there is a continuity of black-and-gray pottery from the North Caucasus and Volga Bulgaria.

Introduction. Academic of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Saint Petersburg Arist Kunik published his work “On the Relationship of Hagan-Bulgarians with the Chuvash According to the Slavic-Bulgarian Nominalia” in 1878. The matters of the historical relationship of Bulgarians and Chuvash have been widely discussed since that time. The objective of the article is to evaluate the basic provisions of Kunik’s study from the point of view of innovative advances in this field. Attention is focused on the identity of Danube Bulgars and the historical ancestors of modern Chuvash. Methods and materials. Kunik based his reasoning on two books of Andrey Popov with the review of chronicles in the Russian version. Such chronicles are consolidated in scientific literature under the conventional name ‘Nominalia’. Kunik also used the opinions of Vasily Radlov. Analysis. Matters of the Danube Bulgars ethnogenesis enter largely into Kunik’s work. Given the fact that the Bulgars had come from the Caucasus and then divided into descents in the Volga and the Danube regions, Kunik resorts to comparative characteristics of the Danube and Volga historical ancestors of the Bulgars. In the Middle Volga region, the Bulgars appeared in the 8th – 9th centuries. This is evidenced by the archeological monuments of the saltov type. Bulgarian researchers find direct correspondence between the Kubrat and Asparuhovo Bulgarians. Results. Kunik says that the Chuvash are direct descendants of Bulgars. However, his views on this matter are quite unreliable. His doubts were dispelled in the 20th – 21st centuries by the historical science. In spite of the ambiguity of a lot of Kunik’s provisions on the identity of Danube Bulgars and the Chuvash, now his suppositions are confirmed to a great extent – primarily, by linguists. Generally Kunik based his research on the names of Bulgarian khans and numeral adjectives in the Nominalia.

Mutations in the GBA1 gene, encoding the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), cause Gaucher disease (GD) and are the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are being developed as an alternative treatment approach for GD and PD. To date, NCGC00241607 (NCGC607) is one of the most promising PCs. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation we identified and characterized six allosteric binding sites on the GCase surface suitable for PCs. Two sites were energetically more preferable for NCGC607 and located nearby to the active site of the enzyme. We evaluated the effects of NCGC607 treatment on GCase activity and protein levels, glycolipids concentration in cultured macrophages from GD (n = 9) and GBA-PD (n = 5) patients as well as in induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)—derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons from GBA-PD patient. The results showed that NCGC607 treatment increased GCase activity (by 1.3-fold) and protein levels (by 1.5-fold), decreased glycolipids concentration (by 4.0-fold) in cultured macrophages derived from GD patients and also enhanced GCase activity (by 1.5-fold) in cultured macrophages derived from GBA-PD patients with N370S mutation (p < 0.05). In iPSC-derived DA neurons from GBA-PD patients with N370S mutation NCGC607 treatment increased GCase activity and protein levels by 1.1-fold and 1.7-fold (p < 0.05). Thus, our results showed that NCGC607 could bind to allosteric sites on the GCase surface and confirmed its efficacy on cultured macrophages from GD and GBA-PD patients as well as on iPSC-derived DA neurons from GBA-PD patients.

Magnetic nanoparticles embedded into semiconductors have current perspectives for use in semiconducting spintronics. In this work, 40 keV Fe+ ions were implanted in high fluences of (0.5 ÷ 1.5) × 1017 ion/cm2 into an oxide semiconductor and single-crystalline TiO2 plates of rutile structure with (100) or (001) face orientations. Microstructure, elemental-phase composition, and magnetic properties of the Fe-ion-implanted TiO2 were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and Rutherford backscattering (RBS) spectroscopies, as well as vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM). The high-fluence ion implantation results in the formation of magnetic nanoparticles of metallic iron beneath the irradiated surface of rutile. The induced ferromagnetism and observed two- or four-fold magnetic anisotropy are associated with the endotaxial growth of Fe nanoparticles oriented along the crystallographic axes of TiO2.

In the present study we investigated the nanostructuring processes in locally suspended few-layer graphene (FLG) films by irradiation with high energy ions (Xe, 26–167 MeV). For such an energy range, the main channel of energy transfer to FLG is local, short-term excitation of the electronic subsystem. The irradiation doses used in this study are 1 × 1011–5 × 1012 ion/cm2. The structural transformations in the films were identified by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Two types of nanostructures formed in the FLG films as a result of irradiation were revealed. At low irradiation doses the nanostructures were formed preferably at a certain distance from the ion track and had the form of 15–35 nm “bunches”. We assumed that the internal mechanical stress that arises due to the excited atoms ejection from the central track part creates conditions for the nanodiamond formation near the track periphery. Depending on the energy of the irradiating ions, the local restructuring of films at the periphery of the ion tracks can lead either to the formation of nanodiamonds (ND) or to the formation of AA’ (or ABC) stacking. The compressive strain value and pressure at the periphery of the ion track were estimated as ~0.15–0.22% and ~0.8–1.2 GPa, respectively. The main novel results are the first visualization of ion tracks in graphene in the form of diamond or diamond-like rings, the determination of the main condition for the diamond formation (the absence of a substrate in combination with high ion energy), and estimates of the local strain at the track periphery. Generally, we have developed a novel material and have found how to control the film properties by introducing regions similar to quantum dots with the diamond interface in FLG films.

In the development of practically all potash salt deposits, the study of gas-dynamic phenomena (GDP) is one of the most difficult tasks to ensure mining safety. Sudden salt and gas outbursts, dynamic breakdown, which are accompanied by intense gas release and possible broken rock carry-over into the mine workings, are associated with GDP. Geological preconditions for the GDP development are often the layered structure of the salt rock mass, the presence of interlayers and layers of salt clays. For the conditions of the Usolsky potash plant mine, complex studies of factors that characterize the possibility of gas-dynamic roof fall of the stoping rooms were carried out. In mine studies, free gases pressure and the initial velocity of gas release in the rocks of the roof workings were determined. The obtained experimental estimations were used as a parametric basis for mathematical modeling of geomechanical processes under conditions of a near-contact accumulation of free gas. The deformation of a layered salt mass produced by a room development system was described by the model of an ideal elastic-plastic medium with internal friction. The parabolic envelope of Mohr circles was used as a plasticity criterion in the compression area. In the numerical implementation, the deformation of clay contacts was modeled by Goodman contact elements. Based on the results of multivariate numerical calculations, it is established that the main factors determining the possibility of implementing GDP are the additional gas pressure at the contact, the width of the workingspan, and the distance from the roof to the first gas-containing contact. With multi-level lamination of roof rocks, there is a danger of large sources of GDP formation and the mechanism of successive fall of layers in an instant mode is implemented.

Introduction. The article contains analysis of the attitude of the Sinologist, specialist in Mongolian and Manchu studies Nikita Yakovlevich Bichurin (Ven. Hyacinth) to his ethnic identity. Goals. The study aims to consider N. Bichurin’s personality in the context of his biography, family, relatives, physical appearances and character, scientific achievements and environment. The veiled rare facts of the attitude of Nikita Yakovlevich to his ethnic origin are as essential. Materials and Methods. The work focuses on archival sources and publications of leading researchers to have investigated N. Bichurin’s life and activities. The figure of Sinologist Hyacinth Bichurin in the frame of 19th-century events remains as intriguing as ever, the latter to include his ethnic backgrounds and personal attitude to his roots. The article analyses archival and published sources to outline the concept of ‘ethnic identity according to Bichurin’. The sought objectives are detected in Bichurin’s biography, family roots, physical features, facts of scientific activity, relations with friends, search for his offspring and in the attitudes of the society to his personality. The low manifestation of ethnic identity in Bichurin’s life and activities is explained by the fact that he was a free ― though ordained ― thinker, which made it impossible to emphasize ethnic identity in the 19th century. In addition, such unpleasant facts of his biography as arrest, imprisonment, and confinement in a cell would repeatedly put him under psychological pressure. Identity was understood by Bichurin as an ability to touch the height in science while being a foreigner.

As of today, surprisingly little is known about the subjective well-being of faculty in general, but especially when teaching online and during a time of pandemic during lockdowns in particular. To narrow this research gap, the present study systematically compared the subjective well-being of faculty teaching face-to-face before to those teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting a self-determination theory framework. The data reported here stem from a study conducted before the pandemic (Sample 1, n = 101) and which repeated-measures survey design we replicated to collect corresponding data during the pandemic (Sample 2, n = 71). Results showed that faculty teaching online during the pandemic reported impaired satisfaction of all three basic needs, that is reduced autonomy, competence, and especially relatedness, as well as impaired subjective well-being (clearly reduced enjoyment and reduced teaching satisfaction; increased anger and a tendency towards more shame) compared to faculty teaching face-to-face before the pandemic. Yet pride, anxiety, and boredom were experienced to a similar extent across both samples. The effects of the teaching format on the different aspects of subjective well-being were overall mediated in self-determination-theory-congruent ways by the satisfaction of the basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We conclude for a post-pandemic future that online teaching will supplement rather than replace face-to-face teaching in higher education institutions, as their importance for building relationships and satisfying social interactions not only for students but also for faculty seem to have been underestimated so far.

Introduction. In carriers of a mutation in the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene, the risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is increased by 78 times. However, not all carriers of the GBA gene mutations develop PD during their lifetime. We hypothesize that the dysfunction in the lysosomal membrane proteins involved in autophagy and transport of GBA into the lysosomes can contribute to the development of PD in carriers of mutations in the GBA gene. The aim of the study was to assess the contribution of LAMP2 and SCARB2 genes expression in CD45+ peripheral blood cells to the development of GBA-PD. Materials and methods. We examined 9 patients with GBA-PD, 9 asymptomatic GBA gene mutations carriers, 37 patients with PD, and 56 people in the control group. The relative mRNA level of LAMP2 and SCARB2 genes in CD45+ blood cells, obtained using magnetic sorting, was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using fluorescent probes. Results. The relative mRNA level of LAMP2 and SCARB2 genes in CD45+ blood cells was reduced in patients with GBA-PD in comparison to patients with PD and to controls (LAMP2: p0.0001, p = 0.01 respectively; SCARB2: p = 0.01, p0.05, respectively) and in asymptomatic carriers of GBA gene mutations compared to patients with PD (LAMP2: p = 0.021; SCARB2: p0.05) and controls (LAMP2: p = 0.029). We also found decreased mRNA levels of the LAMP2 gene (p = 0.024) and the absence of differences in the mRNA levels of the SCARB2 gene (р0.05) in CD45+ blood cells in patients with GBA-PD when compared to the group of asymptomatic carriers of GBA gene mutations. Conclusion. GBA-PD is characterized by a pronounced expression of the LAMP2 gene in the CD45+ peripheral blood cells, which may indicate a role of the decreased LAMP2 gene expression in the pathogenesis of GBA-PD.

The use of low-temperature (LT) GaAs layers as dislocation filters in GaAs/Si heterostructures (HSs) was investigated in this study. The effects of intermediate LT-GaAs layers and of the post-growth and cyclic in situ annealing on the structural properties of GaAs/LT-GaAs/GaAs/Si(001) HSs were studied. It was found that the introduction of LT-GaAs layers, in combination with post-growth cyclic annealing, reduced the threading dislocation density down to 5 × 106 cm−2, the root-mean-square roughness of the GaAs surface down to 1.1 nm, and the concentration of non-radiative recombination centers in the near-surface GaAs/Si regions down to the homoepitaxial GaAs level. Possible reasons for the improvement in the quality of near-surface GaAs layers are discussed. On the one hand, the presence of elastic deformations in the GaAs/LT-GaAs system led to dislocation line bending. On the other hand, gallium vacancies, formed in the LT-GaAs layers, diffused into the overlying GaAs layers and led to an increase in the dislocation glide rate. It was demonstrated that the GaAs/Si HSs obtained with these techniques are suitable for growing high-quality light-emitting HSs with self-assembled quantum dots.

In this study, the appearance of magnetic moments and ferromagnetism in nanostructures of non-magnetic materials based on silicon and transition metals (such as iron) was considered experimentally and theoretically. An analysis of the related literature shows that for a monolayer iron coating on a vicinal silicon surface with (111) orientation after solid-phase annealing at 450–550 °C, self-ordered two-dimensional islands of α-FeSi2 displaying superparamagnetic properties are formed. We studied the transition to ferromagnetic properties in a system of α-FeSi2 nanorods (NRs) in the temperature range of 2–300 K with an increase in the iron coverage to 5.22 monolayers. The structure of the NRs was verified along with distortions in their lattice parameters due to heteroepitaxial growth. The formation of single-domain grains in α-FeSi2 NRs with a cross-section of 6.6 × 30 nm2 was confirmed by low-temperature and field studies and FORC (first-order magnetization reversal curves) diagrams. A mechanism for maintaining ferromagnetic properties is proposed. Ab initio calculations in freestanding α-FeSi2 nanowires revealed the formation of magnetic moments for some surface Fe atoms only at specific facets. The difference in the averaged magnetic moments between theory and experiments can confirm the presence of possible contributions from defects on the surface of the NRs and in the bulk of the α-FeSi2 NR crystal lattice. The formed α-FeSi2 NRs with ferromagnetic properties up to 300 K are crucial for spintronic device development within planar silicon technology.

African swine fever (ASF) is an incurable viral disease of domestic and wild pigs. A large-scale spread of ASF began in Eurasia in 2007 and has affected territories from Belgium to the Far East, occurring as both local- and regional-level epidemics. In 2020, a massive ASF epidemic emerged in the southeastern region of European Russia in the Samara Oblast and included 41 outbreaks of ASF in domestic pigs and 40 cases in wild boar. The Samara Oblast is characterized by a relatively low density of wild boar (0.04–0.05 head/km2) and domestic pigs (1.1–1.3 head/km2), with a high prevalence of small-scale productions (household farms). This study aims to understand the driving forces of the disease and perform a risk assessment for this region using complex epidemiological analyses. The socioeconomic and environmental factors of the ASF outbreak were explored using Generalized Linear Logistic Regression, where ASF infection status of the Samara Oblast districts was treated as a response variable. Presence of the virus in a district was found to be most significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the importation of live pigs from ASF-affected regions of Russia (OR = 371.52; 95% CI: 1.58–87290.57), less significantly (p < 0.1) associated with the density of smallholder farms (OR = 2.94; 0.82–10.59), volume of pork products' importation from ASF-affected regions of Russia (OR = 1.01; 1.00–1.02), summary pig population (OR = 1.01; 0.99–1.02), and insignificantly (p > 0.1) associated with presence of a common border with an ASF-affected region (OR = 89.2; 0.07–11208.64). No associations were found with the densities of pig and wild boar populations. The colocation analysis revealed no significant concentration of outbreaks in domestic pigs near cases in wild boar or vice versa. These results suggest that outbreaks notified in low biosecurity household farms were mainly associated with the transportation and trade of pigs and pork products from ASF-affected regions of Russia. The findings underline the importance of taking into account animal transportation data while conducting future studies to develop a risk map for the region and the rest of European Russia.

It is challenging to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains within a forensic context. As a result of their interactions with the environment, bones undergo several chemical and physical changes after death. So far, multiple methods have been used to follow up on post-mortem changes. There is, however, no definitive way to estimate the PMI of skeletal remains. This research aimed to propose a methodology capable of estimating the PMI using micro-computed tomography measurements of 104 human skeletal remains with PMIs between one day and 2000 years. The present study indicates that micro-computed tomography could be considered an objective and precise method of PMI evaluation in forensic medicine. The measured parameters show a significant difference regarding the PMI for Cort Porosity p < 0.001, BV/TV p > 0.001, Mean1 p > 0.001 and Mean2 p > 0.005. Using a machine learning approach, the neural network showed an accuracy of 99% for distinguishing between samples with a PMI of less than 100 years and archaeological samples.

The article deals with the prospects of Iraq’s oil and gas potential. It should be noted that there has not been much attention payed to the desert regions of Iraq located on the Arabian plate. However, recent studies show prospectivity of the Iraq deserts. As a result of the recent investigation of river valleys in the region, the following main morphotectonic processes were identified: rejuvenation of the river network and emergence of new river basins; division of individual rivers into two or more parts; interception of the river network. As a result of long-term field and cameral geological and geomorphological studies in the area of the Western and Southern deserts, it was possible to reconstruct the existing tectonic activity of the area from the Miocene period to the present day. It is established that the regional Euphrates fault on the territory of Iraq occupies an exceptionally important place, which was previously underestimated. Adjacent echelon faults of the following order formed a system of pre-existent tectonic blocks with different kinematics and morphology. The causes and mechanism of neotectonic Neogene-Quaternary movements of the earth’s surface are established. Thus, separate tectonic blocks are identified, which generally form zonal regions of uplifts or valleys. The areas of elevated blocks (for example, the raising of Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf of the third order) are created by plicative dome structures in the cover near the Euphrates fault, favorable for the accumulation of HC.

Testing assumptions proposed by Frenzel’s reciprocal model of teacher emotions (e.g., Frenzel, 2014), this study explored relations between teachers’ appraisals concerning the attainment and importance of their teaching goals, and their emotions. Specifically, we addressed teachers’ goals of high student performance, motivation, discipline, and high-quality teacher–student relationship and three key discrete emotions, namely, enjoyment, anger, and anxiety, during teaching. We had 244 secondary school teachers (70.1% female) self-report their goal attainment and importance appraisals and emotional experiences with respect to up to three different classes they currently taught. Results from single- and two-level multivariate multiple regression analyses largely supported the relevance of the goal attainment appraisals for teachers’ emotions both on the between-person and the within-person level. Goal importance appraisals proved to be of secondary relevance. On the between-person level, those teachers who positively appraised the attainment of motivation, discipline, and teacher–student relationship quality proved to report more enjoyment and less anxiety and anger. On the within-person level, teachers reported enjoying teaching those classes more, which they perceived as better performing, more motivated and disciplined, and with whom they had a better relationship. Anger and anxiety were negatively linked to appraisals pertaining to the attainment of discipline and teacher–student relationship quality. Across both analysis perspectives, teacher–student relationship quality attainment showed particularly strong links with all three emotions. Because teachers’ subjective evaluations regarding student behaviors were shown to be highly relevant for their emotions, we conclude that teachers could be supported in modifying their emotional experiences through cognitive reappraisal. Interventions targeting teachers’ relationships with students, and their cognitive judgments thereof, seem particularly promising.

Existing research shows that high achievement boredom is correlated with a range of undesirable behavioral and personality variables and that the main antecedents of boredom are being over- or under-challenged. However, merely knowing that students are highly bored, without taking their achievement level into account, might be insufficient for drawing conclusions about students' behavior and personality. We, therefore, investigated if low- vs. high-achieving students who experience strong mathematics boredom show different behaviors and personality traits. The sample consisted of 1,404 German secondary school students (fifth to 10th grade, mean age 12.83 years, 52% female). We used self-report instruments to assess boredom in mathematics, behavioral (social and emotional problems, positive/negative affect, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression), and personality variables (neuroticism and conscientiousness). In comparing highly bored students (more than one SD above M, n = 258) who were low vs. high achievers (as indicated by the math grade, n = 125 / n = 119), results showed that there were no mean level differences across those groups for all variables. In conclusion, our results suggest that high boredom can occur in both low- and high-achieving students and that bored low- and high-achievers show similar behaviors and personality profiles.

The boundary value problem for the system of linear nonhomogeneous differential equations with generalized coefficients is considered X(t) = L(t)X(t) + F(t), M1X(0) + M2X(b) = Q, where t ∈ T = [0, b], L : T → Rpxp and F : T → Rp are right-continuous matrix and vector valued functions of bounded variation; M1, M2 ∈ Rpxp, Q ∈ Rp are defined matrices and vector. The problem is investigated with the help of the corresponding finite-difference with averaging equation behavior studying. The definition of the fundamental matrix, corresponding to the finite-difference with averaging equation is introduced. The theorem of the existence and uniqueness of the finite-difference with averaging boundary value problem, corresponding to the described system is proved.

An association between high serum calcium/phosphate and cardiovascular events or death is well-established. However, a mechanistic explanation of this correlation is lacking. Here, we examined the role of calciprotein particles (CPPs), nanoscale bodies forming in the human blood upon its supersaturation with calcium and phosphate, in cardiovascular disease. The serum of patients with coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease displayed an increased propensity to form CPPs in combination with elevated ionised calcium as well as reduced albumin levels, altogether indicative of reduced Ca2+-binding capacity. Intravenous administration of CPPs to normolipidemic and normotensive Wistar rats provoked intimal hyperplasia and adventitial/perivascular inflammation in both balloon-injured and intact aortas in the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Upon the addition to primary human arterial endothelial cells, CPPs induced lysosome-dependent cell death, promoted the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulated leukocyte adhesion, and triggered endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We concluded that CPPs, which are formed in the blood as a result of altered mineral homeostasis, cause endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, thereby contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Results of geomechanical modelling of a stress-strain state of salt rocks in conditions of layer mining at mines of Belaruskali JSC are reviewed. There are sudden powerful gas dynamic phenomena (GDP) occur from the bedrock of mines such as salt and gas emission, bedrock destruction followed by gas release. Moreover, there are areas that are potentially dangerous due to gas dynamic phenomena acting from the bedrocks. For the conditions of the Starobinsk deposit of potassium salts gas accumulations in bedrocks of mines are usually confined to clayish interlayers and layers in salt rocks. Therefore, it is assumed that disclosure of clay contacts is a geomechanical prerequisite for GDP. That leads to formation of channels for migration of free gases and formation of artificial gas-saturated zones under the influence of mining operations. Task statement includes setting of parameters for collapse of the roof rocks of the Third potash formation being under the mining, localization of plastic deformations in the enclosing rocks and opening of clay contacts in a salt thickness. It is taken into account that collapsed rocks of a long face roof fill the goaf and form technogenic geo-environment with respect to their decompaction. The geo-environment is also included in the calculation scheme of mathematical modeling. In order to determine a stress-strain state of rocks, a model of an ideal elastic plastic medium with internal friction is used. In this case, clay interbedding are described by Goodman's contact elements. Based on results of solution of a number of model problems in a two-dimensional statement, there is a conclusion made on the significant influence of clay interbedding in the bedrocks of a formation under the mining on the possibility of occurrence of gas dynamic phenomena. It is established, that in presence of three and more clay contacts in the layer of underlying halite there are conditions created for formation of a multi-stage focus of GDP, formed when gas-saturated clay contacts are exposed. Periodic character of formation of GDP focuses is noted during the movement of the front of cleaning works.

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed vesicles which play important role for cell communication. EVs are found in many human biological fluids; contain proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. These vesicles deliver biological information to recipient cells thereby modulating their behaviors. In this way, EVs are involved in the pathological development of many human disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Definition of the EV size and morphology is important for studying of their participation in the intercellular signaling pathways in pathology and normal state. Especially for understanding the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of brain, detailed characterization of the vesicles from cerebrospinal fluid seems to be the most relevant. Methods: In this study, EVs purified from cerebrospinal fluid or plasma of patients with Parkinson’s disease were characterized using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and flow cytometry. Results: The size of the observed vesicles and the presence of protein exosomal marker on the membrane confirmed by NTA and flow cytometry, suggest that most of the vesicles were represented as exosomes. According to the NTA analysis the concentration EVs in the cerebrospinal fluid ((6.1±4.9) ×109 particles/ml) is two orders of magnitude lower than that in blood plasma ((19.8±14.9)×109 particles/ml). Vesicles isolated from cerebrospinal fluid were examined in detail using cryo-EM. EVs of various sizes and morphology with lipid bilayer and vesicle internal structures were observed. More than 80 percent of the particles were classified as vesicles due to the clear presence of lipid bilayer membrane. The majority of vesicles was intact and had a round shape. Single (74.9±27.24 nm), double (179.49±105.29 nm) and multilayer vesicles (206.18±78.3) were visualized. We found that multilayer vesicles were larger than the single vesicle (P

Fluorinated graphene (FG), the most stable derivative of graphene, is suggested for the role of functional material (weak fluorination degree) and the dielectric layers for graphene and other 2D materials, especially for flexible and printed electronics. The main findings discussed in the present study are (1) an excellent mechanical properties of FG in bending conditions for the first time measured for FG with different fluorination degree; (2) the 97–99% transparency of FG films with thickness up to 25 nm in wide range of wavelengths, (3) a ultralow leakage current and a high breakdown field in the printed cross-bar structures; (4) a smooth increase in interplanar spacing by 1–2% from the center of few-layered fluorinated graphene flakes to their edges; (5) observation of only CC related G line without defect related D line in Raman spectra in the case of giant amplification of Raman scattering for FG films printed at Ag layers. Unchanged characteristics of fluorinated graphene films up to stretching-strain values of 2.5–4% were demonstrated. Generally, it can be stated that fluorinated graphene films have great promise in flexible and printed electronics. Keywords: Fluorinated graphene, HREM, Heterostructures, 2D printing techniques, FG flexibility

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disease with its monogenic forms accounting for less than 10% of all cases. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) technology has been used successfully to find mutations in large families. However, because of the late onset of the disease, only small families and unrelated patients are usually available. WES conducted in such cases yields in a large number of candidate variants. There are currently a number of imperfect software tools that allow the pathogenicity of variants to be evaluated.Objectives: We analyzed 48 unrelated patients with an alleged autosomal dominant familial form of PD using WES and developed a strategy for selecting potential pathogenetically significant variants using almost all available bioinformatics resources for the analysis of exonic areas.Methods: DNA sequencing of 48 patients with excluded frequent mutations was performed using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The possible pathogenetic significance of identified variants and their involvement in the pathogenesis of PD was assessed using SNP and Variation Suite (SVS), Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) and Rare Exome Variant Ensemble Learner (REVEL) software. Functional evaluation was performed using the Pathway Studio database.Results: A significant reduction in the search range from 7082 to 25 variants in 23 genes associated with PD or neuronal function was achieved. Eight (FXN, MFN2, MYOC, NPC1, PSEN1, RET, SCN3A and SPG7) were the most significant.Conclusions: The multistep approach developed made it possible to conduct an effective search for potential pathogenetically significant variants, presumably involved in the pathogenesis of PD. The data obtained need to be further verified experimentally.

Abstract Background Hemozoin is the pigment produced by some blood-feeding parasites. It demonstrates high diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this work the formation of co-called hemozoin “knobs” – the bile duct ectasia filled up by hemozoin pigment - in Opisthorhis felineus infected hamster liver has been observed. Methods The O. felineus infected liver was examined by histological analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pigment hemozoin was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis. Hemozoin crystals were characterised by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Results Hemozoin crystals produced by O. felineus have average length 403 nm and the length-to-width ratio equals 2.0. The regurgitation of hemozoin from parasitic fluke during infection leads to formation of bile duct ectasia. The active release of hemozoin from O. felineus during in vitro incubation has also been evidenced. It has been shown that the hemozoin knobs can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions In the paper for the first time the characterisation of hemozoin pigment extracted from liver fluke O. felineus has been conducted. The role of hemozoin in the modification of immune response by opisthorchiasis is assumed.

A novel approach for the in situ synthesis of zerovalent aryl-coated iron nanoparticles (NPs) based on diazonium salt chemistry is proposed. Surface-modified zerovalent iron NPs (ZVI NPs) were prepared by simple chemical reduction of iron(III) chloride aqueous solution followed by in situ modification using water soluble arenediazonium tosylate. The resulting NPs, with average iron core diameter of 21 nm, were coated with a 10 nm thick organic layer to provide long-term protection in air for the highly reactive zerovalent iron core up to 180 °C. The surface-modified iron NPs possess a high grafting density of the aryl group on the NPs surface of 1.23 mmol/g. FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, HRTEM, TGA/DTA, and elemental analysis were performed in order to characterize the resulting material.

We reconstruct the gluon spectral function in Landau gauge QCD from numerical data for the gluon propagator. The reconstruction relies on two novel ingredients: Firstly we derive analytically the low frequency asymptotics of the spectral function. Secondly we construct a functional basis from a careful consideration of the analytic properties of the gluon propagator in Landau gauge. This allows us to reliably capture the non-perturbative regime of the gluon spectrum. We also compare different reconstruction methods and discuss the respective systematic errors.

Research has found that more aggressive cartoons are perceived as funnier. The current study ( N = 106; 16 cartoons) examined this finding in more detail by additionally including painfulness and cleverness rankings of cartoons, and by examining possible moderating effects of different humor styles, self-esteem (explicit, implicit), and social desirability. Aggressive or painful cartoons were not perceived to be funnier, but were rated as having a cleverer punch line. Effects were only weakly correlated with participants’ humor styles, but were independent of self-esteem and social desirability. This suggests that aggressive cartoons are not in general perceived to be funnier than non-aggressive ones, and that there may be other moderators influencing this effect (e.g., the type of cartoons, definition of aggression and funniness, cultural aspects).

Fluorescent cis-platinum compounds that react with the N7 atom of guanine are useful for labeling nucleic acids in fluorescence hybridization applications. Here we report that cyanin (CyN) cis-platinum labeling of DNA samples for array comparative genomic hybridizations (arrayCGH) can be achieved reproducibly and reliably. We demonstrate that degrees of labeling of approximately 1% of all nucleotides in test and reference DNA samples with CyN3- and CyN5-cis-platinum produces arrayCGH signal-to-background ratios ranging from 30 to 40. The arrayCGH results achieved during analyses of mouse and human tumor samples were comparable to those achieved using enzymatic labeling. Thus, we conclude that Cy-cis-platinum labeling is an alternative to enzymatic labeling for arrayCGH.

Many pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations are heteroplasmic, with a mixture of mutated and wild-type mtDNA present within individual cells. The severity and extent of the clinical phenotype is largely due to the distribution of mutated molecules between cells in different tissues, but mechanisms underpinning segregation are not fully understood. To facilitate mtDNA segregation studies we developed assays that measure m.3243A>G point mutation loads directly in hundreds of individual cells to determine the mechanisms of segregation over time. In the first study of this size, we observed a number of discrete shifts in cellular heteroplasmy between periods of stable heteroplasmy. The observed patterns could not be parsimoniously explained by random mitotic drift of individual mtDNAs. Instead, a genetically metastable, heteroplasmic mtDNA segregation unit provides the likely explanation, where stable heteroplasmy is maintained through the faithful replication of segregating units with a fixed wild-type/m.3243A>G mutant ratio, and shifts occur through the temporary disruption and re-organization of the segregation units. While the nature of the physical equivalent of the segregation unit remains uncertain, the factors regulating its organization are of major importance for the pathogenesis of mtDNA diseases.

An often reported, but nevertheless persistently striking observation, formalized as the Newcomb-Benford law (NBL), is that the frequencies with which the leading digits of numbers occur in a large variety of data are far away from being uniform. Most spectacular seems to be the fact that in many data the leading digit 1 occurs in nearly one third of all cases. Explanations for this uneven distribution of the leading digits were, among others, scale- and base-invariance. Little attention, however, found the interrelation between the distribution of the significant digits and the distribution of the observed variable. It is shown here by simulation that long right-tailed distributions of a random variable are compatible with the NBL, and that for distributions of the ratio of two random variables the fit generally improves. Distributions not putting most mass on small values of the random variable (e.g. symmetric distributions) fail to fit. Hence, the validity of the NBL needs the predominance of small values and, when thinking of real-world data, a majority of small entities. Analyses of data on stock prices, the areas and numbers of inhabitants of countries, and the starting page numbers of papers from a bibliography sustain this conclusion. In all, these findings may help to understand the mechanisms behind the NBL and the conditions needed for its validity. That this law is not only of scientific interest per se, but that, in addition, it has also substantial implications can be seen from those fields where it was suggested to be put into practice. These fields reach from the detection of irregularities in data (e.g. economic fraud) to optimizing the architecture of computers regarding number representation, storage, and round-off errors.

BACKGROUND: Generational IQ gains in the general population (termed the Flynn effect) show an erratic pattern across different nations as well as across different domains of intelligence (fluid vs crystallized). Gains of fluid intelligence in different countries have been subject to extensive research, but less attention was directed towards gains of crystallized intelligence, probably due to evidence from the Anglo-American sphere suggesting only slight gains on this measure. In the present study, development of crystallized intelligence in the German speaking general population is assessed. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To investigate whether IQ gains for crystallized intelligence are in progress in German-speaking countries, two independent meta-analyses were performed. By means of a cited reference search in ISI Web of Science, all studies citing test manuals and review articles of two widely-used salient measures of crystallized intelligence were obtained. Additionally, the electronic database for German academic theses was searched to identify unpublished studies employing these tests. All studies reporting participants mean IQ or raw scores of at least one of the two measures were included in the present analyses, yielding over 500 studies (>1,000 samples; >45,000 individuals). We found a significant positive association between years of test performance and intelligence (1971-2007) amounting to about 3.5 IQ points per decade. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study clearly demonstrates that crystallized IQ gains are substantial and of comparable strength as Flynn effects typically observed for measures of fluid intelligence in Central Europe. Since mean IQ was assessed in a large number of small, non-representative samples, our evidence suggests a remarkable robustness of these gains. Moreover, in both meta-analyses strength of gains was virtually identical. On the whole, results of the present study demonstrate a pervasive and generalizing Flynn effect in German-speaking countries.