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This article is devoted to solving the problem of preparing data for the operational planning of heat treatment operations using the example of industrial enterprises in St. Petersburg. Solving the problem of planning heat treatment operations and, accordingly, preparing data for this, is relevant, since in rare cases, operational planning is used at enterprises of the Russian Federation. But if it is used, it is only for drawing up a planned schedule of work, for the implementation of which it is necessary to restructure the existing organization of the production process. Planning is often done "manually" using Microsoft Project or Microsoft Excel. The mathematical model presented in the work has a number of assumptions to reduce the computational complexity of the problem under consideration. The aim of the study is to develop a model and an algorithm for operational scheduling of the production process. To solve the problem, an algorithm is proposed that allows you to form orders in such a way that the necessary restrictions and conditions for their simultaneous processing are fulfilled. The proposed algorithm was tested on data close to real data in the 1C: MES information system "Operational production management" (hereinafter 1C: MES), which made it possible to test the developed algorithm for the correctness and implementation of the specified restrictions. The developed mathematical model and algorithm for preparing data for planning are implemented in 1C: MES and are used at one of the heavy engineering enterprises in St. Petersburg. With the help of the obtained algorithm, the enterprise managed to increase the efficiency of using the existing production equipment, in particular, thermal furnaces. Also, information on groups of blanks for performing heat treatment operations is used to plan the loading of other equipment in workshops. The developed model and algorithm can be used at other enterprises where heat-treatment furnaces are used and there are queues from blanks for processing in furnaces. This will reduce the storage of blanks and increase the efficiency of the use of warehouse or workshop premises. The directions of further research can be the study of the applicability of the developed tools for other technological operations at the enterprise and the integration of the developed algorithm into the general system of operational scheduling of production.

One of the most important tasks in our country is the further development of the economy of industrial production, including increasing the depth of redistribution of domestic industrial products, predetermining the need for automation and computerization of machine-building production, the creation of modern methods of the digital economy in terms of optimizing the supply curve. This leads to the formulation of the tasks of improving the planning and management system of engineering production. Machine-building enterprises need a capacity planning system that would objectively reflect the established economic situation in order to make appropriate management decisions. The main objective of planning is the formation of a production schedule, the maximum load of work centers, taking into account the existing restrictions and priorities of orders. The paper shows enlarged or inter-workshop planning of a production schedule for a long planning horizon and detailed or operational intra-workshop planning, taking into account the production schedule, the availability of work centers and production facilities. A comparison of the planning levels. At the stage of enlarged planning, a production schedule is planned, which is a calendar schedule for the execution of production routing maps and allows to evaluate the feasibility of received orders for production by the date of need, to reschedule the constructed schedule when changes and deviations are made in production plans. At this stage, during the initial placement of the order in the production schedule for each line, the possibility of fulfilling the order by the specified requirement date is determined. If it is impossible to ensure the production of a particular product by the date of need, the date of its intended release is calculated. The production schedule is transferred to the level of detailed planning - the volume of work per planning interval, for the execution of which the availability of groups of work centers is enough for a given interval. Within this interval, a specific execution time is planned for each operation with the definition of specific work centers that will be involved in the execution of operations. As a result of mathematical calculations, the recommended sequence of planning production route maps is obtained. The mathematical model presented in the work of choosing the priority for planning routing maps of production allows us to calculate the feasibility of orders on time, and also to determine the planned time interval in which each routing map should be completed.

Abstract The frozen mummy of the large felid cub was found in the Upper Pleistocene permafrost on the Badyarikha River (Indigirka River basin) in the northeast of Yakutia, Russia. The study of the specimen appearance showed its significant differences from a modern lion cub of similar age (three weeks) in the unusual shape of the muzzle with a large mouth opening and small ears, the very massive neck region, the elongated forelimbs, and the dark coat color. Tomographic analysis of the mummy skull revealed the features characteristic of Machairodontinae and of the genus Homotherium. For the first time in the history of paleontology, the appearance of an extinct mammal that has no analogues in the modern fauna has been studied.

The paper highlights that the development of the forage base relies on crop cultivation technologies that ensure high productivity, meet the domestic market’s demand for high-quality feed, reduce labor costs and increase energy efficiency in feed preparation and storage. (Research purpose) The paper aims to conduct a comparative assessment of the technical and economic indicators of traditional, intensive, and high technologies, as well as machine complexes, for forage crop production. (Materials and methods) The study is based on scientific publications from 2011 to 2022 that focus on the improvement of natural lands for forage crop production, as well as on analytical and information materials, and other available sources. For a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of traditional, intensive and high-intensity technologies, as well as machine complexes used in forage crop production, the following indicators are selected: labor costs, fuel consumption, metal usage, and specific energy consumption. (Results and discussion) The study is conducted using the VIM methodology. A classifier of agricultural technologies is proposed to assess the technical and economic indicators of various types of agricultural machinery. The study results in the development of technological schemes for the reclamation of overgrown lands, the radical and surface improvement of herbage species composition and the radical improvement of herbage species composition in cultivated and natural forage lands. Additionally, the efficiency coefficient of energy consumption for the compared technologies across different soil and climatic zones are calculated. (Conclusions) A comparative analysis of the technical and economic indicators of machine complexes, including both traditional and advanced multifunctional systems, enables the recommendation of optimal solutions for forage production based on land productivity. The most resource-efficient option for producing a unit of output is achieved through the implementation of high technologies for improving forage lands.

Abstract Background Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has demonstrated multiple benefits in treating chronic pain and other clinical disorders related to sensorimotor dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood, including how electrode placement in relation to the spinal cord neuroanatomy influences epidural spinal recordings (ESRs). To characterize this relationship, this study utilized stimulation applied at various anatomical sections of the spinal column, including at levels of the intervertebral disc and regions correlating to the dorsal root entry zone. Method Two electrode arrays were surgically implanted into the dorsal epidural space of the swine. The stimulation leads were positioned such that the caudal-most electrode contact was at the level of a thoracic intervertebral segment. Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were utilized to precisely determine the location of the epidural leads relative to the spinal column. High-resolution microCT imaging and 3D-model reconstructions of the explanted spinal cord illustrated precise positioning and dimensions of the epidural leads in relation to the surrounding neuroanatomy, including the spinal rootlets of the dorsal and ventral columns of the spinal cord. In a separate swine cohort, implanted epidural leads were used for SCS and recording evoked ESRs. Results Reconstructed 3D-models of the swine spinal cord with epidural lead implants demonstrated considerable distinctions in the dimensions of a single electrode contact on a standard industry epidural stimulation lead compared to dorsal rootlets at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ). At the intervertebral segment, it was observed that a single electrode contact may cover 20-25% of the DREZ if positioned laterally. Electrode contacts were estimated to be ~0.75 mm from the margins of the DREZ when placed at the midline. Furthermore, ventral rootlets were observed to travel in proximity and parallel to dorsal rootlets at this level prior to separation into their respective sides of the spinal cord. Cathodic stimulation at the level of the intervertebral disc, compared to an ‘off-disc’ stimulation (7 mm rostral), demonstrated considerable variations in the features of recorded ESRs, such as amplitude and shape, and evoked unintended motor activation at lower stimulation thresholds. This substantial change may be due to the influence of nearby ventral roots. To further illustrate the influence of rootlet activation vs. dorsal column activation, the stimulation lead was displaced laterally at ~2.88 mm from the midline, resulting in variances in both evoked compound action potential (ECAP) components and electromyography (EMG) components in ESRs at lower stimulation thresholds. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the ECAP and EMG components of recorded ESRs can vary depending on small differences in the location of the stimulating electrodes within the spinal anatomy, such as at the level of the intervertebral segment. Furthermore, the effects of sub-centimeter lateral displacement of the stimulation lead from the midline, leading to significant changes in electrophysiological metrics. The results of this pilot study reveal the importance of the small displacement of the electrodes that can cause significant changes to evoked responses SCS. These results may provide further valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and assist in optimizing future SCS-related applications.

Abstract One third of epilepsy patients are resistant to treatment with current anti‐seizure medications. The ketogenic diet is used to treat some forms of refractory epilepsy, but the mechanism of its action has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), a known immunomodulatory receptor, plays a role in mediating the protective effect of this diet. We demonstrate for the first time that selective agonists at this receptor can directly reduce seizures in animal models. Agonists also reduce network activity in rodent and human brain slices. Ketogenic diet is known to increase circulating levels of endogenous HCA2 agonists, and we show that the effect of ketogenic diet in reducing seizures in the 6 Hz seizure model is negated in HCA2‐deficient mice. Our data support the potential of HCA2 as a target for the treatment of epilepsy and potentially for neurodegenerative diseases.

The case of a 37-year-old woman who suffered from spinal cord infarction (SI), resulting in a complete spinal cord injury (AIS A, neurological level T10), and autonomic dysfunction is presented. This study aimed to assess the effect of transcutaneous Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation (tSCS) on improving motor, sensory, and autonomic function after SI. During the first 8 months, tSCS was applied alone, then, physical therapy (PT) was included in the sessions (tSCS+PT), until completion of 20 months. Compared to baseline, at 20 months, an increase in ISNCSCI motor (50 vs. 57) and sensory scores (light touch, 72 vs. 82; pinprick, 71 vs. 92) were observed. Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms Score (NBSS) changed from 27 at baseline to 17 at 20 months. ISAFSCI scores in sacral autonomic function improved from 0 pts (absent function) to 1 pt. (altered function) indicating better sphincter control. EMG recordings during volitional movements, including overground stepping with 80% of body weight support showed activity in gluteus medialis, tensor fascia latae, sartorius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis, indicating a partial reversion of paralysis. RMS analysis indicated higher activity during “tSCS on” compared to “tSCS off” during overground stepping in bilateral rectus femoris (p < 0.001) and gastrocnemius medialis (p < 0.01); and unilateral biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior (p < 0.001). As this is the first report on the use of tSCS in the case of SI, future studies in a case series are warranted.

2D thermal radiation distribution together with I–V and L–I characteristics has been measured and analyzed in forward and reverse biased p–n heterostructures based on InAs0.9Sb0.1 and grown onto n-InAs substrates. The measurements revealed a sufficient difference in the temperature distribution onto the sample surface at forward and reverse bias, which is explained by an impact of heat pump operation initiated by an electron–phonon interaction at the p–n junction and diode contacts at U < 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Transport of macromolecules through the nuclear envelope (NE) is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) consisting of nucleoporins (Nups). Elys/Mel-28 is the Nup that binds and connects the decondensing chromatin with the reassembled NPCs at the end of mitosis. Whether Elys links chromatin with the NE during interphase is unknown. Here, using DamID-seq, we identified Elys binding sites in Drosophila late embryos and divided them into those associated with nucleoplasmic or with NPC-linked Elys. These Elys binding sites are located within active or inactive chromatin, respectively. Strikingly, Elys knockdown in S2 cells results in peripheral chromatin displacement from the NE, in decondensation of NE-attached chromatin, and in derepression of genes within. It also leads to slightly more compact active chromatin regions. Our findings indicate that NPC-linked Elys, together with the nuclear lamina, anchors peripheral chromatin to the NE, whereas nucleoplasmic Elys decompacts active chromatin.

Abstract The ability to finely tune the properties of magnetic topological insulators (TIs) is crucial for quantum electronics. We studied solid solutions with a general formula GexMn1-xBi2Te4 between two isostructural Z2 TIs, magnetic MnBi2Te4 and nonmagnetic GeBi2Te4 with Z2 invariants of 1;000 and 1;001, respectively. We observed linear x-dependent magnetic properties, composition-independent pairwise exchange interactions, and topological phase transitions (TPTs) between topologically nontrivial phases and the semimetal state. The TPTs are driven purely by the variation of orbital contributions. By tracing the x-dependent Bi 6p contribution to the states near the fundamental gap, the effective spin-orbit coupling variation is extracted. The gapless state observed at x = 0.42 closely resembles a Dirac semimetal above the Néel temperature and shows a magnetic gap below, which is clearly visible in raw photoemission data. The observed behavior demonstrates an ability to precisely control topological and magnetic properties of TIs.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common inherited muscular dystrophies. The cause of this disease with an X‑linked recessive type of inheritance is mutations in the DMD gene, leading to the absence of the dystrophin protein this gene encodes or its impaired function. Loss of dystrophin leads to severe degenerative processes in patients, especially in muscle tissue, with impaired muscle function, loss of ability to move independently, respiratory failure, cardiomyopathies, etc.The collective efforts of many researchers over the years since the 19th century, when the diseases was described, not allowed to achieve a cure or significantly influencing the trajectory of the illness. The only notable impact on the disease course has come with the integration of corticosteroid medications into Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy. While their application can decelerate disease progression and extend the average life expectancy up to 30–40 years, it comes with substantial adversely affects influencing patients’ quality of life.Certain hopes were associated in recent decades with the development of etiotropic therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aimed at restoration of the dystrophin’s function. Some of such approaches were based on the overcoming of the effect of premature stop codons in the DMD gene using aminoglycoside antibiotics, ataluren, etc. Several subsequent studies were conducted to explore the applicability of exon‑skipping approaches in the dystrophin gene, aimed at excluding exons carrying pathogenic genetic variants. The rationale for these studies was the available information about a milder course of the disease associated with a truncated but functional dystrophin. The possibility of the pathology correction by means of introduction of the exogenous functional DMD gene copy from the outside (gene replacement therapy) has been under study since the beginning of the 20th century. One of the most promising directions in recent years was the development of approaches related to genome editing, which, unlike the methods mentioned above, allows for the permanent correction of the underlying cause of genetic diseases. Some of corresponding drugs have already received approval, while others, related to gene therapy, are at the stage of clinical trials.