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Yellow rust caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis West. (synonym P. glumarum Erikss. et Henn.) is a dangerous factor contributing to significantly lower yields of common wheat grain and its poor quality. Recent studies indicate that highly virulent strains of yellow rust expand their range from the near-Himalayan region and replace less pathogenic European races of P. striiformis, posing a real danger to the agricultural sector in Europe, including Ukraine, since most wheat varieties resistant to local races of P. striiformis are susceptible to these new highly virulent strains. In this regard, we assessed resistance to the yellow rust pathogen in 558 cultivars and lines of winter common wheat, in particular, 171 in the infection background and 387 in the natural background. Winter wheat samples in the collection variety trials originated from 17 countries, although most of them were of Ukrainian breeding. Screening of winter wheat cultivars and lines for yellow rust resistance showed that only 19 (or 3%) samples exhibited appropriate resistance. Analysis of the yellow rust-resistant wheat specimens using molecular markers for the Yr10 and Yr36 genes did not reveal samples containing either of these genes. At the same time, screening using molecular markers Xbarc8, S23M41-310, S23M41-140, and dp269 indicated the presence of DNA fragments of various lengths associated with resistance alleles of the genes Yr5, Yr15, and YrSp in four cultivars of Ukrainian breeding.

Soybean is one of the most profitable advanced crops in agricultural production in Ukraine and the world as a whole. Therefore, studies of means of regulation and increase in the adaptive capacity of soybeans in symbiosis with nodule bacteria under the action of unfavourable environmental factors are relevant and should be aimed at the use of complex bacterial compositions involving modern nanotechnological approaches. Nanocarboxylates of ferrum, molybdenum and germanium metals were used as components of rhizobia inoculation suspension for soybean seed treatment to study the effectiveness of their complex effect on the regulation of the activity of the key antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase in plants under drought. Various symbiotic systems were used, which included soybean plants and inoculation suspensions based on the active, virulent Tn5-mutant Bradyrhizobium japonicum B1-20 by adding nanoparticles of ferrum, germanium and molybdenum carboxylates to the culture medium in a ratio of 1: 1000. Citric acid was the chelator. A model drought lasting 14 days was created during the period of active fixation of atmospheric molecular nitrogen by root nodules of soybeans in the budding and flowering stages, by means of controlled watering of plants to 30% of the total moisture content. In the stage of bean formation, watering of plants was resumed to the optimal level – 60% of the total moisture content. The control was soybean plants, the seeds of which were inoculated with a suspension of rhizobia without the addition of chelated metals. The following research methods were used in the work – microbiological, physiological and biochemical. According to the results, it was found that when nanoparticles of carboxylates of ferrum, molybdenum and germanium were added to the inoculation suspension of rhizobia, there was an increase in superoxide dismutase activity in root nodules and a decrease in soybean leaves under optimal water supply conditions of plants. This indicates the initial changes in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme in these symbiotic systems, induced by the influence of chelated metals in combination with the rhizobia of the active Tn5-mutant B. japonicum B1-20. Prolonged drought induced an increase in the overall level of superoxide dismutase activity in soybean nodules and leaves, compared to plants grown under optimal watering conditions. The symbiotic system formed by soybeans and B. japonicum with molybdenum carboxylate nanoparticles was the most sensitive to long-term drought exposure, compared to two other soybean-rhizobial symbioses using ferrum and germanium nanocarboxylates. This was manifested in the unstable reaction of the enzyme to the action of drought – suppression or intensification of the level of its activity in the root nodules and leaves of soybeans inoculated with rhizobia containing molybdenum carboxylate nanoparticles. In symbiotic systems with the participation of germanium and ferrum nanocarboxylates, slight changes were revealed in superoxide dismutase activity in root nodules and leaves of plants during drought and restoration of enzyme activity to the level of plants with optimal watering after water stress. It is concluded that the addition to the culture medium of rhizobia Tn5-mutant B1-20 of nanocarboxylates of germanium or ferrum is an effective means of regulating the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase in soybean root nodules and leaves, which can contribute to an increase in the protective properties and adaptation of plants to the action of dehydration.

Aim. Comparative analysis of the traits of the assimilation surface of winter wheat varieties under unfavorable environmental conditions to evaluate its adaptive capacity. Methods. Morphometric, spectrophotometric, statistical. Results. In the field experiments under natural conditions (close to optimal in spring, arid - during the grain filling period and prolonged rainfall during a harvest), the variability of leaves chlorophyll content, the green leaves fresh matter per 1 m2 of ground and chlorophyll index in 10 modern middle-early varieties at anthesis and milky-wax ripeness were studied. Under such conditions, the difference in grain productivity between the highest and the lowest yielding varieties was about 1.6 t/ha. Positive correlation of grain productivity of winter wheat varieties with chlorophyll area index of leaves at milky-wax ripeness (r = 0.61) was established. Conclusions. It was found that the varieties with better adaptation to drought conditions during the period of grain filling had a higher area of assimilation surface at anthesis and milky-wax ripeness. Therefore, their higher yield was related to the higher photosynthetic capacity and the ability to storage and remobilization of carbohydrates deposited in the stem as well as to the efficiency of converting total biomass into grain yield (HI). Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., grain productivity, chlorophyll area index of leaves.

Aim. The use of induced mutagenesis opens greater possibilities to drastically improve cultivated plants genetically. The areas of local and mass anthropogenic pollution have unique conditions of the effect of mutagenic factors, and they require the studying of their possible use while developing parental material for winter wheat breeding. The induction frequency of breeding-valuable mutations in Triticum aestivum L., affected by the contamination with physical and chemical mutagenic factors of the environment, was studied. Methods. The choice of mutants was made in М2 and М3 generations, using record techniques and separating visible mutations, phonological observations, biometric indicator analysis. Results. The pollutants of the environment cause the frequency increase of breeding-valuable mutations in T. aestivum L. by 7.5–12.5 times under the effect of the contamination with natural radioisotopes of the area of uranium ore mining, by 2.1–19.7 times – with heavy metals of industrial enterprises, and 4.1–9.8 times – with pesticides, prohibited and not suitable for use, and toxic wastes in the places of their storage. Spectrum is predominantly represented with low-grown forms, forms with intensive growth, a long-cylindrical spike, and it depends on the nature of a polluting agent and a genotype of a plant. Conclusions. The increase of frequency and the broadening of spectrum of breeding-valuable mutations, due to the induced mutagenesis with the environmental pollution, make it possible to use it for the implementation of breeding-genetic programs aimed at improving wheat cultivars. Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., mutagenic factors, mutative variability, breeding-valuable mutations.

Adaptation of high-yielding winter wheat crops to changes in climatic conditions has great importance for food security of countries. The remobilization of stem assimilates for grain filling is one of the possible ways of increasing wheat yield in unfavourable environmental conditions. Field experiments in natural conditions with three old and three modern varieties of winter wheat were performed to compare depositing abilities of their stems. The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of the parameters of depositing capacity of stems of the main shoots for identification of the criteria for assessing grain productivity of winter wheat. The parameters of depositing capacity of the stem of the main shoots of three old winter wheat varieties (1997, 2003, and 2008) and three modern ones (2013, 2014 and 2016) were studied in field conditions with natural conditions of water supply (Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine). During the period of formation of reproductive organs (April and May), the amount of precipitation, respectively, was only 17% and 68% of long-term values and average monthly air temperature was 3–4 ºС higher than the climatic norm. We analyzed the variability of the parameters of depositing capacity of the stem of the main shoot and grain productivity of the ear of six wheat winter varieties which differed by time of selection. In unfavourable conditions during the period of formation of reproductive organs the modern winter wheat varieties had an 11% higher yield on average compared to the older ones. It was determined that the highest mass of grain from the ear of the main shoots (1.9–2.1 g) belonged to Odeska 267 variety, a drought-tolerant variety from earlier selection, and three modern varieties – Raihorodka, Prydniprovska and Darunok Podillia. It is demonstrated that these varieties also exceeded two old varieties (Podolianka and Yednist) by stem dry matter weight of main shoot at anthesis by 0.3–0.6 g. The highest content of non-structural carbohydrates at this phase was observed in Odeska 267, Raihorodka and Darunok Podillia varieties (273–307 mg/stem). Correlation analysis revealed the significant correlation between mass of grain from ear and dry matter of stem at anthesis and full ripeness, as well mass of grain from ear and the amount of non-structural carbohydrates at anthesis. Therefore, modern varieties of winter wheat and the drought-tolerant variety have higher yield, weight of dry matter of stem of the main shoot at anthesis and grain productivity of the ear, compared to old varieties. The results of this study indicate that the mass of dry matter of the stem of the main shoot at anthesis can be used as a marker of the grain productivity of winter wheat.

The article considers a cognitive approach to one of the problems of artificial intelligence consisting in semantic analysis of texts presented in natural language. Development of methods and means of discourse analysis is a necessary step for building systems of intellectual communication between a person and a computer (robot). A scientific hypothesis is proposed suggesting that an observer of the environment studies and understands the World when he is able to highlight and analyze Facts, Events and Situations. Corresponding linguistic and cognitive structures of these "units of semantic analysis" of the reality - "Fact", "Event", "Situation" and "Sense" - are proposed and justified. The Sense is considered a prerequisite for understanding dialogue and discourse.

Нейроэпителиальные опухоли головного мозга эмбрионального типа, IV степени злокачественности встречаются преимущественно у детей и характеризируются быстрым метастазированием и частыми рецидивами. Цель работы – провести сопоставления структурных особенностей медуллобластом мозжечка у детей разных возрастных групп с учётом их локализации, метастазирования и результатов лечения. Материалы и методы. Проанализированы результаты комплексного обследования и хирургического лечения 289 больных детей с МБ мозжечка в отделении нейрохирургии детского возраста Института нейрохирургии имени академика А. П. Ромоданова за период с 1993–2013 гг. Возраст детей – от 1 месяца до 17 лет, пики выявления МБ отмечены в возрасте 4 и 7 лет. Результаты. В ходе исследования всех больных распределили на четыре возрастные группы. У детей младшего возраста редко отмечали поражение ствола мозга. В более взрослом возрасте был поражён ствол мозга, отмечалось прорастание опухоли в водопровод среднего мозга с развитием окклюзионной гидроцефалии. Тотальное удаление МБ у детей младшего возраста произведено в 40 % наблюдений, субтотальное – в 42 %, частичное – в 18 %. У детей старшего возраста тотальное удаление МБ выполнено в 36 %, субтотальное – в 52 %, частичное – в 12 % наблюдений. При гистологическом анализе опухолей учитывали морфологические признаки общей гистоархитектоники, соотношение паренхиматозного и стромального компонентов, наличие псевдорозеток Хомера–Райта, коллонарных структур, бледных островков, истинных эпендимарных розеток, формирование пучковых коллонарных структур, преобладание мелких низкодифференцированных структур, количество митозов, неоангиогенез и ангиопролиферацию, наличие колликвационных некрозов и коагуляционных некрозов, признаки и характер инвазии, лимфоцитарную инфильтрацию опухолевой ткани. Гистологически определённые варианты: классический – 9470/3 в 34 наблюдениях (17,9 %), десмопластический/нодулярный – 9471/3 в 17 наблюдениях (8,9 %), вариант с выраженной нодулярностью – 9471/3 в 59 наблюдениях (31,2 %), крупноклеточный/анапластический – 9474/3 в 51 наблюдении (26,9 %), не относится ни к одному из вышеуказанных (переходный/смешанный) – 9470/3 в 28 наблюдениях (15,1 %). Выводы . Установлено, что показатели выживаемости после тотального и субтотального удаления опухоли существенно не различались, негативным прогностическим фактором было только частичное удаление опухоли.

The cytogenetic activity of chiral nitrosoalkilureas and their effect on winter soft wheat chromosomes (Triticum aestivum L.) have been investigated. A comparative analysis of the cytogenetic activity of the chiral nitrosoalkilureas—S(+)1-N-nitroso-1-N-methyl-3-N-sec-buthylurea (S(+)NMsBU) and R(−)-1-N-nitroso-1-N-methyl-3-N-sec-buthylurea (R(−)NMsBU)—on higher plants has been performed for the first time. According to the frequency of chromosome aberrations, stereoisomers S(+) are twice more active than stereoisomers R(−). In addition to the typical anaphase aberrations (fragments, bridges, and lagging chromosomes), other numerous mitosis pathologies have been found: C-mitosis, chromosome hyperspiralization and despiralization, unequal chromosome allocation between daughter nuclei, three-pole mitosis, etc. Such pathologies have not been found when treating with nitrosoethylurea and gamma rays.

The results of long-term investigations of the bone system of humans during space flights (SFs) on board the Mir orbital station (OS) and international space station (ISS) using osteodensitometry are summarized. Comparative analysis of the results showed the absence of significant differences in changes in the bone mass (BM) in the crew members of both OSs. Theoretically, the expected bone mass losses in the trabecular bone structures of the lower part of the body in the process of a SF (five to seven months) are interpreted in some cases as quickly developing, but reversible, osteopenia and generally interpreted as the evidence of bone functional adaptation to altering mechanical loads on the skeleton. The high individual variability of changes and the stability of the individual character of the BM alteration ratio in different skeletal segments irrespective of the OS type are shown. Owing to the aforementioned individual features, it is not possible to establish a strict relationship between BM changes and the duration of space missions, and, therefore, there is no good reason for calculating the probability of achieving the critical demineralization level when the duration of an SF increases to 1.5–2 years. The probability of prediction of changes in the bone quality (structure) is still less, which, together with BM losses, determines the risk of fractures, and osteodensitometry for such an analysis is insufficient. The main directions of the studies, which could optimize the development of the interplanetary expedition project from the point of view of maintenance of the mechanical function of the skeleton, are considered.

Neuroblastoma the most common malignant tumor of childhood, which is often localized in the retroperitoneal space, mainly in the adrenal glands, paravertebral retroperitoneal space, at rare in the posterior mediastinum, in the neck, presacral area. First symptoms of neuroblastoma are nonspecific, mimic various diseases. In the following clinical manifestations depend on the localization of the tumor, stage presence and location of metastases. In the diagnosis of neuroblastoma using ultrasonography and computed tomography. Of the 26 children whose neuroblastoma detected in different periods have died 12. Radical removal of the tumor only effective the first year of life. Chemotherapy is effective in 50% of operated children.

Mutations in Maize, Induced by Chemical Mutagens

The paper covers investigation of cytogenetic activity of chiral mutagens and their specific effects on the plant cells chromosomes of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Comparative analysis of cytogenetic activity of chiral NEU: S(+)1-N-nitroso- 1-N-methyl-3-N-sec-buthylureas (S(+)NMsBU) and R(-)1-N-nitroso- 1N-methyl-3-Nsec-buthylureas (R(-)NMsBU) on winter wheat was performed. As it was shown by the frequency of chromosomal aberrations the S(+) stereoisomer was twice more active than R(-). In addition to typical anaphase aberrations (fragments, bridges, lagging chromosomes) the numerous mitosis pathologies were revealed - K-mitoses, hyperspiralization and despiralization of chromosomes, unequal allocation of chromosomes between the daughter nuclei, mass fragmentation, nondisjunction and chromosome adhesion, three-pole mitoses, etc. Neither of the mentioned pathologies was observed under the action of NEU and gamma-rays.

A summary of investigations results of human bone tissue changes in space flight on the orbital station (OS) Mir and international space station (ISS) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is given. Results comparative analysis revealed an absence of significant differences in bone mass (BM) changes on the both OS. Theoretically expected BM loss was observed in bone trabecular structure of skeleton low part after space flight lasting 5-7 month. The BM losses are qualified in some cases as quicly developed but reversible osteopenia and generally interpreted as evidence of bone functional adaptation to the alterating mechanical loading. It was demonstrated the high individual variability BM loss amplitudes. Simultaneously was observed the individual pattern of BM loss distribution across different segments of skeleton after repetitive flights independently upon type of OS. In according with the above mentioned individual peculiarities it was impossible to establish the dependence of BM changes upon duration of space missions. Therefore we have not sufficiently data for calculation of probability to achive the critical demineralization level by the augmentation the space mission duration till 1.5-2 years. It is more less possibility of the bone quality changes prognosis, which in the aggregate with BM losses determines the bone fracture risk. It become clearly that DXA technology is unsuffitiently for this purpose. It is considered the main direction which may optimized the elaboration of the interplanetary project meaning the perfectly safe of skeleton mechanical function.

Genetic demographic characteristics and immunogenetic markers (blood groups ABO, Rhesus, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kidd, and Kell) have been studied in a group of 132 Russian cosmonauts and test subjects (CTSG). Analysis of pedigrees has shown a high exogamy in the preceding generations: almost half of the subjects have mixed ethnic background. According to the results of genetic demographic analysis, a sample from the Moscow population was used as control group (CG). Comparison between the CTSG and CG has demonstrated significant differences in genotype frequencies for several blood group systems. The CTSG is characterized by a decreased proportion of rare interlocus genotypic combinations and an increased man heterozygosity. Analysis of the distributions of individual heterozygosity for loci with codominant expression of alleles has shown that highly heterozygous loci are more frequent in the CTSG. Taking into account that the CTSG has been thoroughly selected from the general population, it is concluded that heterozygosity is related to successful adaptation to a space flight.

Results of multi-year bone observations in crewmembers of long-term (6 to 14 mos.) Salyut and Mir missions have been summarized. The theoretical expectation of bone losses (mineral bone density, MBD) was consistent only in the trabecular of the lower skeleton (lumbar spine, femur proximal epiphysis, pelvis). The upper skeleton bones (skull, cervical spine) demonstrated a clears-defined trend toward an increase in mineral content. There is a direct dependence of MBD losses on a skeleton bone position relative to the gravity vector and bone structure. Post-flight MBD did not, as a rule, deviate from the WHO-defined limits (T-criterion); in several instances MBD loss was qualified as local osteopenia. Shifts in MBD, same as MBD recovery rate, vary with subjects and, therefore, deny their dependence on flight duration. By and large, MBD shifts are interpreted as a functional adaptation of bone tissue to changing mechanic demands.

Plans to send humans to Mars dictate revision of the whole crew medical support system. Autonomy of the mission will extend crew responsibilities for all dimensions of medical support. The article compares and contrasts medical support of crews on orbital and interplanetary missions, and considers the place and functionality of medical informational technologies in a mission to Mars.

As the Russian Space Agency and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration began in the mid-1990s to plan a preliminary cooperative flight program in anticipation of the International Space Station, programmatic and philosophical differences became apparent in the technical and medical approaches of the two agencies. This paper briefly describes some of these differences and the process by which the two sides resolved differences in their approaches to the medical selection and certification of NASA-Mir crewmembers. These negotiations formed the basis for developing policies on other aspects of the medical support function for international missions, including crew training, preflight and postflight data collection, and rehabilitation protocols. The experience gained through this cooperative effort has been invaluable for developing medical care capabilities for the International Space Station.

Monitoring of the goal-oriented psychological changes of a man during professional training is necessary. The level development of the astronaut psychic features is checked by means of psychological testing with the final aim to evaluate each professionally important psychological qualities and to evaluate in general. The list of psychological features needed for evaluation is determined and empirically selected weight factors based on wide statistical sampling is introduced. Accumulation of psychological test results can predict an astronaut's ability of solving complicated problems in a flight mission. It can help to correct the training process and reveal weakness.

The effect of mutagenic factors on maize generative cells during different gametogenesis stages, as well as on mature pollen and gametes causes an essential raise in frequency, widening in visible mutation spectra and seems to be more efficient than on dry seeds. Original mutations on qualitative and quantitative characters have been obtained.

Results of the joint Russian/US studies of the effect of microgravity on bone tissues in 18 cosmonauts on return from 4.5- to 14.5-month long missions are presented. Dual-energy x-ray gamma-absorbtiometry (QDR-1000 W, Hologic, USA) was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) and mineral content (BMC, g) in the whole body, the scalp including cervical vertebra, arms, ribs, sternal and lumbar regions of the spinal column, pelvis and legs. A clearly defined dependence of topography of changes upon the position of a skeletal segment in the gravity vector was established. The greatest BMD losses have been observed in the skeleton of the lower body, i.e. in pelvic bones (-11.99 +/- 1.22%), lumbar vertebra (-5.63 +/- 0.817%), and in proximal femur, particularly in the femoral neck (-8.17 +/- 1.24%). Bones of the upper skeleton were either unchanged (insignificant) or showed a positive trend. Overall changes in bone mass of the whole skeleton of male cosmonauts during the period of about 6 months on mission made up -1.41 +/- 0.406% and suggest the mean balance of calcium over flight equal to -227 +/- 62.8 mg/day. Reasoning is given to qualify these states of cosmonauts' bone tissues as local osteopenia. On the literature and results of authors' clinical evidence, discussed is availability of the densitometric data for predicting risk of trauma. A biological nature of the changes under observation is hypothesized.

In experimental conditions the authors have modelled the state of acute hypoxia in pilots with disorders of high psychic functions. In the result of these researches it was found out that the changes of peak frequency of alpha rhythm anticipated the slow delta and theta rhythms. This EEG characteristic feature could be used for the development of a device which would control these states in pilots.

Spraying of spring wheat plants during vegetation with herbicides of 2,4-D group and ethrel increased chromosome aberrations in meiosis 2.8-5, 3.6-4.1 times. The insecticides, chlorophos and phtalophos, in a little higher dosage than it is usually practised increased the spontaneous level of chromosome aberrations 3.1-5.5 times. Phtalophos also induced chlorophyll mutations. These results testify to the necessity of keeping strictly to the established normative doses, because of overdosage is of potential genetic danger to spring wheat crops.

Among the nitrozoalkylureas studied, nitrozoethylurea proved to be the most effective in respect to the frequency of induced chromosome aberrations. Diazoketones, except for bis-diazoacetyl had a negligible effect on the chromosome structure. As to the frequency of induced visible mutations (M1-M3) diazoacetone, nitrosodiethylurea, bis-diazoacetyl and nitrozodimethylurea (88.8-54.3% of mutations) were the most active among 10 studied mutagens.

Genetic demographic characteristics and immunogenetic markers (blood groups ABO, Rhesus, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kidd, and Kell) have been studied in a group of 132 Russian cosmonauts and test subjects (CTSG). Analysis of pedigrees has shown a high exogamy in the preceding generations: almost half of the subjects have mixed ethnic background. According to the results of genetic demographic analysis, a sample from the Moscow population was used as control group (CG). Comparison between the CTSG and CG has demonstrated significant differences in genotype frequencies for several blood group systems. The CTSG is characterized by a decreased proportion of rare interlocus genotypic combinations and an increased average heterozygosity. Analysis of the distributions of individual heterozygosity for loci with codominant expression of alleles has shown that the carriers of highly heterozygous genotypes are more frequent in the CTSG. Taking into account that the CTSG has been thoroughly selected from the general population, it is concluded that heterozygosity is related to successful adaptation to a space flight.