Search

Access to accurate force-field parameters for small molecules is crucial for computational studies of their interactions with proteins. Although a number of general force fields for small molecules exist, e.g., CGenFF, GAFF, and OPLS, they do not cover all common chemical groups and their combinations. The Force Field Toolkit (ffTK) provides a comprehensive graphical interface that streamlines the development of classical parameters for small molecules directly from quantum mechanical (QM) calculations, allowing for force-field generation for almost any chemical group and validation of the fit relative to the target data. ffTK relies on supported external software for the QM calculations, but it can generate the necessary QM input files and parse and analyze the QM output. In previous ffTK versions, support for Gaussian and ORCA QM packages was implemented. Here, we add support for Psi4, an open-source QM package free for all users, thereby broadening user access to ffTK. We also compare the parameter sets obtained with the new ffTK version using Gaussian, ORCA, and Psi4 for three molecules: pyrrolidine, n-propylammonium cation, and chlorobenzene. Despite minor differences between the resulting parameter sets for each compound, most prominently in the dihedral and improper terms, we show that conformational distributions sampled in molecular dynamics simulations using these parameter sets are quite comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-grade gliomas remain a virtually incurable form of brain cancer. Current therapies are unable to completely eradicate the tumor, and the tumor cells that survive chemotherapy or radiation therapy often become more aggressive and resistant to further treatment, leading to inevitable relapses. While the antiproliferative effects of new therapeutic molecules are typically the primary focus of research, less attention is given to their influence on tumor cell migratory activity, which can play a significant role in recurrence. A potential solution may lie in the synergistic effects of multiple drugs on the tumor. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect of combined exposure to bi-(AID-1-T), an anti-proliferative aptamer, and its analog bi-(AID-1-C), on the migratory activity of human GBM cells. Results: We examined the effects of various sequences of adding bi-(AID-1-T) and bi-(AID-1-C) on five human GBM cell cultures. Our findings indicate that certain sequences significantly reduced the ability of tumor cells to migrate and proliferate. Additionally, the expression of Nestin, PARP1, L1CAM, Caveolin-1, and c-Myc was downregulated in human GBM cells that survived exposure, suggesting that the treatment had a persistent antitumor effect on these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the most precise incorporation of single impurities in silicon, which is utilized to create quantum devices, a monolayer of adatoms on the Si(100) surface and a dopant-containing molecule are used. Here, we studied the interaction of phosphorus tribromide with a chlorine monolayer with mono- and bivacancies using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at 77 K. The combination of different halogens in the molecule and the adsorbate layer enabled unambiguous identification of the structures after PBr3 dissociation on Si(100)-Cl. A Cl monolayer was exposed to PBr3 in the STM chamber, which allows us to compare the same surface areas before and after PBr3 adsorption. As a result of this comparison, we detected small changes in the chlorine layer and unraveled the molecular fragments filling mono- and bivacancies. Using density functional theory, we found that the phosphorus atom occupies a bridge position after dissociation of the PBr3 molecule, which primarily bonds with silicon in Cl bivacancies. These findings provide insight into the interaction of a dopant-containing molecule with an adsorbate monolayer on Si(100) and can be applied to improve the process of single impurity incorporation into silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Biomolecular condensates are associates of biopolymers formed in aqueous solutions via "liquid-liquid" phase separation. Aberrant phase transitions of proteins or nucleic acids underlie several pathologies, and the need for their in vitro models stimulates the development of methods for biocondensate investigation. This work addresses the key problem of visualizing labeled protein-RNA condensates using fluorescence microscopy. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 N-protein with a C-terminal hexahistidine tag was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21-Gold(DE3) and isolated by metal chelate chromatography. The N-protein was labeled with the RED dye, which emits fluorescence in the far-red range of the spectrum, using the RED-NHS dye. Commercially available RNA isolated from Torula yeast was used as random RNA to obtain condensates with the N-protein and SR-rich peptide. In experiments to test the colocalization of the condensate components, a labeled modified oligonucleotide forming an SL4 hairpin with an elongated stem was added to the random RNA. To obtain the APTES support, chemically polished glass was treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane in ethyl alcohol at pH 4.5–5.5. To obtain the DSC-APTES support, the APTES support was additionally functionalized by treating with N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate in the presence of diisopropylethylamine in anhydrous acetone. A quantitative assessment of condensate formation was performed using fluorescence microscopy data. The FastTrack program was used to assess droplet mobility. The Droplet_Calc program was used to assess the droplet area and curvature coefficient. Results and Discussion: The mobility of the condensates in a sample layer on glass complicates data processing. In previous studies, condensate immobilization on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-treated glass (APTES), was proposed to overcome this problem. The APTES support allows non-covalent RNA/DNA binding but is suboptimal for proteins. By treating APTES with N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate, we obtained an alternative support, DSC-APTES, which allows covalent binding of protein fragments via lysine residues. A comparative analysis of known condensates on the abovementioned supports revealed their decreased mobility on APTES/DSC-APTES, and the optimal type of support modification depended on the condensate composition. Condensate immobilization improved image quality and increased the colocalization of the oligonucleotide and protein components. It also facilitated the quantitative analysis of the phase separation based on the condensate fractions. New software, Droplet_Calc, was developed to automate condensate identification and fraction calculation. The results confirmed the advantages of APTES and DSC-APTES over glass when analyzing the concentration dependence of the condensate fraction and creating phase diagrams. Conclusions: Thus, the optimization of the support and the automation of image processing pave the way for rapid and reliable quantitative analysis of biopolymer phase transitions, which may find application in the screening of therapeutic agents disrupting pathogenic condensates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholestasis caused by impaired bile secretion in the liver is associated with the accumulation of primary bile acids (BA): cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in the cells of this organ. The paper studies the uncoupling effect of the CA and CDCA on the succinate-fueled rat liver mitochondria under conditions of ΔpH to Δψ conversion by nigericin. It has been established that without nigericin, the dependence of the resting-state (state 4) respiration rate on the concentrations of these BA is nonlinear and is described by a parabolic equation. Under these conditions, the specific inhibitor of the ADP/ATP-antiporter – carboxyatractylate and the substrate of the aspartate/glutamate-antiporter – glutamate do not affect the state 4 respiration of mitochondria stimulated by these BA. It is suggested that without nigericin, the protonophore action of BA is due to the formation of a dimeric complex of their anion with the acid. In the presence of nigericin, the dependence of state 4 respiration rate on BA concentration is linear. Under these conditions, carboxyatractylate inhibits BA-stimulated respiration. Unlike the CDCA, the uncoupling action of CA is also suppressed by the substrates of the aspartate/glutamate-antiporter. The obtained results are considered as evidence that in the presence of nigericin, uncoupling action of CDCA is carried out primarily with the participation of ADP/ATP-antiporter. Both ADP/ATP-antiporter and aspartate/glutamate-antiporter are involved in the uncoupling action of CA. It is concluded that nigericin modifies the mechanism of the uncoupling action of BA in liver mitochondria by converting ΔpH to Δψ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of the PBr3 molecule with Si dangling bonds (DBs) on a chlorinated Si(100) surface was studied. The DBs were charged in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and then exposed to PBr3 directly in the STM chamber. Uncharged DBs rarely react with molecules. On the contrary, almost all positively charged DBs were filled with molecule fragments. As a result of the PBr3 interaction with the positively charged DB, the molecule dissociated into PBr2 and Br with the formation of a Si–Br bond and PBr2 desorption. These findings show that charged DBs significantly modify the reactivity of the surface toward PBr3. Additionally, we calculated PH3 adsorption on a Si(100)–2 × 1–H surface with DBs and found that the DB charge also has a significant impact. As a result, we demonstrated that the positively charged DB with a doubly unoccupied state enhances the adsorption of molecules with a lone pair of electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions were determined for preparing a suspension of detonation synthesis nanodiamonds (NDs) with immobilized scandium in solutions, meeting the requirements to solutions for intravenous administration of radiopharmaceuticals based on the medicinal isotopes 44Sc and 47Sc. The possibility of the quantitative binding of scandium with ND samples in isotonic solutions having the required pH and containing the minimal ND amount was demonstrated. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm parameters and ΔG of adsorption were determined for the most promising ND sample under the optimum conditions. The conditions found for preparing NDs with immobilized scandium isotopes will allow in vivo studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied a modified assay for the measurement of the intracellular ATP content as an alternative biochemical method for estimating the viability of the BCG vaccine instead of the standard cultural microbiological assay. Eight lyophilized BCG ampoule samples (Lot 287-2 and Lot 254-2, Bulgarian BCG strain SL222 Sofia) were tested on different days. Each calibration curve was measured for the following range of ATP concentrations: 100, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, and 0.1562 pmol. The obtained results were compared to the traditional cultural colony counting method for evaluating the viability of the BCG vaccine. The NCP of Lot 287-2 (min 2.325–max 3.300) was higher in comparison to Lot 254-2 (min 1.438–max 3.330). That result corresponded to higher ATP-content registered for Lot 287-2 (min 0.409–max 1.338) than Lot 254-2 (min 0.18–max 1.104). Our results confirmed the observation made by other researchers that the modified ATP assay is a reliable, simple, and quick method for the evaluation of the viability of the BCG vaccine. Additional compiled data about all BCG strains are needed to perform studies on the correlation between the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescent ATP assay and the cultural method for viability and enumeration of the units in the lyophilized BCG vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The antimicrobial, oxidative activities, and ecotoxicity of synthesized silver-loaded zeolites (X and ZSM-5(MFI), Si-to-Al ratios 12 and 25) were studied, linking antimicrobial properties to material structure and released active silver species. Methods: The materials were characterized by SEM, EDX, TEM, and XRPD. All materials, with a silver content of 1–3%wt for the Ss and about 35%wt for the X-zeolites, were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Redox activity was studied in physiological (pH 7.4/37 °C) and optimal (pH 8.5/37 °C) conditions in chemiluminescent model systems. In the ecotoxicity tests, we used Daphnia magna. Results: A proportional correlation was observed between the bactericidal effect of and the silver content in the zeolites. AgX with a Si/Al ratio of ~1.23 and 35% silver showed a higher antimicrobial efficiency, particularly against Gram-negative E. coli versus Gram-positive S. aureus. The concentration thresholds were as follows: AgXas had a bactericidal effect at 0.003 g/L−1, with an MIC at 0.0015 m/L−1 for E. coli; SA25-Ag, AgXcl, AgXrc had a bactericidal effect at 2.5 g/L−1. The bacteria were more resilient than Daphnia magna, which showed a 90–100% lethality at Ag–zeolite concentrations of 0.00625 to 0.0125 g/L−1. AgXas and AgXrc demonstrated strong reactive oxygen species generation at both the physiological and optimal pH, explaining their bactericidal effects. In general, the tested materials showed an inhibition of the generated reactive oxygen species depending on the model system and conditions. Conclusions: The silver species leached from the new materials explain their higher oxidation and bactericidal activity. While suitable for stringently controlled biological applications, their release into the environment, in concentrations higher than 0.01g/L−1, should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical significance of numerous cardiovascular gene variants remains to be determined. CRISPR/Cas9 allows for the introduction and/or correction of a certain variant in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The resulting isogenic iPSC lines can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes and used as a platform to assess the pathogenicity of the variant. In this study, isogenic iPSC lines were generated for a variant of unknown significance found previously in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), p.N515del (c.1543_1545delAAC) in MYBPC3. The deletion was corrected with CRISPR/Cas9 in the patient-specific iPSCs. The iPSC lines with the corrected deletion in MYBPC3 maintained pluripotency and a normal karyotype and showed no off-target CRISPR/Cas9 activity. The isogenic iPSC lines, together with isogenic iPSC lines generated earlier via introducing the p.N515del (c.1543_1545delAAC) variant in MYBPC3 of iPSCs of a healthy donor, were differentiated into cardiomyocytes. The cardiomyocytes derived from both panels of the isogenic iPSCs showed an increased size in the presence of the deletion in MYBPC3, which is one of the HCM traits at the cellular level. This finding indicates the effectiveness of these iPSC lines for studying the impact of the variant on HCM development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural polyphenolic compounds play a pivotal role in biological processes and exhibit notable antioxidant activity. Among these compounds, chlorogenic acid stands out as one of the most widespread and important polyphenols. The accurate detection of chlorogenic acid is crucial for ensuring the quality and classification of the raw materials used in its extraction, as well as the final products in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries that contain this bioactive compound. Raman spectroscopy emerges as a powerful analytical tool, particularly in field applications, due to its versatility and sensitivity, offering both qualitative and quantitative analyses. By using the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles at liquid–liquid interfaces and the developed "aqua-print" process, we propose a facile and inexpensive route to fabricate enhanced substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with high reproducibility. To ensure substrate reliability and accurate molecule detection in SERS experiments, a benchmarking procedure was developed. This process involved the use of non-resonant rhodamine 6G dye in the absence of charge transfer and was applied to all synthesized nanoparticles and fabricated substrates. The latter revealed the highest enhancement factor of 4 × 104 for 72 nm gold nanoparticles among nanoparticle diameters ranging from 14 to 99 nm. Furthermore, the enhanced substrate was implemented in the detection of chlorogenic acid with a concentration range from 10 μM to 350 μM, demonstrating high accuracy (R2 > 99%). Raman mapping was employed to validate the good uniformity of the signal (the standard deviation was below 15%). The findings of this study were also supported by DFT calculations of the theoretical Raman spectra, demonstrating the formation of the chlorogenic acid dimer. The proposed method is strategically important for the development of the class of in-field methods to detect polyphenolic compounds in raw materials such as plants, extracted plant proteins, and polyphenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the quality of life (QoL) experiences of parents caring for children with neurological impairments in Bulgaria. Employing the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on parents of neurologically impaired children (n = 52) and parents of healthy children (n = 43). The study uncovers the intricate interplay of physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions that contribute to caregivers' well-being. Despite the challenges parents of neurologically impaired children face, including the delicate balance between caregiving and employment, financial strains, and the need for culturally sensitive support services, they demonstrate remarkable adaptive capacities. The findings advocate for a multifaceted approach in addressing the challenges to improve the overall QoL for parents nurturing children with disabilities in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reported the development of an efficient and highly productive synthetic protocol for preparing new 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives functionalized with N-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)carboxamide group. The method of their preparation was based on the reaction of oxidative dehydrosulfurization of N-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-(2-(phenylcarbamothioyl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamido)ethyl)-carboxamides and N-(1-(2-carbamothioylhydrazine-1-carbothioamido)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl)benzamide under the action of a mixture of iodine and triethylamine in DMF. This reaction took place at room temperature for two hours and allowed obtaining the target products with a 69-75% yield. Using the developed protocol, we obtained ten new derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole. Their structure was proven by IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, 1H-13C HMBC spectroscopy, and LC/HRMS spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with radial scanning, images of intact rat lungs and rat lungs with pulmonary hypertension were obtained. The retrospective gating method was applied to construct images of rat lungs during inspiration and expiration phases. Lung volumes at both respiratory phases, relative tidal volume, and the percentage of lung lesions were calculated. Lung volumes at inspiration and expiration were greater by ~4 and ~18%, respectively, and the relative lung tidal volume was lower by ~2.8 times than in intact rats. Constructed fractional ventilation maps showed a ~2.6-fold decrease in ventilation values in the pathological area. Thus, the application of the retrospective gating method allows detecting changes in lung volumes and ventilation, confirming the presence of pathology and its impact on the respiratory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has emerged as a powerful method for the straightforward synthesis of polymer nanoparticles at high concentration. In this study, we describe for the first time the synthesis of poly(2‐oxazoline) nanoparticles by dispersion cationic ring‐opening polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (CROPISA) in n‐dodecane. Specifically, a n‐dodecane‐soluble aliphatic poly(2‐(3‐ethylheptyl)‐2‐oxazoline) (PEHOx) block was chain‐extended with poly(2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PPhOx). While the PhOx monomer is soluble in n‐dodecane, its polymerization leads to n‐dodecane‐insoluble PPhOx, which leads to in situ self‐assembly of the formed PEHOx‐b‐PPhOx copolymers. The polymerization kinetics and micellization upon second block formation were studied, and diverse nanoparticle dispersions were prepared, featuring varying block lengths and polymer concentrations, leading to dispersions with distinctive morphologies and physical properties. Finally, we developed a single‐step protocol for the synthesis of polymer nanoparticles directly from monomers via gradient copolymerization CROPISA, which exploits the significantly greater reactivity of EHOx compared to that of PhOx during the statistical copolymerization of both monomers. Notably, this approach provides access to formulations with monomer compositions otherwise unattainable through the block copolymerization method. Given the synthetic versatility and application potential of poly(2‐oxazolines), the developed CROPISA method can pave the way for advanced nanomaterials with favorable properties as demonstrated by using the obtained nanoparticles for stabilization of Pickering emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Perceived expectations for active aging (PEAA) reflect subjective exposure to social expectations about staying active and fit in old age, for example, by maintaining health and social engagement. We investigated whether motivational and personality factors were related to PEAA in the domains of physical health, mental health, and social engagement. Method: We used a nationally representative sample of German adults (SOEP-IS) covering the entire adult life span (N = 2,007, age range 16–94 years) to test our pre-registered hypotheses. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that motivation (i.e. life goals and health-related worries) was consistently associated with PEAA in the matching domains and mediated the effects of openness to experience on PEAA. No other personality trait was associated with PEAA. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that individuals preferentially notice the expectations for active aging whose content relates to their personal concerns and goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims Design Method Results Conclusion Patient or Public Contribution To develop and preliminarily validate a measure of beliefs about compassion in health care and assess whether and which beliefs may predict compassion.Pre‐registered cross‐sectional online survey study with a repeated‐measures vignette component.Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor analyses were performed on a split sample of 890 healthcare professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Links with fears of compassion for others, burnout, trait compassion, compassion competency and ability and self‐efficacy were used to assess convergent and divergent validity. Linear mixed model regression analyses were used to assess relationships between beliefs and compassion. In writing this report, we adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.Four‐factor structure featuring three negative (compassion as harmful, not useful, draining) and one positive (compassion is important) type of beliefs was established. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit and subscales indicated good measures of validity. Internal consistency was achieved for the subset of beliefs (harmful, not useful). Regression analyses indicated negative effects of the belief that compassion is draining on caring, motivation to help and compassion overall; negative effects of the belief that compassion is not useful on the motivation to help and a positive effect of the belief that compassion is important on caring and compassion overall. There was no effect of beliefs that compassion is harmful on compassion measures.This report extends prior qualitative studies of beliefs about compassion in a large healthcare sample, offering a way to measure these potentially malleable factors that might be targeted in education, interventions and future research.The study was designed in consultation with healthcare and compassion research professionals, including substantial input from Indigenous Māori healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large body of data on plant gene expression accumulated through comparative studies directs the efforts of researchers to study the subtle mechanisms of the influence of target genes and, as a result, to develop relatively simple and, at the same time, effective approaches to understand the physiological role of protein products of a gene. Numerous studies have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of transient expression strategies for characterizing plant gene functions. The objectives of the review were (1) to review the advantages and limitations of various plant transient expression systems and methods used to elucidate the roles of gene products, (2) to summarize current knowledge on the use of transient expression approaches to understand the subtle mechanisms underlying gene function, and (3) to describe advances in efficient transient expression of plant genes. The review discusses the main and critical steps of each of the methods of transient gene expression in plants, their areas of application, and the main results obtained using plant objects and their contribution to our knowledge of the subtle mechanisms of gene functions underlying plant growth and development, including elucidation of the mechanisms regulating complex metabolic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial communities of bottom sediments of the Bolshaya Zelenovskaya oil seepage site (Lake Baikal) were investigated to assess their diversity and potential functional activity in the anaerobic degradation of oil. Microorganisms of the subsurface and deep sediment layers were grown in enrichment cultures supplemented with oil and various electron acceptors for 1 year at 10°C, and it was found that the concentrations of n-alkanes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons decreased by 1.2–2 and 2.2–2.8 times, respectively. Hydrocarbon conversion was accompanied by generation of hydrocarbon gases (methane and ethane). The microbial community of subsurface sediments had a higher bacterial diversity than the community of deep horizons and was composed of microorganisms specialized in degradation of a broad range of substrates, including oil hydrocarbons. The community of the deep sediment layer was dominated by Atribacterota, Caldisericota, and Bathyarchaeia (Thermoproteota), as well as members of the "rare biosphere": Elusimicrobiota and Candidatus Hadarchaeota. Apparently, oil degradation in the bottom sediments of Lake Baikal is primarily mediated by members of the phyla Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Chloroflexota, Actinomycetota, Desulfobacterota, Atribacterota, Halobacteriota, and Bathyarchaeia (Thermoproteota). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity is rapidly lost from small, isolated populations by genetic drift. Measuring the level of genetic drift using effective population size (Ne) is highly useful for management. Single‐cohort genetic Ne estimators approximate the number of breeders in one season (Nb): a value < 100 signals likely inbreeding depression. Per‐generation Ne < 1000 estimated from multiple cohort signals reduced adaptive potential. Natural populations rarely meet assumptions of Ne‐estimation, so interpreting estimates is challenging. Macquarie perch is an endangered Australian freshwater fish threatened by severely reduced range, habitat loss, and fragmentation. To counteract low Ne, augmented gene flow is being implemented in several populations. In the Murrumbidgee River, unknown effects of water management on among‐site connectivity impede the design of effective interventions. Using DArT SNPs for 328 Murrumbidgee individuals sampled across several sites and years with different flow conditions, we assessed population structure, site isolation, heterozygosity, inbreeding, and Ne. We tested for inbreeding depression, assessed genetic diversity and dispersal, and evaluated whether individuals translocated from Cataract Reservoir to the Murrumbidgee River bred, and interbred with local fish. We found strong genetic structure, indicating complete or partial isolation of river fragments. This structure violates assumptions of Ne estimation, resulting in strongly downwardly biased Nb estimates unless assessed per‐site, highlighting the necessity to account for population structure while estimating Ne. Inbreeding depression was not detected, but with low Nb at each site, inbreeding and inbreeding depression are likely. These results flagged the necessity to address within‐river population connectivity through flow management and genetic mixing through translocations among sites and from other populations. Three detected genetically diverse offspring of a translocated Cataract fish and a local parent indicated that genetic mixing is in progress. Including admixed individuals in estimates yielded lower Ne but higher heterozygosity, suggesting heterozygosity is a preferable indicator of genetic augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical challenge in the study and management of major depressive disorder (MDD) is predicting relapse. We examined the temporal correlation/coupling between depression and anxiety (called Depression-Anxiety Coupling Strength, DACS) as a predictor of relapse in patients with MDD. We followed 97 patients with remitted MDD for an average of 394 days. Patients completed weekly self-ratings of depression and anxiety symptoms using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Using these longitudinal ratings we computed DACS as random slopes in a linear mixed effects model reflecting individual-specific degree of correlation between depression and anxiety across time points. We then tested DACS as an independent variable in a Cox proportional hazards model to predict relapse. A total of 28 patients (29 %) relapsed during the follow-up period. DACS significantly predicted confirmed relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, 95 % CI [1.01, 2.22], p = 0.043; Concordance 0.79 [SE 0.04]). This effect was independent of baseline depressive or anxiety symptoms or their average levels over the follow-up period, and was identifiable more than one month before relapse onset. Small sample size, in a single study. Narrow phenotype and comorbidity profiles. DACS may offer opportunities for developing novel strategies for personalized monitoring, early detection, and intervention. Future studies should replicate our findings in larger, diverse patient populations, develop individual patient prediction models, and explore the underlying mechanisms that govern the relationship of DACS and relapse. • Predicting relapse in major depressive disorder is challenging. • We followed 97 patients with remitted MDD for an average of 394 days. • Depression-anxiety correlation independently predicted relapse risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In central Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, groundwater icings, primarily formed by intrapermafrost water, are less prone to contamination and serve as a stable freshwater resource. The periodic growth of icings threatens infrastructure such as roads, railways, and bridges in permafrost areas. Therefore, research in this field has become urgently necessary. This study aims to analyze the impacts of various factors on the scale of icing formation using Landsat satellite data, Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)/GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) data, Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data, and field observation results. The results showed that the surface area of icings in the study area showed an overall increasing trend from 2002 to 2022, with an average growth rate of 0.06 km2/year. Suprapermafrost water and intrapermafrost water are the main sources of icings in the study area. The total Groundwater Storage Anomaly (GWSA) values from October to April showed a strong correlation with the maximum icing areas. Icings fed by suprapermafrost water were influenced by precipitation in early autumn, while those fed by intrapermafrost water were more affected by talik size and distribution. Climate warming contributed to the degradation of the continuous permafrost covering an area of 166 km2 to discontinuous permafrost, releasing additional groundwater. This may also be one of the reasons for the observed increasing trend in icing areas. This study can provide valuable insights into water resource management and infrastructure construction in permafrost regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method is proposed for measuring the electron plasma temperature at the GOL-NB facility. The method is based on measuring the ratio between the intensities of the spectral lines emitted by the fast atoms injected into the plasma. The beams of fast hydrogen atoms used for heating the plasma at the GOL-NB facility contain not only atoms with a full energy (E) but also atoms with fractional energies (E/2, E/3, E/18) that appear as a result of the dissociation of the H , H , and H2O+ molecular ions. The spectral lines of the beam components with these energies (and, in particular, the hydrogen Hα line) can be resolved due to the Doppler shift caused by the difference between the atom speeds. For atoms with low energy, the excitation that leads to the photon emission occurs only due to their collisions with thermal electrons, while for atoms with high energy, a sufficient deposition into their excitation is given by their collisions with the plasma ions. This is why the ratio between the intensities of the lines of different beam components depends on the plasma electron temperature, and thus, it can be used to measure this temperature. At the beam energy of 24 keV, the proposed method can be used to measure the electron temperature in the range of up to 40 eV, which is of interest for the current experiments conducted at the GOL-NB facility. Note that measurement of the electron temperature higher than 20 eV requires that the ratio between the spectral line intensities be measured with an accuracy of the order of one percent, and that the attenuation of the neutral beam that passes through the plasma be measured with the same accuracy. The proposed method can be used at other fusion facilities that use fast hydrogen atom injection to measure the temperature of the edge plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of chronic overcrowding on the social behavior of adult male Wistar rats was studied. From postnatal day 30 (P30) to P180, the rats lived under standard (STND) or overcrowded (CRWD) conditions. Starting from P100, rat behavior was studied in the social preference and tube dominance tests, and aggressive behavior was investigated in the resident-intruder test. After decapitation of rats on P180, amygdala, dorsal hippocampus, ventromedial hypothalamus, and medial prefrontal cortex were collected and analyzed for expression of the IL-1β, TNF, TGF-β1, and IL-6 mRNAs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared to the STND group, rats from the CRWD group demonstrated shorter interaction time with a social object in the social preference test. They also had more wins in the tube test and initiated more attacks in the resident-intruder test. Expression of the IL1β gene in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex and of the TGFβ1 gene in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex was increased in the CRWD group. The stress induced by overcrowding increased social dominance and aggressiveness and decreased social motivation in rats. The changes in the social behavior of CRWD rats were accompanied by upregulation of expression of genes for the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 in a number of brain structures, which can be considered as manifestations of neuroinflammation and compensatory processes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-related differences in the expression of genes encoding prolactin (Prl1) in the brain and its receptors (PrlRa and PrlRb) in the brain, kidneys, gills, and intestine of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) were studied in the context of freshwater adaptation. Males and females of the marine morph were adapted to freshwater for 72 h, and Prl1, PrlRa and PrlRb expression levels were assessed using RT-qPCR. In seawater, no sex differences in Prl1 expression in the brain were detected, but they appeared after freshwater adaptation due to significantly increased Prl1 expression in females. In seawater, PrlRa expression in the brain of females was significantly lower compared to males, but increased significantly after freshwater adaptation, becoming comparable in both sexes. PrlRb expression in the brain increased significantly in females following freshwater adaptation. In the kidneys, PrlRa expression was indistinguishable between females and males in either seawater or freshwater, but significantly decreased after freshwater adaptation in both sexes. PrlRb expression in the kidneys was sex-independent in seawater, but freshwater adaptation led to its significant increase in females and a decrease in males. In the gills, PrlRa and PrlRb expression was independent of both sex and salinity. In the intestine, PrlRa expression did not depend on either sex or salinity, whereas PrlRb gene expression also showed no sex differences, while decreasing in both sexes after transitioning to freshwater. It is concluded that the dependence of the prolactin osmoregulatory function on the sex of sticklebacks is manifested in sex differences in prolactin gene expression in the brain, as well as in the sensitization of the brain and osmoregulatory organs to this hormone during freshwater adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a cardiovascular pathology that is caused by variants in genes encoding sarcomere-associated proteins. However, the clinical significance of numerous variants in HCM-associated genes is still unknown. CRISPR/Cas9 is a tool of nucleotide sequence editing that allows for the unraveling of different biological tasks. In this study, introducing a mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of a healthy donor and the directed differentiation of the isogenic iPSC lines into cardiomyocytes were used to assess the pathogenicity of a variant of unknown significance, p.M659I (c.1977G > A) in MYH7, which was found previously in an HCM patient. Using two single-stranded donor oligonucleotides with and without the p.M659I (c.1977G > A) mutation, together with CRISPR/Cas9, an iPSC line heterozygous at the p.M659I (c.1977G > A) variant in MYH7 was generated. No CRISPR/Cas9 off-target activity was observed. The iPSC line with the introduced p.M659I (c.1977G > A) mutation in MYH7 retained its pluripotent state and normal karyotype. Compared to the isogenic control, cardiomyocytes derived from the iPSCs with the introduced p.M659I (c.1977G > A) mutation in MYH7 recapitulated known HCM features: enlarged size, elevated diastolic calcium level, changes in the expression of HCM-related genes, and disrupted energy metabolism. These findings indicate the pathogenicity of the variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is accompanied by horrific losses among civilians. This study investigates various individual (hope, optimism, resilience, post‐traumatic growth, and coping strategies) and contextual predictors (experience of life under occupation, actively hostile home environment, and frequent moves) of subjective well‐being among the youth living in Ukraine. A total sample of 593 students from several universities participated in the study using surveys that contained questions about sociodemographic characteristics, life satisfaction, hope, optimism, personal post‐traumatic growth, resilience, and coping strategies. Data were analyzed using JAMOVI software. The level of dissatisfaction with their own lives was 34.7%; most of the respondents had a higher incidence of minimal/mild hopelessness (88.7%) and high/moderate level of optimism (60.9%). The majority of participants had moderate and high levels of post‐traumatic growth (51.9% and 6.7%, respectively) and resilience (46.0% and 14.5%, respectively). Optimism, hope, resilience, post‐traumatic growth, using emotional support, and life in occupation predicted life satisfaction among the study sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many 1,2,4-triazole derivatives have high biological activity. They are of interest for scientific and practical human activity as potential drugs and pesticides. In this work, we report a synthesis of a series of new 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing an alkylamide moiety. It was found that the amidoalkylation of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole N-(1,2,2,2-tetrachloroethyl)carboxamides in the presence of triethylamine occurred selectively at the endocyclic nitrogen atom N-1 with the formation of the corresponding N-(1-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl)carboxamides. The reaction products were isolated in 79–85% yields and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. To unambiguously establish the structure of the obtained compounds, we carried out X-ray diffraction analysis for N-(1-(5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-3-methylbutanamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a study of the properties of Poletaevsky kaolin with the aim of using it in the ceramic industry. Based on the results of determining the chemical, mineral and granulometric composition. The mineral composition of Poletaevsky kaolin is kaolinite 80–85 wt %, muscovite and illite 10–15 wt %, quartz up to 10–15 wt %. It has been established that the Hinckley index for Poletaevsky kaolin is 0.68, compared to 1.38 for Glukhovetsky one. The ratio of highly ordered kaolinite to low ordered kaolinite for Poletaevsky kaolin is 22 : 78, for Glukhovetsky kaolin the ratio of highly ordered kaolinite to low-ordered kaolinite is 57 : 43. It was established that Poletaevsky kaolin can be used in the production of ceramic materials by plastic or semi-dry molding. The determined low content of high-ordered kaolinite and the insignificant content of particles less than 2 μm according to the results of laser diffraction analysis can lead to the production of an unstable slip. When firing samples of Poletaevsky kaolin, a minimum water absorption of 5.5 % was achieved at a firing temperature of 1450 °C. In this case, the resulting maximum apparent density was 2.17 g/cm3, the maximum mullite content was 38 %, and the maximum compressive strength was 32 MPa. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The holoparasitic species Cuscuta planiflora Ten. (Convolvulaceae) parasitizes the Ni hyperaccumulator Odontarrhena muralis (Waldst. & Kit.) Endl. and a non‐hyperaccumulator, Sanguisorba minor Scop., in Bulgarian serpentine areas. This study investigated the host/parasite relationship to evaluate: (1) metal accumulation in different parts of the parasite and the host and (2) its potential threat to Ni phytomining/agromining by suppressing growth of the hyperaccumulator. Elemental concentrations in soil, shoots, leaves, and inflorescences of the two host plants, and in shoots and inflorescences of the parasite, were determined. Elemental concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, and Pb were determined after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) under optimal instrumental parameters. Individuals of hosts, both infected and non‐infected, differed in the concentrations of essential elements (P, K) and some micronutrients. Infected individuals of O. muralis showed lower Ni concentrations in shoots, leaves, and inflorescences compared to non‐infected ones. Sanguisorba minor is an excluder plant with low tissue Ni concentrations. The parasite had higher P and K, and lower Ca, Mg, Ni, Zn, Co, and Mn concentrations, than the host. The highest Ni concentration measured in the shoots of C. planiflora was 279 mg kg−1, whereas that from S. minor was 29.9 mg kg−1. Element transfer from host to parasite appeared element‐specific and after infection Ni concentrations in all organs and biomass of hosts were reduced. We conclude that infection by C. planiflora is a potential threat to use of O. muralis for Ni agromining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistencies in literature data on the environmental features of the biosynthesis of polyphenol biologically active substances in medicinal plant raw materials were found particularly for flavonoids, which are important secondary metabolites that significantly contribute to the response to abiotic and anthropogenic stress. The goal of the study was to elucidate features of the accumulation of flavonoids in medicinal plant raw materials of the synanthropic flora of Rostov Region using Morozovsky District as an example. The accumulation of flavonoids in samples of knotgrass herb (Polygonum aviculare L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), and common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) of the synanthropic flora of Rostov Region was characterized with a significant variability depending on the harvesting site. Samples of medicinal plant raw materials collected in several urbocenoses displayed induced flavonoid accumulation as compared with samples from control territories. This could be explained by activation under the anthropogenic load of the key enzyme for flavonoid biosynthesis (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), which is highly induced by stress. However, samples collected in areas of significant anthropogenic impact (mainly along a category IA highway or railroad trunkline) were characterized by a reduced content of flavonoids. This was probably due to excessive environmental pollution going beyond the endurance of the species and causing suppression of the enzyme systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms of the human neonatal IgG Fc receptor α-chain gene (FCGRT) are known to influence the expression levels of FCGRT and IgG in serum. Monkeys are considered to be a relevant biological model for studying the effects of immunobiological drugs. The study determined the functional VNTR polymorphisms of the FCGRT gene in 109 male rhesus macaques from the nursery of the Kurchatov Complex of Medical Primatology. PCR amplification of samples was carried out followed by electrophoretic separation of DNA fragments in a 2% agarose gel. Individual DNA amplification products were sequenced (according to Sanger system) in forward and reverse directions to confirm the specificity. The genotyping showed that the VNTR polymorphism of the FCGRT gene in the studied population of rhesus macaques is presented by 9 variants. The frequency of the VNTR5 allele associated with lower IgG levels was 14.2%, and the most common one was the VNTR7 allele (25.2%). We also identified alleles that have not been previously reported: VNTR3, VNTR4, VNTR6, VNTR8, and VNTR9. The study allows to consider rhesus macaques as a potential model for studying the immunological response depending on the genetic VNTR variant of FCGRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statistical characteristics of the day-to-day variability of the F2-layer peak electron number density, NmF2, measured by the low-latitude Huancayo and Jicamarca ionosondes are studied for each month, M, in a year for geomagnetically quiet conditions at low and moderate solar activity during the time period from 1957 to 2022. The NmF2 statistical parameters under study are the mathematical expectation NmF2E, the arithmetically average NmF2A, the standard deviations σE(UT,M), and the variation coefficient CVE(UT,M) of NmF2 relative to NmF2E, where UT is the universal time. It is found that the value of CVE(UT,M) that determines the relative day-to-day variability of NmF2 is changed in the intervals of 15–68% and 14–68% for the low and moderate solar activity conditions, respectively. The comparison of CVE(UT,M) for the low and moderate solar activity conditions under consideration shows for the first time that the increase in the solar activity level increases or decreases the relative day-to-day NmF2 variability in the range from − 24 to 15%. In the vast majority of cases the considered increase in the solar activity level decreases the relative day-to-day NmF2 variability while the longest periods of the corresponding increase in the relative day-to-day NmF2 variability occur in April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-grade gliomas are considered an incurable disease. Despite all the various therapy options available, patient survival remains low, and the tumor usually returns. Tumor resistance to conventional therapy and stimulation of the migratory activity of surviving cells are the main factors that lead to recurrent tumors. When developing new treatment approaches, the effect is most often evaluated on standard and phenotypically depleted cancer cell lines. Moreover, there is much focus on the anti-proliferative effect of such therapies without considering the possible stimulation of migratory activity. In this paper, we studied how glioma cell migration changes after exposure to bi-(AID-1-T), an anti-proliferative aptamer. We investigated the effect of this aptamer on eight human glioma cell cultures (Grades III and IV) that were derived from patients' tumor tissue; the difference between primary and recurrent tumors was taken into account. Despite its strong anti-proliferative activity, bi-(AID-1-T) was shown to induce migration of recurrent tumor cells. This result shows the importance of studying the effect of therapeutic molecules on the invasive properties of glioma tumor cells in order to reduce the likelihood of inducing tumor recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon dangling bonds (DBs) on an adsorbate-covered Si(100) surface can be created in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) with high precision required for a number of applications. However, vacancies containing DBs can diffuse, disrupting precisely created structures. In this work, we study the diffusion of Br vacancies on a Si(100)-2 × 1-Br surface in an STM under typical imaging conditions. In agreement with previous work, Br vacancies diffuse at a positive sample bias voltage. Here, we demonstrated that only vacancies containing a positively charged DB hop across the two atoms of a single Si dimer, while vacancies containing neutral and negatively charged DBs do not. Calculations based on density functional theory confirmed that positively charged Br (and Cl) vacancies have a minimum activation barrier. We propose that diffusion operates by both one-electron and two-electron mechanisms depending on the applied voltage. Our results show that the DB charge has a critical effect on the vacancy diffusion. This effect should be taken into account when imaging surface structures with charged DBs as well as when studying the diffusion of other atoms and molecules on the Si(100) surface with vacancies in an adsorbate layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature adsorption of molecular iodine on Ag(111) has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy with factor analysis, and density functional theory (DFT). At the chemisorption stage, iodine first forms a ( 3 × 3 ) R30° structure. Further iodine dosing leads to continuous commensurate–incommensurate phase transition, taking place via the formation of striped superheavy domain walls. As a result, the uniaxially compressed (13 × 3 -R30°) phase is formed at an iodine coverage (θ) of 0.38 ML. At θ > 0.38 ML, first-order phase transition begins, leading to the formation of hexagonal moiré-like phases, which exhibit an anomalously large corrugation in STM (0.8–2.3 Å). In the range of 0.40–0.43 ML, the compression of hexagonal phases occurs, which ends at the formation of the (7 × 7)R21.8° structure at saturation. The DFT calculations allow us to explain the anomalous atomic corrugation of the hexagonal phases by the strong violation of the atomic structure of the substrate including up to ten layers of silver. Iodine dosing above 0.43 ML leads to the growth of 2D islands of silver iodide. The STM images of the silver iodide surface demonstrate a clear visible hexagonal superstructure with a periodicity of 25 Å superimposed with a quasi-hexagonal atomic modulation. DFT calculations of the atomic structure of AgI islands point to the formation of a sandwich-like double layer honeycomb structure similar to the case of I/Ag(100). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies interdiurnal variations in the statistical characteristics of the electron number density NmE of the ionospheric E layer peak for each month of the year in geomagnetically quiet conditions with low and average solar activity based on hourly measurements of the critical frequency of the E layer from the ground-based Dourbes ionosonde from 1957 to 2023. The authors have calculated the mathematical expectation NmEE; the most probable NmEMP; the arithmetically monthly median NmEMED; the standard deviations of σE, σMP and σMED of quantity NmE from NmEE, NmEMP, and NmEMED; the variation coefficients CVE, CVMP, and CVMED of quantity NmE with respect to NmEE, NmEMP, and NmEMED, respectively. It is shown that NmEE provides the best description of the set of measurements of NmE using only the statistical parameter due to the smaller interdiurnal variability of NmE compared to NmEMP or NmEMED. For the first time, it is proved that the transition from low to average solar activity leads to significant changes in the interdiurnal variability of NmE, with the longest periods of increase and decrease in the studied variability in March and December, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ukraine, as a large Central European country, because of its available natural resources, has stable traditions of agriculture. However, the unsatisfactory state of the rural socio-spatial environment, the low standard of living of the rural population do not correspond to the country's achievements in the field of agricultural production. The reform of decentralization of public power and management, launched in 2015, created prerequisites for solving not only the problems of rural development but also overcoming spatial disparities, inequality in the incomes of the rural and urban population. The article presents a view of United Territorial Communities and new districts as rural-urban agglomeration formations that differ from urban agglomerations in terms of population, resources and functions. The inclusive capacity, sectoral and socio-spatial focus, development trends of these agglomerations based on inclusiveness are determined. These processes have many common features and characteristics that are characteristic of similar socio-spatial formations of other countries, which gives the investigated problems international significance. Solving the problems formulated and solved in the article will contribute to the successful post-war reconstruction of Ukraine on an inclusive basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of thermophilic bacteria revealed in cold Lake Baikal sediments are considered. Comparative analysis of the taxonomic position of thermophilic microorganisms from four terrestrial hot springs at Lake Baikal coast and from the bottom sediments associated with hydrocarbon discharge was carried out. The sequences of thermophilic microorganisms with the same taxonomic position were revealed both in the hot springs and bottom sediments. Some microbial species occurred only in the hydrotherm samples or only in those from the sediments. Gas-saturated fluids from the hydrocarbon generation zone at the depth of 4‒6 km are the most probable source of thermophilic microorganisms in the bottom sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of implementing a method for assessing the efficiency of the water reclamation and the regime of crop nutrition for 17 districts of the Rostov oblast in various weather conditions are presented. For the first time, the predominant soil type under winter wheat within the district and the corresponding soil characteristics have been determined as input data for the Climate–Soil–Yield system using the digital version of the Soil Map of the Russian Federation (1988). The estimated recourses for providing the wheat production with water and mineral nutrition for 2010–2020 range from 40 to 69% in the Millerovo district and from 73 to 85% in the Zernograd district. In the years with a relatively small yield potential, the level of mineral nutrition resources is high, which is caused by a decrease in the nutrient limitation effect, since radiation and thermal factors limit the maximum biomass and, consequently, the maximum uptake of nutrients by crops. Under adverse weather conditions, an increase in wheat yields is observed when complex melioration is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a mathematical model "politics-economy" described by a nonlinear system of differential equations with a parameter and obtain conditions for the existence of a nonzero positive periodic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on findings of a study that examined challenges to innovation and the greening of economies identified by businesses, TVET institutions, and other organisations with the aim to formulate options for strategic actions to increase 'sustainable competitiveness' of Hong Kong SAR, China as measured by The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI). This article focuses on Hong Kong but refers to Denmark (one of the Nordic countries participated in the study) as it scores much higher than China on the GSCI. The assumption of this study is that Denmark's experience can help formulate policies and the strategic actions required for building sustainable development (SD) solutions for economic green growth through innovation and skills development in Hong Kong. The study used a qualitative methodology. Data was collected through desk-top research and interviews with stakeholders from both settings. The results identified a clear distinction between innovation and greening in terms of education and skills, the business sectors involved, support modalities (policies), investment, as well as culture in both Denmark and Hong Kong SAR. Despite the very different approaches to innovation and variations in both industry structure and the environment for training and skills development, the challenges to industry and their implications for TVET in terms of greening and innovation were found to be very similar in the two contexts. Thus, contrary to the study's assumptions, this article discusses the similar policy responses to these 'green' challenges for both contexts, as well as recommended policy goals and strategic actions with implications for TVET that can support green innovation in both settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal economic sector devoted to the breeding, raising, and production of farm animals is known as the livestock industry. There are precise standards for making high-quality feed in animal husbandry. Precision livestock feeding is a crucial component, with the potential to significantly impact the profitability of livestock; it permits the provision of diets to animals that are precisely tailored to their specific daily nutritional needs. Through simulation modeling, a single model can be created for automated systems to determine daily rations for farm animals. For the purposes of this document, precision livestock feeding refers to the practice of tailoring feed to individual animals or groups of animals, taking into account their changing nutritional needs over time and individual differences in terms of nutritional requirements. The practice aims to optimize animal health and performance while reducing feed waste. This paper presents a formal model for determining the quantities of components needed to achieve a minimum cost mixture that satisfies compositional and quantitative criteria. The present research calculates the amount of hay and silage required to feed an animal per day at the most economical cost by applying an optimization approach that involves defining and solving an optimization problem. The problem is solved using a well-known software package, which is necessary for the practical application of the resulting model. Real data from livestock production in Bulgaria are used to numerically test the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: On the trajectory towards universal health coverage in Bhutan, health equity requires policy attention as significant disparities exist between urban and rural health outcomes. This paper examines health services utilization patterns, inequalities and their socio-economic determinants in rural and urban areas and decomposes the factors behind these differences. Methods: We used the Bhutan Living Standard Survey 2017 to profile health services utilization patterns and equalities. We employed two different decomposition analyses: decomposition of mean differences in utilization using the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition framework and differences in the income-related distribution in utilization using recentered influence function regressions between rural and urban areas. Results: Significant differences exist in the type of outpatient services used by the rural and urban population groups, with those living in rural areas having 3.4 times higher odds of using primary health centers compared to outpatient hospital care. We find that the use of primary health care is pro-poor and that outpatient hospital resources is concentrated among the more affluent section of the population, with this observed inequality consistent across settings but more severe in rural areas. The rural–urban gap in utilization is primarily driven by income and residence in the eastern region, while income-related inequality in utilization is influenced, aside from income, by residence in the central region, household size, and marriage and employment status of the household head. We do not find evidence of significant mean differences in overall utilization or inequality in utilization of inpatient health care services. Conclusions: While the differences in average contacts with health services are insignificant, there are prominent differences in the level of services availed and the associated inequality among rural and urban settings in Bhutan. Besides, while there are obvious overlaps, factors influencing income-related inequality are not necessarily the same as those driving the utilization gaps. Cognizance of these differences may lead to better informed, targeted, and potentially more effective future research and policies for universal health coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the specific qualities that contribute to the successful performance of the functions of the modern accountant, a variety of approaches can be applied both in terms of professional accounting education and current practice. In the present context, a competency-based approach can be applied to build a competency profile of professional accountants. The profile developed for accounting positions can be applied in two areas - in the field of education and in practice. Currently, the development of a comprehensive competency profile for the position of chief accountant in Bulgaria is becoming increasingly important due to the requirements for the education and competencies of accountants recommended by the International Federation of Accountants. The subject of this study is the competency profile of the position of chief accountant in Bulgaria. In order to build a competency profile, the authors suggest modelling using the competency approach. From a methodological point of view, this publication is a critical review of the Bulgarian practice in this field. As a result of the study, the authors propose a competency profile for the position of chief accountant, in line with both the revised International Accounting Education Standards in 2021 and the new economic reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmenting depleted genetic diversity can improve the fitness and evolutionary potential of wildlife populations, but developing effective management approaches requires genetically monitored test cases. One such case is the small, isolated and inbred Cotter River population of an endangered Australian freshwater fish, the Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica, which over 3 years (2017–2019) received 71 translocated migrants from a closely related, genetically more diverse population. We used genetic monitoring to test whether immigrants bred, interbred with local fish and augmented population genetic diversity. We also investigated whether levels of river flow affected recruitment, inbreeding depression and juvenile dispersal. Fish length was used to estimate the age, birth year cohort and growth of 524 individuals born between 2016 and 2020 under variable flow conditions. DArT genome‐wide genotypes were used to assess individual ancestry, heterozygosity, short‐term effective population size and identify parent‐offspring and full‐sibling families. Of 442 individuals born after translocations commenced, only two (0.45%) were of mixed ancestry; these were half‐sibs with one translocated parent in common. Numbers of breeders and genetic diversity for five birth year cohorts of the Cotter River fish were low, especially in low‐flow years. Additionally, individuals born in the year of lowest flow evidently suffered from inbreeding depression for juvenile growth. The year of highest flow was associated with the largest number of breeders, lowest inbreeding in the offspring and greatest juvenile dispersal distances. Genetic diversity decreased in the upstream direction, flagging restricted access of breeders to the most upstream breeding sites, exacerbated by low river flow. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of translocations could be increased by focussing on upstream sites and moving more individuals per year; using riverine sources should be considered. Our results indicate that river flow sufficient to facilitate fish movement through the system would increase the number of breeders, promote individuals' growth, reduce inbreeding depression and promote genetic rescue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]