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We presented a setup created on the RADEX neutron channel at the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences to study the properties of highly excited states of light nuclei. The first experiment was carried out on the setup to determine the cluster structure of highly excited states of the 6Li nucleus in the reaction 6Li(n, 3He n)3H at a neutron energy of 50 ± 5 MeV. Several variants of the data collection system have been tested. A preliminary spectrum of the excitation energies of the 6Li nucleus has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A procedure is considered for extracting the energy value of a virtual singlet proton–proton state from experimental data. A preliminary value of Epp in the d + 1H → p + p + n reaction at a deuteron energy of 15.3 MeV is obtained from a comparison of experimental data and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A position-sensitive detector, which is a neutron target at the same time, is presented to study the interaction reactions of fast neutrons of above 1 MeV with light nuclei, in particular, with the 10B nucleus. It contains two boron-10 layers and a system of wire electrodes to identify secondary nuclei, in particular 3H and 4He, and to determine energy loss and departure angle. Thus the neutron energy can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwire position-sensitive neutron detector with two layers of boron-10 has been developed to detect both thermal and fast neutrons. Sensitive dimensions of two coordinate neutron detectors are 50 × 50 mm. New detector characteristics are compared with those of a 100 × 100 mm detector built earlier which we used in neutron flux spatial distribution measurements. Plane-parallel design of the new detector has symmetrical structure with respect to wire anode and also includes two intermediate grids and two cathodes made of parallel wires with 2 mm pitch and two silicon substrates coated with boron-10 layers of 0.003 mm thickness. Detector geometry and working gas mixture and pressure are chosen so as to ensure full absorption of secondary alpha particle from reaction with thermal neutron within detector gas medium half thickness. Neutron coordinates are determined from measured ionization loss pulse heights produced by secondary nuclei. The detector expected efficiency to thermal neutrons is about 5%. The detector can be used in small-angle and diffraction scattering setups in condensed matter physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was proposed to determine the low-energy parameters of the np interaction in the nd breakup reaction at a neutron energy of 5 MeV in the RADEX neutron channel, Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. The energy of the virtual 1S0 state and the np scattering length can be obtained from the experimental dependence of the reaction yield on the relative energy of motion of the breakup neutron and proton in the kinematic region, where the np interaction in the final state is most pronounced. The reaction events were simulated, based on which the optimal conditions for the future experiment were selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the cluster structure of light nuclei in the reactions of interaction of fast neutrons with the 9Be nucleus, the kinematics of the reactions n +9Be → α + 6He and n +9Be → 8Be + 2n → 2α + 2n at energies of 1–3 MeV were modeled. It was shown that the characteristics of reaction channels in the interaction of a neutron with a 9Be nucleus can be found by measuring the ionization losses of charged reaction fragments in a multilayer gas-filled charged particle detector with a beryllium converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distributions of intermediate and slow neutrons from the outlet collimated channel of a photoneutron source are measured. A significant difference is observed between the shapes of the distributions of two groups of neutrons with energies above and below the cadmium cutoff. Whereas the distribution of intermediate neutrons has a symmetrical Gaussian shape, the distribution of slow neutrons has a complex shape. The possible causes of the difference between these shapes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain computation performed by billions of nerve cells relies on a sufficient and uninterrupted nutrient and oxygen supply1,2. Astrocytes, the ubiquitous glial neighbours of neurons, govern brain glucose uptake and metabolism3,4, but the exact mechanisms of metabolic coupling between neurons and astrocytes that ensure on-demand support of neuronal energy needs are not fully understood5,6. Here we show, using experimental in vitro and in vivo animal models, that neuronal activity-dependent metabolic activation of astrocytes is mediated by neuromodulator adenosine acting on astrocytic A2B receptors. Stimulation of A2B receptors recruits the canonical cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate–protein kinase A signalling pathway, leading to rapid activation of astrocyte glucose metabolism and the release of lactate, which supplements the extracellular pool of readily available energy substrates. Experimental mouse models involving conditional deletion of the gene encoding A2B receptors in astrocytes showed that adenosine-mediated metabolic signalling is essential for maintaining synaptic function, especially under conditions of high energy demand or reduced energy supply. Knockdown of A2B receptor expression in astrocytes led to a major reprogramming of brain energy metabolism, prevented synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, severely impaired recognition memory and disrupted sleep. These data identify the adenosine A2B receptor as an astrocytic sensor of neuronal activity and show that cAMP signalling in astrocytes tunes brain energy metabolism to support its fundamental functions such as sleep and memory.This study explores how adenosine A2B receptors can act as astrocytic sensors of brain metabolic activity and how cAMP signalling in astrocytes may support core brain functions such as sleep and memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of selective sorption of a stable nitroxyl radical TEMPO on rubber particles in the powder of dried and dispersed root of kok-saghyz has been discovered. This feature of the rubber-bearing root material has contributed to the development of a new, highly sensitive method of quantitative analysis of rubber by measuring the integrated intensity of the EPR TEMPO signal. The main advantages of the proposed method are the speed and the ability to determine the content of rubber directly in the roots of the plant in microquantities (5–30 mg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—Digital PCR (dPCR) is a nucleic acid quantification method that is widely used in genetic analysis. One of the most significant advantages of dPCR over other methods is the possibility of absolute quantitative determination of genetic material without construction of calibration curves, which allows one to detect even single molecules of nucleic acids, and, hence, provides early diagnosis of diseases. One specific characteristic of dPCR is the detection of the analyzed biological object in each microreaction, followed by the presentation of the analysis results in a binary system, thereby giving the method its name. The key aspects of developing the dPCR method, i.e., from the first devices based on microfluidic chip technology to modern systems capable of measuring a target at a concentration of up to 1 in 100 000 copies are shown in the current work. We analyzed the data on the detection of various pathogens using dPCR, as well as summarizing various study results demonstrating the innovativeness of this method. Both the possibilities of multiplex dPCR analysis and its potential in clinical practice are presented. This review also addresses the issue of the role of dPCR in the development of noninvasive methods for analysis of oncological diseases. Possible ways of developing dPCR technology were emphasized, including its use as a "point-of-care" system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of test measurements to determine the capabilities of studying the cluster structure of highly excited states of the Li nucleus using the reaction Li(n, He n) H on the RADEX neutron channel at the Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Academy of Sciences. In the experiment, scattered neutrons were detected in coincidence with the decay products of highly excited states (helium-3). The first experimental data on the excitation energy of the Li nucleus have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments aimed at studying cluster structures in light nuclei, specifically and in highly excited states of are proposed to be conducted on the Moscow Meson Factory, Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, neutron channel. This involves the registration of charged particles from the -decay of upon its formation in the C reaction in the intervals between pulses of cascade neutrons. The paper presents the initial results of the experiment on studying the spectra and time distributions of background -quanta and neutrons between accelerator pulses using a proton beam with a frequency of 50 Hz and a duration of 0.3 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a method to carry out a quantitative analysis of the content of natural rubber of Taraxacum kok-saghyz E. Rodin by measuring adsorption of the nitroxide radical TEMPO in root preparations of the said plant. The method is based on a comparison between the integrated intensity of an EPR signal of interest and a standard. The developed method of analysis makes it possible to quickly and with good accuracy determine the content of rubber of plant tissues without its extraction from rubber-containing biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to analyze the content of biogenic monoamines (catecholamins and serotonin) and metabolic parameters (activities of succinate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase) of lymphocytes in normal children and in children with special health needs, depending on the type of autonomic regulation. The survey involved 168 children of primary school age, of these, 114 relatively healthy children and 54 children with intellectual disabilities (mild (F70) and moderate (F71) degree of mental retardation). The groups were comparable in terms of gender and age. In both studied groups, an increase in the parameters of succinate dehydrogenase and catecholamines from vagotonic to hypersympathicotonic types of the initial vegetative tone was recorded. Also, in the group of children with special health needs, a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase was found as the activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) increased. In general, in healthy children, against the background of the prevailing eutonic type of autonomic regulation, the optimal regulatory and metabolic parameters of the cell are fixed, which determines sufficient adaptive responses in this group. In the group of children with disabilities, the dominant activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system manifests itself at the cellular level as hypercatecholaminemia, reduced levels of serotonin, and acid phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The np scattering length was obtained in a kinematically complete experiment devoted to studying the nd-breakup reaction at low energies of neutrons from the RADEX channel of Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Academy of Sciences. In this experiment, two neutrons were detected on different sides of the primary-beam axis. The scattering-length values of 1.1 fm and fm obtained at and 11 MeV, respectively, from a comparison of the experimental dependence of the nd-breakup reaction yield on the relative energy of the np pair with the results of a simulation differ significantly from the corresponding values found in an experiment that studied free np scattering. This is indicative of an efficient enhancement of np interaction in the presence of a third nucleon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors consider a way of determining the energy of the singlet quasi-bound pp-state in d + 1H → n + p + p reaction. The acquisition of experimental data from measuring the length of pp-scattering is described, along with extracting the energy of the proton–proton state from experimental data according to the χ2 minimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study is performed of the branching ratio of the ground and excited states of 7Li nuclei emitted in interactions between neutrons and 10B nuclei at energies above 1 MeV. A neutron detector based on a 10B layer serves as both a target and a cathode of the wire chamber for recording ionization losses of secondary nuclei. The branching ratio of reactions n + 10B → 7Li + 4He and n + 10B → 7Li + 4He + γ is found by analyzing the amplitude spectra from two detector gaps and modeling the ionization losses of 4He nuclei with allowance for the kinematics of both reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prototype of an experimental setup is created to test the possibility of detecting coincident charged particles and neutrons in the RADEX neutron channel at the Institute for Nuclear Research. Test measurements are made of the n + 6Li → α + d + n reaction, demonstrating the possibility of detecting coincident charged particles and neutrons, along with identifying the type of charged particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinematically complete experiment devoted to studying the -breakup reaction at energies of 8 and 11 MeV via detecting all three secondary particles was performed. The neutron–neutron () scattering-length values of and fm at, respectively, and MeV were obtained from a comparison of the experimental dependence of the yield of the -breakup reaction on the relative energy of the pair with the results of a simulation. An analysis of the values obtained for the scattering length, together with data from other experiments, confirms the hypothesis that three-nucleon forces affect the parameters of interaction that are extracted from reactions involving few-nucleon systems and gives a new asymptotic scattering length, fm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the association of expression of CDX2, CK20, CK7 proteins with familial predisposition to stomach cancer in schoolchildren with gastritis and its activity. Gastroscopy with biopsy of the gastric mucosa was performed in 89 schoolchildren aged 7-17 years with gastrointestinal complaints. The morphological study included the diagnosis of gastritis (Sydney classification) and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The expression of CDX2, CK20, and CK7 was evaluated immunohistochemically. In children with familial predisposition to stomach cancer, the expression of CK20 in the stomach body was significantly increased (p=0.0225). In addition, the expression of CK20 (p=0.0979) and CDX2 (p=0.0849) tended to insrease in the antral compartment. No significant differences in the expression of CK7 in the gastric antrum and body were found. Some features of the expression of CDX2, CK20, and CK7 proteins in children with family predisposition to stomach cancer were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of monitoring maximum energy of neutrons in the neutron flux from a source by analyzing pulse-height spectra from a 10B detector is investigated. Ionization losses of 4He and 7Li nuclei in two detector gaps are modeled. The clear experimental dependence of the position of the maximum and the shape of these spectra on and calculations in agreement with this dependence can be used to monitor the maximum energy of neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the physico-chemical properties of lipids of the most important organs (the liver and brain) of mice that received nanoliposomal complexes of different compositions in a long-term diet (3 months). The components of the nanoliposomal complexes included soy phosphatidylcholine, clove essential oil, fish oil, and sodium caseinate. We prepared liposomes by mixing lipids from the investigated organs and determined whether they were able to initiate oxidation. We also determined the structure of the lipid bilayer in regions of localization of 5-doxyl and 16-doxyl stearic acids spin probes, and liposome size and charge. It was found that all the studied parameters changed significantly with the age of the animal: lipids from both organs had a reduced capacity for oxidation, microviscosity decreased and cells were enlarged; the size of liposomes from liver lipids increased, whereas the size of liposomes from brain lipids decreased; after consuming this diet the studied values were closer to those typical of young animals. A correlation was found between the rate of lipid oxidation and microviscosity and changing fatty acid composition, whereas liposome size correlated with the parameter of the arrangement of lipid layers over the membrane surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinematics of the 13C(n, 2p)12Be* reaction are modeled using cascade neutrons with energies of 30–150 MeV. The correlation is considered between the decay of excited states of a 12Be cluster with α-4n-α and 8Be-4n quasi-molecular structures at energies of excitation up to 25 MeV. The possibility is shown of measuring parameters of the decay channels of the excited state of 12Be with 4n correlation registered in the coincidence of a 2p pair and α particles from cascade neutrons of the RADEX pulsed source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study is performed of the directional sensitivity of a two-coordinate neutron detector based on a 3 μm 10B layer and a wire chamber. The suppression of scattered neutron detection by the detector is observed, relative to data from the 3He counter. This is explained by strong absorption of neutron flux in the 10B layer when it is incident at a large angle to the plane of the detector, and by the energy of the 4He or 7Li secondary nucleus being insufficient to exceed the threshold energy if the nucleus is produced immediately after entering the 10B layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study is performed of extracting the energy of the virtual pp-state produced in the d + 1H → (p + p) + n reaction. Basic and auxiliary experimental parameters that refer to neutron detection (time resolution, flight base, and time-of-flight window in which neutrons are selected) are optimized to maximize the sensitivity to the production of a quasibound pp-state. Modeling results are compared to experimental data obtained in a test experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave functions of 6Li excited states are the result of contributions from different nucleon cluster configurations. These can be determined by inelastically scattering α particles on a 6Li target and detecting the scattered α particle in coincidence with different fragments of the excited-nucleus breakup. Modeling results indicate that some kinematic areas of target fragments correspond to definite fragmentation channels (or cluster configurations) of the 6Li excited states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern approaches to the organization of the diagnosis and treatment of elderly and senile patients with malignant tumors make it possible to improve the quality of life and increase life expectancy. Assessment of the geriatric status in oncology allows the prediction of complications during complex treatment, including drug treatment; the modification of treatment to reduce risk factors for adverse outcomes; and the selection of patients for specialized treatment with standard schemes. Thus, the timely assessment of geriatric syndromes and their correction can expand the indications for specialized treatment of elderly and senile patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The registration of inelastically scattered particles (α or d) in coincidence with particles emitted during the decay of these states is proposed to determine the cluster structure of excited states of the 9Be nucleus. 9Be(α, α'x) and 9Be(d, d 'x) reactions are simulated kinematically. It is shown that analyzing the energy spectrum of a decay particle (e.g., x = n, α) allows the contribution from different cluster configurations to the structure of these states to be determined. An experimental setup is created and tested that allows detection of scattered alpha-particles in coincidence with a decay particle. Spectra of the scattered alpha particles in coincidence with neutrons and gamma quanta are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutron–neutron () scattering length was measured in the neutron–deuteron () breakup reaction at an energy of 60 MeV. The respective experiment was performed in the geometry of final-state interaction via detecting all three secondary particles. The scattering-length value of fm was determined on the basis of a comparison of the experimental dependence of the -breakup reaction yield on the relative energy of the pair with the results of a simulation. An analysis of this scattering-length value, together with data obtained in other experiments devoted to studying and breakup, confirms the hypothesis that three-nucleon forces affect the values extracted from data on these reactions for the parameters of the interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of determining the energy of virtual pp-state in the d + 1H → (p+p) +n reaction is considered to study the effect of 3N-forces have on the value of this parameter in the reaction with three particles in the final state. In this work we present the results from kinematic modeling of this reaction. The possible range of measuring the energy of virtual pp-state is determined in particular. An experimental setup for studying this reaction is proposed, installed, and tested. The results from calibration and test measurements are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes provide neurons with essential metabolic and structural support, modulate neuronal circuit activity and may also function as versatile surveyors of brain milieu, tuned to sense conditions of potential metabolic insufficiency. Here we show that astrocytes detect falling cerebral perfusion pressure and activate CNS autonomic sympathetic control circuits to increase systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate with the purpose of maintaining brain blood flow and oxygen delivery. Studies conducted in experimental animals (laboratory rats) show that astrocytes respond to acute decreases in brain perfusion with elevations in intracellular [Ca2+]. Blockade of Ca2+-dependent signaling mechanisms in populations of astrocytes that reside alongside CNS sympathetic control circuits prevents compensatory increases in sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate and arterial blood pressure induced by reductions in cerebral perfusion. These data suggest that astrocytes function as intracranial baroreceptors and play an important role in homeostatic control of arterial blood pressure and brain blood flow. The brain receives 20% of cardiac output, but in accord with the current knowledge lacks a specialized sensor of its own blood flow. Here, the authors show that brain astrocytes detect drops in perfusion and trigger compensatory increases in arterial pressure and heart rate to preserve brain blood flow and oxygen delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized and water-soluble complexes have been formed between biopolymers (a covalent conjugate of sodium caseinate with maltodextrin) and essential lipids. These lipids were liposomes of soy phosphatidylcholine (PC: 59% omega-6 linoleic acid (LA); 7% omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)) enriched by omega-3 ALA as a constituent of triglycerides of linseed oil (LO: 55% ALA; 18% LA). They were prepared without and with such plant antioxidant as an essential oil of clove bud (EOC). The basic relationships have been revealed between functional properties and the structural (size, molar mass, architecture, charge, density, structural arrangement of PC bilayers) as well as the thermodynamic (thermodynamic affinity for a solvent)parameters of the complexes. To measure these parameters we used a combination of the precise physico-chemical methods. They were the followings: a laser light scattering in static, dynamic and electrophoretic modes; an electron spin resonance spectroscopy; and an atomic force microscopy. The studied functional properties of the complexes included their water-solubility and protective ability against auto oxidation of the essential lipids encapsulated into the complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active intermediates generated in the photolysis of phosphonium–iodonium ylides and their reaction with acetylenes have been studied with electron and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The radical mechanism of the ylides decomposition and of the interaction with acetylenes has been established using a stable nitroxyl radical. The radical products of these reactions have been monitored for the first time by EPR, and their spectroscopic parameters were determined. The chemical structure of the active intermediates of the reactions under study has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of four different photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) that can be used for photoemission spectroscopy analysis of radiation and, in particular, for temperature measurements, are presented. The integral color temperature is determined by the ratio of two responses of a photoemissive device, which correspond to the entire photoelectron flux from the spectral sensitivity region of the photocathode, and by the current limited by the decelerating field or separated by the energy in the field of an electrostatic lens. The modulation of the electron beam instead of the light beam with a frequency of up to 1 MHz makes it possible to obtain a time resolution of 1 μs in a temperature measurement. The method error due to emissive capacity is ~0.3% for most materials in the temperature range of 1200–3300 K, which is much smaller than the error in measuring the brightness or color temperature. The instrumental error depends on the design of the electron-optical system of the entrance chamber in a PMT and on the layout of data acquisition and processing and may be 2–6%. The conversion parameter is (2–15) × 10–3 K–1. The described PMTs can be used to measure the temperature dynamics in fast high-temperature processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The influence of lipid peroxidation on the structure of biomembranes and liposomes has been studied for many years; however, there are still a number of unexplained issues that require additional study. In particular, there are contradictions in the assessment of the state of the structure of deep-lying membrane lipids during the development of lipid peroxidation. In this work, we carried out targeted studies of changes in the microviscosity of a lipid component by the EPR method using a spin probe (16-doxyl-stearic acid) in the process of initiated lipid peroxidation in liposomes obtained from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylcholine with a plant antioxidant additive and encapsulation in a protein shell at two temperatures, physiological (37°C) and elevated (60°C). It has been found that the development of lipid peroxidation in all experiments is accompanied by an increase in the microviscosity of deep-lying layers of lipids, which is directly proportional to the degree of development of the lipid peroxidation. This effect is mainly due to an increase in the relative content of saturated fatty acids in lipids of liposomes, although new structural forms of the oxidized lipids may also make some contribution to it. Using dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy it has been shown that lipid peroxidation causes an increase in the average diameter and volume of individual liposomes and an increase in the absolute value of their negative zeta potential. A plant antioxidant and a protein inhibit this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is proposed that deuteron quasi-free scattering on separate clusters of the 9Be nucleus be used to estimate the contributions from different cluster configurations (8Be + n, α + α + n, α + 5He) to the structure of 9Be. These scattering processes are modeled kinematically. It is shown there are isolated regions in the angular and energy distributions of secondary particles that correspond to certain configurations of the clusters in 9Be are identified. The modeling results show the obtained data on the energies and angles of emission of two secondary particles (d + n and d + α) allow us to identify the contributions from different reaction channels and draw conclusions regarding the cluster structure of the 9Be nucleus. The results from this analysis are employed in the inclusive exclusive experimental investigations of the 9Be cluster structure using the deuteron beam at Moscow State University's Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of the neutron flux from the output channel of a photoneutron source is measured. The measurements are made using a moving helium counter and a position-sensitive detector based on a 10B layer. The parameters of neutron distribution are presented. The work is performed as part of preparing nuclear physics experiments and applied research using small angle scattering and diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To study the relationship between the immune system and depression, as well as its endophenotypes (neuroticism and trait anxiety), in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Materials and methods. Studies were performed in a group of men with IHD and depression (78 patients) and without depression (91 patients), as well as in healthy male volunteers (127 subjects). Polymorphisms of the interleukin-4 (IL-4 -589C/T), interleukin-6 (IL-6 -174G/C), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α -308G/A), and C-reactive protein (CRP -717A/G) genes were studied. Results. An association between the IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism with depression comorbid with IHD was found (p = 0.01, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2-4.3), which was apparent as an increase in the frequency of the highly expressed G allele in the group of patients with depression. The IL-4 -589C/T polymorphism was associated with IHD: the frequency of the CC IL-4 -589C/T genotype was greater in this group of patients than in the control group regardless of the presence of depression (p = 0.007, OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2-3.4). The TNF-α -308G/A and CRP -717A/G polymorphisms were not associated with depression in IHD. There were no signifi cant differences in the expression of neuroticism or trait anxiety in carriers of different genotypes at the IL-4 -589C/T, IL-6 -174G/C, TNF-α -308G/A, or CRP -717A/G loci. Conclusions. The association between the IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism with depression comorbid with IHD is consistent with published data on the role of IL-6 in the depression of depression in cardiology patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation of the reaction of core pickup from 6He and 11Li two-neutronhalo nuclei is proposed. In such experiments, neutron-neutron correlations in a halo nucleus will be assessed on the basis of the energy of a neutron-neutron quasibound state. A detailed kinematical simulation of the reaction 6He + 2H → 6Li + (nn) →6 Li + n + n is performed. It is shown that the energy of the quasibound state in question can determined from the shape of the energy spectrum of neutrons originating from the breakup of this state. In the proposed exclusive experiment, a beam of 6He (11Li) nuclei with an energy of about 5 to 10 MeV per nucleon interacts with a deuterated-polyethylene target. This will permit detecting charged particles (6Li and 11Be) and a neutron. On the basis of determining the energy of the neutron-neutron quasibound state, it will become possible to estimate the effective attraction between the valence neutrons in the field of the third particle (core). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data obtained in recent years for the neutron-neutron scattering length in nd and dd breakup reactions are analyzed. Serious discrepancies between experimental data from different studies may be explained by the effect of three-nucleon forces depending on the velocity of separation of a neutron-neutron pair and a charged fragment. It is shown that the data under analysis can be approximated by a smooth curve representing the dependence of the scattering length on the parameter R, which determines the fragment-separation distance after a fixed time. This dependence makes it possible to obtain the scatteringlength value for R→∞—that is, in the absence of the effect of three-nucleon forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the dependence of the procedural error of measurements of the temperature of an object by the photoemission method on its surface emissivity, selectivity of the spectral characteristic, and surface temperature. We present the plots for the determination of the procedural error at a temperature T = 2000 K within the range of selectivities from -0.1 to -0.7 with increments of 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes are implicated in modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic function, but it remains unknown if these glial cells can directly control activities of motor circuits to influence complex behaviors in vivo. This study focused on the vital respiratory rhythmgenerating circuits of the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) and determined how compromised function of local astrocytes affects breathing in conscious experimental animals (rats). Vesicular release mechanisms in astrocytes were disrupted by virally driven expression of either the dominant-negative SNARE protein or light chain of tetanus toxin. We show that blockade of vesicular release in preBötC astrocytes reduces the resting breathing rate and frequency of periodic sighs, decreases rhythm variability, impairs respiratory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia, and dramatically reduces the exercise capacity. These findings indicate that astrocytes modulate the activity of CNS circuits generating the respiratory rhythm, critically contribute to adaptive respiratory responses in conditions of increased metabolic demand and determine the exercise capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron spin resonance (ESR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to study liposomes that were prepared from soybean phosphatidylcholine (PC); they incorporated plant antioxidants (ginger, allspice, and black-pepper extracts; clove oil; etc.) that were encapsulated in biopolymers (sodium caseinate or sodium caseinate-maltodextrin covalent conjugates). Plant antioxidants were shown to cause a 15-25% decrease in the microviscosity of deep-lying regions of the liposome lipid bilayer by ESR with a 16-doxylstearic acid spin probe. A ginger extract exerted the greatest effect (24%). Sodium caseinate and its covalent conjugates with maltodextrins (dextrose equivalents (DEs) 2 and 10) increased the microviscosity by 30-35% as compared with free and antioxidant-incorporating liposomes. AFM showed that antioxidants increased the cross-sectional area and volume of liposomes and that the polymers made liposomes denser and their structure more compact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the relationship between the basic personality dimensions and genes encoding various inflammation mediators and biomarkers whose contents are elevated in schizophrenia patients and affective disorders. The study addressed the genes for interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). Materials and methods. A total of 639 healthy humans aged 17-69 years took part in the study. The following polymorphic gene loci were genotyped: IL-1β C-511T and C3954T, IL-6 G-174C, TNF-α G-308A, CRP G/A, and A1AT(374G/A). The basic personality dimensions were extraversion and neuroticism and were evaluated using the Eysenck personality questionnaire. Results and discussion. Levels of extraversion and neuroticism were not linked with polymorphisms in the IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α G, or CRP genes. An association was found between the A1AT 374G/A polymorphism with extraversion ( p = 0.036). A1AT 374G/A affected the degree of neuroticism in women, but differences were of marginal significance ( p = 0.05). This is the first study of the relationship between personality dimensions and the IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and A1AT genes, so the results should be regarded as preliminary. Further studies in this direction are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of calibrating a photoemission pyrometer without using a standard temperaturel radiator is examined. The validity of such calibration is shown, since the calculated calibration curve agrees with that obtained with the use of a ribbon filament lamp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV irradiation of mixed phosphonium-iodonium ylide in CHCl leads to formation of free radicals with lifetimes of a few minutes detected by EPR. In mixtures of ylides with acetylenes, the structure of radicals changes, and their concentration and stability increase. In the presence of acetylenes, the radicals contain ylide and acetylene residues, and their EPR spectra have hyperfine coupling constants typical for P nuclei in C-radicals and for H nuclei, depending on the acetylene structure. It has been demonstrated that the observed radical products are formed from short-lived primary radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer program for the kinematic simulation of nuclear reactions with three or more particles in the final state is described. Simulation results for the d + H → (nn) + (pp) → p + p + n + n reaction, which proceeds through the formation of a singlet dineutron and diproton in the intermediate state, are presented as an example. It is shown that the kinematic parameters of breakup particles depend on the parameters of the intermediate state. The results from simulating secondary neutron spectra are compared to an experimental neutron time-of-flight spectrum obtained in a kinematically complete experiment at a deuteron energy of 15 MeV. As a result of the comparison, the energy of the quasi-bound singlet S state of the n-system is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon fibers obtained by carbonization of polyacrylonitrile fibers were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction analysis in the range of small and wide scattering angles. Their elastic and strength characteristics were also studied. The concentration of the paramagnetic centers was correlated with the mechanical properties of carbon fibers. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction study did not reveal essential structural differences in the carbon fiber samples with different mechanical properties. At the same time, the small-angle X-ray scattering study showed that the fiber nanostructures with different mechanical properties differ substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]