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Art mediation is one of the topical museum practices of today. The article deals with the features of this phenomenon, outlining the prospects of its use in connection with the norms of museum legislation and world practice. Information about the studies of art mediation in Russia, as well as of its theoretical and methodological aspects, is provided. An experience of introducing art mediation methods in the museum institutions of Samara (as exemplified by exhibitions at the Zero Room Gallery, the Samara Literary Museum and the Art Nouveau Museum) is considered.

Paravertebral tumors of mediastinal localization an extensive group of pathological processes, the surgical treatment of which is carried out by doctors of various specialties, such as neurosurgeons and surgical oncologists. Currently, thoracoscopic removal is considered to be the most preferred method of surgical treatment of these mass formations, in view of the least trauma, fewer complications, and a reduction in the time of postoperative recovery of patients. A clinical case of surgical treatment of a patient with a giant paravertebral tumor originating from the 4th thoracic root is presented. The tumor was an incidental finding during routine fluorography. There were no focal neurological symptoms. Taking into account the topographic and anatomical features of the volumetric formation, the patient underwent a combined two-stage surgical intervention, where the first stage was laminectomy and removal of the foraminal component of the tumor from the posterior approach, the second stage was single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic removal of the mediastinally located tumor fragment. The operation was performed under conditions of a collapsed lung on the side of the intervention. In the postoperative period, no neurological deficit was noted; according to the control introscopy, the tumor was removed completely. According to the results of histological examination neurofibroma (Grade I).

It was found that the frequency of stress-induced somatic diseases in cadets during 45 training years increased from 0 in the I cours to 10% in the VVI courses. The first place in frequency is occupied by diseases of the digestive system (K00K93 according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem 10th revision), during the training their level increased from 0 to 7.3%. Diseases of the circulatory system (I00I99) increased to 2.7%. Based on the psychophysiological, psychological and psychosocial indicators of the surveyed cadets, a discriminant analysis was performed and a linear classification function model for predicting the propensity to stress-induced somatic diseases was obtained. The model is statistically significant, the percentage of correct classifications is 95.8%, that indicates a good separation ability of this model. The stability of the model indicators during the entire training period is shown, so that makes it possible to use it as a prognostic model and apply to identify propensity of the junior cadet to developing stress-induced somatic diseases. Timely identification of cadets who are prone to developing stress-induced somatic diseases and personalized approach to psychological correction will contribute to the prevention of somatic health disorders, the increasing of efficiency and reliability of activity and the professional longevity of future military specialists. The indicators included in the model shows that the propensity to stress-induced somatic diseases is determined by both innate features (the speed of nervous processes and the ratio of inhibition and stimulation in the central nervous system, typological properties of the personality), and acquired skills of social behavior (coping models and psychosocial characteristics of the personality), as well as stress-induced neurotic manifestations which accumulated in the process of personal development. Psychological correction should be aimed at awareness and self-disclosure of their personal characteristics while developing the desired behavioral and social interaction skills, as well as training in mental self-regulation skills.

Severe plastic deformation has proven to be a promising method for the in situ manufacturing of metal-matrix composites with improved properties. Recent investigations have revealed a severe mixing of elements, as well as the formation of non-equilibrium intermetallic phases, which are known to affect physical and mechanical properties. In this work, a multilayered aluminum–magnesium (Al-Mg) nanostructured composite was fabricated using constrained high-pressure torsion (HPT) in a Bridgeman-anvil-type unit. A microstructure investigation and X-ray diffraction analysis allowed us to identify the presence of intermetallic Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases in the deformed nanostructured composite. The sputtering yield of the Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases was found to be 2.2 atom/ion and 1.9 at/ion, respectively, which is lower than that of Mg (2.6 at/ion). According to density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations, this is due to the higher surface-binding energy of the intermetallic phases (3.90–4.02 eV with the Al atom removed and 1.53–1.71 eV with the Mg atom removed) compared with pure Al (3.40–3.84 eV) and Mg (1.56–1.57 eV). In addition, DFT calculations were utilized to calculate the work functions (WFs) of pure Al and Mg and the intermetallic Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases. The WF of the obtained Al-Mg nanostructured composite was found to be 4 eV, which is between the WF value of Al (4.3 eV) and Mg (3.6 eV). The WF of the Al12Mg17 phase was found to be in a range of 3.63–3.75 eV. These results are in close agreement with the experimentally measured WF of the metal matrix composite (MMC). Therefore, an intermetallic alloy based on Al12Mg17 is proposed as a promising cathode material for various gas-discharge devices, while an intermetallic alloy based on Al3Mg2 is suggested as a promising optical- and acoustic-absorbing material.

Multilayered bulk Al–Cu–Al metal-matrix composite was fabricated by means of high-pressure torsion and subsequent annealing. The resulting composite had a heterogeneous structure consisting of ductile aluminum matrix and hard intermetallic inclusions with a gradient decrease in grain size and layer thickness when moving from the center to the periphery of the sample. Precipitation of $$\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {Cu}$$ intermetallic phase was revealed at the edge of the sample in the as-deformed state. Post-deformation annealing initiated the emergence of AlCu and $$\hbox {Al}_{\mathrm {4}}\hbox {Cu}_{\mathrm {9}}$$ intermetallic precipitates with increased hardness compared to strain-induced $$\hbox {Al}_{\mathrm {2}}\hbox {Cu}$$ particles. The growth kinetics of intermetallic compounds was obtained using precise X-ray phase analysis. It was found that the initial growth of intermetallic phases at temperatures 150–210 $$^{\circ }$$ C depends on time $$t^{1/2}$$ , indicating the bulk diffusion-controlled growth. The growth activation energy of Al $$_2$$ Cu and AlCu phases was calculated to be 0.48 and 0.33 eV, respectively. The results obtained contribute to an understanding of the kinetics of annealing-induced growth of intermetallic phases and the corresponding evolution of strength characteristics in Al–Cu–Al composites. It was revealed that thermal treatment regimes resulting in enhanced mechanical properties are associated with moderate time and temperature of annealing, which allows avoiding partial dissolution of strengthening phases. The applied approach of phase kinetics analysis can become the basis for the development of new energy-efficient heat treatment modes of in situ Al-based composites allowing to govern their heterogeneity type and tailoring the mechanical properties of the material.

Objective. To evaluate clinical outcomes, safety, and technical peculiarities of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal and interlaminar removal of the lumber spine cranially migrated disc hernias. Material and Methods. In 2015–2018, percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal and interlaminar removal of cranially migrated hernias of the lumbar spine was performed in 53 patients (23 men and 30 women): 2 (3.8 %) at L2–L3 level, 13 (24.5 %) at L3–L4, 18 (34.0 %) at L4–L5, and 20 (37.7 %) at L5–S1. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 76 years and averaged 43.4 ± 11.6 years. Transforaminal approach was performed at the L4–L5 level and higher (62.3 % of cases), and interlaminar approach – at the L5–S1 level (37.7 %). Based on MRI, hernias with cranial migration were divided into zones: zone I – hernias with migration to the lower edge of the superjacent vertebra pedicle – 21 (39.6 %) patients; and zone II – hernias with migration above this border – 32 (60.4 %). Results were evaluated using ODI, VAS, and the McNab scale. Statistical analysis of VAS indicators (leg and back pain) and ODI scores before and after surgery was performed using the R and Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results. Data collection was carried out using patient questionnaires at in-person examination, telephone interviews and electronic communications. Follow-up data of different terms were monitored in all patients. In one case (when mastering this technology), at the second stage, microdiscectomy was performed at the L4–L5 level for a residual hernia fragment in migration zone II, and in another case, a conversion into microdiscectomy was performed at L3–L4 level with a hernia in zone II due to lack of venous bleeding control in a patient receiving anticoagulants. In other patients, the mean VAS scores of preoperative radicular and axial pain decreased from 7.5 ± 1.4 and 3.8 ± 1.2 to 1.4 ± 1.2 and 3.5 ± 1.3, respectively, on the next day, to 1.7 ± 1.4 and 3.2 ± 1.1 in 1 month, to 1.5 ± 1.3 and 2.8 ± 1.4 in 6 months, to 1.6 ± 1.2 and 2.0 ± 1.3 in 12 months, and to 1.6 ± 1.2 and 2.0 ± 1.3 in 24 months after surgery. In the long-term follow-up period, no radicular leg pain was observed in any patient. According to the McNab scale, up to 6 months treatment results were assessed as excellent by 19 (35.8 %) patients, and as good – by 32 (60.3 %). In the case of lumbar pain in the long term period, blockade of facet joints and radio- frequency ablation of the medial nerve branch were performed. Relapse of hernias and instability of the operated spinal segment were not revealed. The average ODI score improved from 66.4 ± 7.2 to 20.5 ± 3.2 in 1 month, to 13.6 ± 2.1 in 6 months, to 12.4 ± 2.3 in 12 months, and to 12.4 ± 2.3 in 24 months after surgery. Conclusion. Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal and interlaminar discectomy for cranially migrated lumbar disc hernia, while adhering the surgical technique target and exclusion criteria, is a safe and effective method, avoids excessive resection of the bone-ligamentous structures of the spine, can prevent iatrogenic instability of the spinal motion segment, and promotes early postoperative activation and recovery of the patient. Cranially migrated disc henias have a low probability of recurrence.

Multilayered Al-Cu composites were fabricated successfully by constrained high-pressure torsion (HPT) in a Bridgeman anvil type unit under an applied pressure of 6.0 GPa after ten turns. Due to the good strain compatibility of Al and Cu, achieved during HPT, separate discs bonded without pores and cracks. Microstructural characterization of the processed disks showed that the originally flat interface between Al and Cu layers transforms, and some bindings and vortice-like folding are formed in a submicron multilayered structure embedded in an Al-rich matrix in almost all volumes. This led to an exceptional increase of ultimate strength. The tensile tests showed the value of the tensile strength reached 485 MPa at room temperature, which is several times higher than in pure aluminum (80 MPa) and copper (190 MPa) subjected to the same processing. Such an increase in the ultimate strength is associated with hardening due to formation of a multiphase fine-grained structure. This study indicates a high potential for the application of high-pressure torsion in bonding of Al and Cu to produce composites with enhanced mechanical properties.

Based on the integrative interpretation of the Federal Law «On Education in the Russian Federation» and a number of positions of foreign and Russian scientists, this article comprehensively examines the essence of a simulated virtual educational environment. In the framework of the presented analysis, being a lecturer at a military university, the author actualises the problem from the standpoint of ensuring the qualitative growth of the potential of higher military education, where the formation of professional competency of future army offi cers via innovative technologies is deemed the key factor. The article emphasises that out of the existing educational media only the technosphere of e-learning is enshrined in the federal Law «On Education in the Russian Federation « (Article 16, Clause 1), i.e. the information presented in the databases and the infrastructure for its accumulation, storage and transmission, while the content and application methods along with the forms of e-learning are overlooked. In this regard, the article is focused on understanding the essence of a simulated virtual educational environment and learning tools in it. As a result of the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that such environment is created not only with the help of information and communication technologies, but also with the intellect and imagination of a person, highlighting the duality of the essence of the virtual environment, its external and internal material and ideal manifestations.

It is recognized worldwide that the teaching staff is the determining factor in the quality of school education. The article uses the example of Primorsky Krai as an example to discuss a relevant for Russia problem of staff resources in the system of school education and to analyze the factors that can affect its solution. It is important to solve the personnel problems of regional education systems by relying on the experience of regions and leading countries taking into account the context. The goals of the national project „Education” cannot be achieved without solving the personnel problem in the industry. On the example of a specific region, the problem of providing schools with teaching staff was analyzed, key indicators of the quality of staff resources in the regional education system and the factors affecting it have been identified. The research used statistical data, studied the laws and other regulations, official reports (open data) and data from monitoring conducted by the authorities in accordance with the legislation on education, as well as materials from surveys of students studying under teacher education programs.

Relevance.Necessity for enhancement of therapeutic approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a modern high-tech biofeedback.Intention. Scientific foundation for using biofeedback training in complex therapy of PTSD in combatants.Methodology.Military men, 40 healthy and 36 PTSD, aged 33.2 and 34.8 years, respectively (p > 0.05) were examined. Neurology signs were estimated with “Neurotic disorders-questionnaire-symptomatic”, quality of life – with “Quality of life questionnaire-12”, PTSD signs – with “Mississippi scale”. Stress-testing and biofeedback training were carried out using “Reacor” biofeedback psychophysiological hardware.Results and Discussion.Inverse correlations were revealed between PTSD signs and systolic wave amplitudes (SWA) from digital photoplethysmogram during stress-testing with biofeedback psychophysiological hardware. Heart rate variability and breathing recursion used in foreign studies as biofeedback training parameters for this disorder treatment didn’t correlate with signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. The effectiveness of SWA biofeedback training for PTSD complex treatment in combatants was proved. Everyday trainings during 8–10 days statistically significantly reduced neurotic manifestations and improved self-rating of life quality regarding “mental health”.Conclusion.SWA is a prognostic marker within health – illness continuum and can be used as a sensitive physiological parameter in the biofeedback trainings for overcoming PTSD. Conscious involvement of combatants into a treatment process via inclusion of SWA biofeedback trainings in PTSD complex treatment improves the results and self-ratings of life quality.

This paper shares the findings from a study that assessed the level of a person’s information security during a pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. The base for the study was advertising and textual and visual content with theoretical-academic, practical-medical, cultural-educational, social, and social-political narratives containing information about COVID-19, an acute respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The authors analyzed materials from leading media outlets in Ukraine, Russia, the UK, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy and from the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO). For a better insight into the ongoing processes, the following key groups of threats to one’s information security wereidentified: another person, groups of people, collectives, masses, and social institutions;programming and technical means and information-telecommunications systems;structured channels for dissemination of mass information. The more tangible impacts on one’s information security within the specialized information space segment were investigated in the third group of threats, namely at the level of analysis of structured channels for dissemination of mass information. Based on their analysis of the latest information flows, the authors developed a special socio-communication model for ensuring a person’s security in times of epidemics and crises that covers principles of informing the public such as filling the information space with various conceptual markers;ensuring proper professional-information interpretation of various phenomena and processes;undertaking the innovative enhancement of the sphere of information production and diffusion;ensuring a universal individual nature. The authors suggest that the study of content in local, regional, statewide, and international media resources potentially can serve as a crucial knowledge base for comprehending all significant characteristics of informing the public in times of societal disruption. The authors’ exploration of information flowing across multiple media channels helped them gain a better understanding of the need for and utility ofverifying and fact-checking information to ensure the meeting of information needs and proper performance of relevant roles in society, with the following key characteristics of good information identified: value, relevance, objectivity, reliability, completeness, comprehensibility, and adequacy. Copyright © 2021 by Academic Publishing House Researcher s.r.o.

The professional motivation and interest of the teacher in the students’ educational results are the key resources that allow educational institutions to minimize the existing inequality of educational opportunities for members of different social groups. On this point, one of the important issues of professional training of future teachers is the formation of motivation for their professional activity regarded as a factor that ensures the equality of educational opportunities for students from different social groups. Based on the results of empirical studies of different years, the article analyzes the changes that occurred in the professional motivation of students after the Ussuriysk State Pedagogical Institute joined the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in 2011 as the School of Education. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect primary empirical information. In the 2010 research, a stratified sample model was used; its size was 200 of first-year and graduate students enrolled in education studies. In 2019, the continuous survey method was used.The use of the same measuring instruments made it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of the professional motivation of students in different periods. The revealed positive changes in the dynamics of the indicators “motivation for professional activity” and “satisfaction with the profession of a teacher” were interpreted in the context of the influence of the family socioeconomic status on educational inequality. The data obtained during the comparative analysis of the two studies are the basis for the implementation of the model of research education for students enrolled in the field of “Education and Pedagogical Sciences” at the FEFU School of Education. A student who has mastered the required research processes is ready to use them in the educational process when working as a teacher. The inclusion of students in research will contribute to the intellectual development of students and increase the chances of a successful career in the knowledge economy for students from less socially privileged families.

The global spread of antibiotic resistance is forcing the scientific community to find new molecular strategies to counteract it. Deep functional profiling of microbiomes provides an alternative source for the discovery of novel antibiotic producers and probiotics. Recently, we implemented this ultrahigh-throughput screening approach for the isolation of Bacillus pumilus strains efficiently producing the ribosome-targeting antibiotic amicoumacin A (Ami). Proteomics and metabolomics revealed essential insight into the activation of Ami biosynthesis. Here, we applied omics to boost Ami biosynthesis, providing the optimized cultivation conditions for high-scale production of Ami. Ami displayed a pronounced activity against Lactobacillales and Staphylococcaceae, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, which was determined using both classical and massive single-cell microfluidic assays. However, the practical application of Ami is limited by its high cytotoxicity and particularly low stability. The former is associated with its self-lactonization, serving as an improvised intermediate state of Ami hydrolysis. This intramolecular reaction decreases Ami half-life at physiological conditions to less than 2 h, which is unprecedented for a terminal amide. While we speculate that the instability of Ami is essential for Bacillus ecology, we believe that its stable analogs represent attractive lead compounds both for antibiotic discovery and for anticancer drug development.

For pure metals aluminum and magnesium and for chemical compounds Al3Mg, Al2Mg, AlMg and AlMg3 with crystallographic orientations (100), (110) and (111) the work function is calculated from the first principles in the framework of the density functional theory. It is shown that the dependence of the work function on the magnesium concentration in aluminium is nonlinear. The reasons for the work function differences of chemical compounds depending on the crystallographic orientation are analysed.

The paper considers the numerical modeling of the processes of homogeneous and heterogeneous condensation and evaporation in multiphase flows using the method of moments. Nonstationary processes of gas dynamics and phase transitions in the two-dimensional plane and axisymmetric regions are described by a general system of equations. The system of equations is expanded by adding two equations. One describes the evolution of the total mass fraction of the condensing substance; the other describes the evolution of the mass fraction of solid particles. An instant wetting model is used to model heterogeneous nucleation. The Gyarmathy model is used for the approximation of the average droplet growth rate. Heterogeneous condensation is modeled based on the distribution function of foreign impurities. An approach to calculating evaporation in the heterogeneous case is proposed. A comparison of the proposed models with a numerical experiment is given. Numerical simulation of homogeneous-heterogeneous condensation in a gas-dynamic ejector is carried out.

Features of adaptation after psychical traumatic stress in healthy military men who performed special tasks more than half a year ago were studied. It is shown that 40% of combatants have signs of partial posttraumatic stress disorder, which evidences about negative adaptation after psychical traumatic stress. Signs of partial posttraumatic stress disorder in all manifest as neurotic disorders, and in 7,5% of combatants are associated with signs of psychotic disorders. Among the signs of neurotic disorders, the manifestations of somato-vegetative disorder were encountered in 62,5%, affective tension - in 50%, sleep disorder - in 43,8% and anxiety-phobic disorder - in 43,8%. Among the signs of psychotic disorders, there were mildly pronounced manifestations of social phobia, panic disorder and depression. Soldiers with partial posttraumatic stress disorder have a statistically significant decrease in the self-assessment quality of life in such indicators as «general health», «mental health» and «social functioning». The negative correlation between scores of life quality and signs of partial posttraumatic stress disorder pieces of evidence that namely this disorder impacts on the quality of life in combatants. Comparison of servicemen groups with and without signs of partial posttraumatic stress disorder according to the expert evaluation indicators, exhibited by the unit commanders, and according to the indicators of the operator working, did not reveal a significant difference between them. Thus signs of partial posttraumatic stress disorder in combatants decrease self-assessment life quality but do not have an effect on the professional aspect of social functioning under favourable conditions. This military personnel are needed in medical and psychological correction and rehabilitation to prevent the development of maladaptation in stressful conditions.

The work is based on 40 years of research by the authors of the project of electromagnetic fields of the infra-low-frequency range (ILF) and meteorological data at the physical experimental range of VlSU. The creation of a system for monitoring the electric and geomagnetic fields of the surface layer of the atmosphere in a network of stations spaced apart in space with a reliable assessment of the impact of global geophysical processes opens on this basis the possibility of predicting natural and man-made processes, analyzing seismic activity and the relationship of atmospheric electricity with the dynamics of meteorological processes. Long-term observations of electric and geomagnetic fields in the HF range have convinced the authors of the unique properties of EMPZ, bearing signs of many geophysical processes, including the processes of preparation of large seismic events. The catalogs of detected types of precursor anomalies in the electric field of the surface layer of the atmosphere are presented. Observed mainly anomaly types: seismogravitational oscillations; a sharp decrease in the field level up to a change in its sign; an increase in the level of the electric field. These anomalies (precursors) are observed both a few hours before the onset of an earthquake and a day, and seismic gravity fluctuations persist even after the moment of the earthquake. The developed catalogs of the precursors of strong earthquakes make it possible to analyze the pattern of changes in the character of the electric field in the surface layer of the atmosphere during the periods of preparation of seismic events.

Science advances 6(26), eaaz9861 - (2020). doi:10.1126/sciadv.aaz9861, Microbial communities are self-controlled by repertoires of lethal agents, the antibiotics. In their turn, these antibiotics are regulated by bioscavengers that are selected in the course of evolution. Kinase-mediated phosphorylation represents one of the general strategies for the emergence of antibiotic resistance. A new subfamily of AmiN-like kinases, isolated from the Siberian bear microbiome, inactivates antibiotic amicoumacin by phosphorylation. The nanomolar substrate affinity defines AmiN as a phosphotransferase with a unique catalytic efficiency proximal to the diffusion limit. Crystallographic analysis and multiscale simulations revealed a catalytically perfect mechanism providing phosphorylation exclusively in the case of a closed active site that counteracts substrate promiscuity. AmiN kinase is a member of the previously unknown subfamily representing the first evidence of a specialized phosphotransferase bioscavenger., Published by Assoc., Washington, DC [u.a.]

The problem of a small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) swarm landing on a robotic platform is solved. The necessity of creating a controlled waiting area for a SUAV in the landing system is shown using simulation. The principle of SUAV air traffic organisation in the space-time waiting zone and the issues of a safe landing are revealed. The structure of the information-measuring and control system of the SUAV landing with the space-time waiting area and the buffer landing zone is proposed. Its main features are given and the possibility for landing a SUAV swarm of various structure is shown.

A hybrid composite material fabricated from the Al-Nb system using high-pressure torsion (HPT) up to 30 turns has been studied in the present work. To fabricate the composite, deformation of a three-layer Al-Nb-Al package was carried out at room temperature on Bridgman anvils with grooves under a pressure of 5 GPa at N=10, 25 and 30 revolutions, at a strain rate of ω=1 and 2 rpm. Initial disc diameters from pure metals and HPT conditions were experimentally optimized to obtain monolithic and defect-free composite samples. The most intensive fragmentation and stirring of niobium in the aluminium matrix was observed if diameter of aluminium discs was 10 mm and deformation conditions N=25 and 30 revolutions and ω=2 rpm were applied. Three microstructural zones were observed after HPT under optimal conditions: the central zone with wide curved layers of niobium in aluminium, the mid-radius zone with finely dispersed layered structure, and periphery with a uniform distribution of niobium in the aluminium matrix. It was shown that HPT led to occurrence of strain-induced ageing resulting in formation of the intermetallic Al3Nb phase. The microhardness measured along the diameter of the obtained composite materials changed nonmonotonically depending on the produced structure (microstructural zone).

Al and Nb billets with a coarse grain structure in the form of thin discs were stacked in the order of Al-Nb-Al and then deformed by shear under pressure. After the deformation the samples were annealed at 500°C for 30 min. The formation of an intermetallic compound AUNb was revealed by using X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. After postdeformation annealing, the amount of this compound increased. At the same time, the study of microhardness demonstrates a decrease of the value of microhardness after post-deformation annealing.

Among different approaches for obtaining composite structures, one can distinguish the approach of severe plastic deformation that allows obtaining bulk structures from strongly dissimilar metals. The application of large strains is usually associated with grain refinement and, in some cases, with the formation of intermetallic phases, both factors contributing to the strength characteristics of the material. This work presents an investigation of nano-mechanical properties of an Al-Nb composite obtained by high pressure torsion and post deformational annealing. Measurements show that with an increase in the distance from the centre to the edge of the sample, the nanohardness increases from 2.4 to 3 GPa. Young’s modulus varies in the range from 182 to 197 GPa, which indicates the non-homogeneity of the composite sample. The Young’s modulus of the composite after high pressure torsion was found to be higher than that of pristine Al and Nb, which is probably due to the formation of the intermetallic Al3Nb phase, having an increased Young’s modulus according to ab-initio calculations.

Materials and methods for creating the elements of thin-film lithium-ion batteries (TFLBs) are considered.

The article presents a numerical study of vapor condensation appearing in an ejector. The ejector is a part of a device developed by the authors and used to purify air emissions. The article considers condensation of pure water vapor and condensation of vapor in a mixture of vapor and carrier gas. The system of axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations and the system of moment equations are considered as a mathematical model for describing two-dimensional non-stationary gas-dynamic processes and processes of phase transitions in the device. The general system of equations is numerically solved using the finite volume method.

Aluminium-copper (Al–Cu) compounds are one of the most-studied precipitation-strengthened alloy systems. Mechanical properties of Cu-Al systems considerably dependent on the phase composition. Excellent properties primarily depend on the intrinsic microstructures formed during processing stages, particularly the precipitated phases or the so-called intermetallics, along with various defects and impurity segregation, have important influences on the composite strength. Study of fabrication techniques to obtain composites with improved mechanical properties, careful investigation of phase composition, dynamics and kinetics are of high importance. Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study on the atomistic level the process of formation of Al/Cu composite from two initially separated crystals by severe plastic deformation. The proposed model is the simplification of scenario, experimentally observed previously. However, even in such a simple model, understanding of the mechanisms underlying in the process of composite formation can be obtained.

Microbiome spectra serve as critical clues to elucidate the evolutionary biology pathways, potential pathologies, and even behavioral patterns of the host organisms. Furthermore, exotic sources of microbiota represent an unexplored niche to discover microbial secondary metabolites. However, establishing the bacterial functionality is complicated by an intricate web of interactions inside the microbiome. Here we apply an ultrahigh-throughput (uHT) microfluidic droplet platform for activity profiling of the entire oral microbial community of the Siberian bear to isolate Bacillus strains demonstrating antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus . Genome mining allowed us to identify antibiotic amicoumacin A (Ami) as responsible for inhibiting the growth of S. aureus . Proteomics and metabolomics revealed a unique mechanism of Bacillus self-resistance to Ami, based on a subtle equilibrium of its deactivation and activation by kinase AmiN and phosphatase AmiO, respectively. We developed uHT quantitative single-cell analysis to estimate antibiotic efficacy toward different microbiomes and used it to determine the activity spectra of Ami toward human and Siberian bear microbiota. Thus, uHT microfluidic droplet platform activity profiling is a powerful tool for discovering antibiotics and quantifying external influences on a microbiome.

Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) are molecules that can easily internalize into eukaryotic cells, as well as deliver across their membranes a variety of compounds (proteins, nucleic acids, liposomes, nanoparticles, etc.). CPPs are considered as promising components of anticancer drugs, serving for delivery of active ingredients into malignant cells, therefore, a detailed study of a mechanism of action of CPPs and search for novel, more effective peptides are vital tasks of current biological and medical research. An ability of proline-rich peptides bactenecins (ChBac5, ChBac3.4, mini-ChBac7.5Na) and their truncated variants to penetrate into eukaryotic cells has been explored. By means of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we found that these peptides, tagged with a fluorescent dye BODIPY FL, rapidly penetrated into tumor cells and, to a lesser extent, into normal mammalian cells in vitro. The dependence of the internalization process on the medium temperature and energy metabolism of target cells was studied. The obtained data on the cell-penetratin activity of caprine bactenecins confirm the prospect of further investigations of these peptides as prototypes of new compounds - carriers of drugs into malignant or infected cells.

The paper presents first results of obtaining metal-matrix composites based on severe plastic deformation by shear under pressure of layered Al and Cu components. Three-layer composites with different alternation of layers, i.e. Al-Cu-Al and Cu-Al-Cu, were processed by constrained high pressure torsion to produce monolithic disk-shaped samples without pores. Analysis of the macroscopic homogeneity showed that different alternation of layers led to varying degrees of mixing of the starting components.