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Tests on propane pyrolysis in a two-sectioned flow reactor have shown that the introduction of ethylene into the feed mixture leads to an increase in the propylene yield. Under certain conditions, the ethylene content in the mixture at the inlet and outlet of the reactor remains constant. At high temperatures, the process can be accompanied by the formation of tarry products. The absence of oxygen-containing byproducts makes the cocracking of propane and ethylene more attractive than the oxidative pyrolysis of propane.

The condensation of 1-alkylisatines with malononitrile and 8-hydroxyquinoline or 5,5-dimethyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione in the presence of an aqueous solution of trimethylamine proceeds regioselectively as a one-pot three-component domino process to form spiro[chromene-4,3'-indoline] and spiro(indoline-3,4'-pyrano[3,2-h]quinoline).

The phytoplankton activity was analyzed in June 2015 in Onega Bay of the White Sea. The chlorophyll a concentration, as well as cell abundance and cell biomass, were assessed in natural phytoplankton samples and individually for the picoplankton fraction. These data were compared with the results of additional optical measurements for the same water samples. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.82) was found between chlorophyll absorbance (~680 nm, absorbance spectra) and in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence intensity. Мicroalgae had a high level of photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm > 0.4). The picoplankton fraction was characterized by less efficient photosynthesis, probably due to the presence of cyanobacteria. The picoplankton fraction contributed a few percent to the total biomass, whereas its contribution to the total chlorophyll fluorescence intensity reached up to 40%.

Topicality. Increase in the use of antipsychotics and antidepressants in many countries led to augmentation of acute poisoning amount with lethal cases. Among them, the main part is combined poisoning, including combination with other medicines, which significantly complicates the conduction of chemical-toxicological analysis.Aim. To conduct the analytical review of side effects and lethal cases of acute poisoning by antipsychotics and antidepressants, including combination with other medicines.Materials and methods. Analysis of websites and online literature sources such as: ehealthme.com, patientsville.com, Academia.edu, PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus etc.Results and discussion. According to the results of sources analysis, in the period from 2013 to 2018, there were registered 5094 cases of side effects and 56 lethal poisonings with the use of the most commonly used antipsychotics of phenothiazine derivatives. Also 6013 cases of side effects and 675 lethal poisonings were registered with the use of tricyclic antidepressants. The main side effects and causes of fatalities have been identified. The combined use of antipsychotics and antidepressants and its simultaneous application with medicines from other pharmacological groups, increases the risk of poisoning. It greatly complicates the chemical and toxicological searches to determine the cause of poisoning.Conclusions. The conducted research determined the factors of deterioration the toxicological situation recently which has developed with the use of antipsychotics and antidepressants and substantiated feasibility of the development of methods of chemical-toxicological analysis for drugs that caused fatal poisoning.

New substituted spiro[chromene-4,3′-indoles] and spiro[indole-3,4′-quinolines] have been synthesized in 35–65% yields by one-pot regioselective three-component condensation of N-substituted isatins with two active methylene compounds.

Phosphorus (P) is central to storing and exchange of energy and information in cells including those of microalgae. The overwhelming majority of microalgae are naturally acclimated to low-P environments; hence, they are capable of taking up and storing P in large amounts whenever it becomes available. The ability to take up more P than necessary for immediate growth is termed “luxury uptake.” Understanding this phenomenon constitutes a crucial insight into nutrient-driven processes in natural algal communities such as harmful algal blooms, as well as into the operation of algae-based technologies for sustainable usage of P such as recycling of the nutrient from wastewater to biofertilizers. The bulk of P acquired during luxury uptake is stored in the form of inorganic polyphosphate, the compound with nearly ubiquitous presence and multifaceted function in the cell. Although seminal works on luxury P uptake and polyphosphate metabolism were carried out fifty years ago, application of modern “omics” approaches and advanced imaging microscopy techniques enabled obtaining a deeper mechanistic insight into these processes. Nevertheless, our knowledge about luxury P uptake remains much more limited in comparison with that about P shortage and mechanism tolerance to this stress in microalgae. In this review the knowledge of luxury P uptake originating from classical phycological and biochemical methods is confronted with the recently obtained understanding of molecular mechanisms of P transport to the cell, polyphosphate biosynthesis, regulation, and genetic control of these processes. Biotechnological implications of the knowledge about luxury P uptake accumulated to date are discussed in the context of algae-based approaches to sustained usage of nutrients and industrial cultivation of microalgae.

Beta power suppression in the basal ganglia is stronger during movements that require high force levels and high movement effort but it has been difficult to dissociate the two. We recorded scalp EEG and basal ganglia local field potentials in Parkinson's disease patients (11 STN, 7 GPi) ON and OFF dopaminergic medication while they performed a visually-guided force matching task using a pen on a force-sensitive graphics tablet. Force adjustments were accompanied by beta power suppression irrespective of whether the force was increased or reduced. Before the adjustment was completed, beta activity returned. High beta power was specifically associated with slowing of the force adjustment. ON medication, the peak force rate was faster and cortico-basal ganglia beta phase coupling was more readily modulated. In particular, phase decoupling was stronger during faster adjustments. The results suggest that beta power in the basal ganglia does not covary with force per se, but rather with a related factor, the absolute force rate, or a more general concept of movement effort. The results also highlight that beta activity reappears during stabilization of isometric contractions, and that dopamine-related suppression of cortico-basal ganglia beta coupling is linked to faster force adjustments.

—The paper presents the results of monitoring of the photosynthetic activity of the green microalga Chlorella. A thermophilic strain of Chlorella with a high rate of cell division was cultivated in a photobioreactor. Three medium variants with different mineral composition were used. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves and microalgal suspension absorption spectra were recorded every hour during 40-hour culture growth for each medium. The method of spectral multiexponential approximation we have developed was used to analyze 120 induction curves obtained after monitoring. This method revealed the dynamics of gradual changes in the number of phases of induction curves, their amplitudes and characteristic times during culture growth. The relationship between the parameters of induction curves and electron transfer processes in the reaction center of photosystem II allowed for interpretation of the changes in the shape of the induction curves in terms of the processes in the reaction center of photosystem II. The spectral multiexponential approximation method was shown to be highly sensitive to physiological state of microalgae and suitable for analyzing a huge amount of experimental data. The physiological processes accompanying the depletion of nitrogen in the environment are discussed.

Microbial volatiles have a significant impact on the physiological functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Various ketones are present in volatile mixtures produced by plants, bacteria, and fungi. Our earlier results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of soil bacteria volatiles, including ketones, on cyanobacteria. In this work, we thoroughly examined the natural ketones, 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone to determine their influence on the photosynthetic activity in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. We observed for the first time that the ketones strongly inhibit electron transport through PSII in cyanobacteria cells in vivo. The addition of ketones decreases the quantum yield of primary PSII photoreactions and changes the PSII chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves. There are clear indications that the ketones inhibit electron transfer from QA to QB , electron transport at the donor side of PSII. The ketones can also modify the process of energy transfer from the antenna complex to the PSII reaction center and, by this means, increase both chlorophyll fluorescence quantum yield and the chlorophyll excited state lifetime. At the highest tested concentration (5 mM) 2-nonanone also induced chlorophyll release from Synechococcus cells that strongly indicates the possible role of the ketones as detergents.

A number of possibilities to increase the yield of propylene in the processing of light gaseous hydrocarbons are considered, including the oxidative pyrolysis of propane, conjugated oxidation of propane and ethylene, conjugated oxidation of ethylene and methane, and introduction of methane into the products of a rich methane flame. The principal possibility of production of olefins in non-catalytic gas-phase processes from light gaseous hydrocarbons, including methane, is demonstrated.

A plasma generator with a liquid cathode has been developed and investigated, which makes it possible to create a plasma flow from electrolyte vapors with a temperature of up to 1800°C with a mass flow rate of up to 3.0 g/s for the gasification of carbon-containing waste. An electrolyte in the form of a solution of Glauber salt in distilled water with a concentration of 0.5-1.0 kg/m3 by weight was used. The current-voltage characteristics of the discharge are constructed. The optimal electrical and thermal parameters of the plasma flow are determined experimentally.

Object: assessment of the antibacterial effect of sealing materials based on epoxy resin, zinc-eugenol of cement and hydroxide of calcium. Materials and methods: Antibacterial activity was estimated by agaro-diffusive test (ADT) estimated the of microorganisms. Plates from filling materials were placed on Petri dish, the sowed with St. aureus, and a zone of a growth inhibition of microorganisms was estimated. Materials were used right after mixing, right after hardening, in 30 days after mixing. Results: Materials had the maximum antibacterial effect after hardening, minimum in 30 days after mixing. The greatest efficiency against St. aureus showed material based on zinc-oxide- eugenol cement.

Studies of the impact of inorganic phosphorus (Pi), an important nutrient, on the growth and physiological parameters of single-celled algae are important for investigations of the dynamics of phytoplankton abundance and productivity in natural ecosystems as well as in industrial systems for the cultivation of microalgae. Difficulties in carrying out such studies are associated with the complex kinetics of Pi uptake by cells and the ability of microalgae to store phosphorus in their cells. This situation necessitates efficient methods for express monitoring of microalgal cultures, such as the methods based on the registration of optical properties of cells, in particular absorption and scattering of light and fluorescence of chlorophyll contained in the cells. Here, the results of monitoring the cultures of the chlorophyte Chlorella vulgaris IPPAS C-1 starving for phosphorus are described. It was found that both optical (light absorption in the bands of the key pigments—chlorophylls and carotenoids) and luminescent (variable fluorescence of chlorophyll) parameters closely reflect the culture condition. Registration of optical properties required correction for the contribution of light scattering to the overall extinction of light by microalgal cell suspensions. At the same time, the light scattering signal is an accurate measure of the total number of suspended particles in the suspension. However, it is difficult to monitor cultures containing a significant amount of light-scattering particles lacking photosynthetic pigments (such as heterotrophic bacteria). For such cultures, the use of variable fluorescence- based parameter Fv/Fm reflecting the maximum photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II is advisable.

The feasibility of the production of ethylene and heavier olefins by introducing methane into the products of a rich methane flame is experimentally demonstrated. Such a process is promising for the direct production of ethylene, propylene, and heavier olefins directly from methane, the main component of natural gas.

It has been shown that in the case of noncatalytic oxidative pyrolysis of propane, the admixture of ethylene in the reactants significantly increases the concentration of propylene in the products. This process can be arranged in such a manner that the ethylene will not be noticeably consumed, i.e., will actually act as a propylene formation catalyst. This arrangement opens up a possibility to design a selective process for producing propylene directly from propane.

The combined effect of 3 mg/L potassium dichromate, 1.5 mg/L cadmium sulfate, and 100 g/L shungite on the growth of chlorococcales green microalgae culture Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. is studied. The toxic effect of potassium dichromate and cadmium sulfate on S. quadricauda is estimated by calculating the share of living and dead cells and physiological parameters. The toxic effect of heavy metals does not manifest itself under the combined action of potassium dichromate or cadmium sulfate and shungite on S. quadricauda. The best growth of the algae culture occurred only when only shungite was added to the culture medium. Shungite can be used to neutralize the toxic effect of heavy metals.

Local field potentials (LFPs) may afford insight into the mechanisms of action of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and potential feedback signals for adaptive DBS. In Parkinson's disease (PD) DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) suppresses spontaneous activity in the beta band and drives evoked resonant neural activity (ERNA). Here, we investigate how STN LFP activities change over time following the onset and offset of DBS. To this end we recorded LFPs from the STN in 14 PD patients during long (mean: 181.2 s) and short (14.2 s) blocks of continuous stimulation at 130 Hz. LFP activities were evaluated in the temporal and spectral domains. During long stimulation blocks, the frequency and amplitude of the ERNA decreased before reaching a steady state after ~70 s. Maximal ERNA amplitudes diminished over repeated stimulation blocks. Upon DBS cessation, the ERNA was revealed as an under-damped oscillation, and was more marked and lasted longer after short duration stimulation blocks. In contrast, activity in the beta band suppressed within 0.5 s of continuous DBS onset and drifted less over time. Spontaneous activity was also suppressed in the low gamma band, suggesting that the effects of high frequency stimulation on spontaneous oscillations may not be selective for pathological beta activity. High frequency oscillations were present in only six STN recordings before stimulation onset and their frequency was depressed by stimulation. The different dynamics of the ERNA and beta activity with stimulation imply different DBS mechanisms and may impact how these activities may be used in adaptive feedback.

The influence of the ratio of the reactants on the characteristics of the cooxidation of ethylene and methane in a two-section flow reactor is examined. It is shown that the radical oxidation of ethylene implicates methane into the oxidation process. The interaction of the thereby formed methyl radicals with ethylene leads to a significant increase in the yield of propylene, an effect that enables to consider the co-oxidation of ethylene and methane as a promising method for producing propylene. A methane-rich flame stabilized on the surface of a flat permeable matrix is proposed as a more efficient source of methyl radicals for converting ethylene into propylene.

The influence of the initial concentration of oxygen and temperature on the oxidative conversion of propane in a two-sectional flow reactor at constant pressure and contact time was studied. It was shown that an increase in the initial concentration of oxygen not only increases the conversion of propane, but also affects the ratio of the reaction products. The yield of ethylene and propylene was found to depend on the initial propane to oxygen ratio and reaction temperature.

The aim of the study was to fill the gap in the knowledge on soils of montane cloud forest: until recently the soils formed in base-rich parent material under this forest type were insufficiently studied. We provided pedogenetic analysis of soils of two localities under montane cloud forest ecosystems in Sierra Gorda Mountains, Quiretaro state, Mexico. The site San Agustin had the annual rainfall of about 3000 mm and more diverse vegetative community. Soils formed in the debris and colluviums of silicate shales. The soils at this site were classified as Umbric Alisol (Cutanic, Humic). The pedogenesis of these soils included the stage of accumulation of polymerized organic matter and illuviation of clay rich in organic C, followed by the stage of progressing hydroconsolidation. Current clay illuviation occurs mainly under the consolidated fragipan-like layer. The site Yerba Buena had the annual rainfall of about 1000 mm and less diverse vegetation. Soils formed in a mixture of silicate shale and limestone-derived materials. The soils at this site were classified as Albic Fragic Luvisol (Calcaric, Cutanic). Initially these soils underwent the stage of leaching of bases and simultaneous hydroconsolidation that resulted in the formation of fragic horizon. Currently clay illuviation can be detected in these soils, but the process is not very active due to the compaction of the EBx and Btx horizons and the presence of residual calcite in the BC horizon. Both Alisols and Luvisols are seldom reported in montane cloud forest: they form mainly in base-rich parent material. For Luvisols under this forest type carbonate-rich parent material seems to be a pre-requisite for their formation.

Methods have been developed for the synthesis of new heterocyclic systems, spiro[chromene-4,3′- indoles] and spiro[indole-3,4′-quinolines] by the base-catalyzed domino reaction of isatins with 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane- 1,3-dione (or 5,5-dimethyl-3-anilinocyclohex-2-en-1-one) and ethyl cyanoacetate.

The effect of blue LED (450 nm) on the photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants and the transcript levels of several genes, including miRNAs, photoreceptors and auxin response factors (ARF) was investigated. It was observed that blue light accelerated the generative development, reduced the rosette leaf number, significantly reduced the leaf area, dry biomass and led to the disruption of conductive tissue formation. The blue LED differentially influenced the transcript levels of several phytochromes (PHY a, b, c, d, and e), cryptochromes (CRY 1 and 2) and phototropins (PHOT 1 and 2). At the same time, the blue LED significantly increased miR167 expression compared to a fluorescent lamp or white LEDs. This increase likely resulted in the enhanced transcription of the auxin response factor genes ARF4 and ARF8, which are regulated by this miRNA. These findings support the hypothesis that the effects of blue light on A. thaliana are mediated by auxin signalling pathway involving miRNA-dependent regulation of ARF gene expression.

It has been shown that the high-temperature hydrogen treatment of aluminum oxide nanowires coated with a monolayer of titanium oxide causes them to curl into nanotubes as a result of self-organization. The physicochemical properties of the nanotubes of a composite aluminum oxide aerogel coated with titanium oxide have been studied using X-ray phase analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a result of TiO2/Al2O3 nanofibrous aerogel treatment with hydrogen, a conversion of amorphous aluminum oxide fibers into tubes of nanocrystalline η-Al2O3 occurs, but in this case the titanium dioxide monolayer does not form a separate phase. A study of the porous structure by the low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen vapors has shown that the aerogels of TiO2/Al2O3 nanotubes have a developed mesoporous structure with a small amount of micropores and a specific surface of more than 300 m2/g. An increase in the temperature of hydrogen treatment first leads to the growth of an increase in the specific surface to 348 m2/g at 923 K, and then to a gradual decrease to 145 m2/g at 1123 K. In this case, the diameter of mesopores corresponding to a maximum on a curve of the pore size distribution decreases from 35 nm for a freshly prepared sample to 25 nm at 923 K and to 20 nm at 1123 K. The most homogeneous pores of a 25 nm diameter have the samples activated at 923 K. As a result of the high-temperature hydrogen treatment of the samples, the number of primary adsorption centers of water vapor adsorption decreases about two times. The resulting samples of TiO2/Al2O3 aerogels are close in structure to the initial aluminum oxide, whose wires just form nanotubes having a surface coated with titanium dioxide. As a result of the interaction between molecules of titanium dioxide adsorbed on the surface of aluminum oxide tubes, a substantial densification of the composite structure occurs.

The aim of this work was to find a minimal set of structurally stable pentapeptides, which allows forming a polypeptide chain of a required 3D structure. To search for factors that ensure structural stability of the pentapeptide, we generated peptide sequences with no more than three functional groups, based on the alanine pentapeptide AAAAA. We analyzed 44,860 structures of peptides by the molecular dynamics method and found that 1,225 pentapeptides over 80% of the simulation time were in a stable conformation. Clustering of these conformations revealed 54 topological types of conformationally stable pentapeptides. These conformations relate to different combined elements of the protein secondary structure. So, we obtained a minimal set of amino acid structures of conformationally stable pentapeptides, creating a complete set of different topologies that ensure the formation of pre-folded conformation of protein structures.

The process of cultivation of microalgae on purified and clarified wastewater of Kuryanovo wastewater treatment plants (KWWTP) was studied. The studies were conducted on monoculture (Scenedesmus quadricauda and Chlorella sorokiniana) and on polyculture, the composition of which was formed from microalgae present in the wastewater. The authors created and investigated the columnar photobioreactor (PBR), which acted as a pilot project on the purified and clarified water of KWWTP and allowed the removal of total nitrogen and phosphorus phosphates with an efficiency of up to 90%. The formation of a stable biocenosis from 22 species of algae (with 3–4 dominant species) and 31 species of zooplankton organisms belonging to six systematic subdivisions was recorded. The optimal retention time of the microalgae polyculture for the most effective wastewater treatment has been determined. The conducted studies have shown that the depth of decomposition of ashless matter and the ultimate biogas potential of untreated microalgae biomass is 15% lower than the corresponding values obtained with digestion of activated sludge, which necessitates studies in the field of pretreatment of algal biomass. The paper shows: connections between chlorophyll-a content, algal biomass and fluorescence index F0 and between biomass increment and Fv/Fm value.

We studied the acclimation, growth, and photosynthetic performance of a novel symbiotic chlorophyte Desmodesmus sp. 3Dp86E-1 from a White Sea benthic hydroid Dynamena pumila cultivated at a very high (20% by volume) CO 2 level relevant for biomitigation applications. Under the elevated CO 2 conditions, a two-fold increase in the rate of the culture growth, which remained balanced in terms of carbon and nitrogen assimilation, was recorded. The cultivation at 20% CO 2 did not disturb the ultrastructure or functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of the microalgae. By contrast, the increase in saturating light intensity, quantum yield and the rates of oxygen evolution and CO 2 fixation were recorded in comparison with cultivation at the atmospheric CO 2 . The analysis of photosystem I (PS I) reaction center, P 700 , reduction revealed an increase in cyclic electron flow over PS I, a putative source of the extra ATP for the maintenance of cell pH homeostasis. This suggestion was supported by a characteristic expansion of the thylakoid lumen observed on electron micrographs. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors blocked the capability of the microalga to maintain a favorable culture pH at 20% CO 2 suggesting the involvement of these enzymes in CO 2 tolerance. It is emphasized that the robustness of photosynthetic carbon assimilation together with the efficient channeling of the photosynthates to the biosynthesis of the structural cell components is crucial for acclimation to and efficient growth under very high carbon dioxide levels. These capabilities make the symbiotic microalgae particularly suitable for employment in the advanced CO 2 biomitigation technologies.

Possibilities of alcohol distillery wastewater (ADW) bioremediation with a new Chlorella sorokiniana from White Sea cultivated in semi-batch mode in a high-density photobioreactor monitored on-line via chlorophyll fluorescence were investigated. Upon inoculation of the ADW, a stable alga-bacterial consortium was formed. A decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the ADW from 20 000 to ca. 1500 mg L − 1 was achieved over four days with a decline in nitrate (> 95%), phosphate (77%) and sulfate (35%). Minimal pre-treatment of the ADW (adjustment to 6.0–7.0 pH) was necessary. Kinetics of COD decline and growth of microalga on ADW as well as chlorophyll and fatty acid (FA) composition of the biomass were studied. Cultivation on ADW increased the unsaturation of the FA of the microalga cell lipids rendering the biomass of C. sorokiniana cultivated on ADW a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production. Measurement of variable chlorophyll fluorescence was shown to be a sensitive method for monitoring of the physiological condition of the microalgae grown on ADW. The cultivation conditions facilitating ADW bioremediation with the microalga were investigated. The advantages and limitations of the proposed process for ADW treatment are discussed in view of the findings obtained.

Currently light emitting diodes (LEDs) are considered to be most preferable source for space plant growth facilities. We performed a complex study of growth and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage plants (Brassica chinensis L.) grown with continuous LED lighting based on red (650 nm) and blue (470 nm) LEDs with a red to blue photon ratio of 7:1. Plants grown with high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps were used as a control. PPF levels used were about 100 μmol/(m2 s) (PPF 100) and nearly 400 μmol/(m2 s) (PPF 400). One group of plants was grown with PPF 100 and transferred to PPF 400 at the age of 12 days. Plants were studied at the age of 15 and 28 days (harvest age); some plants were left to naturally end their life cycle. We studied a number of parameters reflecting different stages of photosynthesis: photosynthetic pigment content; chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (photosystem II quantum yield, photochemical and non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching); electron transport rate, proton gradient on thylakoid membranes (ΔpH), and photophosphorylation rate in isolated chloroplasts. We also tested parameters reflecting plant growth and productivity: shoot and root fresh and dry weight, sugar content and ascorbic acid content in shoots. Our results had shown that at PPF 100, plants grown with LEDs did not differ from control plants in shoot fresh weight, but showed substantial differences in photophosphorylation rate and sugar content. Differences observed in plants grown with PPF 100 become more pronounced in plants grown with PPF 400. Most parameters characterizing the plant photosynthetic performance, such as photosynthetic pigment content, electron transport rate, and ΔpH did not react strongly to light spectrum. Photophosphorylation rate differed strongly in plants grown with different spectrum and PPF level, but did not always reflect final plant yield. Results of the present work suggest that narrow-band LED lighting caused changes in Chinese cabbage plants on levels of the photosynthetic apparatus and the whole plant, concerning its development and adaptation to a varying PPF level.

Buta-1,3-diene-1,4-diylbis(triphenylphosphonium) iodide reacted with alkanethiols at room temperature in the presence of triethylamine to give [4-(alkylsulfanyl)buta-1,3-diene-1-yl]triphenylphosphonium iodides and triphenylphosphine in high yields. Two presumable reaction mechanisms involving ethynylvinyl intermediate (formed via the Hofmann decomposition of the starting diiodide and the initially formed 1,4-adduct with a thiol) were discussed.

Hepatitis C virus loading was evaluated using modifications of PCR product detection: terminal point fluorescent detection, real time assay, and agarose gel electrophoresis. The advantages and flaws of the real time PCR and electrophoretic detection of amplification products for evaluation of the quantity of virus particle copies are evaluated.

Starting from allyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (3), allyl (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2-O-acetyl-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (5) was synthesized under Helferich conditions. Module 5 was converted to 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-2-O-acetyl-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl bromide (8) which was then coupled with methyl (allyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-β-d-galactopyranosid)uronate (11) to provide methyl (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→4)-(2-O-acetyl-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1→4)-(allyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-β-d-galactopyranosid)uronate (14). Alternatively, module 5 was transformed into allyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (9) suitable as an acceptor for the glycosylation with methyl 4-O-acetyl-2,3-di-O-benzyl-α/β-d-galactopyranosyluronate N-phenyl trifluoroacetimidate (13) to yield allyl (methyl 4-O-acetyl-2,3-di-O-benzyl-α-d-galactopyranosyluronate)-(1→2)-[2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl]-(1→4)-3-O-benzyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (15). Both trisaccharides modules are suitable for the synthesis of branched pectin fragments.

The approach for the analysis of some large-scale biological systems, on the base of quasiequilibrium stages is proposed. The approach allows us to reduce the detailed large-scaled models and obtain the simplified model with an analytical solution. This makes it possible to reproduce the experimental curves with a good accuracy. This approach has been applied to a detailed model of the primary processes of photosynthesis in the reaction center of photosystem II. The resulting simplified model of photosystem II describes the experimental fluorescence induction curves for higher and lower plants, obtained under different light intensities. Derived relationships between variables and parameters of detailed and simplified models, allow us to use parameters of simplified model to describe the dynamics of various states of photosystem II detailed model.

Age of patients and oxidative stress in brain cells may contribute to pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBC) are considered as passive “reporter cells” for the oxidative status of the whole body and remain poorly investigated in AD. The aim of this study was to assess whether the antioxidant status of RBC changes in aging and AD. Blood was taken from AD and non-Alzheimer’s dementia patients, aged-matched and younger controls. The antioxidant status of RBC was evaluated in each person participated in the study by measuring levels of H2O2, organic hydroperoxides, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In both aging and dementia, oxidative stress in RBC was shown to increase as evidenced by elevated concentrations of H2O2, organic hydroperoxides, decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, and decreased glutathione S-transferase activity. Decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in RBC may be considered as a new peripheral marker for Alzheimer’s disease while changes of other parameters of oxidative stress reflect age-related events.

Aluminum oxide monolithic aerogels (PMAOs) with specific surfaces of up to 400 m2/g and densities of up to 0.004 g/cm3 were obtained by the direct oxidation of metallic aluminum by water vapors. Studies of the obtained aerogels using the methods of scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that a freshly prepared aerogel represents the amorphous structure from alumina fibrous with a diameter of about 5 nm. Parameters of a porous aerogel structure were determined from the isotherms of adsorption of nitrogen vapors at 77 K. It is shown that the specific surface area decreases by 50% upon the dehydration of aerogel by temperature pretreatment at 900°C until the phase transition temperature is reached. At the same time, heat treatment at temperatures above 1200°C results in a phase transition at which significant contraction of structure occurs and the specific surface area decreases to 20 m2/g. The number of primary adsorption centers was obtained from comparative plots of water vapor adsorption. It was found that preliminary dehydration only slightly affects the number of primary centers of water adsorption.

The goal of this study was to test the ability of the photodynamic dyes bengal rose, toluidine blue and methylene blue to protect systemically cucumber plants from cucurbit scab. At the stage of one true leaf, water or aqueous solutions of the dyes were applied to the leaf as droplets. When the second leaf appeared and was fully developed, it was inoculated with a spore suspension of Cladosporium cucumerinum . It was found that all dyes (at 0.5–200 μM) significantly suppressed symptoms of the disease. The effect was preceded by development of local damage of the treated leaf. The degree of the damage as well as the disease suppression increased with dye concentration. Both indices were smaller if the plants were kept in darkness for the first day after the treatment. It is suggested that reactive oxygen photogenerated by dyes caused a local cell death, which induced resistance in distant leaves. The dyes tested, or their derivatives, may offer a base for novel disease resistance inducers.

Spinal intramedullary cavernous malformations are a rare vascular pathology of the central nervous system. They account for 3-5% of spinal cord diseases. The clinical picture in patients with cavernous malformations varies from an asymptomatic course to gross neurological deficit in the case of bleeding from a malformation. Due to the lack of reliable methods for predicting the development of bleeding, the need for surgical treatment of asymptomatic patients remains a relevant and open topic for discussion. The goal of surgical treatment of cavernous malformations is to minimize the risk of repeated hemorrhages and gross neurological deficits in patients. Intraoperative indocyanine green video angiography is a promising technique for intraoperative visualization of the size and adherence area of a cavernous malformation to the spinal cord tissue. This increases the radicality of cavernous malformation resection and minimizes intraoperative risks for the patient.Интрамедуллярные кавернозные мальформации (КМ) спинного мозга являются редкой сосудистой патологией центральной нервной системы. В общей структуре патологии спинного мозга они составляют 3-5%. Клиническая картина у пациентов с КМ варьируется от бессимптомного течения до выраженного неврологического дефицита в случае кровоизлияния. Ввиду отсутствия точных методов прогнозирования кровоизлияния необходимость хирургического лечения пациентов с бессимптомным течением КМ остается актуальной и открытой для дискуссии темой. Целью хирургического лечения КМ является минимизация риска повторных кровоизлияний и формирования неврологического дефицита. Интраоперационная видеоангиография с использованием индоцианина зеленого представляет собой перспективный метод интраоперационной визуализации размеров и зоны прилежания КМ к ткани спинного мозга. Применение данного метода позволяет увеличить радикальность удаления КМ и минимизировать риск интраоперационных и послеоперационных осложнений.

Reaction of 1,4-bisphosphonium salts containing common buta-1,3-dienylene group with the halogenating agenst such as halogens and copper halides is studied. It was found than in all the cases instead of the expected products of the 1,2- or 1,4-addition to the above-mentioned salts the adducts with complex anions were formed quantitatively. According to the X-ray studies of bis(tributylphosphonio)buta-1,3-dienotribromocuprate the positive charge on phosphorus is compensated with the complex [Cu2Br6]2− anion.

The magnitude of real-time changes in reflectance of ripening apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh., cv. Antonovka) fruit induced by PAR irradiation (500 μE m −2 s −1 ) was monitored together with pigment composition and non-photochemical dissipation of absorbed light energy. In fruit with high chlorophyll content irradiation induced, within 180 s, a notable decrease of reflectance in the bands centred at 520, 692 and 740 nm. These changes were strongly inter-correlated and exhibited tight relationships with chlorophyll fluorescence intensity, violaxanthin de-epoxidation, NPQ, qN and qP. The decrease of the reflectance in the blue-green is suggested to be related mainly with irradiation-induced conversion of violaxanthin to zeaxanthin whereas the decrease of the reflectance in the red and NIR was obviously due to the quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. Based on these findings, spectral index AVI ( A pple V iolaxanthin cycle I ndex) for non-destructive assessment of violaxanthin cycle operation in apple was developed. According to the results of violaxanthin cycle monitoring with the use of AVI, its activity as well as non-photochemical quenching declined in the course of apple ripening on the background of the increase in the proportion of extrathylakoid carotenoids (mainly fatty acid-esterified xanthophylls) together with the relative amount of light intercepted by these pigments. Comparative importance of violaxanthin cycle and light screening by extrathylakoid carotenoids for photoprotection at different stages of fruit development is discussed.

Tributylphosphine reacts with (3-chlorobuta-1,3-dienyl)(trimethyl)ammonium chloride to give 1,2,4-tris(tributylphosphonio)but-3-en-1-ide dichloride; triethylphosphine reacts in a similar way. Triphenylphosphine is inert to the above ammonium salt; whereas an analogous tris(triphenylphosphonium) derivative can be obtained from (3,4-dichlorobut-2-enyl)-(trimethyl)ammonium chloride.

Basic hydrolysis of 1,4-bis(triphenylphosphonio)buta-1, 3-diene dichloride with 10% NaOH gave isomeric 4-diphenylphosphoryl-4-phenylbut-1(2)-enes and 1-diphenylphosphoryl-1-phe-nylbuta-1, 3-diene, the products of anionotropic migration of a phenyl group from the P atom to the α-position. Hydrolysis with Na2CO3 afforded only the diene product. In both cases, triphe-nylphosphine and triphenylphosphine oxide were isolated as secondary products. Dehydro-chlorination of 2-chloro-1,4-bis(triphenylphosphonio)but-2-ene dibromide with triphenylphosphine was proposed as a new convenient route to 1,4-bis(triphenylphosphonio)buta-1,3-diene dibromide.

A device for integrating cavity absorption measurements (ICAM) with an internal diameter of 80 mm suitable for field research is described. The spectral features of the light absorption by some cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms in the integrating sphere were studied and the dependences of the absorption on the cell concentration were determined in comparison with the conventional measurements in a 1-cm cuvette. The sensitivity of the chlorophyll estimation with the ICAM reached 0.2–0.5 mg m−3. The results of the ICAM application for the direct analysis of the natural phytoplankton and dissolved organic (“yellow“) matter in the Black Sea and the Sea of Japan are described.

Two populations of a diatom alga Thallassiosira weisflogii were grown at photon flux densities (PFD) of 0.8 and 8 µmol/(m2 s). For both diatom populations, the recovery of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F0, Fm, Fv/Fm, and NPQ) was monitored after nondestructive irradiation by visible light at PFD of 40 µmol/(m2 s) and after high-intensity irradiation by visible light (1000–4000 µmol/(m2 s)). The exposure of diatoms to PFD of 40 µmol/(m2 s)—higher than PFD used for algal growth but still nondamaging to photosynthetic apparatus—induced nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), which was stronger in algae grown at higher PFD (8 µmol/(m2 s)) than in algae grown at low light. After irradiation with high-intensity light, the recovery of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was more pronounced in algae grown at elevated PFD level. During short-term irradiation of diatoms with high-intensity visible light (1000 µmol/(m2 s)), a stronger NPQ was observed in the culture adapted to high irradiance. After the treatment of algae with dithiothreitol (an inhibitor of carotenoid deepoxidase in the diadinoxanthin cycle) or NH4Cl (an agent abolishing the proton gradient at thylakoid membranes), a short exposure of algae to PFD of 40 µmol/(m2 s) induced hardly any nonphotochemical quenching. The results indicate the dominant contribution of xanthophyll cycle carotenoids to energy-dependent quenching.

Fluorescence of the marine alga Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) Fryxell et Hasle with open (F o ) and closed (F m ) reaction centers of photosystem 2 (PS 2) and its relative variable fluorescence (F v/F m ) were measured at various levels of inorganic nitrogen. A significant heterogeneity of the population in terms of these parameters was revealed. Some cells within the population were more sensitive to nitrogen deficiency, and their photosynthetic apparatus was disrupted to a greater extent. The cells within a population also differed in terms of their ability to recover after incubation at low nitrogen levels. Enhancement of nitrogen deficiency resulted in an increase in the variability of the F o and F v/F m values of the cells. Fluorescence variability decreased at a less pronounced deficiency. Fluorescence variability should be taken into consideration in the studies concerning responses of algae to changes in nutrient contents.

We compared growth and the content of sugar, protein, and photosynthetic pigments, as well as chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in 15- and 27-day-old Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) plants grown under a high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or a light source built on the basis of red (650 nm) and blue (470 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a red to blue photon ratio of 7: 1. One group of plants was grown at a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) level of 391 ± 24 μ mol/(m2 s) (normal level); the other, at a PPF level of 107 ± 9 μ mol/(m2 s) (low light). Plants of the third group were firstly grown at the low light and then (on the 12th day) transferred to the normal level. When grown at the normal PPF level, the plants grown under LEDs didn’t differ from plants grown under HPS lamps in shoot fresh weight, but they showed a lower root fresh and dry weights and the lower content of total sugar and sugar reserves in the leaves. No differences in the pigment content and photosystem II quantum yield were found; however, a higher Chl a/b ratio in plants grown under LEDs indicates a different proportion of functional complexes in thylakoid membranes. The response to low light conditions was mostly the same in plants grown under HPS lamps and LEDs; however, LED plants showed a lower growth rate and a higher nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching. In the case of the altered PPF level during growth, the plant photosynthetic apparatus adapted to new conditions of illumination within three days. Plants grown under HPS lamps at a constant normal PPF level and those transferred to the normal PPF level on the 12th day, on the 27th day didn’t differ in shoot fresh weight, but in plants grown under LEDs, the differences were considerable. Our results show that LED-based light sources can be used for plant growing. At the same time, some specific properties of plant photosynthesis and growth under these conditions of illumination were found.

Mucosal surfaces provide first-line defense against microbial invasion through their complex secretions. The antimicrobial activities of proteins in these secretions have been well delineated, but the contributions of lipids to mucosal defense have not been defined. We found that normal human nasal fluid contains all major lipid classes (in micrograms per milliliter), as well as lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A-I. The predominant less polar lipids were myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid, cholesterol, and cholesteryl palmitate, cholesteryl linoleate, and cholesteryl arachidonate. Normal human bronchioepithelial cell secretions exhibited a similar lipid composition. Removal of less-polar lipids significantly decreased the inherent antibacterial activity of nasal fluid against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was in part restored after replenishing the lipids. Furthermore, lipids extracted from nasal fluid exerted direct antibacterial activity in synergism with the antimicrobial human neutrophil peptide HNP-2 and liposomal formulations of cholesteryl linoleate and cholesteryl arachidonate were active against P. aeruginosa at physiological concentrations as found in nasal fluid and exerted inhibitory activity against other Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These data suggest that host-derived lipids contribute to mucosal defense. The emerging concept of host-derived antimicrobial lipids unveils novel roads to a better understanding of the immunology of infectious diseases.

Single-and double-walled carbon nanotubes were obtained by template synthesis with foamed monolithic alumina as a template. The carbon materials obtained are homogeneous; their structures depend on the carbon precursor used. Double-walled nanotubes (with saccharose as a carbon precursor) have an average diameter of about 0.4 nm and a specific surface area of about 400 m2/g (from the BET isotherm). Single-walled carbon nanotubes (with a polymer based on furfuryl alcohol as a carbon precursor) have a diameter of 1.8 nm and a specific surface area of 580 m2/g.