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This paper presents comparative data on the structural, thermal, and mechanical characteristics, the work of adhesion as well as the anti-mold activity of composites based on PVA and Ag–Cu structures. A one-stage method for obtaining polymer composites with Ag–Cu using underwater pulsed plasma is considered. Two- and three-stage chemical methods for obtaining Ag–Cu structures with/without using the stabilizer (chitosan and polyvinylpyrrolidone) are also compared. The incorporation of the filler into the polymer matrix is confirmed by XRD patterns and FTIR spectroscopy data. The results of thermal and mechanical tests have shown that the synthesis method and the nature of the stabilizer allow the creation of more platy composites. The introduction of Ag–Cu fillers increases the resistance to UV radiation and changes the work of adhesion. The method of production, the concentration of the filler, and the nature of the stabilizer affect the anti-mold activity of the composites. Analysis of obtained results, PVA/Ag–Cu composites can be considered promising food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two-component ionogels containing clay minerals and ionic liquids were prepared. • The thermal behavior of the synthesized ionogels and pristine ILs was investigated using DSC and TG techniques. • A confinement effect was revealed in the studied materials. • The glass-transition temperature shifted towards higher temperatures with the introduction of aluminosilicate. • The characteristic temperatures of thermal decomposition of ionogels were lower than those for the pristine ILs. Two-component ionogels containing clay minerals such as montmorillonite K 10 (Mnt- K 10), bentonite (Bent), and halloysite (Hly), as well as imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were prepared in present work. The ILs that were used in the synthesis included a bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide anion (TFSI-) and various cations: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIm+), 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium (PMIm+), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIm+), and 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium (BDMIm+). The thermal behavior of the synthesized ionogels and neat ILs was investigated using differential scanning spectroscopy (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). It was found that the thermograms of PMImTFSI, BMImTFSI, and BDMImTFSI showed inflections corresponding to glass-transition, which shifted towards higher temperatures with the introduction of aluminosilicate. The largest shifts compared to the neat ILs were observed for IL/Bent ionogels. It was assumed that the identified differences in the thermal behavior between the neat and clay-entrapped ILs (confinement effect) are associated with an increased role of ion-wall interactions compared to ion-ion interactions. When studying the thermal stability of the materials under consideration, two opposite trends were noted. On the one hand, the characteristic temperatures of thermal decomposition of the synthesized ionogels were lower than those for the neat ILs. But on the other hand, when introducing aluminosilicate into any IL, a decrease in the maximum rate of thermal decomposition was observed in accordance with series of IL > IL/Mnt- K 10 > IL/Hly > IL/Bent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of samarium iron borate was analyzed with regard to growth conditions and temperature. The inclusion of about 7% Bi atoms in the crystals grown using the Bi2Mo3O12-based flux was discovered and there were no impurities in the crystals grown using the Li2WO4-based flux. No pronounced structural features associated with Bi inclusion were observed. The different absolute configurations of the samples grown using both fluxes were demonstrated. Below 80 K, a negative thermal expansion of the c unit-cell parameter was found. The structure of (Sm0.93Bi0.07)Fe3(BO3)4 belongs to the trigonal space group R32 in the temperature range 90-400 K. A decrease in the (Sm,Bi)--O, Sm--B, Sm--Fe, Fe--O, Fe--B and Fe--Fe distances is observed with a lowering of the temperature, B1--O does not change, B2--O increases slightly and the B2O3 triangles deviate from the ab plane. The strongest decrease in the equivalent isotropic atomic displacement parameters (Ueq) with decreasing temperature is observed for atoms Sm and O2, and the weakest is observed for B1. The O2 atoms have the highest Ueq values, the most elongated atomic displacement ellipsoids of all the atoms and the smallest number of allowed vibrational modes of all the O atoms. The largest number of allowed vibrational modes and the strongest interactions with neighbouring atoms is seen for the B atoms, and the opposite is seen for the Sm atoms. The quadrupole splitting Δ(T) of the paramagnetic Mo? ssbauer spectra increases linearly with cooling. The Ne' el temperature [TN = 31.93 (5) K] was determined from the temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic field Bhf(T), which has a non-Brillouin character. The easy-plane long-range magnetic ordering below TN was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of samarium iron borate was analyzed with regard to growth conditions and temperature. The inclusion of about 7% Bi atoms in the crystals grown using the Bi2Mo3O12‐based flux was discovered and there were no impurities in the crystals grown using the Li2WO4‐based flux. No pronounced structural features associated with Bi inclusion were observed. The different absolute configurations of the samples grown using both fluxes were demonstrated. Below 80 K, a negative thermal expansion of the c unit‐cell parameter was found. The structure of (Sm0.93Bi0.07)Fe3(BO3)4 belongs to the trigonal space group R32 in the temperature range 90–400 K. A decrease in the (Sm,Bi)—O, Sm—B, Sm—Fe, Fe—O, Fe—B and Fe—Fe distances is observed with a lowering of the temperature, B1—O does not change, B2—O increases slightly and the B2O3 triangles deviate from the ab plane. The strongest decrease in the equivalent isotropic atomic displacement parameters (Ueq) with decreasing temperature is observed for atoms Sm and O2, and the weakest is observed for B1. The O2 atoms have the highest Ueq values, the most elongated atomic displacement ellipsoids of all the atoms and the smallest number of allowed vibrational modes of all the O atoms. The largest number of allowed vibrational modes and the strongest interactions with neighbouring atoms is seen for the B atoms, and the opposite is seen for the Sm atoms. The quadrupole splitting Δ(T) of the paramagnetic Mössbauer spectra increases linearly with cooling. The Néel temperature [TN = 31.93 (5) K] was determined from the temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic field Bhf(T), which has a non‐Brillouin character. The easy‐plane long‐range magnetic ordering below TN was confirmed.The crystal structure of samarium iron borate, SmFe3(BO3)4, grown by the solution‐melt technique using fluxes based on Bi2Mo3O12 and Li2WO4, was analyzed with regard to the synthesis conditions and temperature. The studies were carried out using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray spectral energy‐dispersive microanalysis, single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis and Mössbauer absorption spectroscopy. The characteristic temperatures were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neodymium iron borate NdFe3(BO3)4 is an intensively studied multiferroic with high electric polarization values controlled by a magnetic field. It is characterized by a large quadratic magnetoelectric effect, rigidity in the base plane and a rather strong piezoelectric effect. In this work, the atomic structure of (Nd0.91Bi0.09)Fe3(BO3)4 was studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction in the temperature range 20–500 K (space group R32, Z = 3). The Bi atoms found in the composition partially substitute the Nd atoms in the 3a position; they entered the structure due to the growth conditions in the presence of Bi2Mo3O12. It was shown that in the temperature range 20–500 K there is no structural phase transition R32→P3121, which occurs in rare‐earth iron borates (RE = Eu–Er, Y) with an effective rare‐earth cation radius smaller than that of Nd. The temperature dependence of the unit‐cell c parameter reveals a slight increase on cooling below 90 K, which is similar to the results obtained previously for iron borates of Gd, Y and Ho. The atomic distances (Nd,Bi)—O, (Nd,Bi)—B, (Nd,Bi)—Fe, Fe—O, Fe—B and Fe—Fe in the iron chains and between chains decrease steadily with decreasing temperature from 500 to 90 K, whereas the B1(3b)—O distance does not change and the average B2(9e)—O distance increases slightly. There is a uniform decrease in the atomic displacement parameters with decreasing temperature, with a more pronounced decrease for the Nd(3a) and O2(9e) atoms. The O2(9e) atoms are characterized by the maximum atomic displacement parameters and the most elongated atomic displacement ellipsoids. The characteristic Debye and Einstein temperatures, and the static component in the atomic displacements were determined for cations using multi‐temperature diffraction data. It was shown that the Nd cations have the weakest bonds with the surrounding atoms and the B cations have the strongest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone and muscle tissues are mostly susceptible to different kinds of hypodynamia, including real and simulated microgravity (sμg). To evaluate the effect of sμg on bone marrow (BM), male C57Bl/6N mice were divided into three groups: vivarium control (VC), 30-day hindlimb suspension (HS), and subsequent 12-h short-term support reloading (RL). The effects on BM total mononucleated cells (MNCs) as well as stromal and hematopoietic progenitors from murine tibia were studied. The number of BM MNCs, immunophenotype, proliferation, colony-forming units (CFUs), differentiation and secretory activity of hematopoietic and stromal BM cells were determined. HS led to a twofold decrease in MNCs, alteration of surface molecule expression profiles, suppression of proliferative activity of BM cells, and change of soluble mediators' levels. The stromal compartment was characterized by a decrease of CFU of fibroblasts and suppression of spontaneous osteo-commitment after HS. Among the hematopoietic precursors, a decrease in the total number of CFUs was found mainly at the expense of suppression of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM. After RL, restoration of the stromal precursor's functional activity to control levels and overabundance of paracrine mediator's production were detected, whereas the complete recovery of hematopoietic precursor's activity did not occur. These data demonstrate the fast functional reaction of the stromal compartment on restoration of loading support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature evolution of the crystal structure and dielectric response of a nanocomposite based on porous glasses with an average pore diameter of 7 nm and embedded sodium nitrate in the temperature range of 300–600 K have been studied on heating. The temperature dependences of the amplitudes of thermal vibrations of ions in sodium nitrate nanoparticles are obtained, and the activation energies of sodium hopping conductivity in these nanocomposite materials are determined. The results obtained allow us to state that it is the sharp increase in thermal vibrations that leads to the appearance of the previously observed crossover in the temperature dependence of the order parameter of the structural transition in sodium nitrate nanoparticles at T* ∼455 K and to a decrease in the activation energy of sodium ions hopping conductivity on heating above T*. • Unusual order parameter temperature dependence in NaNO3 nanoparticles. • Appearance of a crossover in this dependence near T* ∼450 K. • A sharp growth of ion thermal vibrations above T*. • Increase of sodium hopping conductivity when approaching the crossover. • Significant reduction of the structural transition temperature compared to bulk NaNO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature evolution of crystal structure and ferroelectric order parameter η(T) in nanocomposite materials "SBA-15 + NaNO2" have been studied by neutron diffraction. The large (∼15 K) temperature hysteresis in dependences of η(T) on heating and on cooling has been observed. It is shown that a cause of this effect is an influence of elastic strains arising upon heating and leading to a change in the temperature of the ferroelectric phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study of bismuth‐containing HoFe3(BO3)4 between 11 and 500 K has revealed structural phase transition at Tstr = 365 K. The Bi atoms enter the composition from Bi2Mo3O12‐based flux during crystal growth and significantly affect Tstr. The content of Bi was estimated by two independent methods, establishing the composition as (Ho0.96Bi0.04)Fe3(BO3)4. In the low‐temperature (LT) phase below Tstr the (Ho0.96Bi0.04)Fe3(BO3)4 crystal symmetry is trigonal, of space group P3121, whereas at high temperature (HT) above 365 K the symmetry increases to space group R32. There is a sharp jump of oxygen O1 (LT) and O2 (LT) atomic displacement parameters (ADP) at Tstr. O1 and O2 ADP ellipsoids are the most elongated over 90–500 K. In space group R32 specific distances decrease steadily or do not change with decreasing temperature. In space group P3121 the distortion of the polyhedra Ho(Bi)O6, Fe1O6 and Fe2O6, B2O3 and B3O3 increases with decreasing temperature, whereas the triangles B1O3 remain almost equilateral. All BO3 triangles deviate from the ab plane with decreasing temperature. Fe–Fe distances in Fe1 chains decrease, while distances in Fe2 chains increase with decreasing temperature. The Mössbauer study confirms that the FeO6 octahedra undergo complex dynamic distortions. However, all observed distortions are rather small, and the general change in symmetry during the structural phase transition has very little influence on the local environment of iron in oxygen octahedra. The Mössbauer spectra do not distinguish two structurally different Fe1 and Fe2 positions in the LT phase. The characteristic temperatures of cation thermal vibrations were calculated using X‐ray diffraction and Mössbauer data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents development of magnetron sputtering technology for catalytic Pt coating production. Low Pt-loaded gas diffusion electrodes were prepared by a single-step magnetron sputtering in different regimes. Pt and Pt-carbon films (95–97 wt% Pt) were deposited directly onto the gas diffusion layers (GDLs): carbon paper (Sigracet® 39 BC) and carbon cloths (GDL-CT, ELAT® LT 1400 W). A bipolar pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering with pulsed frequency 100 kHz was used as the method for catalysts deposition. Total Pt loading in the thin films varied in the range 0.04–0.13 mg*cm−2. Obtained catalysts onto GDLs were investigated by scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and potentiodynamic methods. The deposited catalysts had a high electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and stability determined by the durability stress test (DST) method. The highest ECSA was obtained with Pt target in the pulsed (100 kHz) sputtering mode. This ECSA values were rather stable during 3000 cycles of stress-tests versus 500 cycles for Pt deposited by polyol method on the same gas diffusion layers. • Pt catalytic coatings were produced by mid-frequency pulsed DC sputtering. • The electrochemical surface areas are higher in the case of pulse mode Pt sputtering. • The Pt-sputtered electrodes show high stability in the course of the durability tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(methyl methacrylate) films and poly(methyl methacrylate)/fullerene composite films were fabricated by casting from toluene solutions. The mass fraction of fullerene (C60) was varied from 0.05-3 wt. %. The effect of the fullerene (C60) content on the thermal degradation parameters of the composite films was evaluated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. It was found that the incorporation of C60 improved the thermal stability of the polymers. The films eventually decomposed in three stages. Incorporation of fullerene caused a change in the distribution of mass loss over the stages of degradation in comparison with the pristine polymer. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the phase transitions from the glassy state to the elastic one was studied for the examined polymeric materials. New data relating to the effect of C60 on the glass transition temperature of composites with low weight fractions of filler were obtained. Specifically, for films containing up to 0.1 wt. % of C60, a single glass transition temperature was found, whereas for composites with a higher concentration of filler, two glass transition temperatures were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate X‐ray diffraction study of (Y0.95Bi0.05)Fe3(BO3)4 single crystals in the temperature range 90–500 K was performed on a laboratory diffractometer and used synchrotron radiation. It was established that the crystal undergoes a diffuse structural phase transition in the temperature range 350–380 K. The complexity of localization of such a transition over temperature was overcome by means of special analysis of systematic extinction reflections by symmetry. The transition temperature can be considered to be Tstr ≃ 370 K. The crystal has a trigonal structure in the space group P3121 at temperatures of 90–370 K, and it has a trigonal structure in the space group R32 at 375–500 K. There is one type of chain formed by the FeO6 octahedra along the c axis in the R32 phase. When going into the P3121 phase, two types of nonequivalent chains arise, in which Fe atoms are separated from the Y atoms by a different distance. Upon lowering the temperature from 500 to 90 K, a distortion of the Y(Bi)O6, FeO6, B(2,3)O3 coordination polyhedra is observed. The distances between atoms in helical Fe chains and Fe—O—Fe angles change non‐uniformly. A sharp jump in the equivalent isotropic displacement parameters of O1 and O2 atoms within the Fe—Fe chains and fluctuations of the equivalent isotropic displacement parameters of B2 and B3 atoms were observed in the region of structural transition as well as noticeable elongation of O1, O2, B2, B3, Fe1, Fe2 atomic displacement ellipsoids. It was established that the helices of electron density formed by Fe, O1 and O2 atoms may be structural elements determining chirality, optical activity and multiferroicity of rare‐earth iron borates. Compression and stretching of these helices account for the symmetry change and for the manifestation of a number of properties, whose geometry is controlled by an indirect exchange interaction between iron cations that compete with the thermal motion of atoms in the structure. Structural analysis detected these changes as variations of a number of structural characteristics in the c unit‐cell direction, that is, the direction of the helices. Structural results for the local surrounding of the atoms in (Y0.95Bi0.05)Fe3(BO3)4 were confirmed by EXAFS and Mössbauer spectroscopies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particle-size distribution in silica powder prepared by the sol-gel method has been determined by dynamic light scattering analysis. The average diameter of the particles was found to be 250 nm. Using a low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique, it was found that the synthesised powder may be referred to as mesoporous materials. Polystyrene/silica composite films were fabricated by casting from o-xylene solutions. It was found, using thermogravimetry, that incorporation of silica leads to an increase in both the onset temperature of polymer degradation and in the temperature at which the maximum rate of weight loss occurs. Using differential scanning calorimetry, the phase transitions from the glassy state to the elastic one were studied for the polymeric materials. New data relating to the effect of silica on the glass-transition temperature, Tg, of composites with a low weight fraction of SiO2 were found. Specifically, we found a non-monotonic concentration dependence of the value of Tg. The present results advocate for employing silica as an effective filler for producing polymer composites with enhanced thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, specific features of scientific research work at the particular period of time are described. Specific examples of successful implementation of the results of higher education institution science in production are cited and causes of failures are analyzed. The problems of interaction that remain unresolved are listed, and objective difficulties emerging during performance of scientific research work on certain topics are identified. Methods and forms of interaction management have been studied using the case of the Master contract of creative cooperation and mutual assistance being made and exercised in practice between a higher education institution and the backbone enterprise. The authors give grounds for it being necessary to organize the interaction of science, education and production in order to solve the scientific and technical, social and economic problems of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organobentonite powder was synthesized and characterized using laser diffraction, X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique, and dynamic light scattering. Obtained powder was found as material with mesopores. The organobentonite particles were larger than pure bentonite one. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was filled with organobentonite particles by mechanical dispersion, and produced composite films were researched by the number of methods. New data relating to structure, tensile properties, and antimicrobial activity of HEC/organobentonite composites were obtained. Using results of X-ray diffraction, the reflections assigned to crystal filler in polymer material were proved. Concentration effect of the filling agent on tensile properties of composite film was revealed. Data of infrared (IR) spectrometry indicated a decrease in the density of hydrogen-bond net in HEC/organobentonite composite as compared with pristine HEC. Using microbiological tests, it was found that the HEC/organobentonite films exhibited bacteriostatic action against S. aureus and fungistatic action against molds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease leading to significant increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and degree of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (CA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA) in RA patients (pts). The study included 63 RA pts (38F/25M) with suspected ischemic heart disease. The mean age of RA pts was 58[52;63]years, disease duration - 11[7;23]years, disease activity-DAS 28 4,7[3,2;5,8]. All pts undertook сoronary angiography and carotid duplex ultrasonography. CA stenosis was diagnosed if hemodynamically significant narrowing of the artery lumen (≥50%) was present. Carotid artery plaque (CAP) are assessed by the detection of IMT≥1,2mm. Out of 63 RA pts CA stenosis was detected in 22 (35%) (7F/15M) (Group I)), while intact CA were found in 41 (65%) (31F/10M) (Group II) pts. Both Groups were comparable in terms of age, disease duration and RA activity. Males prevailed in Group I: 48% vs 10% in Group II (p<0,05). Serum HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were lower in Group 1 vs Group 2 (1,2[0,9;1,4]mmol/l) vs 1,6[1,2;1,9]mmol/l), p<0,01). Concentration of other lipids were similar in pts from both Groups. CAP of the ICA was found in 19% and 16% in pts of Groups I and II, respectively, p>0.05. Carotid IMT of the left ICA was greater in Group I vs Group II (0,76[0,70;0,85] and 0,70[0,69;0,80]mm, p=0,038), there were no differences in the carotid IMT of the right ICA. IMT of the left ICA correlated with the levels of interleukin (IL) 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) (R=0,49, R=0,43, p<0,05 in both cases). In RA pts with and without CA stenosis, CAP are recorded with the same frequency. The IMT of the left ICA was greater in RA pts with CA stenosis compared to pts without CA stenosis. Male sex, low levels of HDL-C may contribute to an increased risk of coronary stenosis. IL-6 and TNFα may increase the risk of atherosclerotic lesions of the ICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory joint disease, and it is responsible for structural damage. Ultrasound (US) changes in early RA are considered as one of the ways of predicting disease outcomes too. 61 RA pts, mean age 50,0 [38,0; 59,0] yrs, mean disease duration 7 [4; 20] months were treated with MTX and biologics according to Treat-To-Target concept. Among them 40 patients with early RA, mean age 51,0 [43,0; 60,0], disease duration 5 [3; 6,5] months. The wrist, MCP2 and MCP3, PIP2 and PIP3 joints, as well as MTP2 and MTP5 joints of the clinically dominant side were examined by ultrasound (US). Hands and feet US with gray scale (GS), power Doppler (PD) and destructive changes (erosion), according to the criteria of OMERACT, were analyzed before initiation of treatment and in 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after. A binary scoring system (presence/absence of erosions) of the joints examined was used. Radiographs were obtained at baseline, at 12 months, 4 years and 7 years, radiographic changes were assessed using Sharp/van der Heijde modified scoring method. Radiographic progression was documented based on Sharp/Van der Heijde modified score changes during the follow up. RA progression by 4 years FUP was identified in 36% (22 p) of pts, by 7 years FUP was identified in 69% (42 p) of pts. During the 7 years FUP 42 of 61 patients had radiographic progression: the count of erosion increased from 0 [0; 3] to 3 [1; 11]. At the same time, on the background of therapy during the first year, a decrease in ultrasound signs of inflammation was determined according to the GS and PD: from 6 [4; 9] to 4 [2; 6] p = 0.000 and from 2 [1; 6] to 0 [0; 2] p = 0.000, respectively, and increase in the number of joints with erosions (from 1 [0; 2] to 2 [0; 3], p = 0.000). All pts divided into groups based increase in erosions according to radiography (Rg +) and without it (Rg-). GS at baseline was significantly higher in the group Rg + than in Rg- group (6 [5; 10] and 5 [1; 8], respectively, p=0.04). CRP at 3 months and at 6 months was significantly higher in RG+ group than in RG- group (4,15 [1,2; 8,7] and 1,2 [0; 3,5], respectively, p=0.03 and 2,35 [0,8; 10,1] and 0,4 [0; 4,3], respectively, p=0.025). Thus, we obtained the first data on the important prognostic role of ultrasound in assessing the progression of early RA in a prospective seven-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possibility of ion implantation and magnetron sputtering for the increase of catalyst activity and corrosion/oxidation stability of Ti components for PEM electrolyzer was studied. Porous and not-porous Ti samples modified by Pt deposition or implantation were investigated by transition electron microscopy (TEM), Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES), potentiostatic and potentiodynamic electrochemical measurements and so on. It was found out that implantation of Pt ions (dose D ≤ 5 × 10 16 ion/cm 2 , E = 1–50 keV) did not provide detectable increase of Ti catalytic activity and Ti stability against oxidation/corrosion due to a very low Pt surface concentration. At the lower energies (E ≤ 1 keV) and higher doses D ≥ 10 17 ion/cm 2 Pt surface concentration can reach 60–70% atomic but activity and stability is still rather low as the surface layer modified by Pt is very thin (less than 6 nm) and Pt Ti alloy which is obtained on the surface does not have high electrochemical activity. Application of magnetron sputtering for Pt films deposition is more efficient tool for the purposes mentioned above. The deposited films have a porous (porosity about 14–16%) column-like structure and a roughness factor is rather high (up to 13.44 for 26 nm Pt film) if Pt films are deposited on porous Ti. Pt films deposition provides a significant increase of porous Ti (current collector) electrochemical activity. However, such activity is not enough to use these current collectors as electrodes in PEM electrolyzers without additional catalysts but it permits to reduce catalyst loading. Because of Pt films porous structure a rather fast oxidation of Ti surface takes place at anode potentials due to contact with an electrolyte and such films do not provide necessary increase of stability. The following implantation of Ar + ions with energies about 100–400 eV into the sputtered Pt films results in the significant increase of the stability of electrochemical parameters of Ti electrodes. However, it is necessary to underline that for the energy 400 eV we already observed a strong Pt sputtering and removal from the surface up to 50 wt. % of the initial Pt layer. At higher energies, total sputtering of Pt layer took place and stability and activity of electrodes became low. Therefore, combination of ion implantation and magnetron sputtering is a rather powerful tool for increase of Ti stability in corrosion/oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to destructive changes and dysfunction of joints. Ultrasound (US) changes, especially in early RA, are considered as one of the ways of assessing the course of the disease and predicting its outcomes. Objective(s): to identify the features of the course of RA using imaging methods. 85 RA pts, mean age 53,0 [44,0; 61,0] yrs, mean disease duration 8 [4; 24] months were treated by Treat-To-Target concept. After first year of therapy management was following real clinical practice rules until the termination of the study (4 years FUP). The wrist, MCP2 and MCP3, PIP2, PIP3, MTP2 and MTP5 joints of the clinically dominant side were examined by US (gray scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD). Clinical, laboratory parameters and US examination was performed at baseline, at Mo 3, 6, 9 and 12. The X-ray was conducted before treatment, at 12 Mo and in the end of the study. Structural damage progression was evaluated by change in the Sharp van der Heijde score (ΔSHS) between baseline and 4 year. We categorized pts into 2 groups according to duration of the course of the disease: 1) early RA (the duration of the disease is less than 12 months), 2) non-early RA (more than 12 months). 56 early RA pts (66%) and 29 non-early RA pts (34%) patients presented among the 85 patients with RA. RA progression by 4 years the follow-up period was identified in 17 pts (30%) of early RA group and in 16 pts (55%) of non-early RA group. RA progression by 4 years the follow-up period was identified in 39% of pts. In non-early RA group the count of erosion at baseline, at 12Mo and 4 years was significantly higher than in early RA group (1 [0; 5] and 0 [0; 2], 2 [0; 6] and 0 [0; 3], 3 [2; 10] and 1 [0; 4], respectively, p=0.03, p=0.03 and p=0.001 respectively). Also in non-early RA group the GS at 6 and 12Mo was significantly higher than in early RA group (5 [3; 8] and 3 [2; 7], 5 [3; 8] and 3 [1; 5], respectively, p=0.02 and p=0.02 respectively). This study shows the importance of timely therapy in the development of destructive changes in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthralgia develops in almost half of women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy. However, the nature of this complaint still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine ultrasound findings in affected joints in patients with arthralgia induced by hormonal therapy of breast cancer. 13 women (mean age 60.8±14.7) with arthralgia induced by hormonal therapy of breast cancer were enrolled. 12 patients were treated with aromatase inhibitors (letrozole [n=6] anastrozole [n=5] exemestane [n=1]) and 1 patient received antiestrogen therapy with tamoxifen. Ultrasonography of affected joints was performed using classic ultrasound scanners, i.e. Philips Epiq 5 with 18–5 MHz linear transducer. The ultrasound features were joint effusion with\without synovial hypertrophy (gray scale [GS] and power Doppler [PD]), destructive changes (bone erosions) and tenosynovitis, according to the criteria of OMERACT. We examined hands (10 patients) and feet (1 patient) joints, knee (5 patients), shoulder (4 patients) and hip (2 patients) joints. Inflammatory ultrasound signs were found in all patients. Synovitis was detected in 11 patients (85%), among them in 2 patients PD+ synovitis was found. Tenosynovitis was detected in 12 (92%) patients, and ultrasound erosion was detected in 2 (15%) patients. Ultrasound findings were presented with inflammatory changes in affected joints and tendons in all patients with arthralgia induced by hormonal therapy of breast cancer. It is required to exclude the inflammatory rheumatic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The La2Mo2O9 (LM) and Pr2Mo2O9 (PM) single crystals are studied using precision X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission microscopy at room temperature. The crystal structures are determined in the space group P213. La and Pr atoms, as well as Mo1 and O1 atoms, are located in the vicinity of the threefold axes rather than on the axes as in the high-temperature cubic phase. In both structures studied, the O2 and O3 positions are partially occupied. The coexistence of different configurations of the Mo coordination environment facilitates the oxygen-ion migration in the structure. Based on the X-ray data, the activation energies of O atoms are calculated and the migration paths of oxygen ions in the structures are analysed. The conductivity of PM crystals is close to that of LM crystals. The O2 and O3 atoms are the main contributors to the ion conductivity of LM and PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene composite films with different content of C + C fullerene mix have been obtained from o-xylene solutions. The mass fraction of fullerene was varied from 0.01 to 0.1 mass%. The glass transition temperatures and specific heat capacities in range of 293-423 K have been determined for the films by DSC method. The plasticization of the polymer is observed in thermal properties of the films under influence of small fullerene additions. The values of T and C decrease and thermal coefficient of heat capacity b increase as fullerene content increases up to 0.02 mass%. The effect of interaction between polymer and fullerene molecules on thermal properties becomes evident at higher fullerene content in range from 0.02 to 0.1 mass%. At this the values of T and C increase and b coefficient decrease with increasing content of fullerene. Concentration dependence of C and b values is less steep for polymer composite films in elastic state at temperatures above T. Molecular interactions in the composites are discussed in view of our-self and literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on an article by Lev Jakobson and Sergey Sanovich on the changing models of the Russian third sector. Jakobson and Sanovich's paper provides an overview of the development of civic activity during the Soviet time and provides a review of the last decade in the history of the Russian third sector. The author questions the three models construction presented by Jakobson and Sanovich as the main historical structure in the development of third-sector organisation (TSO) in Russia.

In this study, an ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, was used to prepare ionogels with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and halloysite (Hal). SEM, XRD, TG, DSC, FTIR spectroscopy, conductometry and mechanical tests were used to study the morphology, structure, thermal behaviour and electrophysical and mechanical characteristics of synthesised ionogels. XRD analysis showed a slight decrease in the interlayer space of halloysite in ionogels containing MCC, which may have been associated with the removal of residual water molecules resulting from hydrophilic IL anions and polymer macromolecules. A change in conductivity and glass-transition temperature of the ionic liquid was revealed due to intercalation into halloysite (a confinement effect) and modification with cellulose. For triple IL/Hal/MCC ionogels, the characteristic thermal degradation temperatures were higher than the corresponding values for IL/Hal composites. This indicates that the synthesised IL/Hal/MCC ionogels are characterised by a greater thermal stability than those of IL/Hal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polystyrene/montmorillonite composite films were prepared via solution cast technique. • Plasma treatment of the produced films was carried out in low-pressure air plasma. • The water contact angle on the composite surface decreased after plasma treatment. • Plasma treatment of the composite led to an increase in MB adsorption efficiency. Polystyrene/montmorillonite (PS/MMT) composite films with high adsorption activity were prepared via solution intercalation technique followed by treatment of composite films in low-pressure air plasma. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the impact of plasma on the elemental composition and morphology of the composite surface. It was revealed that plasma treatment of the PS/MMT composite led to an increase in wettability and adsorption performance. The removal kinetics of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions was experimentally studied. It was determined that plasma processing of the composite resulted in a significant improvement of the MB adsorption process: the initial rate of the process increased by 4 times (from 1.2 × 10−8 to 4.8 × 10−8 mol/(g•min)). Adsorption kinetic curves are obeyed the pseudo-second order reaction equation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belarus provides an example where any democratic transition without the development of a strong civil society and political culture would turn into corruptive regimes with distinct authoritarian and totalitarian features. Belarusian civic movements and political parties, which were mainly triggered by democratisation processes in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet regime, were overruled by the ex-communist nomenclatura and their ideological proponent, the 1994 elected president Lukashenko. When independent political initiatives are being administratively controlled and their reputation propagandistically discredited, when regime critics live under permanent fear of criminal punishment, when the value of intellectual autonomy maintains a low profile, the mechanisms of democratic legitimisation like elections and referenda degenerate into the means of public acclamation of the political regime. Similar to the Soviet epoch, the basic human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Belarusian Constitution serve as a democratic fa&ccedilade for arbitrary power manipulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sm2MoO6 compounds, also known as oxymolybdates, were synthesized in air using a solid-phase method. A series of techniques were employed to characterize the undoped and, for the first time, lead-doped samples. It has been demonstrated that lead-containing samples form a wide range of solid solutions, which are isostructural (sp. gr. C2/c) to the pure monoclinic Sm2MoO6 compound. The thermal stability, polymorphism, and conductive properties of the obtained samples were studied in detail. Doping Sm2MoO6 ceramics with lead results in a notable increase in conductivity compared to the pure sample, with conductivity reaching 10−3 S cm−1 at 900 °C. This improvement is due to the formation of oxygen vacancies through the heterovalent substitution of cation sublattice. In contrast to undoped samarium oxymolybdates, Pb-containing Sm2MoO6 ceramics demonstrate the capacity to transfer protons, resulting in an overall increase in conductivity in a wet environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that blood lipoproteins (LPs) are multimolecular complexes of lipids and proteins that play a crucial role in lipid transport. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a class of blood plasma LPs that mediate reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)—cholesterol transport from the peripheral tissues to the liver. Due to this ability to promote cholesterol uptake from cell membranes, HDL possess antiatherogenic properties. This function was first observed at the end of the 1970s to the beginning of the 1980s, resulting in high interest in this class of LPs. It was shown that HDL are the prevalent class of LPs in several types of living organisms (from fishes to monkeys) with high resistance to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. Lately, understanding of the mechanisms of the antiatherogenic properties of HDL has significantly expanded. Besides the contribution to RCT, HDL have been shown to modulate inflammatory processes, blood clotting, and vasomotor responses. These particles also possess antioxidant properties and contribute to immune reactions and intercellular signaling. Herein, we review data on the structure and mechanisms of the pleiotropic biological functions of HDL from the point of view of their evolutionary role and complex dynamic nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites of montmorillonite K10 (MMT K10) and ionic liquid (IL) containing a 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cation ([BMIm]+) and various anions, such as bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([NTf2]−), trifluoromethanesulfonate ([OTf]−), and dicyanamide ([DCA]−) have been obtained in this work. A number of methods, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption have been used to characterize clay, and to study the structure and thermal behaviour of the composites. It has been found that the MMT K10 powder has a narrow particle size distribution with a peak at 246 nm and a mesoporous structure (SBET=195 m2/g). According to the FTIR spectra, MMT K10/IL interaction depends on the IL type. It has been identified that confined ionic liquid interacts with both clay and adsorbed water in accordance with the hydrophilicity and size of the anion, in the following order: [DCA]− > [OTf]− > [NTf2]−. Characteristic temperatures of glass transition, crystallization, and melting have been determined for the ionic liquids under study and their MMT K10 composites. It has been revealed that when IL is adsorbed on the surface of clay, the phase transitions in IL change. The greatest changes are observed in the case of BMImNTf2. By applying the method of thermogravimetric analysis, it is shown that composite formation is accompanied by a decrease in the IL thermal stability. Apparently, the highly developed surface of montmorillonite K10, obtained by acid treatment, plays a major role in the decrease in the IL's thermal stability. The influence of the IL anion on the thermal and spectral characteristics of an MMT K10/IL composite was studied for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A facile seven-step sequence was developed from 4′-bromopropiophenone, utilizing a Suzuki-type coupling with an alkene, to give several novel 5-substituted pyrazole derivatives in overall yields of 11–31%. They are potent CB1 antagonists and have binding affinities similar to SR 141716A. Like SR 141716A, they may prove to be clinically useful for the treatment of obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article is devoted to further development of magnetron sputtering technology for catalysts and catalysts layer production for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. Platinum-carbon films with Pt content up to 95–97 wt % were deposited using different sputtering regimes—DC (direct current) sputtering with and without application of a pulse negative bias voltage to the titanium substrate and also bipolar pulse sputtering with frequency of 10 kHz and 100 kHz. Composite platinum carbon targets were used for sputtering. Characteristics of platinum-carbon films were compared with those of platinum films deposited using the same regimes. The main methods of investigation were scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; potentiostatic and potentiodynamic methods. The catalytic activity of platinum-carbon films increased with platinum content and at a platinum concentration of 95–97 wt % became higher than that of platinum films sputtered in the same regimes. It was proposed that carbon atoms deposited on the substrate limited the mobility of the deposited platinum species and inhibited Pt cluster growth. Platinum-carbon films produced by pulsed DC magnetron sputtering with pulsed frequency 100 kHz consisted of narrow Pt columns with dome nanotops forming a well-developed surface. The porosity and specific surface of these columnar nanopillar films were higher compared with those of pure platinum films deposited under the same conditions. Moreover, the platinum-carbon films deposited using a bipolar pulse regime with a frequency of 100 kHz had the highest specific surface, porosity (30%) and catalytic activity in hydrogen and oxygen evolution due to a high ion current density and reduced pulse duration which inhibited the growth of large platinum globules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of a standard polystyrene film has a microrelief. The distribution function of the size of the structural elements of the microrelief coincides with the solution of the Fokker–Planck equation for the formation of a film indicating the ability of the polystyrene film to retain information about how it was formed. This is an evidence of the morphological memory of polymer bodies, which provides access to the kinetics of processes that are inaccessible for in situ studying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technology of extracorporeal fertilization has been rapidly developing, there is a trend in the birth of children with low body weight. By the definition of who the newborns are considered viable weighing 500 g or higher. This newborns are often prone to lung diseases such as atelectasis and inflammatory changes. The basis of instrumental diagnostics of these processes is currently the chest x-ray. None of the standardized radiographic methods in Russian medicine make possible to perform x-ray examinations of premature babies in unspecialized conditions. Currently, these studies are conducted on Russian or foreign x-ray equipment that is not adapted to the tasks and conditions of resuscitation of newborns with pathological changes. Accordingly, medical staff and newborns get additional radiation exposure. At the same time the possibility of creating the new class of specialpurpose equipment for neonatology has been appeared. Our research has showed that practically all listed requirements for organizing x-ray diagnostics in non-specialized conditions and, first of all, neonatology, are satisfied by the technique of microfocus radiography. According to experts, the informative value of the x-ray images obtained at home doesn't give away to the x-ray images obtained in the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of the paper was determined by the problem of active teaching forms at English classes at the Pedagogical Universities. The modern educational environment should form an holistic system of universal knowledge, skills, as well as the experience of independent activity and personal responsibility of students. The aim of the article is to determine the effectiveness of active forms of teaching Ukrainian future teachers at English classes. Modern effective forms of teaching are based on the independent educational activities of participants. Active forms of teaching provide a solution of educational problems in various aspects: the formation of positive educational motivation; increasing cognitive activity of students; active involvement of students in the educational process; development of cognitive processes; effective assimilation of educational information; development of creative abilities and thinking; development of the communicative and emotional sphere and development of independent mental work skills and universal skills. The research was conducted on the basics of the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushynsky (2018-2019). An analysis of these researchers and advanced pedagogical experience shows that the most characteristic direction of increasing the university education effectiveness is the creation of psychological and pedagogical conditions in which a student can take an active personal position and educational activity. The results of the implementation of the system of using active teaching forms can be considered: systematization of program material by the criterion of the possibility of using active forms and a holistic system of exercises of active forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is acutely toxic to the central nervous system, culminating in EEG spikes and tonic-clonic convulsions. GABA enhancers and sodium channel antagonists improve seizure latencies in HBO2 when administered individually, while combining antiepileptic drugs from different functional classes can provide greater seizure latency. We examined the combined effectiveness of GABA enhancers (tiagabine and gabapentin) with sodium channel antagonists (carbamazepine and lamotrigine) in delaying HBO2-induced seizures. A series of experiments in C57BL/6 mice exposed to 100% oxygen at 5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) were performed. We predicted equally effective doses from individual drug-dose response curves, and the combinations of tiagabine + carbamazepine or lamotrigine were tested to determine the maximally effective combined doses to be used in subsequent experiments designed to identify the type of pharmacodynamic interaction for three fixed-ratio combinations (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) using isobolographic analysis. For both combinations, the maximally effective combined doses increased seizure latency over controls > 5-fold and were determined to interact synergistically for fixed ratios 1:1 and 3:1, additive for 1:3. These results led us to explore whether the benefits of these drug combinations could be extended to the lungs, since a centrally mediated mechanism is believed to mediate hyperoxic-induced cardiogenic lung injury. Indeed, both combinations attenuated bronchoalveolar lavage protein content by ~ 50%. Combining tiagabine with carbamazepine or lamotrigine not only affords greater antiseizure protection in HBO2 but also allows for lower doses to be used, minimizing side effects, and attenuating acute lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorine-containing rare earth compounds of the LiLn4Mo3O15F (Ln = Eu, Gd, or Dy) composition have been obtained using solid-phase synthesis in vacuum-sealed quartz ampoules. It was found that only LiEu4Mo3O15F samples are isostructural to cubic Ln5Mo3O16 (Ln = La–Gd) molybdates with a fluorite-like structure. Luminescence, hygroscopic, and electrophysical characteristics of the LiEu4Mo3O15F phase were studied for the first time. The double replacement of europium with lithium and oxygen with fluorine leads to the appearance of a reversible phase transition accompanied by a jump in conductivity by 2 orders of magnitude. The conductivity of the LiEu4Mo3O15F compound exceeds the value of 10−2 S cm−1 at 700 °C. A relationship between the size of the Ln cation and the hygroscopic and conductive properties of LiLn4Mo3O15F compounds has been established: as the lanthanide radius decreases, the compounds lose their ability to absorb water and transfer protons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the effect of synanthropic house mouse (Mus musculus) urine odor on catching probability of small mammals to live traps. We conducted a series of field experiments in August 2016 and 2017 in a natural forests of the northwestern Moscow Region (Russia). Small mammals were trapped at two 4-ha fields using capture-mark-recapture technique by setting 200 live traps (100 points, 2 traps per point) within each field. One trap in each pair was odorless (control) with bait only, whereas the other one was odor-baited with 20 μL of the urine of a synanthropic house mouse. Further analysis was based on the data collected from 2 rodent species (bank vole Myodes glareolus , herb field mouse Apodemus uralensis) and 3 shrew species (common shrew Sorex araneus , Laxmann's shrew Sorex caecutiens , and Eurasian pygmy shrew Sorex minutus). As a result, only bank voles significantly avoided odor-baited live traps. Using generalized linear mixed models, we showed that the choice of a trap by bank voles depended on their age, whereas the probability of repeated capture to a certain live trap was related to their prior experience. We discuss the possible role of components of synanthropic house mouse urine in the population management of exoanthropic small mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important problems in the development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells remains the selection of an efficient electrocatalyst support capable of providing a low loading of active metal with minimal changes in the electrochemical surface, electronic conductivity, and activity. In this work, carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs) grown directly on commercial gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are used to form electrodes of a new type. The CNTAs are used in the electrode as a microporous layer. The catalytic layer is formed in the microporous layer by a method that does not destroy the carbon support structure and consists of the controlled impregnation of CNTAs with the Pt-precursor with subsequent reduction in platinum particles in the surface volume of the layer. The resulting electrode was studied by scanning/transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This electrode provides increased electrical conductivity of the layer and can also improve stability and longer service life due to the enhanced adhesion of carbon materials to the GDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research deals with the urgent task of creating highly efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment from various organic pollutants. For these purposes, we carried out a mechanochemical synthesis, heat treatment, and study of a non-toxic, thermally and chemically stable catalysts with a heterostructure based on Fe 2 TiO 5 pseudobrookite. The morphology and the properties of the as-prepared composites were characterized through different techniques. The chemical reactions occurring during the step-by-step heat treatment of the samples were proposed using info from XRD analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and mass spectra. The influence of the gaseous medium on the phase composition and the degree of crystallinity of materials has been established. The analysis of the elemental composition and morphology of powder particles was carried out at an annealing temperature in the range from 100 to 1000 °C in air. The photocatalytic activity of pseudobrookite was studied during the decomposition of the organic dye Rhodamine B, and the mechanism of photocatalysis associated with the absorption of photons and the formation of an electron-hole pair was considered. It was found that samples thermally treated in nitrogen were demonstrated greater catalytic activity than those treated in air. • Precursor of Fe 2 TiO 5 pseudobrookite was obtained by solid-phase synthesis. • Heating the obtaining powder resulted to the formation of the Fe 2 TiO 5 crystalline phase. • Powders exhibited photocatalytic activity upon discoloration of the Rhodamine B solution. • For the powder calcined in nitrogen, the photocatalytic activity was higher than that for air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast catalytic pyrolysis of polystyrene in the hydrocarbon medium (light and heavy cycle oil) over zeolite catalysts at 450–550 °C was investigated. The influence of reaction conditions (medium, temperature, vapor residence time, polystyrene concentration) on polymer conversion and product distribution was studied. It was found that the polymer conversion is close to 100%, while ethylbenzene, benzene, and toluene are the main products of its transformation. The maximum yield of ethylbenzene (80%) was achieved at 550 °C, vapor residence time 1–2 s, polystyrene concentration 10%, and heavy cycle oil as the medium. The influence of zeolite topology on product distribution was explored. The possible mechanism of polystyrene pyrolysis was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living mulch is the most natural soil cover in the orchard; however, competition with grasses creates stressful conditions for fruit crops. The reaction of plants to stress can be determined by the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of lipid peroxidation products in plant tissues. The reaction of trees to coexistence with living mulch (natural grasses that were mowed four times during the growing season) was studied in an organic sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) orchard with chestnut, sandy soil in the warm and arid conditions of Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The aim of the research was to determine how the living mulch (compared to bare fallow) affects the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in sweet cherry fruits at different stages of fruit development. It was determined that living mulch significantly increased the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (by 21-52%), polyphenol oxidase (by 22-42%), and peroxidase (26-34%) in the tissues of sweet cherry fruits. The MDA content was significantly higher in sweet cherry fruits produced under living mulch (compared to the fruits of a bare fallow management system) only at the stage of partial reddening in 2018 (by 41%) and at the stage of stone hardening in 2019 (by 58%). At the picking maturity stage, no significant difference between the treatments of the experiment was found, which indicates the successful overcoming of oxidative stress caused by competition with natural grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Oncolytic viruses infect tumor cells and trigger their death and elimination by the immune system. Several viral strains have been introduced into clinical practice. However, their therapeutic efficacy remains controversial. Here, we show that Coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5) causes the death of glioblastoma cells. Interestingly, 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis augments the oncolytic effect induced by CVB5. This synergism occurs in cells with a high respiratory phenotype and increased glycolytic capacity. Thus, 2-deoxyglucose or its analogs can be evaluated further as drugs to potentiate the oncolytic effects of enteroviruses against glioblastoma multiforme. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common types of brain tumor. Despite intensive research, patients with GBM have a poor prognosis due to a very high rate of relapse and significant side effects of the treatment, with a median survival of 14.6 months. Oncolytic viruses are considered a promising strategy to eliminate GBM and other types of cancer, and several viruses have already been introduced into clinical practice. However, identification of the factors that underly the sensitivity of tumor species to oncolytic viruses or that modulate their clinical efficacy remains an important target. Here, we show that Coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5) demonstrates high oncolytic potential towards GBM primary cell species and cell lines. Moreover, 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), an inhibitor of glycolysis, potentiates the cytopathic effects of CVB5 in most of the cancer cell lines tested. The cells in which the inhibition of glycolysis enhanced oncolysis are characterized by high mitochondrial respiratory activity and glycolytic capacity, as determined by Seahorse analysis. Thus, 2-deoxyglucose and other analogs should be considered as adjuvants for oncolytic therapy of glioblastoma multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cell lines responded differentially to type I interferon treatment in models of oncolytic therapy using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Two opposite cases were considered in this study, glioblastoma DBTRG-05MG and osteosarcoma HOS cell lines exhibiting resistance and sensitivity to VSV after the treatment, respectively. Type I interferon responses were compared for these cell lines by integrative analysis of the transcriptome, proteome, and RNA editome to identify molecular factors determining differential effects observed. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing was equally induced in both cell lines. However, transcriptome analysis showed that the number of differentially expressed genes was much higher in DBTRG-05MG with a specific enrichment in inflammatory proteins. Further, it was found that two genes, EGFR and HER2, were overexpressed in HOS cells compared with DBTRG-05MG, supporting recent reports that EGF receptor signaling attenuates interferon responses via HER2 co-receptor activity. Accordingly, combined treatment of cells with EGF receptor inhibitors such as gefitinib and type I interferon increases the resistance of sensitive cell lines to VSV. Moreover, sensitive cell lines had increased levels of HER2 protein compared with non-sensitive DBTRG-05MG. Presumably, the level of this protein expression in tumor cells might be a predictive biomarker of their resistance to oncolytic viral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single crystal of Nd5Mo3O16 with lead partly substituting for neodymium, which has a fluorite-like structure, was studied by precision X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy and EDX microanalysis. The crystal structure is determined in the space group . It was found that the Pb atoms substitute in part for Nd atoms in the structure and are located in the vicinity of Nd2 positions. Partial substitutions of Mo cations for Nd positions and of Nd for Mo positions in crystals of the Ln5Mo3O16 oxide family are corroborated by X-ray diffraction for the first time. The first experimental verification of the location of an additional oxygen ion in the voids abutting MoO4 tetrahedra was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a comparative study of the performance level of H 2 /O 2 PEM fuel cells in which the catalytic layers containing Pt nanoparticles were deposited on the microporous layer side of gas diffusion electrodes, using three different deposition techniques: (i) by magnetron sputtering, (ii) by impregnation followed by chemical reduction (using either ethylene glycol or hydrogen or sodium borohydride as reducing agent), and (iii) by spraying a catalytic ink (containing either Pt/C or bulk Pt particles). The microstructure and chemical composition of the different catalytic layers has been determined by SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS analysis. Their electrochemical surface areas have been determined by cyclic voltammetry. The i-V curves have been measured and compared. A durability stress test based on cycles of potential was used to assess the degradation rate of the different catalytic layers and to rank performance. [Display omitted] • Ethylene glycol is the most effective Pt reducing agent for impregnation method. • Pt particles supported on microporous layers demonstrate improved durability. • A strong interaction between Pt active sites and carbon atoms is observed. • Pt particles supported on microporous layers and on carbon have similar structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐quality Fe1–xGaxBO3 single crystals (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) in the form of basal plates were synthesized by the flux technique. The exact content of Fe and Ga and homogeneity of their distribution in the crystal structure were determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The crystal structure was refined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The electronic and magnetic properties were studied using Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is shown that even a small content of diamagnetic gallium leads to a rearrangement of the crystal structure and essentially changes the magnetic hyperfine parameters of the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal depolymerization of polystyrene in the hydrocarbon medium was studied. • Maximum styrene yield was 84.4% in LCO at 500 °C and the vapor residence time 2.61 s. • Formation of a styrene dimer in the hydrocarbon medium is inhibited. • Depolymerization products seem suitable for further styrene monomer production. Data from the thermal depolymerization of polystyrene in a highly aromatic hydrocarbon medium (light and heavy cycle oil) have been obtained. The influences of the reaction conditions on the conversion and selectivity have been studied. The maximum yield of styrene obtained in the present work is 84.4% at a polymer conversion of 93.8% in light cycle oil under the following conditions: temperature: 500 °C, vapor residence time: 2.61 s, polymer concentration: 15%. The styrene yield obtained is higher than has been previously reported in the scientific literature. The high selectivity of styrene in the depolymerization reaction can be explained by the fact that under the reaction conditions studied, the formation of styrene dimers in the hydrocarbon medium is inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]