bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Formation of MXene-Oxidized Sono/Chemo-Dynamic Sonosensitizer/Nanocatalyst for Antibacteria and Bone-Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Yu Yang , Lu Qunshan , Sun Junyuan , Zhang Pengfei , Zeng Linran , Vasilev Krasimir , Zhao Yunpeng , Chen Yu , Liu Peilai
Published: January 2023

Prolonged and incurable bacterial infections in soft tissue and bone are currently causing large challenges in the clinic. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been designed to address these issues, but materials with satisfying therapeutic effects are still needed. Herein, CaO2-loaded 2D titanium carbide nanosheets (CaO2-TiOx@Ti3C2, C-T@Ti3C2) were developed. Surprisingly, this nanosheet exhibited sonodynamic ability, in which CaO2 caused the in situ oxidation of Ti3C2 MXene to produce acoustic sensitiser TiO2 on its surface. In addition, this nanosheet displayed chemodynamic features, which promoted a Fenton reaction triggered by self-supplied H2O2. We detected that C-T@Ti3C2 nanosheets increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in response to sonodynamic therapy, which displayed an ideal antibacterial effect. Furthermore, these nanoreactors facilitated the deposition of Ca2+, which promoted osteogenic transformation and enhanced bone quality in osteomyelitis models. Herein, a wound healing model and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) model were established, and the C-T@Ti3C2 nanosheets played a protective role in these models. Taken together, the results indicated that the C-T@Ti3C2 nanosheets function as a multifunctional instrument with sonodynamic features, which might reveal information regarding the treatment of bacterial infections during wound healing.
A national survey on registered products, availability, prices, and affordability of 100 essential medicines in community pharmacies across Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage Chiranthi Kongala , Gunawardane Mekala , Kumaradasa Pamodee Panchalee , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Jayakody Ravindra Laal , Galappatthy Priyadarshani
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Availability of essential medicines that meet the expected quality standards, in appropriate dosage forms at affordable prices is a fundamental prerequisite to fulfill healthcare needs of given a population. This study assessed available products, prices and affordability of essential medicines (EM) in community pharmacies in Sri Lanka with comparison of registration status from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority(NMRA).
Methods: A cross-sectional island-wide survey of 80 pharmacies was conducted according to World Health Organization and Health Action International Manual (WHO/HAI). Hundred medicines were selected from the global core list(n=14), regional core list(n=16) and the Sri Lanka Essential Medicine List (SL-EML) (n=70) based on healthcare needs. Number of registered products in 2015 and 2021 were compared.
Findings: Average availability was 85.4%(±12.31) and availability was lowest in the Northern province (69.38±21.18%)(p=0.008). Availability between the state owned, franchise and privately owned pharmacies was not significantly different (p>0.05). 89.4% medicines were affordable except for amiodarone, hydroxychloroquine, sitagliptin, soluble insulin, isophane insulin, losartan, levodopa carbidopa combination, clonazepam and ceftriaxone. The median price ratio (MPR) of 33.7% of medicines was less than 1 and MPR of 37.1% originator brands (OB) was over 3. Median number of generic brands in the market was 8(range 2-44), 9 % of medicines had 20 or more products in the market and 72.7% medicines had more products available than the number registered in 2015. The average number of registered products were similar in 2015(8.27) and 2021(7.59) (p=0.15).
Conclusion: The overall availability of EMs in Sri Lanka was high in all categories of community pharmacies. Medicines were largely affordable and reasonably priced in 2015, although OBs were generally more expensive. Majority of medicines had more products in the market than the number of registered products.
Hydrological cycle amplification overwhelms warming-driven oxygen loss in subsurface Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Hogikyan Allison , Resplandy Laure , Liu Maofeng , Vecchi Gabriel
Published: January 2023

The global ocean is losing oxygen due to warming, which is expected to significantly increase production of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, and decrease the habitat of many megafauna. In the subtropical Atlantic Ocean, however, there is an observed oxygen gain that cannot be accounted for by observed warming. We show that the amplification of the hydrological cycle, a response to climate change which results in a ‘salty-get-saltier, fresh-get-fresher’ sea surface salinity pattern, influences deoxygenation patterns in an Earth System Model, and can explain the observed oxygenation. In the Atlantic Ocean, this hydrological cycle amplification leads to enhanced ventilation and oxygenation of ‘salty-get-saltier’ subtropical water masses, while reducing ventilation and oxygen content in ‘fresh-get-fresher’ water masses formed at higher latitudes. The oxygenation of subtropical Atlantic waters is thus shown to be a regional consequence of climate change (through surface salinity changes) even as the global consequence of climate change (directly through warming) is deoxygenation.
Design guidelines for the SPICE parameters of waveform-selective metasurfaces varying with the incident pulse width at a constant oscillation frequency
Authors: Imai Shiori , Homma Haruki , Takimoto Kairi , Tanikawa Mizuki , Nakamura Jin , Kaneko Masaya , Osaki Yuya , Niitsu Kiichi , Yongzhi Cheng , Fathnan Ashif Aminulloh , Wakatsuchi Hiroki
Published: January 2023

In this study, we numerically demonstrate how the response of recently reported circuit-based metasurfaces is characterized by their circuit parameters. These metasurfaces, which include a set of four diodes as a full wave rectifier, are capable of sensing different waves even at the same frequency in response to the incident waveform, or more specifically the pulse width. This study reveals the relationship between the electromagnetic response of such waveform-selective metasurfaces and the SPICE parameters of the diodes used. First, we show that reducing a parasitic capacitive component of the diodes is important for realization of waveform-selective metasurfaces in a higher frequency regime. Second, we report that the operating power level is closely related to the saturation current and the breakdown voltage of the diodes. Moreover, the operating power range is found to be broadened by introducing an additional resistor into the inside of the diode bridge. Our study is expected to provide design guidelines for circuit-based waveform-selective metasurfaces to select/fabricate optimal diodes and enhance the waveform-selective performance at the target frequency and power level.
Dynamic elasticity modulus of weathered red sandstone soil subject to drying-wetting cycles
Authors: Deng Yunye
Published: January 2023

The drying-wetting cycles has a significant effect on the dynamic behavior of the weathered red sandstone soil. A series of the unconsolidated undrained dynamic triaxial tests were conducted on the weathered red sandstone soil samples under different numbers of drying-wetting cycles N, and the hysteresis curves and dynamic backbone curves were obtained under different confining pressures σ3. A hyperbolic model of dynamic backbone curve based on Hardin-Drnevich model was proposed, and the regression expressions between the parameters of the proposed model and N were presented. The relation between the maximum dynamic elasticity modulus Edmax and N, σ3 was analyzed based on the proposed hyperbolic model. The fitting equation of dynamic elasticity modulus Ed and dynamic stress σd was put forward, and the relation between dynamic elasticity modulus Ed and N was studied. The main conclusions from this work as follows: (1) Hardin-Drnevich model can well express the hyperbolic behaviors of dynamic backbone curves of the weathered red sandstone soil. The proposed hyperbolic model and the expressions of Edmax and Ed can well reflect the influences of the numbers of drying-wetting cycles and σ3 on Edmax and Ed respectively. (2) Edmax and Ed increase with the increase of σ3 under certain N; and decrease with N under a certain σ3. (3) Ed of the weathered red sandstone soil increases non-linearly with the increase of dynamic strain εd. The introduced factor β can quantitatively reflects the influences of N on Edmax .
Refractory Right Ventricular Myocarditis Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor despite Therapy Cessation and Immune Suppression
Authors: Mohammad Khan O , Fanous Hanna , Vakamudi Sneha , Liu Yan
Published: January 2023

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently widely used for treatment of various types of cancers. ICI-induced myocarditis, though uncommon, accounts for high risk of major adverse cardiac events and mortality, which makes appropriate diagnosis important. We here present a unique, challenging case of ICI-induced, refractory and isolated right ventricular myocarditis.
Case Presentation: A 32-year-old female with breast cancer presented with new onset chest pain and dyspnea shortly after initiation of Pembrolizumab. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries and a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) revealed myocarditis primarily involving the right ventricle with chamber dilation and severe dysfunction. ICI therapy was stopped, and high dose steroid therapy was initiated and symptoms resolved. However, three months after initial presentation, the patient was hospitalized for DKA and decompensated right heart failure, and a repeat cardiac MRI at that time showed recurrent, isolated right ventricular ventricular (RV) myocardial inflammation/edema without LV involvement. High dose steroid therapy was started again and at 6-month follow up, surveillance CMR continued to show persistent right-sided myocarditis, patient was eventually treated with Abatacept with resolution of HF symptoms, RV dysfunction and dilation at 9-month follow up.
Conclusions: We describe a unique case of isolated ICI-induced right ventricular myocarditis leading to right ventricular failure, that was refractory despite ICI therapy cessation and immune suppression by repeated high dose steroids. Co-stimulatory pathway modulation with Abatacept eventually lead to the normalization of RV function and dilation nine months after initial myocarditis onset.
Anatomic investigation of the dorsal cutaneous innervation related to wrist surgery
Authors: Karakas Asli Beril , Ikiz Zuhre Asli
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Magnetically-activated 3D printable PLA/PCL/Fe 3 O 4 composites for magnetic induction heating generation
Authors: Galarreta-Rodriguez Itziar , Lopez-Ortega Alberto , Garayo Eneko , Beato-López Juan Jesús , Roca Paulo La , Sanchez-Alarcos Vicente , Recarte Vicente , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Pérez-Landazábal Jose Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Additive manufacturing technology has attracted the attention of industrial and technological sectors due to the versatility of the design and the easy manufacture of structural and functional elements based on composite materials. The embedding of magnetic nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix enables the development of an easy manufacturing process of low-cost magnetically-active novel polymeric composites. In this work, we report a series of magnetic composites prepared by solution casting method combining 5 to 60 wt.% of 50 - 100 nm commercial Fe3O4 nanoparticles, with a semi-crystalline, biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric blend made of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The composites were extruded, obtaining 1.5 mm diameter continuous and flexible filaments for fused deposition modelling 3D printing. The chemical, magnetic and calorimetric properties of the obtained filaments were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, taking advantage of the magnetic character of the filaments, their capability to generate heat under the application of low-frequency AC magnetic fields (magnetic induction heating) was analysed. The obtained results expose the versatility of these easy manufacturing and low-cost filaments, where selecting a desired composition, the heating capacity can be properly adjusted for those applications where magnetic induction plays a key role (i.e., magnetic hyperthermia, drug release, heterogeneous catalysis, water electrolysis, gas capture or materials synthesis).
Room-temperature spin injection from a ferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Goel Shobhit , Khang Nguyen Huynh Duy , Anh Le Duc , Hai Pham Nam , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: January 2023

Spin injection using ferromagnetic semiconductors at room temperature is a building block for the realization of spin-functional semiconductor devices. Nevertheless, this has been very challenging due to the lack of reliable room-temperature ferromagnetism in well-known group IV and III-V based semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature spin injection by using spin pumping in a (Ga,Fe)Sb / BiSb heterostructure, where (Ga,Fe)Sb is a ferromagnetic semiconductor (FMS) with high Curie temperature (TC) and BiSb is a topological insulator (TI). Despite the very small magnetization of (Ga,Fe)Sb at room temperature (45 emu/cc), we detected spin injection from (Ga,Fe)Sb by utilizing the large inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) in BiSb. Our study provides the first demonstration of spin injection at room temperature from a FMS.
Solving Large-scale Discrete Time–cost Trade-off Problem Using Hybrid Multi-verse Optimizer Model
Authors: Pham Vu Hong Son , Dang Nghiep Trinh Nguyen
Published: January 2023

Time–cost trade-off analysis is one of the most important aspects of construction project planning and control. The completion time of one project can be shortened by allocating additional resources to key activities; however, additional costs are required for accelerating the project completion time. Thanks to the critical path method (CPM), total project costs can be reduced by using inexpensive resources for minor activities without affecting the project schedule. However, this method is not sufficiently effective to solve large-scale time–cost trade-off problems. This study introduces a hybrid multi-verse optimizer model (hDMVO) combining the multi-verse optimizer (MVO) and the Sine Cosine algorithm (SCA) to address the discrete time–cost trade-off problem (DTCTP). Four benchmark test problems, including two medium-scale instances (63 activities) and two large-scale instances (630 activities) are used to evaluate the performance of hDMVO. The results indicate that hDMVO can provide solutions that are superior to previous algorithms in the time–cost optimization of large-scale and complicated projects.
New compartment model for COVID-19
Authors: Odagaki Takashi
Published: January 2023

Population is separated into five compartments for COVID-19; susceptible individuals (S), pre-symptomatic patients (P), asymptomatic patients (A), quarantined patients (Q) and recovered and/or dead patients (R). The time evolution of each compartment is described by a set of ordinary differential equations. Numerical solution to the set of differential equations shows that quarantining pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is effective in controlling the pandemic. It is also shown that the ratio of non-symptomatic patients to the daily confirmed new cases can be as large as 20 and that the fraction of untraceable cases in new cases can be as large as 80%, depending on the policies for social distancing and PCR test.
Higher-order expansions of powered beta-normal extremes
Authors: Jiang Yingying
Published: January 2023

Higher-order asymptotic expansions of powered beta-normal extremes are derived in this paper. Furthermore, we establish the rates of convergence of distributions of normalized extremes. It is shown that with optimal normalizing constants the convergence rates of powered beta-normal extremes depend on the power index.
Hydropower dam alters the microbial structure of fish gut in different habitats in upstream and downstream rivers
Authors: Li Yusen , Zhou Kangqi , Zhao Huihong , Shi Jun , Wu Weijun , He Anyou , Han Yaoquan , Lei Jianjun , Lin Yong , Pan Xianhui , Wang Dapeng
Published: January 2023

Hydropower dams are an important green renewable energy technology, but their effect on the gut microbes of fish in different habitats surrounding the dams is unclear. We collected the gut of seven fish species (n = 109 fish) both upstream and downstream of a dam in Xijiang River basin, China, and identified the microbes present by 16s rRNA pyrosequencing. A total of 9,071 OTUs were identified from 1,576,253 high-quality tags with 97% sequence similarity. Our results indicated that the gut microbial diversity of upstream fish was significantly higher than that of downstream fish, though the dominant microbial species were similar and mainly comprised Proteobacteria (mean 35.0%), Firmicutes (20.4%) and Actinobacteria (15.6%). The presence of the dam markedly altered the gut microbial composition in Squaliobarbus curriculusand Hypostomus plecostomus. Moreover, we found specificity in the composition of gut microorganisms in fishes of different diets and pelagic levels, whereas the omnivorous Pseudohemiculter dispar had a higher level of species richness and diversity of gut bacteria compared with the other species. The results of the functional analysis showed that the abundance of microorganisms related to energy metabolism (e.g., amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, biosynthesis metabolism) was significantly higher in the gut of upstream fish than in downstream fish. Our results showed that the hydropower station affected downstream levels of chlorophyll-a, total nitrogen and total organic carbon. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that water temperature, Hg and chlorophyll-a significantly affected gut microbial composition. These results are important for assessing the impact of hydropower plant on fish gut microbes and their potential environmental risks.
Uniform magnetic field impact on absolute versus convective onset of Darcy-Benard convection with horizontal throughflow
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: January 2023

The onset of Darcy-Benard convection in a fluid-saturated porous layer within a channelled walls can be through either the convectively amplified perturbations or absolutely unstable modes. The convective type route to formation of cellular forms has received much more interest in the literature than the absolute mode. The present effort is to explore the absolute instability mechanism on triggering the Benard convection in the presence of a uniformly acting magnetic field perpendicular to the channel walls. Pursuing a completely theoretical linear stability approach, the locus of wavenumbers and critical Rayleigh numbers with respect to Peclet number leading to zero complex group velocity, and hence the absolute instability onset, is formulated in closed-form. The formulae also incorporate the influence of fluid movement through the porous layer. Wanenumbers are found to be increasing under the effect of the magnetic field. Although the magnetic field expectedly behaves in favor of stabilizing the convection * through both convective and absolute instabilities by pushing the threshold value of Rayleigh number to higher values, a peculiarity exists in such a manner that the stabilizing effect of magnetic field can no longer compete against the absolute instability mechanism within the magnetized field after some critical location of negative part of the wavenumber. This is attributed to the exchange of instabilities as far as the absolute instability mechanism is concerned. Magnetic field is always stabilizing and no such trend is observed regarding the convective type instability.
Lymph node stain after radical resection of rectal cancer mainly increased the harvest of mini lymph node: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xiao Jianlin , Zhang Hao , Jiang Dan , Deng Xiangbing , Wang Ziqiang
Published: January 2023

Aim: The lymph node status plays an important role in rectal cancer, which depends on adequate lymph node harvest. Lymph node stain techniques increase the lymph node harvest. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate which subgroups of lymph nodes harvested were increased mostly.
Methods: From May 2020 to May 2022, 172 stage II-III rectal cancer patients were randomized to methylene blue (MB) stained group or unstained group to retrieve the lymph nodes. Methylene blue solution was injected into the inferior mesenteric artery, we dissected lymph nodes by palpation and sight. The lymph nodes were divided into 3 groups depending on the anatomy (main lymph nodes, superior rectal and perirectal lymph nodes (SPLNs), and pericolic lymph nodes located beyond 10 cm proximal to the tumor), and 3 groups depending on the short diameter of the nodes (big: ≥5mm, small: 5mm~2mm, mini: ≤2mm).
Results:The number of lymph nodes harvested with MB was significantly higher (22.0(14.8,32.0) vs 14.5 (11.0,22.0); p <0.001) without difference in positive patients or number of positive nodes. The positive rate of the big node was 3.5%, the small node was 1.9%, and the mini node was 0.2%. In the subgroup analysis, the median number of mini lymph nodes in the MB-stained group was significantly more than unstained group (median (IQR): 9.0(6.0,14.0) vs 4.0(2.0,6.0), p<0.001); and the median number of SPLNs in the MB-stained group were significantly more than unstained group (median (IQR): 15.0(9.0,19.0) vs 10.0(6.0,13.3), p<0.001); these differences were existing in both patients with and without neoadjuvant treatments.
Conclusion:Intra-arterial injection of MB can significantly increase the number of lymph nodes harvested in rectal cancers, especially those mini lymph nodes. However, methylene blue staining did not significantly increase the number of positive lymph nodes and the proportion of patients with more than 12 lymph nodes, or affect lymph node staging accuracy after radical resection of rectal cancer
Pulse Pressure: A Predictor of Intervention in Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Salman Sumbla , Laeeque Osama , Jawaid Bushra , Jamil Omer Bin Khalid , Shahab Hassan , Faheem Komal
Published: January 2023

Background: Patients with life-threatening hemorrhage due to blunt torso trauma are at a particularly high risk of being under-diagnosed. The pulse pressure starts narrowing down before the traditional parameters start changing, making it a useful tool for assessing and planning early intervention.
Objective: Toassess the utility of low pulse pressure in predicting massive transfusion or operative intervention in patients with isolated blunt torso trauma.
Material and Methods: total of 186 patients were included. The pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure were calculated. Vitals, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were monitored every 15 min during the first 6 h, then every 30 min during the next 6 h and afterwards, every 4 h until discharge. Chi-square test and an independent t-test (as appropriate) were applied to compare variables with pulse pressure at the time of presentation. A Differences were considered as statistically significant at p-value ≤ 0.05.
Results: total of 55.9% of these patients had injuries due to road traffic accidents. Emergency operative intervention was provided to 26.3% of the patients. Death was 4.3%. Massive transfusion was required by 26.3% of the patients. There was a statistically significant association between low pulse pressure and sex, length of stay, repeat eFAST, emergency operational intervention, outcome, massive transfusion, number of crystalloids consumed within the first four hours after presentation, injury severity score, systolic blood pressure, and pulse rate.
Conclusion: The pulse pressure <30 mmHg was observed as an independent predictor for increased blood loss requiring blood transfusion or operative intervention.
Construction of a putative mycovirus library derived from Korean entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Hwang Dong Young , Kim Seulki , Woo Soo Dong , Shin TaeYoung , Coutts Robert H. A. , Kotta-Loizou Ioly
Published: January 2023

Entomopathogenic fungi have potential as biocontrol agents against insect pests and mycovirus-mediated hypervirulence may enhance their efficacy. Before initiating research on hypervirulence, the presence or absence of double-stranded (ds) RNA elements has been determined in 94 Korean entomopathogenic fungi. DsRNA elements varying in size from ca. 0.8 to 7 kbp were found in 14.9% (14/94) of the strains examined, including Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium pemphigi, Metarhizium pinghaense, Metarhizium rileyi and Cordyceps fumosorosea. This study provides information on the incidence and electrophoretic banding pattern of dsRNA elements and is the first report of mycoviruses in Korean entomopathogenic fungi.
Beating the Heat: Solution Sets for Developed Cities
Authors: Zhao Yongling , Sen Sushobhan , Susca Tiziana , Iaria Jacopo , Kubilay Aytaç , Gunawarden Kanchane , Zhou Xiaohai , Takane Yuya , Park Yujin , Wang Xiaolin , Rubin Andreas , Fan Yifan , Yuan Chao , Bardhan Ronita , Derome Dominique , Ürge-Vorsatz Diana , Carmeliet Jan
Published: January 2023

Beating excessive urban heat calls for a whole-system approach, where several individual mitigation measures have to be implemented together. We assess the use of green walls, green roofs, reflective roofs, thermally efficient buildings, high-efficiency indoor cooling, urban forestry, evaporative pavement, and constructed shade for directly reducing urban heat or indirectly reducing emissions of anthropogenic heat. An ITE-index is proposed to evaluate investment (I), time for implementation (T), and effectiveness (E) of 247 multi-measure solution sets and the 8 individual measures. Solution sets comprising 4-7 different measures are found to have a higher index score and to be more effective for different types of local climate. The ITE-index is a universally useful tool for decision-making for individual cities.
Preliminary Study on the Development of Working Memory Test for Young Children with Developmental Delays
Authors:   Korean Journal Of Early Childhood Special Education, Choi Ji Eun , Koo Hyo Jin
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to have a preliminary study to develop a ‘Working Memory Test’ for young children with developmental delays that can be used as basic data for working memory-related education. To this end, it was divided into an item development step and a pilot-testing step. The results of the research are as follows. First, In the item development step, a literature review was conducted on domestic and international research in the area of working memory. In addition, the content validity of factors and items was analyzed three times by professionals and teachers and they confirmed the appropriateness of the selected 7 factors(Digit Forward Recall, Word Recall, Nonword List Recall, Matrix, Coloring, Counting Recall, Reading Recall), and 50 items for the ‘Working Memory Test’. In the pilot-testing step, 5 trained testers conducted the ‘Working Memory Test’ on 40 children(27 children with non-disabled and 13 children with developmental delays) aged 3 to 5 in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. In addition, 43 items of 7 factors were selected through item analysis, Based on the results of this study, suggestions for further studies regarding these findings were discussed.
Synthesis, thermal and dielectric characteristics of Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6
Authors: Dorzhieva S. G. , Bazarova J. G.
Published: January 2023

This work addressed the directed synthesis of a new phase Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6, along with the determination of its crystallographic, thermal and electrophysical properties. The directed synthesis of the Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6 phase was carried out using the solid-state reaction in the temperature range of 350–470 °C. According to differential scanning calorimetry, the synthesised compound Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6, crystallised in trigonal form (space group R3c, Z = 6), undergoes a diffused first-order phase transition. The structure of triple molybdate Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6 comprises MoO4 tetrahedra and octahedrally coordinated MO6-polyhedra. This structure is characterised by a statistical distribution of lithium and zirconium atoms in the M position (M1 = 0.790 Zr + 0.210 Li, M2 = 0.877 Zr + 0.123 Li). Rb atoms are located in the large voids of the tetrahedronoctahedral framework. The electrophysical properties of triple molybdate Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6 having a scaffold structure favourable for ion transport, were studied. The correlation between dielectric and thermal characteristics in the high-temperature region near the phase transition was revealed. The temperature and frequency dependences of electrical conductivity were measured at 473–873 K in heating and cooling modes in the frequency range of 1–10 kHz. The compound exhibited a high thermally activated conductivity, reaching 1.48·10-2 Cm K/cm with activation energy in the range of 0.6–0.8 eV at a temperature of 480 °C. Well-shaped semicircles in the low-frequency region and unresolved arcs in the high-frequency region changing with increasing temperature were observed in the impedance spectra of ceramic Rb5Li1/3Zr5/3(MoO4)6 sample at various temperatures. The evolution of the imaginary part (Z'') as a function of the real part (Z') of the complex impedance resembled that of the complex impedance for compounds having ionic conductivity.
Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of sericin protein extracted from cocoon waste of Bombyx mori
Authors: Sherova Z. U. , Nasriddinov A. S. , Kholov Sh. Е. , Usmanova S. R. , Muhidinov Z. K.
Published: January 2023

Silk sericin comprises a globular water-soluble protein that surrounds silk fibres, sticking them together and providing cocoon adhesion. Sericin was isolated from the extract solution in two ways: the first sample was obtained by concentrating the filtered extract at low pressure (SLP); the second sample was obtained by ultrafiltration (SUF) using a membrane. In this work, the size exclusion-high-performance liquid chromatography involving viscometry and refractive index detectors was used to determine the molecular weight and conformation of sericin polypeptides obtained from cocoons of the Bombyx mori silkworm. The aggregation processes of silk sericin protein under various isolation conditions from the solution were considered. It was shown that sericin macromolecules are present as a monodisperse polypeptide at low concentrations, which aggregates at concentrations greater than 1–2 mg/ml. The obtained data indicate that, along with the parameters of the extraction process, the conditions for its isolation from the solution, including temperature, pressure and degree of concentration, affect the molecular weight and aggregative behaviour of the protein. The results confirm and complement previously obtained data on the influence of various factors on the association of protein macromolecules in solution. The resulting sericin fractions can find many applications, including materials for tissue engineering, coatings for surface modification, cell culture media, cosmetics, as well as food additives and medical biomaterials.
Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis strains on growth and metabolic processes in Pisum sativum L. sprouts
Authors: Kryzhko A. V. , Smagliy N. N.
Published: January 2023

Although the entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner are well-known bio-agents for regulating the population of leaf-eating pests of agricultural and ornamental crops, other agricultural properties of this microorganism are promising. In this work, the growth-stimulating effect of entomopathogenic strains of B. thuringiensis on Deviz pea plants was studied. The entomopathogenic strains B. thuringiensis 685, 926 and 109-C obtained from the Crimean Collection of Microorganisms of the Crimean Agricultural Research Institute, registered online (http://www.ckp-rf.ru) with number 507484, were used as research material. The morphometric parameters of pea sprouts were evaluated following standard methods. Biochemical parameters of pea sprouts were determined for 10-day-old sprouts. The amylase activity of pea sprouts was determined by photocalorimetry; total acidity was measured by titration using 0.1 n NaOH solution; total water-soluble phenolic compounds were determined by Leventhal titrimetric method. It was found that liquid spore culture of strains B. thuringiensis 685, 926 and 109-C had a stimulating effect on the length of root and stem and the weight of 10-day-old sprouts of Deviz pea variety. Treatment with a spore suspension of all tested strains B. thuringiensis led to an increase in the content of organic acids in the sprouts by an average of 12.4% compared with that of the control. Maximum stimulating effect on amylolytic activity and synthesis of phenolic compounds in Deviz pea sprouts was achieved by treating with a spore suspension of the strain B. thuringiensis 926. The amylase activity increased on average by 41.5% when compared to that of the control, while the total content of phenolic compounds in this experiment was 2.3 times higher than that of the control. Therefore, in light of the entomopathogenic properties and the obtained data on the growth-stimulating activity of the strains of B. thuringiensis, it can be concluded that these bacteria have additional potential for their use in agriculture as a bio-agent for plant protection having a complex action.
Influence of physicochemical properties of depressor additives on their performance in diesel fuels
Authors: Yakovlev N. S. , Agaev S. G.
Published: January 2023

The work investigates the influence of the physicochemical properties of depressor additives on their performance in diesel fuels of various chemical and fractional compositions. Heavy, summer and marine diesel fuels were used. The following physicochemical properties of fuels were determined: cloud point, freezing point, density, viscosity, fraction composition and hydrocarbon content that formed a complex with carbamide. The content and molar mass distribution of individual n-alkanes in diesel fuels were determined. The following foreign depressant-dispersing additives were used: Dodiflow with codes 4971, 5416, 5817 and 7118, Keroflux with codes 3501, 5696a and Ofi-8863. Their active agents were isolated from the commercial additives by dialysis using semi-permeable rubber membranes. The dropping point of the active agents, their intrinsic viscosity in kerosene and the refractive index at 100 °C were identified. The content of vinyl acetate components and the degree of branching of aliphatic radicals of depressor additives were determined using infrared spectroscopy of the active agents. The relationship between the physicochemical properties of depressor-dispersing additives and their performance in diesel fuels was established. Additives characterised by a relatively high melting point, an average intrinsic viscosity and low branching of aliphatic compounds in the polymer structure exhibit the best performance in fuels. The consumption of additives to achieve the maximum depression of freezing point decreases with the transition from summer to marine fuel and further to heavy diesel fuel. A complex tкп / СВА value, comprising the ratio of the dropping points tкп and the content of vinyl acetate components in the additives, was proposed as a means of predicting the efficiency of depressant additives СВА. In the range of tкп / СВА values of 3.02–4.00 the additives have universal depressant properties. A correlation was established between the refractive index nD100 of additives and the complex value tкп / СВА (R2 = 0.975).
Characteristics of composition and content of auxins in tissues of Siberian apple tree Malus baccata L. Borkh.
Authors: Stolbikova A. V. , Dudareva L. V. , Rudikovskii A. V. , Stavitskaya Z. O. , Kopytina T. V. , Rudikovskaya E. G.
Published: January 2023

It is known that the highest content of auxins is found primarily in the areas of active mitosis, including young leaves, apical meristems, cambium, embryos and endosperm, as well as developing fruits, which determines, among other things, plant habitus and fruit size. In agriculture and biotechnology, auxins (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are used to stimulate lateral development, including in apple tree rootstocks. Despite the crucial role of endogenous IBA in rooting, its presence in apple tree tissues remains unconfirmed, although its content in planta was shown for many other plants. Therefore, in this work, the composition and content of auxins in 2 tissue types of Siberian apple tree of lowand high-growing forms, along with the presence of IBA in them, was compared. Tissues of ovary and bark of Siberian apple tree (Malus baccata L. Borkh.) of 2 forms (low and tall) growing on an experimental plot of Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry SB RAS were used in the study. Bark samples were collected from the 1st year shoots at the stage of intensive sap flow. The ovary samples were collected in July at the stage of active growth. Auxins purified by solid-phase extraction were analysed by GC-MS. In addition to IAA-3, the following auxins were found in fast-growing tissues of the Siberian apple tree both in the cambium layer of annual gain during intensive sap flow and set fruit during the active growth stage: IBA, indole-1-acetic acid, indole-3-carboxylic acid and indole-3-propionic acid. Similar to other plants, the content of these auxins was significantly lower than that of endogenous IAA.
Changes in the environmental situation in Listvyanka in 2017–2022
Authors: Dorofeeva N. L. , Zhelonkina D. E.
Published: January 2023

The article deals with the problem of deterioration in the quality of the waters of Lake Baikal and changes in their composition. Baikal is the only large lake in Russia. It ranks sixth in the world in terms of the volume of drinking water reserves whose shortage is observed in a number of countries. Due to the development of tourism in Siberia, the lake ecosystem has already suffered great damage. To identify the reasons for the change in water quality, samples were taken in Listvyanka; quality indicators were analyzed and compared with those obtained in 2017 and 2020. The study revealed that the change in the water composition was caused by improper disposal of household waste and modern detergents containing organic substances and derivatives of petroleum products. Decaying waste increases the water temperature in the bays, which causes the appearance of spirogyra blocking the transport of oxygen to the lake inhabitants. The further spread of spirogyra can cause an ecological disaster. The article describes treatment facilities in Listvyanka and shortcomings of the project. Unfortunately, to restore the ecosystem, it is not enough to limit tourism; measures aimed to improve the productivity of these treatment facilities with a minimum of financial costs are required.
Dynamics of the number of planktonic rotifers in the pelagic zone of Southern Baikal (2005−2014)
Authors: Rusanovskaya О. О. , Pislegina E. V. , Shimaraeva S. V. , Silow Е. A.
Published: January 2023

Lake Baikal is a natural reservoir of fresh water of unique and age. Its net zooplankton is represented by rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans. An integral part of the pelagic zone is the rotatoriofauna, which surpasses the most numerous group of planktonic animals Copepoda crustaceans in terms of abundance and biomass. Pelagic Rotifera can be used as an indicator of water quality: by consuming phytoplankton, accumulating energy and transferring it to the next trophic levels, rotifers influence other hydrobionts. The purpose of the study is to analyze the development of year-round, winter-spring and summer-autumn groups of rotifers in the pelagial of South Baikal from 2005 to 2014. The dynamics of number and species composition of planktonic rotifers was analyzed. The study revealed that in the 0–50 m layer, year-round species of rotifers dominate, the number of winter-spring rotifers was minimum. The highest numbers of rotifers were recorded in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2014. Their shares in the total number of zooplankton were 16,50 %, 16,00 %, 28,30 % and 48,55 %, respectively. The minimum number of rotifers was observed in 2010–2013, when their shares were 2,12 %, 4,04 %, 2,62 % and 0,04 %. They were represented by 9–17 species. The diversity was more pronounced in the group of summer–autumn rotifers. In 2014, rotifers had an unusually high abundance and were diverse. They accounted for a large share in zooplankton. Over a ten-year period, the number of rotifers varied from 157,66 thousand ind. m-2 (2012) to 13 057,59 thousand copies m-2 (2014).
Innovations in fire safety and examination of forces and means for extinguishing a fire in the ice palace “Baikal” in Irkutsk
Authors: Morin V. G. , Kuznetsov K. L.
Published: January 2023

The aim of the work is to generalize innovative solutions in the field of construction of sports facilities and to examine the forces and means necessary to extinguish a fire in the Baikal Ice Palace in Irkutsk. To achieve this goal, the authors analyze the innovations proposed by Russian and foreign experts in the field of fire safety in the construction and operation of sports facilities. The effectiveness of modern innovative protection systems is discussed, such as fire extinguishing with remote control, fire alarms, robotic extinguishing systems, smoke protection in automatic and remote modes, control panels for evacuation control, etc. An analysis of the level of fire protection of an object was carried out using the example of an ice palace “Baikal”, for which possible scenarios of emergency situations related to fire were considered. It was possible to determine the forces and means necessary to extinguish a possible fire and conduct ASR (emergency rescue operations) using calculations of the fire area, the amount of the required fire extinguishing agent, the intensity of its supply, the number of involved units and units of the GDZS, the number of tankers. A method for calculating the stress state of a structure under the influence of a temperature load is proposed, possible schemes for the development of a fire are developed, and the necessary data for calculating the area and the number of mobile devices for extinguishing are obtained. During the inspection of the ice palace, it was found that the building provides for the protection of premises of any area with automatic fire extinguishing installations and fire alarms, robotic fire complexes (RPK) have been introduced. The success of firefighting depends on the correct placement and provision of sufficient firefighting forces and equipment, as well as on the careful choice of a decisive course of action. The objectivity of the assessment of the fire situation and the accuracy of decision-making are due to the highly professional training of the Cancellation Service Manager (RCD) and the ability to predict the development of fire fighting.
A systematic review on the association between ovarian and prostate cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene
Authors: Chitra Veena Sarpparajan , Vajagathali Mohammed , Ramakrishnan Veerabathiran
Published: January 2023

Background. BRCA1 and BRCA2 were discussed as the basis of inherited adenocarcinoma and breast and ovarian malignancy. Ovarian cancer is uncommon in women below 40 years of age, and prostate cancer mainly occurs in older men cause 90 % in those above sixty-fve.

Objective. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the relationship between ovarian and prostate cancer with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Material and Methods. The ovarian and prostate cancer mechanism is discussed in detail, and their preventive measures with screening techniques are also demonstrated. This systematic review collected the related articles from online databases using the key terms ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, BRCA genes, mutation, polymorphism, carcinoma, sarcoma, and genetic association.

Results. Based on the obtained information, it is found that the BRCA genes are highly associated with prostate cancer in men, and in women, it is significantly linked with breast cancer than ovarian cancer.

Conclusion. Therefore, early diagnosis and genetic testing for BRCA1&BRCA2 genes in both men and women are necessary. In some cases, these genes might even cause different types of cancer like pancreatic cancers. Identifying individuals with tumour-HRD through mutations in the homologous repair pathway and determining this gene expression is essential to improve treatment techniques developed during the previous decade and rapidly make their way into clinical trials practice. However, the safe introduction of these medicines into everyday practice will require a thorough understanding of treatment targets and associated adverse effects.
Optimization of mammosphere formation assay for quantif cation of il6-induced stemness in differentiated breast cancer cells
Authors: Nevskaya K. V. , Efimova L. V. , Korda P. V. , Dolgasheva D. S. , Ibragimova M. K. , Menyailo M. E. , Udut E. V. , Litviakov N. V. , Pershina A. G.
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study was mammosphere assay optimization for quantifcation of IL6-induced stemness in differentiated (СD44– ) T47D breast cancer cells.

Material and Methods. The effect of three commonly used cell-detaching methods (TrypLE, accutase, cell scrapper) at various confuence (40–50 % and 70–80 %) on cell viability, phenotypic profle and mammosphere formation was tested. The cell viability was examined using AnnexinV/propidium iodide assay. The phenotypic profle was analyzed by fow cytometry with fuorescent markers CD24 and CD44.

Results. Detachment of the cells using scrapper led to substantial increase in early apoptotic and late apoptotic cells in comparison with TrypLE and accutase. Dissociation with TrypLE reduced the percentage of detected CD44+ positive cells, whereas accutase saved the surface marker. The number of mammosphere and their diameter did not differ between groups. Incubation of differentiated (CD44– CD24+) T47D cells with IL-6 for 24 hours resulted in an appearance of CD44+CD24+ and CD44+CD24–/low subpopulation. Furthermore, the differentiated cells after 24 hours of IL6 exposure formed 3 times more mammospheres compared to the control.

Conclusion. Usage of cells with confuence of no more than 80 % and accutase for detachment of cells is recommended for mammosphere assay. Incubation of CD44– CD24+ T47D cells with IL6 for 24 hours is suffcient for stimulation of stemness plasticity.
Curcumin as an anti-proliferative agent in breast cancer through RassF1a, Bax, and caspase-3 protein
Authors: Rahmah N. A. , Harliansyah H. , Suyatna F. D. , Kanoko M. , Rustamadji P. , Prihartono J. , Bustami A. , Haryono S. J. , Hernowo B. S.
Published: January 2023

Background. Curcumin is a polyphenol that has pharmacological activity that can inhibit tumor cell growth and induce apoptosis through various mechanisms. However, the specifc mechanism of curcumin cytotoxicity remains controversial because of many anti- and pro-apoptotic signaling pathways in various cell types.

This study aims to examine the relationship among curcumin on RASSF1A, Bax protein levels, and caspase-3 activity in supporting the apoptotic mechanism in CSA03 breast cancer cells.

Material and Methods. Curcumin administration to cancer cells is based on differences in dosage with 24-hour incubation. Cytotoxicity after curcumin administration was determined using MTS. RASSF1A and Bax protein levels were tested through ELISA. Caspase-3 activity was used to determine apoptosis and was tested using fow cytometry.

Results. The results indicated that curcumin had a cytotoxicity effect of 40.85 µg/mL. At concentrations of 40 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, curcumin increases levels of protein RASSF1A (∆ = 26.53% and 47.35%, respectively), Bax (∆ = 48.79% and 386.15%), and caspase-3 (∆ = 1,678.51% and 1,871.889%) signifcantly.

Conclusions. Curcumin exhibits anti-proliferative activity and apoptotic (Caspase-3) effects through activation of RASSF1A and Bax.