bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-Cov-2 pandemic as a “predator-prey” model: biophysical, social and heliophysical factors of the spread of local epidemics
Authors: Ragulskaya M. V
Published: April 2024

This paper considers the peculiarities of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in different countries within a “predator-prey” model under the influence of external modulation of solar activity. This paper presents a discussion focusing on the genetic composition of the population that turned out to be the main factor in differentiation of the dynamics underlying local transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 spreading under the influence of the global minimum of solar activity. In countries where relative mortality due to coronavirus is the highest, there is a tendency of dominance of haplogroup R1b among the population. It was shown that the dynamics of morbidity and mortality in countries the populations of which are genetically similar, irrespective of the introduction or absence of COVID-19 lockdowns on their areas, are the same. As the first wave of the pandemic progressed, the emergence of self-oscillatory waves in small countries with a hard lockdown was revealed leading to a significant increase in the number of victims in subsequent waves. This paper discusses the results of universal vaccination in countries with haplogroup R1b after which the level of relative mortality lowered by 5-8 times. However, in countries with haplogroup N and R1a + N, by mid-2022, relative mortality increased by 2-4 times compared to 2020.
Comparative analysis of interchannel interactions on electroencephalograms in healthy people and patients with depression using the method of correlation ratios
Authors: Sobolev M. E , Gorelik A. L , Vlasova O. L
Published: April 2024

In the article, based on clinical material obtained in the course of a study of patients with depression, an approach was applied to the analysis of the dependences of electroencephalogram channels using correlation ratios. It can objectively evaluate the properties of connections in any of their models (linear and non-linear). On the basis of the constructed matrices of correlation ratios, the possibility of analyzing paired dependences is shown in order to determination of parameters that differ for the norm and pathology. The direction of the connections between the leads was also established. In our opinion, differences in interhemispheric occipital connections are the most significant. This approach could become the basis for determining unique quantitative markers of depressive states and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
VII congress of biophysicists of Russia
Authors: Riznichenko G. Yu , Anashkina A. A , Rubin A. B
Published: April 2024

The problems and results of research in biophysics, which were devoted to the VII Congress of Biophysicists of Russia (Krasnodar, April 17-23, 2023, http://rusbiophysics.ru/db/conf.pl), are discussed. The results of fundamental and applied research in the field of molecular biophysics, cell biophysics, biophysics of complex multicomponent systems were presented at plenary, sectional and poster sessions. The structure and dynamics of biopolymers, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the impact of physicochemical factors on biological systems, membrane and transport processes were actively discussed. Much attention was paid to new experimental methods of biophysical research, methods of bioinformatics, computer and mathematical modeling as essential research tools at all levels of organization of living systems. Along with the fundamental problems of studying the biophysical mechanisms of regulation of processes at the molecular, subcellular and cellular levels, much attention was paid to applied research in the field of biotechnology and environmental monitoring. Works in the field of medical biophysics were especially widely represented. During the Congress, the National Council for Biophysics was formed.
Composition and mitogenic activity of polysaccharide from Solanum tuberosum L.
Authors: Generalov E. A , Yakovenko L. V
Published: April 2024

Solanum tuberosum polysaccharide (STP) was isolated from the water extract of Solanum tuberosum L. and purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Its molecular weight was determined by using gel permeation chromatography method and high performance liquid chromatography technique and its monosaccharide composition was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and a capillary column. It was shown that STP was consisted of galactose (Gal) and arabinose (Ara) (37.5 and 23.5%, respectively), along with uronic acids (9.7%), glucose monosaccharide residues (15%) and proteins (no less than 9%). The molecular weight of STP was 70 kDa. The Fourier-transform infrared technique was used for structural analysis of STP. The mitogenic activity of extracted polysaccharide is comparable to that of lipopolysaccharide.
Impact of electrochemically activated water solution on plant polysaccharides: phenomenology and spectrophotometry
Authors: Pogorelov A. G , Ipatova L. G , Panait A. I , Pogorelova M. A , Gulin A. A , Pogorelova V. N
Published: April 2024

The determination of changes in the properties of polysaccharides in electrochemically activated water solution were carried out by means of UV-Vis spectrophotometry, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It was shown how the properties of samples analyzed (agar, modified starch, edible starch) changed depending on a fraction of electrochemically activated water solution (catholyte/anolyte). Our findings demonstrate that the determined changes can be valuable information in designing novel approaches to managing the properties of biological raw material used for food manufacturing process. Furthermore, the technology of electrochemically activated water solutions is a suitable green chemical process that can be translated to industrial level.
Analysis of the secondary structure of chromatin linker proteins HMGB1, H1 and their complexes
Authors: Chikhirzhina E. V , Polyanichko A. M
Published: April 2024

The nonhistone chromosomal protein HMGB1 and histone H1 are chromatin linker proteins. The functions of linker proteins are closely related to their conformational state. Currently, the structure of proteins that play a key role in the formation of higher levels of chromatin structural organization is being actively studied. In this work, a comparative analysis of the secondary structure of the linker histone H1 and the nonhistone protein HMGB1 was carried out. By using UV-circular dichroism and FTIR spectroscopy it was shown that the positively charged histone H1 binds to the C-terminal fragment of HMGB1, stabilizing the resulting complex and inducing the formation of additional a-helical regions in both proteins.
Searching for sequencing signal anomalies associated with genome structural variations
Authors: Bezdvornykh I. V , Cherkasov N. A , Kanapin A. A , Samsonova A. A
Published: April 2024

Genomic structural variations (SVs) are one of the main sources of genetic diversity. Structural variants as mutagens may have a significant impact on human health and lead to hereditary diseases and cancers. Existing methods of finding structural variants are based on analysis of high-throughput sequencing data and despite significant progress in the development of the detection methods, there is still a need for improving the identification of structural variations with accuracy appropriate for use in a diagnostic procedure. Analysis of the signal of sequencing coverage (i.e., the number of sequencing fragments that aligned to every point of a genome) holds new potential for the design of approaches for structural variations discovery, and can be used as time-series analysis. Here, we present an approach for identification of patterns in the coverage signal. The method has been developed based on algorithms used for analysis of time series data, namely KNN (K-nearest neighbour) search algorithm and the SAX (Symbolic Aggregation Approximation) method. Using the rich dataset encompassing full genomes of 911 individuals with different ethnic backgrounds generated by the Human Genome Diversity Project initiative, we constructed generalized patterns of signal coverage in the vicinity of breakpoints corresponding to various structural variant types. Also, with the benefit of the SAX models of the motifs we developed a software package for fast detection of anomalies in the coverage signal.
Peculiarities of adaptational changes in leukocytes and platelets of yakutian ground squirrels during the pre-hibernation period in autumn
Authors: Teplova P. O , Komelina N. P , Lizorkina K. I , Zakharova N. M
Published: April 2024

Earlier, it was shown that a series of physiological and biochemical changes in Yakutian long-tailed ground squirrels start to happen during autumn (the pre-hibernation period): in the brain, heart, skeletal muscles, etc. This study was conducted to analyze the composition of peripheral blood cells obtained from Yakutian ground squirrels in autumn, and for the first time an increase in the total number of leukocytes, particularly granulocytes, and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes were observed when compared with those obtained in summer; a shift of the leukogram from the lymphocytic fraction to the granulocytic fraction was revealed. Significant increase in a platelet count and thrombocrit with preservation of the percentage ratio of mature and young cell fractions was shown. Still, information on the cellular components of blood during the autumn season when hibernators prepare for winter months of hibernation remains scarce. Nonetheless, the results of our study indicate that there are very significant adaptive changes that occur in leukocytes and platelets of ground squirrels in this period. Possible causes of these changes are discussed.
Low-active forms of cellulosolitic microorganisms in archaeological contexts
Authors: Plekhanova L. N , Udaltsov S. N , Syrovatko A. S , Kashirskaya N. N
Published: April 2024

This article presents the results of the study on low-active forms of cellulosolitic microorganisms in the soils of archaeological sites. The objects of the study were soils with traces of wooden structures in Vyatichi burials (12th century). To date, traces of wood are not visible at the macro level. The data obtained are compared with the results of a laboratory experiment to determine rates of cellulose decomposition in soils from various archaeological contexts. Cellulosolitic activity was determined by the application method. It has been shown that the cellulase activity of soils with traces of burial wooden structures is 20% of the level of modern soils. This suggests the awakening or presence of living, low-active microorganisms that have survived in the soil for 800 years.
High- dose nitric oxide gas inhalation for HIV infection
Authors: Pekshev A. V , Vagapov A. B , Sharapov N. A , Vanin A. F
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic effect of high-dose nitric oxide gas inhalation (NO concentration was not less than than 1000 ppm) on two patients with HIV infection was shown. Inhaled NO therapy led to a rapid decrease in viral load to an undetectable level which was persistent even after analytical treatment interruption. It is suggested that HIV infection is controlled by nitrosonium (NO+) cations, the oxidized form of neutral NO molecules that enter the blood. Subsequent conversion of NO+ cations into nitrite anions due to a reaction with hydroxyl ions is inhibited by the binding of NO+ cations and chloride anions leading to the formation of nitrosyl chloride in the blood. Further entry of nitrosyl chloride into cells and tissues ensures NO+ transfer to them. Interaction between nitrosyl chloride and thiols requires the appearance of relevant S-nitrosothiols as NO donors in cells and tissues.
The refinement of the parameters of β-turns using neutron diffraction data
Authors: Korobkov A. A , Khurmuzakiy A. A , Esipova N. G , Tymanyan V. G , Anashkina A. A
Published: April 2024

Beta-bends are a difficult to interpret type of polypeptide chain backbone structure of globular proteins. Beta-bends are usually classified according to the dihedral angles φ and ψ of amino acid residues i + 1 and i + 2. Ramachandran map analysis of amino acid residues i + 1 and i + 2 indicates the resulting conformational stresses in bending. The mechanism of stabilization of their energetically disadvantageous conformations is still unclear. This kind of conformation stresses can only be compensated by additional interactions, such as additional hydrogen bonds, whose geometry and energy compensates for the beta-bending stress. Neutronography is the only available direct method for determining the position of hydrogen atoms in the structures of chemical compounds, including proteins. In this work, beta-bends from 176 protein structures from PDB established by neutronography are studied. In these structures, 3733 beta-bends were found using the i → i + 3 hydrogen bonding criterion. Using clustering by the magnitude of conformational angles, eight types of bends were newly identified. The magnitudes of conformational angles for each type of bend were determined. The hypothesis of additional hydrogen bonding to stabilize the bend was not confirmed, suggesting that the bending stress is compensated by other factors.
Genome-wide association analysis in chickpea landraces and cultivars
Authors: Duk M. A , Kanapin A. A , Bankin M. P , Vishnyakova M. A , Bulyntsev S. V , Samsonova M. G
Published: April 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arientinum) is an important leguminous crop, which is widely grown especially in the Near East. In wet weather conditions, the susceptibility of chickpeas to fungal diseases such as Ascochyta blight and Fusarium blight increases. Thus, selection of disease-resistant and early-ripening varieties is critically needed. The present study was conducted to investigate genome associations in 171 samples of chickpea plants, grown in two experimental stations in Krasnodar (Kuban experimental station) and Astrakhan (Astrakhan experimental station), examine relationship between genes and 12 phenotypic traits as well as explore the association between genes and 3 hallmarks of resistance to pathogenes: Fusarium blight, Ascochyta blight and Noctuidae. Variants associated with different phenotypic traits were identified using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Biosensor systems: determination of optimal time parameters of olfactory stimulation
Authors: Matukhno A. E , Petrushan M. V , Lysenko L. V , Kiroy V. N
Published: April 2024

Biosensor systems are improving swiftly and become increasingly important in areas such as defense and security, medical field, especially, cancer screening and detection, environmental quality monitoring, and so forth. The present work describes the development of a biosensor system, based on the use of macrosmatic animal olfactory bulb (OB) visualized by optical imaging of odor-evoked glomerular activity patterns. The difficulties that automatic detection of odor-evoked patterns presents under multiple stimulation are associated with adaptation processes, which are manifested as a reversible change in the sensitivity of the neural structures of the olfactory system. The optimal stimulus duration and interstimulus intervals for stabilizing the glomerular response and getting images of glomerular activity patterns under the multiple odor stimulation with constant accuracy have been experimentally found. The results obtained show the availability of other resource in addition to the existing tools used for the development of biosensor systems.
POLLEN MORPHOLOGY OF SOME PLANTS FROM THE GYZMEIDAN MUD VOLCANO (REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN)
Authors: Isayeva Sh. G. , Grigoryeva V. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of unfavorable conditions of the mud volcano on the morphological features of pollen. Using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, the morphology of pollen of 20 species from 14 families of dicotyledonous plants growing on the Gyzmeidan mud volcano (Shamakhi) in the Republic of Azerbaijan has been studied. According to the aperture patterns of the pollen grains in the studied species, there are 5 pollen types: 3-colpate (Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae (Hedysarum sericeum), Lamiaceae, Linaceae), 3-colporate (Asteraceae, Cistaceae, Clusiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae), stepanocolporate (Polygalaceae), heteroaperturate (Boraginaceae), pantoporate (Ranunculaceae).No significant deviations of the main morphological features of pollen (shape, outline, size of pollen grains, type and number of apertures, exine sculpture, thickness and ultrastructure of the sporoderm) were found. Most of the studied species have a low percentage of deformed, underdeveloped, morphologically sterile, and atypical pollen grains. The number of deformed pollen grains differs between taxa. It can vary from single grains (most of the studied samples) to 56% in Potentilla pedata. However, its plants from the mud volcano produce less deformed pollen than the control ones (88%). This is most likely a feature of the taxon, rather than the influence of growing conditions.
VI ALL-RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION “ALGAE: ISSUES ON TAXONOMY, ECOLOGY AND MONITORING APPROACHES”
Authors: Anissimova O. V. , Gololobova M. A.
Published: April 2024

The 6th All-Russian Scientific Conference with international participation “Algae: issues on taxonomy, ecology and monitoring approaches” and the School for young scientists was held in the Zvenigorod Biological Station of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, September 12–17, 2022. The conference was organized by the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Institute of Plant Physiology named after K.A. Timiryazev RAS. 82 algologists from 30 scientific institutions of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan attended the conference. The main topics of the Conference: Taxon problems in algology: from morphology to molecular genetics, modern synthesis; Floristics and geography of algae: problems and modern approaches; Soil algocenoses; Structural and functional organization of planktonic and benthic algocenoses; Physiology and biochemistry of algae: theory and practical application; Algae in assessing the state and quality of the environment: modern approaches, results and prospects; Cultivation – algae as an object of biotechnology: theory and its implementation in practice; Paleoalgology and biostratigraphy. During the conference, 72 reports were presented, including 6 plenary and 16 posters.
MORPHOLOGY OF FRUITLETS OF FAR EASTERN SPECIES OF THE GENUS POTENTILLA (ROSACEAE)
Authors: Motorykina T. N.
Published: April 2024

The study of fruitlet morphology is carried out in 16 species of the genus Potentilla occurring in the Amur Region (Priamurye) and Primorye Territory. The sculpture of the fruitlet surface is shown to have diagnostic significance. The position, shape of the stylodium and the ratio of its length to the length of the fruitlet can be successfully used as diagnostic characters to distinguish the subgenera of the genus Potentilla. The inaccuracy of S.V. Yuzepchuk (1941) concerning the stylodia in the diagnoses of sections Niveae and Argenteae in the “Flora of the USSR” is corrected. The results of the research have shown that the stylodia in the species of these sections are short, rather thick, no longer than a mature fruitlet, instead of thin and long, as it was specified by S.V. Yuzepchuk. The presence of glands on the fruitlets of the members of section Pensylvanicae (P. approximata, P. conferta) can serve as a reason for the distinguishing this section within the subgenus Potentilla. The degree of expression of papillary outgrowths (short and long) in the lower part of the stylodium is a diagnostic trait of section Potentilla. The presence of covering hairs on the dorsal and ventral sides of the fruitlets in P. semiglabra, as well as a wide wing-like outgrowth on the dorsal side of the fruitlets in P. asperrima can be used in the taxonomy of the genus Potentilla as specific diagnostic traits. The species of Potentilla (P. amurensis, P. asperrima, P. centigrana) with a diploid set of chromosomes (2n = 14) are characterized by scarious and wing-like outgrowths on the fruitlets.
All-Russian Scientific Seminar “Age Structure of Plant Populations and Analysis of Ontogenetic Spectra” (February 20, 2023, Moscow)
Authors: Zhivotovsky L. A. , Osmanova G. O. , Upelniek V. P. , Senator S. A.
Published: April 2024

Information about the All-Russian scientific seminar devoted to the age structure of plant populations and the analysis of ontogenetic spectra is provided. The seminar was held on February 20, 2023 in Moscow. More than 50 people from 17 educational and scientific institutions took part in the seminar.
SYNOPSIS OF FERNS OF KEMEROVO REGION – KUZBASS
Authors: Klimov A. V. , Proshkin B. V.
Published: April 2024

Ferns play an important role in the flora and composition of the vegetation cover of the Kemerovo Region. Active research in the region in recent years has led to the identification of new taxa, revision of the circumscription of some genera and families, and clarification of their localities. The purpose of this work is to clarify modern taxonomic composition of the pteridoflora of Kuzbass and the features of distribution of its taxa. The materials for the work were obtained from the authors’ field research, the study of the collections of the P.N. Krylov Herbarium of Tomsk State University (TK), Tomsk, and Herbarium of  the Kuzbass Botanical Garden (KUZ), Kemerovo. The fern flora of  the Kemerovo Region comprises 40 species from 18 genera and 13 families. An analysis of the geographic elements of the fern flora has shown that it is dominated by species with a wide Holarctic ranges. The ecological composition according to the moisture regime reflects current conditions of the region, with mesophytes and mesohygrophytes accounting for 92.8% of the species composition. According to the factor of the substrate rockiness, two subequal groups are distinguished: petrophytes and non-petrophytes. The groups of petrophytic (47.5%) and forest (40.0%) species make the highest contribution to the composition of the fern flora. Herbaceous monocarpics are represented by Salvinia natans only, the rest are perennials. The analysis of the relict component has shown that 26 taxa belong to the tertiary relicts, most of which are associated in their origin with forest vegetation of the Paleogene-Neogene, nine taxa belong to the relict element of the petrophyton. 19 fern species are listed in the Red Book of Kuzbass.
ALL-RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION “XII MEETING IN MEMORIAM OF EKATERINA ALEXEEVNA GALKINA – TYPES OF MIRES OF RUSSIAN REGIONS”
Authors: Smagin V. A. , Ivchenko T. G. , Galanina O. V. , Yurkovskaya T. K.
Published: April 2024

The All-Russian Scientific Conference with international participation “XII meeting in memoriam of Ekaterina Alexeevna Galkina – Types of mires of Russian regions” was held at the Komarov Botanical Institute RAS on February 3, 2023, and traditionally dedicated to the International Wetlands Day. The conference was attended by 109 specialists from 17 cities of Russia and Belarus, 15 scientific institutions, 8 universities and 7 conservation agencies. During the conference, 18 in-person and 5 online reports were presented.
ЗНАЧЕНИЕ СОГЛАСОВАННОСТИ ПРИЗНАКОВ КСИЛЕМЫ СТВОЛА И ПАРАМЕТРОВ ГАЗООБМЕНА ЛИСТА ПРИ ФОРМИРОВАНИИ АДАПТАЦИИ У НЕКОТОРЫХ БОРЕАЛЬНЫХ ВИДОВ В КАРЕЛИИ
Authors: Pridacha V. B. , Tarelkina T. V. , Neronova Ya. A. , Tumanik N. V.
Published: April 2024

Оценка устойчивости лесных сообществ и отдельных видов к внешним воздействиям требует проведения исследований возможных ответных реакций видов, сообществ и экосистем в разных регионах на прогнозируемые изменения природной среды и климата. Целью исследования было оценить изменчивость анатомических и гидравлических характеристик ксилемы и их согласованность с показателями СО2/Н2О-газообмена у голосеменного и покрытосеменных древесных растений в ходе естественного лесовосстановления на вырубке сосняка черничного в условиях Европейского Севера. Для этого провели анализ влияния фитоценотических условий и климатических факторов на структурно-функциональные характеристики подроста сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.), березы повислой (Betula pendula Roth) и осины (Populus tremula L.) на сплошной вырубке и под пологом сосняка черничного в течение четырех вегетационных периодов в условиях среднетаежной подзоны Карелии. Выявлена преимущественно схожая направленность реакций анатомических и гидравлических характеристик ксилемы и показателей СО2/Н2О-газообмена листа разных видов на изменение фитоценотических условий и климатических факторов. На вырубке как у сосны, так и у листопадных видов отмечены максимальные значения гидравлического диаметра трахеид и сосудов, потенциальной гидравлической проводимости ксилемы и, напротив, минимальные значения удельной плотности трахеид и сосудов. В межгодовой динамике климатических факторов у всех видов выявлена максимальная изменчивость годичных приростов по сравнению с большей консервативностью других характеристик ксилемы. Вместе с тем показаны межвидовые особенности согласованности гидравлических характеристик ксилемы, устьичной проводимости, интенсивности фотосинтеза и транспирации и их изменчивость у систематически разных видов, которые указывают на разные стратегии гидравлического поведения (isohydric/anisohydric) у березы, осины и сосны. Прогнозируемое увеличение повторяемости периодов сильной жары и засухи в высоких широтах усилит конкурентоспособность сосны и осины, формирующих более эффективную и безопасную гидравлическую структуру относительно березы, посредством роста СО2-газообмена и продуктивности в засушливых условиях.
ADDITION TO THE LICHEN FLORA OF THE KERZHENSKIY RESERVE (NIZHNY NOVGOROD REGION). II
Authors: Urbanavichene I. N. , Urbanavichus G. P.
Published: April 2024

23 species new to the lichen flora of the Kerzhenskiy Reserve are recorded based on the authors’ field research in 2022. 17 species and 4 genera (Icmadophila, Intralichen, Lichenostigma, Vezdaea) are new to the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Among them, Arthonia calcicola is reported for the first time for the European Russia, and Biatora fallax is new to the Central European Russia. The information about the localities, ecology and distribution of mentioned species is provided.
GROWING CONDITIONS AND SEED PRODUCTIVITY OF PINGUICULA VULGARIS (LENTIBULARIACEAE) IN LENINGRAD REGION
Authors: Nikolaeva (Pushkareva) L. А. , Koroleva T. М. , Titova G. Е.
Published: April 2024

The growing conditions of Pinguicula vulgaris in the vicinity of the villages Pudost’ (floodplain meadow) and Glyadino (slope meadow, lowland spring fen) in the Leningrad Region were studied in detail, and the seed productivity of its plants was evaluated in these conditions for the first time. Despite a close geographical location and a general confinedness of both populations to the Izhora Upland (to the outcrops of carbonate rocks), they differ in an occupied area and its microtopography, the degree of shading of plants during daylight, and soil moisture (though of similar acidity), and also differ in the species composition of plant communities (richer in Pudost’ than in Glyadino). At the same time, regardless of the differences in growing conditions, the level of seed-setting in P. vulgaris plants in both populations during all the years of research was close and quite high (64–80% in Pudost’, 70–72% in Glyadino), that indicates a high potential for the renewal of the species in the populations by seed propagation. It is noted that the main factors limiting the size of Pinguicula populations in the Leningrad Region are the same as in its other populations of Northern Europe: intense settlement of territories by the species forming a layer with high closeness and height, trampling of soils, unfavorable weather conditions during flowering and fruiting of the plants significantly reducing their seed productivity. However, unlike some subarctic populations of P. vulgaris, where a decrease of seed productivity occurs due to low temperatures at the end of a short growing season and irregular reproduction (especially at the species moving into mountain conditions), in populations of the Leningrad Region (with a longer growing season and regular reproduction), it decreased mainly due to a long dry periods during flowering and fruiting of the plants.
MOSSES OF FOREST SWAMPS IN THE SOUTHERN WEST SIBERIA
Authors: Pisarenko O. Yu.
Published: April 2024

Long-term bryological research in birch and spruce forest swamps in the southern periphery of West Siberia are resulted in summary list of 133 moss species. Constancy and ecological features are given for all the species; some examples are discussed. It is shown that birch and spruce forest swamps (background and rare types of communities for the study area), are approximately equal in the diversity of moss species, and 60% of the recorded species were found in both types of communities. On the latitudinal gradient from north to south, the number of moss species in the forest swamps of the southern taiga and subtaiga is approximately equal, further south it decreases and in the steppe zone it is reduced by more than half, to the set of 43 most widespread and constant species. It was revealed that in forest swamp communities only a few moss species have high occurrence rates (Plagiomnium ellipticum, Сlimacium dendroides, Calliergon cordifolium, Calliergonella cuspidata, Drepanocladus aduncus in depressions and Brachythecium mildeanum, Aulacomnium palustre, Dicranum bonjeanii, Timmia megapolitana, Campylium stellatum and some others on elevated micro-sites); the vast majority of species are rare. A well-developed microrelief determines the diversity of micro-habitats, to ensure the coexistence of species of different ecology and origin. More than half of the recorded species are indifferent to mires and random. The most interesting findings (Anomodon viticulosus, Anomodontella longifolia, Brachythecium rutabulum, Conardia compacta, Fissidens adianthoides, Myurella julacea, Platydictya jungermannioides, Zygodon sibiricus) are discussed. In densely populated areas, forest swamps are islands of natural vegetation and ensure the survival of many species.
TO THE 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOTANICAL CABINET OF THE YUZHNO-USSURIYSK BRANCH OF THE RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (NIKOLSK-USSURIYSKY)
Authors: Kolyada A. S. , Kolyada N. A.
Published: April 2024

In 2023, it will be 105 years since the formation of the first botanical scientific institution in the Russian Far East – the Botanical Cabinet of the South Ussuri Branch of the Amur Department of the Russian Geographical Society. The main direction of its research was the floristic study of the south of the Soviet Far East. Over 11 years of its existence, the staff of the Cabinet under the leadership of Ye.N. Alisova-Klobukova carried out numerous field route studies, including three large botanical expeditions in the south of Primorye Territory. The main result of the work was the publication of the Short Guide to Plants of the Far Eastern Territory (1925).
POTENTILLA TOBOLENSIS (ROSACEAE), A NEW ALIEN SPECIES TO THE FLORA OF THE KHABAROVSK TERRITORY
Authors: Motorykina T. N.
Published: April 2024

The article provides information on the discovery of a new alien species to the flora of the Khabarovsk Territory, Potentilla tobolensis Th. Wolf ex Juz. The species was previously known as alien from the Primorie Territory and Eastern Europe. The presented information about Potentilla tobolensis will make the basis for monitoring its distribution in the Khabarovsk Territory.
ALL-RUSSIAN SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE “STUDY AND CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY OF ECOSYSTEMS OF EUROPEAN RUSSIA”
Authors: Vasjukov V. M. , Novikova L. A.
Published: April 2024

The All-Russian scientific conference “Study and conservation of biodiversity of ecosystems of European Russia” dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor I.I. Sprygin and the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Ecology of the Volga Basin of the Russian Academy of Sciences was held from July 4 to July 7, 2023, at the Institute of Ecology of the Volga Basin of RAS (Tolyatti). 55 scientists (32 of them from other cities) from 20 scientific institutions of Russia took part in the Conference in person.
FRAXINUS PENNSYLVANICA (OLEACEAE), A NEW ALIEN SPECIES TO THE FLORA OF AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Abdiyeva R. T. , Asadova K. K. , Mursal Nigar
Published: April 2024

A new alien species Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. has been discovered on the coast of the Caspian Sea (Talysh, Lenkoran). The article provides information on the discovered population of the species: its abundance, distribution, a brief description of the habitat conditions.
HALIMODENDRON HALODENDRON (FABACEAE), A NEW SPECIES TO THE FLORA OF THE STAVROPOL TERRITORY
Authors: Doronin I. V.
Published: April 2024

Information about the record of Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) Voss in the Stavropol Territory is given. Its population, numbering about 200 plants, grows on the banks of the Nevolka River (basin of the Terek River) in the vicinity of Staropavlovskaya Village.
Growth of the Whitefish Coregonus lavaretus (Salmonidae: Coregoninae) in the Ural Tributaries of the Pechora River
Authors: Boznak  E. I. , Ponomarev V. I.
Published: April 2024

For the first time, we represent a comparative characteristic of the growth of, presumably, the freshwater form of the whitefish Coregonus lavaretus in the Ural tributaries of the Pechora River. The growth rate of the whitefish in the studied rivers varies significantly, which testifies the assumption of existence of several local groups in the Pechora river system, confined to different parts of the river basin. In the Ilych and Kosyu rivers as well as in the upper reaches of the Pechora River (Northern Urals), the calculated body lengths and linear growth rates do not differ significantly. Similar growth rates have been observed for the whitefish from the plain tributaries of the Pechora (lower reaches of the Kosyu and Usa rivers). In the rivers of the Subpolar Urals, the variability of whitefish growth rates is significantly higher. The specific growth rate of the subadult whitefish positively correlates with the benthos biomass in the watercourse (ρs = 0.57 according to Spearman, p = 0.04), while the dependence on climatic conditions is less significant.
Evolutionary and Ecological Aspects of the Population Structure Formation of Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka (Salmonidae) in Western Kamchatka
Authors: Khrustaleva A. M.
Published: April 2024

The results of previous studies on the population structure of the sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka of Western Kamchatka are revised based on the analysis of the variability of 45 single nucleotide polymorphism loci using both own data (seven samples from the water bodies of the western coast of the Kamchatka peninsula) and the data obtained by other researchers (seven samples from the basin of Lake Kurilskoye and one sample from the Bystraya River, basin of the Bolshaya River). All materials were re-analyzed to clarify the existing ideas about the origin and formation of the populations of sockeye salmon of the Western Kamchatka complex, as well as to reconstruct the historical and modern demographic and genetic processes that occur in these populations. According to the results of genetic differentiation tests, principal component analysis, and discriminant analysis of the principal components the sample set of lake sockeye salmon from the Ozernaya River (reproduction in the basin of Lake Kurilskoye) and Plotnikova River (predominantly the downstream migrants from Lake Nachikinskoye) differed the most from the other samples, represented mainly by river sockeye salmon. The results of the principal component analysis and the topology of the phylogenetic network for the sample sets from the basin of Lake Kurilskoye revealed their division in accordance with the periods of spawning grounds filling and with the geographical variability of the spawning periods of sockeye salmon in the lake basin.
Composition of Endemic Baikal Genus Cottocomephorus (Cottidae: Cottocomephorinae) with Revised Species Descriptions and Diagnoses
Authors: Sideleva V. G.
Published: April 2024

Comparative morphological studies of type and identified specimens of four species of genus Cottocomephorus Pellegrin, 1900 confirmed the presence of morphological differentiation between species of this genus (C. grewingkii, C. alexandrae, C. comephoroides, and C. inermis). Morphological similarity of the species was reconstructed using cladistic analysis. Two main clades were identified, of which the basal position was occupied by the clade C. grewingkii. Another clade includes three species (C. alexandrae, C. comephoroides, and C. inermis). For species identification, we created a table with the most significant diagnostic features.
Feeding Features of the Nine-Spined Stickleback Pungitius pungitius (Gasterosteidae) In Water Bodies of the North-West of Russia
Authors: Berezina N. A. , Zhgareva N. N. , Strelnikova A. P.
Published: April 2024

The diet of the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius has been studied in two water bodies in the north-west of Russia: in the subarctic lake Krivoe (Karelia) and the estuary of the Neva River (Leningrad Oblast). Diptera larvae (Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, and Limoniidae) and planktonic crustaceans formed the basis of the food bolus of fish; however, their abundance and weight ratios differed in the studied water bodies. The seasonal changes of the dominant groups of food objects of the stickleback of Lake Krivoe have been revealed. Additionally to invertebrates and fish eggs, which form the basis of the stickleback diet in winter season, aquatic mosses as well as filamentous and diatom algae present in the fish diet in summer. The comparison of the nitrogen isotope composition of the muscles of stickleback, perch, and invertebrates shows that the stickleback of Lake Krivoe occupies the third trophic level, approaching predatory fish in δ15N values (5.2–8.6‰). A specific feature of the diet patterns of P. pungitius is the transition from a diverse diet of the summer–autumn period to a monotrophic animal diet (chironomid larvae and fish eggs) of the under-ice winter–spring period.
Regional Characteristics Affecting Distribution of Plain Sculpin Myoxocephalus jaok (Cottidae) in the Russian Territorial Waters in the Sea of Japan
Authors: Panchenko V. V. , Vdovin A. N. , Panchenko L. L.
Published: April 2024

Two intraspecific groups of the plain sculpin Myoxocephalus jaok inhabiting the Russian territoral waters in the Sea of Japan, representing the northern and southern species groups, have been revealed. In a summer season, the species groups are separated from each other by a wide water area extending from 45° to 48° N. The northern species-group nucleus in this period is located in the Tatar Strait inlet, while the southern species group inhabits the Peter the Great Bay. In the summertime, the plain sculpin prefers the upper slope shelf area with water column depths ranged from 80 m (for the southern species group) to 60 m (for the northern species group). The juvenile fish tend to be found in shallower waters as opposed to the mature fish. In a cold season, the majority of fish stocks of the southern species group is still congregating in the Peter the Great Bay, shifting to the shelf edge and the continental slope. Some porton of male fish remains at spawning grounds in the coastal zone to the springtime to guard egg clutches. The specimens of the nothern group leave the shallow-water Tatar Bay inlet at massive level to congregate over the winter in the locations of a deep-water area off the mid-coastal zone of the Sakhalin Island. The specimens of the northern group reach the body length of 67 cm, while the sizes in the southern fish group are larger, reaching 75 cm in length.
Description of the Sex Hormone-Secreting Cells during Oocyte Development and Atresia in Flathead Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) in Al-Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt
Authors: Mousa M. A. , El-Messady F. A. , Khalil N. A.
Published: April 2024

The present study described the changes of steroidogenic cells accompanied the ovarian maturation in flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, from Al-Bardawil lagoon. Here, five periods of ovarian development including previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis (early, mid, and late), and pre-spawning ones were successfully obtained from mullet female inhabiting Al-Bardawill lagoon. In addition, abnormal feature of atresia was noticed in the vitellogenic stages of the ovaries. In atretic follicles, the granulosa cells converted into active phagocytic cells digesting and consuming the yolk in those oocytes. The histochemical and ultrastructural observations showed that the follicular cells, theca and granulosa of the developing oocytes are the site of the sex hormones synthesis. Both theca and granulosa have manifested both quantitative and qualitative alterations concomitant during oogenesis as reflected by an obvious increase in number, size, and content of lipid droplets of those cells. In conclusion, the present observations show the histological and ultrastructural changes of steroidogenic cells during ovarian maturation and atresia of the grey mullet. This new information is essential for managing and preserving Al-Bardawil lagoon as a natural source of mullet broodstock and for achieving sustainable development for this fish.
A Juvenile of Rhinopias cf. argoliba (Scorpaenidae) from the Tropical Western Pacific
Authors: Prokofiev A. M. , Maclaine J.
Published: April 2024

A juvenile of Rhinopias cf. argoliba 28 mm SL collected in the western part of the Pacific Ocean eastward of the Philippines is described. It is characterized by an incomplete metamorphosis with some larval characters retained such as the developed spination and relatively straight dorsal contour of the head, absence of the scales and the branched fin rays (except in pelvic fins), and a long penultimate dorsal-fin spine. Comparison of this juvenile with juveniles of R. aphanes 11–22 mm SL reveals the diagnostic importance of the pigmentation of the pectoral fin which disappears in the adult fishes. A possible synonymy of the genera Rhinopias and Pogonoscorpius was repeatedly supposed by the former authors. The poorly-known Pogonoscorpius sechellensis retains the features characteristic for the species of Rhinopias from the earliest ontogenetic stages only, and probably represents a neotenic species of the latter genus.
Ichthyoplankton in the Southwestern Kara Sea
Authors: Karamushko O. V. , Karamushko L. I.
Published: April 2024

Based on the expedition and literature data, the ichthyoplankton in the southwestern part of the Kara Sea is described. Larvae and pelagic fry of 22 fish species belonging to 19 genera, 10 families, and five orders were found in the study area from 1921 to 2019. Maps of the distribution of the most numerous species in 1981 and 2012–2015 are presented, as well as the data on the distribution density of species per unit volume and area in 2012–2015. It is established that over the past 38 years, the species composition of ichthyoplankton has not been replenished with any species and, first of all with representatives of the boreal complex, which indicates the absence of the processes of borealization of the ichthyofauna of this area observed in some other areas of the Arctic.
Genetic Variability of Pacific Rainbow Smelt Osmerus dentex (Osmeridae) from the Seas of Japan and Okhotsk according to the Data of Analysis of Microsatellite Loci and Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Semenova A. V. , Ponomareva E. V. , Vilkina O. V.
Published: April 2024

The genetic diversity of Pacific rainbow smelt Osmerus dentex from the seas of Okhotsk and Japan has been studied based on nine microsatellite loci and the control region of mitochondrial DNA (940 base pairs). The lowest values of all parameters of genetic diversity of mitochondrial DNA were observed in the group of samples from the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. The highest value of the haplotype diversity was found in the sample from the Sakhalin Island and in rainbow smelt from the Sea of Japan. The star-shaped topology of the genealogical structures indicates a rapid expansion of the abundance and the origin of all populations of the species from a single common ancestor from the main refugium. Based on the results of analysis of nuclear markers, we have revealed a statistically significant genetic structuring of rainbow smelt within its Pacific range (the coefficient of genetic differentiation (FST) is 0.033), which is adequately described by the model of isolation by distance. The greatest genetic differences in two types of markers from the other samples have been found in rainbow smelt from the Shkotovka and Botchi rivers of the basin of the Sea of Japan and from the Naiba River (Sakhalin). The observed patterns of genetic differentiation of Pacific rainbow smelt by the nuclear and mitochondrial markers complement each other well and are most likely associated with differences in the distribution of smelt larvae from the spawning grounds, which are determined by the differentiation of oceanographic conditions.
Distribution and Biology of Duskyfin Glassy Perchlet Parambassis wolffii (Ambassidae) in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Ablyazov E. R. , Chesnokova I. I. , Kutsyn D. N. , Karpova E. P. , Kurshakov S. V. , Dịnh Cu Nguyen , Hai Truong Ba
Published: April 2024

The results of the study of the distribution and biology of the duskyfin glassy perchlet Parambassis wolffii (Bleeker, 1850) in the Mekong Delta in 2019–2020 are presented. It is established that the species reaches the highest abundance and biomass in the freshwater part of the delta. The water temperature at which individuals of the species were encountered was 27.8–34.1°C, salinity, up to 1.51‰, depths, from 2 to 35 m. The maximum total length of females and males was 20.0 and 14.7 cm, respectively, and the maximum age was 6 years. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation are as follows: the maximum length is 17.2 cm, the growth rate constant is 0.18, t0 = −2.35. The value of the coefficient b in the equation on the weight-length relationship is 3.002 ± 0.056 for females (isometry) and 2.774 ± 0.064 for males (negative allometry). Intersexual differences by the in Fulton’ condition factor were established: in females 3.71 ± 0.04, in males 3.53 ± 0.03. The first mature individuals were found at a length of 7–8 cm at the age of 1+.
On the Finding of Talismania kotlyari (Alepocephalidae) in the Southeast Atlantic
Authors: Prokofiev A. M.
Published: April 2024

The morphological characteristics and distribution of the rare species Talismania kotlyari, known only from a few captures in the tropical Indian Ocean, have been specified. This species was recorded for the first time on the Walvis Ridge in the Southeast Atlantic. As the most probable way of penetration of the species into the Atlantic, one can assume the transfer with the rings of the Agulhas Retroflection, although its panoceanic distribution cannot be ruled out.