A General Model of Impact Sensitivity for Nitrogen-Rich Energetic Materials: A Combined Incremental Theory and Genetic Function Approximation Study

In this paper, we report the first example of impact sensitivity prediction based on the genetic function approximation (GFA) as a regression method. The prediction is applicable for a wide variety of chemical families, which include nitro compounds, peroxides, nitrogen-rich salts, heterocycles, etc. Within this work, we have obtained 7 empirical models (with 27-32 basis functions), which all provide 0.80≤R2≤0.83 and 7.2 J≤RMSE≤7.8 J (for 450 training set compounds) and 0.64≤R2≤0.70 and 11.2 J≤RMSE≤12.4 J (for 170 test set compounds). The models were developed using Friedman Lack-of-Fit as a scoring function, which allows avoiding an overfitting. All the models have simple descriptors as basis functions and include linear splines. Furthermore, the applied descriptors do not require expensive calculation procedures, namely, non-empirical quantum-chemical calculations, complex iterative procedures, real space electron density analysis, etc. Most descriptors are based on structural and topological analysis and a part of them require very cheap semi-empirical PM6 calculations. The prediction takes a few minutes as an average, and most of the time is for the structure preparation and manual calculation of the descriptor "Increment", which is based on our recent incremental theory.

Two metastable high hydrates of energetic material 3,3',5,5'-tetranitro-4,4'-bipyrazole

Poly-stoichiometry of hydrated phases is relatively uncommon for organic materials and extended libraries of such species adopting different aqua-to-substrate ratios are still rare. The kinetically controlled higher hydrates could be particularly interesting for their structural relationships, which presumably may imprint some features of the substrate/substrate and aqua/substrate bonding in solutions, and provide insights into the nucleation stage. Two metastable high hydrates are prepared by crash crystallization. The crystal structures of 3,3',5,5'-tetranitro-4,4'-bipyrazole tetrahydrate, C6H2N8O8·4H2O, (1), and 3,3',5,5'-tetranitro-4,4'-bipyrazole pentahydrate, C6H2N8O8·5H2O, (2), are intrinsically related to the previously reported anhydrate and monohydrate, while displaying natural evolution of the patterns upon progressive watering. The accumulation of the water molecules causes their clustering, with the generation of one-dimensional tapes and two-dimensional layers in the genuine channel hydrates (1) and (2), respectively, versus the pocket hydrate structure of C6H2N8O8·H2O. The hydration primarily affects the pyrazole sites. It conditions the emergence of N-H...O and O-H...N hydrogen bonds, which is a destructive factor for pyrazole/pyrazole N-H...N hydrogen bonding. At the same time, extensive noncovalent interactions of the organic molecules, namely, lone pair-π-hole O...N interactions of the NO2/NO2 and NO2/pyrazole types, are more competitive to the hydrogen bonding and the motifs of mutual organic/organic stacks remain intact with the increase in hydration. These trends agree with the results of Hirshfeld surface analysis. The contributions of the contacts involving H atoms are increased in line with the growing number of water molecules, while the fraction of O...N/N...O (NO2) contacts is nearly invariant. One may postulate the significance of the lone pair-π-hole interactions to the aggregation of nitro species in solutions and their relevance for the sebsequent development of the solid-state patterns through nucleation.

A Comprehensive Study of Meningioma Biomineralization: Morphological, Crystallographic, and Immunohistochemical Aspects

Biomineralization of brain tissues occurs both in normal and pathological conditions. Dura mater biomineralization is widespread and occurs in 1-72% of cases, depending on the patient's age and research method. The amount of biomineral deposits under the conditions of tumor growth in the meninges only increases, reaching 100% in the case of psammomatous meningiomas. Since calcifications are often found in the meninges, the problem of differential diagnosis with calcified meningiomas arises. A total of 30 samples of meningiomas with signs of biomineralization-dense structure, characteristic crunch, psammoma bodies (group I) and 30 samples of meningiomas without any signs of biomineralization were examined as controls (group II). To detect pathological biomineralization, the meningioma tissue was studied using the methods of macroscopic description, histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy. A significantly higher level of caspase3 and features of the expression of osteoblastic markers (a lower level of OPG expression and a higher level of the presence of RANKL in group I, the absence of fluctuations in the expression of SPARC) may indicate a dystrophic type of development of biomineral deposits in meningiomas.

(Diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine Oxide - A Diazoalkane Reagent for [3+2] Cycloadditions

A safe and efficient method for the in-situ preparation of (diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine oxide - a hereto unexplored diazoalkane reagent - is developed. The method is based on the diazotization of the corresponding P(O)Me2-substituted amine (readily available in multigram quantities) in non-aqueous media. The protocol provides the target product as ca. 1.5 M CHCl3 solution which is stable at -18 °C. The utility of the synthesized diazoalkane is illustrated by its [3+2] cycloaddition with electron-poor alkynes and alkenes providing the corresponding P(O)Me2-substituted pyrazoles and pyrazolines with moderate to good efficiency. In this view, the title compound represents and an important extension of medicinally relevant phosphine oxide reagents.

Composite Materials with Nanoscale Multilayer Architecture Based on Cathodic-Arc Evaporated WN/NbN Coatings

Hard nitride coatings are commonly employed to protect components subjected to friction, whereby such coatings should possess excellent tribomechanical properties in order to endure high stresses and temperatures. In this study, WN/NbN coatings are synthesized by using the cathodic-arc evaporation (CA-PVD) technique at various negative bias voltages in the 50-200 V range. The phase composition, microstructural features, and tribomechanical properties of the multilayers are comprehensively studied. Fabricated coatings have a complex structure of three nanocrystalline phases: β-W2N, δ-NbN, and ε-NbN. They demonstrate a tendency for (111)-oriented grains to overgrow (200)-oriented grains with increasing coating thickness. All of the data show that a decrease in the fraction of ε-NbN phase and formation of the (111)-textured grains positively impact mechanical properties and wear behavior. Investigation of the room-temperature tribological properties reveals that with an increase in bias voltage from -50 to -200 V, the wear mechanisms change as follows: oxidative → fatigue and oxidative → adhesive and oxidative. Furthermore, WN/NbN coatings demonstrate a high hardness of 33.6-36.6 GPa and a low specific wear rate of (1.9-4.1) × 10-6 mm3/Nm. These results indicate that synthesized multilayers hold promise for tribological applications as wear-resistant coatings.

Water disinfection using hydrogen peroxide with fixed bed hematite catalyst - kinetic and activity studies

A lab-scale reactor with a fixed-bed hematite catalyst for the effective decomposition of H2O2 and bacteria inactivation was designed. The bactericidal effect is the largest at a low initial bacterial count of 2·103 CFU/L, which is typical for natural surface waters. When using a 5 mM H2O2 solution and a residence time of 104 min, the reduction in the number of E. coli bacteria is about 3.5-log. At a higher initial bacterial count of 1-2·104 CFU/L, a 5 mM H2O2 solution reduces the bacteria number by about 4-log. The H2O2 decomposition follows the log-linear kinetics of a first-order reaction while the bacterial inactivation does not. The kinetics of bacterial inactivation was described using the Weibull model in the modified form: log10(N0/N) = b · tn. The values of the non-linearity parameter n were found to be lower than 1, indicating that bacterial inactivation slows down over time. With increasing initial H2O2 concentration, the rate parameter b increases while the non-linearity parameter n decreases. With increasing temperature, both parameters increase. The stability of the catalyst has been proved by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and ICP-OES. The concentration of iron leaching into water during disinfection is much lower than the limit declared by WHO for iron in drinking water. The results show that technical-grade hematite is a promising Fenton-like catalyst for water disinfection. The fixed-bed reactor can be the basis of the mobile installations for water purification in emergencies.

Effects of Electron-Withdrawing Strengths of the Substituents on the Properties of 4-(Carbazolyl-R-benzoyl)-5-CF3-1H-1,2,3-triazole Derivatives as Blue Emitters for Doping-Free Electroluminescence Devices

The synthesis of four 4-(carbazolyl-R-benzoyl)-5-CF3-1H-1,2,3-triazoles with extra groups ((3-methyl)-phenyl-, 4-fluorophenyl-, quinolinyl-, or (3-trifluoromethyl)-phenyl-) in the acceptor fragment has been reported. The effects of substituents with different electron-withdrawing strengths on the thermal, electrochemical, photophysical, and electroluminescence properties of the synthesized compounds are discussed. The results of X-ray analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations support unusual molecular packing and electronic properties. The compounds are capable of glass formation with glass transition temperatures ranging from 54-84 °C. Ionization potentials of the compounds are in the range of 5.98-6.22 eV and electron affinities range from 3.09 to 3.35 eV. Under ultraviolet excitation, the neat films of the compounds exhibit blue emission with photoluminescence quantum yields ranging from 18 to 27%. The films of selected compounds are used for the preparation of host-free light-emitting layers of organic light-emitting diodes with very simple device structures and an external quantum efficiency of 4.6%.

Novel NASICON-Type Na-V-Mn-Ni-Containing Cathodes for High-Rate and Long-Life SIBs

Partial substitution of V by other transition metals in Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 (NVP) can improve the electrochemical performance of NVP as a cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, phosphate Na-V-Mn-Ni-containing composites based on NASICON (Natrium Super Ionic Conductor)-type structure have been fabricated by sol-gel method. The synchrotron-based X-ray study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies show that manganese/nickel combinations successfully substitute the vanadium in its site within certain limits. Among the received samples, composite based on Na3.83 V1.17 Mn0.58 Ni0.25 (PO4 )3 (VMN-0.5, 108.1 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C) shows the highest electrochemical ability. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, in situ XRD, ex situ XPS, and bond valence site energy calculations exhibit the kinetic properties and the sodium storage mechanism of VMN-0.5. Moreover, VMN-0.5 electrode also exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in quasi-solid-state sodium metal batteries with PVDF-HFP quasi-solid electrolyte membranes. The presented work analyzes the advantages of VMN-0.5 and the nature of the substituted metal in relation to the electrochemical properties of the NASICON-type structure, which will facilitate further commercialization of SIBs.

Bicyclo[m.n.k]alkane Building Blocks as Promising Benzene and Cycloalkane Isosteres: Multigram Synthesis, Physicochemical and Structural Characterization

Electrophilic double bond functionalization - intramolecular enolate alkylation sequence was used to obtain a series of bridged and fused bicyclo[m.n.k]alkane derivatives (i. e., bicyclo[4.1.1]octanes, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes, bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes, and bicyclo[4.2.0]heptanes). The scope and limitations of the method were established, and applicability to the multigram synthesis of target bicyclic compounds was illustrated. Using the developed protocols, over 50 mono- and bifunctional building blocks relevant to medicinal chemistry were prepared. The synthesized compounds are promising isosteres of benzene and cycloalkane rings, which is confirmed by their physicochemical and structural characterization (pKa , LogP, and exit vector parameters (EVP)). "Rules of thumb" for the upcoming isosteric replacement studies were proposed.

[3+2] Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Boronates and in situ Generated Azomethine Ylide

Scalable [3+2] cycloaddition of alkynyl boronates and in situ generated unstabilized azomethine ylide is reported for the first time. The selective formation of either 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 cycloaddition products was achieved by carefully optimizing the reaction conditions, mainly by controlling the reactant stoichiometry, catalyst loading, and internal temperature. The developed protocol tolerated many valuable functional groups, including TMS, protected alcohol (as ether or THP derivatives), or aldehyde (as acetal). Further common C-C and C-heteroatom bond-forming reactions, as well as scaled-up procedures demonstrate the utility of the prepared compounds as building blocks for organic synthesis and drug discovery.

War drives forest fire risks and highlights the need for more ecologically-sound forest management in post-war Ukraine

Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has experienced full-scale military aggression initiated by the Russian Federation. The war has had a major negative impact on vegetation cover of war-affected regions. We explored interactions between pre-war forest management and the impacts of military activities in three of the most forested Ukrainian areas of interest (AOI), affected by the war. These were forests lying between Kharkiv and Luhansk cities (AOI 'East'), forests along the Dnipro River delta (AOI 'Kherson'), and those of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (AOI CEZ). We used Sentinel satellite imagery to create damaged forest cover masks for the year 2022. We mapped forests with elevated fire hazard, which was defined as a degree of exposure to the fire-supporting land use (mostly an agricultural land, a common source of ignitions in Ukraine). We evaluated the forest disturbance rate in 2022, as compared to pre-war rates. We documented significant increases in non-stand replacing disturbances (low severity fires and non-fire disturbances) for all three of the AOIs. Damaged forest cover varied among the AOIs (24,180 ± 4,715 ha, or 9.3% ± 1.8% in the 'East' AOI; 7,293 ± 1,925 ha, or 15.7% ± 4.1% in the 'Kherson' AOI; 7,116 ± 1,274 ha, or 5.0% ± 0.9% in the CEZ AOI). Among the forests damaged in 2022, the 'Kherson' AOI will likely have the highest proportion of an area with elevated fire hazard in the coming decades, as compared to other regions (89% vs. 70% in the 'East' and CEZ AOIs respectively). Future fire risks and extensive war-related disturbance of forest cover call for forest management to develop strategies explicitly addressing these factors.

Anti-cancer activity of zinc-tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer/dextran-graft-polyacrylamide copolymer/Au(Ag) nanoparticle nanohybrids

A comparative study of in vitro anti-cancer photodynamic activities of three-component zinc-tetraphenylporphyrin photosensitizer/dextran-graft-polyacrylamide copolymer/Au(Ag) nanoparticle (ZnTPP/D-g-PAA/Au(Ag)NP) nanohybrids on LNCaP prostate cancer cells was carried out under 420 nm light irradiation with low power. A significant cytotoxic effect was revealed for both ZnTPP/D-g-PAA/AgNP and ZnTPP/D-g-PAA/AuNP nanohybrids, where ZnTPP/D-g-PAA/AgNP nanohybrids exhibited considerably higher anticancer activity (82%) compared to ZnTPP/D-g-PAA/AuNP nanohybrids (45%). The higher activity of silver-containing nanohybrids is rationalized based on two factors. The first factor is the resonance of 420 nm light with a absorption Soret peak of the ZnTPP photosensitizer and a localized surface plasmon mode in Ag nanoparticles. Correspondingly, the plasmon enhancement of reactive oxygen species photogeneration by ZnTPP molecules was considerably higher for the nanohybrid containing silver compared to the one containing gold. The second factor is the higher cytotoxicity of Ag nanoparticles compared to Au ones. The study results prove the high potential of D-g-PAA/Ag(Au)NP nanohybrids combined with 420 nm light irradiation with low power in the photodynamic treatment of prostate cancer.

Layered Double Hydroxides as the Unique Product of Target Ionic Construction for Energy, Chemical, Foods, Cosmetics, Medicine and Ecology Applications

Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) is an α-modification of the M-host (M2+ ) hydroxide, in which some part of the M-host cations is replaced by M-guest cations (M3+ or M4+ ). The emerging excess positive charge is compensated by the intercalation of anions into the interlayer space, which also contains water molecules. LDHs exhibit anion exchange properties. Targeted ionic design of LDHs via combining three components (M-host, M-guest cations, intercalated anions) allows the creation of a very wide range of highly efficient electrochemical, electrocatalytic, electrochromic substances, catalysts, ion exchangers, sorbents, color pigments, pharmacological drugs, food, and cosmetic additives. In this review, the structure and areas of application of LDHs are considered from the perspective of the targeted ionic design of a substance for a specific application.

Chemoselective Reactions of Functionalized Sulfonyl Halides

Chemoselective transformations of functionalized sulfonyl fluorides and chlorides are surveyed comprehensively. It is shown that sulfonyl fluorides provide an excellent selectivity control in their reactions. Thus, numerous conditions are tolerated by the SO2 F group - from amide and ester formation to directed ortho-lithiation and transition-metal-catalyzed cross-couplings. Meanwhile, sulfur (VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) is also compatible with numerous functional groups, thus confirming its title of "another click reaction". On the contrary, with a few exceptions, most transformations of functionalized sulfonyl chlorides typically occur at the SO2 Cl moiety.

Complexation of Flavonoids: Spectral Phenomena, Regioselectivity, Interplay with Charge and Proton Transfer

The review compiles information on the spectral classification of flavonoids, the changes in their electronic structure upon complex formation, and the manifestation of these changes in the absorption and emission spectra. Part of the review is devoted to the regioselectivity of the complex formation process, including types of complexation sites, the structure of chelates and 'open' complexes, and the correlation between the structure of complexes and their spectral properties. The interplay between complex formation and other processes occurring in flavonoids during electronic excitation is also considered, such as intramolecular inter-fragment charge transfer (ICT) and intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The review also contains systematic data on the study of regioselectivity and spectral properties of flavone complexes, obtained by the author and their colleagues over the past decades.

Cyclic Sulfinamides

The literature on cyclic sulfinamides (put simply, sultims) published from 1989 to 2022 has been summarized and reviewed. The information is divided into two sections: the analysis of synthetic methods on the preparation of cyclic sulfinamides and the discussion of the chemical properties of cyclic sulfinamides focusing on their reactions and applications. The survey of the reaction conditions, provided in the most detailed way, and a critical view of the reaction mechanisms add an extra dimension to the text. The data presented will be useful to specialists in different areas, especially those who work in the field of synthetic organic and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Bacterial community and culturable actinomycetes of Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens rhizosphere

During the course of development plants form tight interactions with microorganisms inhabiting their root zone. In turn, rhizosphere bacteria, in particular members of the phylum Actinomycetota, positively influence the host plant by increasing access to essential nutrients and controlling the pathogenic microorganism's population. Herein, we report the characterisation of the rhizosphere associated actinobacteria community of Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens growing in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden (Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine). The overall composition of the bacterial community was elucidated by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing followed by isolation of culturable microorganisms with the focus on actinomycetes. The metagenomic approach revealed that the representatives of phylum Actinomycetota (57.1%), Pseudomonadota (20.0%), and Acidobacteriota (12.2%) were dominating in the studied microbiome with Ilumatobacter (phylum Actinomycetota) (13.1%) being the dominant genus. Furthermore, a total of 159 actinomycete isolates, belonging to eight genera of Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Nonomuraea, Arthrobacter, Actinomadura, Kribbella, Cellulosimicrobium, and Mumia, were recovered from P. viridiglaucescens rhizosphere. The isolated species were tested for antimicrobial activity. 64% of isolates were active against at least one bacterial test-culture and 7.5% against fungal test culture. In overall, the rhizosphere bacterial communities act as a great source of actinobacterial diversity with the high potential for production of new bioactive compounds.

Apple pomace as an alternative substrate for butanol production

Butanol-producing strains Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 were used for research from "Collection of strains of microorganisms and plant lines for food and agricultural biotechnology" of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, glycerol (BASF, Germany) and apple pomace (total moisture 4%) after apple juice production. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of using apple pomace by domestic butanol-producing strains of Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 as a substrate. Producers were cultured on medium with different concentrations of apple pomace, glycerol was used for the inoculation. The presence of ethanol, acetone, and butanol in the culture liquid was determined using a gas chromatograph. It was determined that a significant part of the macrocomponent composition of the extracts can be used in bioconversion by producing strains of the genus Clostridium. It was determined that the highest concentration of butanol (10 g/dm3) was at a concentration of 120 g/dm3 in the extracts. The obtained data showed the possibility of using apple pomace as a substrate in biobutanol technology.

Owens-Wendt Method for Comparing the UV Stability of Spontaneous Liquid-Repellency with Wet Chemical Treatment of Laser-Textured Stainless Steel

The liquid-repellent properties of AISI 304 stainless steel surfaces textured with a femtosecond laser were studied, both after spontaneous hydrophobization and when treated with stearic acid and octyltrimethoxysilane. Surface topography has been shown to play a critical role in determining these properties. Although textures containing only LIPSS exhibited poor liquid-repellency, the performance was significantly improved after engraving the microtexture. The most effective topography consisted of 45 µm-wide grooves with a pitch of 60 µm and protrusions covered with a rough microcrystalline structure. Liquid-repellency, chemical treatment efficiency, and UV resistance were compared using derived Owens-Wendt parameters. The surface of femtosecond-laser-textured steel after spontaneous hydrophobization was found to be significantly less stable under UV irradiation than surfaces treated with stearic acid or octyltrimethoxysilane modifiers.

Rare non-serous fallopian tube cancers: institutional experience and literature review

INTRODUCTION

We reviewed 63 reports from the literature on rare non-serous tumors of the fallopian tubes and carried out a comparative analysis of clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods. We also report our observations from patients with these tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 157 patients with primary fallopian tube cancer (FTC) treated in our regional oncological hospital between 1970 and 2020, there were nine (6%) cases of rare non-serous cancers, including one case each of choriocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and neuroendocrine tumor, and two cases each of non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and clear cell adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

For carcinosarcoma and squamous cell, clear cell, and transitional cell carcinomas, clinical history, patient age, and clinical manifestations were similar to the main group of FTCs. Choriocarcinoma differed significantly from other cancers of the fallopian tubes in terms of patient age and clinical course. Mucinous adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, and borderline tumors, with rare exceptions, were almost always asymptomatic and were found only incidentally during surgery. Choriocarcinoma and carcinosarcoma had an aggressive course, while squamous cell, transitional cell, clear cell, and mucinous carcinomas were less aggressive. Since most rare non-serous tumors have a similar disease course to typical FTCs and there is a lack of appropriate treatment protocols for rare tumors, treatment options developed for ovarian tumors and FTC are justified for these tumors.

CONCLUSION

Rare non-serous malignant fallopian tube tumors are very similar to serous and endometrioid FTC in terms of clinical manifestations and diagnosis.

Phase Transitions, Dielectric Response, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Aziridinium Lead Halide Perovskites

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites are promising candidates for next-generation solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and lasers. The structural, dynamic, and phase-transition properties play a key role in the performance of these materials. In this work, we use a multitechnique experimental (thermal, X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, dielectric, nonlinear optical) and theoretical (machine-learning force field) approach to map the phase diagrams and obtain information on molecular dynamics and mechanism of the structural phase transitions in novel 3D AZRPbX3 perovskites (AZR = aziridinium; X = Cl, Br, I). Our work reveals that all perovskites undergo order-disorder phase transitions at low temperatures, which significantly affect the structural, dielectric, phonon, and nonlinear optical properties of these compounds. The desirable cubic phases of AZRPbX3 remain stable at lower temperatures (132, 145, and 162 K for I, Br, and Cl) compared to the methylammonium and formamidinium analogues. Similar to other 3D-connected hybrid perovskites, the dielectric response reveals a rather high dielectric permittivity, an important feature for defect tolerance. We further show that AZRPbBr3 and AZRPbI3 exhibit strong nonlinear optical absorption. The high two-photon brightness of AZRPbI3 emission stands out among lead perovskites emitting in the near-infrared region.

Features extraction from multi-spectral remote sensing images based on multi-threshold binarization

In this paper, we propose a solution to resolve the limitation of deep CNN models in real-time applications. The proposed approach uses multi-threshold binarization over the whole multi-spectral remote sensing image to extract the vector of discriminative features for classification. We compare the classification accuracy and the training time of the proposed approach with ResNet and Ensemble CNN models. The proposed approach shows a significant advantage in accuracy for small datasets, while keeping very close recall score to both deep CNN models for larger datasets. On the other hand, regardless of the dataset size, the proposed multi-threshold binarization provides approximately 5 times lower training and inference time than both ResNet and Ensemble CNN models.

Insights into the Biological Properties of Ligands and Identity of Operator Site for LanK Protein Involved in Landomycin Production

LanK is a TetR type regulatory protein that coordinates the late steps of the biosynthesis of the landomycin family of antitumor angucyclic polyketides and their export from the cells of Streptomyces cyanogenus S136. We recently described the structure of LanK and showed that it is the carbohydrate portion of the landomycins that is responsible for abrogating the repressing effect of LanK on landomycin production and export. The effect has been established in a series of in vitro tests using synthetic analogs of the landomycin carbohydrate chains. Whether such synthetic compounds would function as effector molecules for LanK under in vivo conditions remained unknown. Furthermore, the location and identity of LanK operator sites within the lanK-lanJ intergenic region (lanKJp) was unknown. Here we report that methoxyphenyl analogs of tri- and hexasaccharide chains of landomycins cannot function as LanK ligands when applied externally to the reporter strain. The lability of these compounds to cellular media and/or their poor penetration into the cells could explain our observations. The LanK operator site has been mapped to a 14-bp region of lanKJp that includes a plausible -35 site upstream of the lanK start codon in a series of electrophoretic DNA mobility shift assays. This opens the door to studies of the DNA-LanK interaction at a single nucleotide resolution level.

Organic LEDs Based on Bis(8-hydroxyquinoline) Zinc Derivatives with a Styryl Group

For the first time, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on bis(8-hydroxyquinoline) zinc with a styryl group (ZnStq) dispersed in poly(N-vinylcarbazole) matrix (ZnStq_R:PVK, where R = H, Cl, OCH3) were fabricated. The ZnStq_R:PVK films made via the spin-coating method were used as the active layer in these devices. The produced OLEDs showed strong electroluminescence with yellow emissions at 590, 587 and 578 nm for the ZnStq_H:PVK, ZnStq_Cl:PVK and ZnStq_OCH3:PVK, respectively. For all the studied thin films, the main photoluminescence emission bands were observed between 565 and 571 nm. The OLED with the ZnStq_OCH3:PVK layer with a narrow electroluminescence spectrum was found to have sufficient color purity to produce ultra-high-resolution displays with reduced power consumption (full width at half maximum of 59 nm, maximum brightness of 2244 cd/m2 and maximum current efficiency of 1.24 cd/A, with a turn-on voltage of 6.94 V and a threshold voltage of 7.35 V). To characterize the photophysical properties of the active layer, the ZnStq_R:PVK layers samples were additionally deposited on glass and silicon substrates. We found that the obtained results predestine ZnStq_R:PVK layers for use in the lighting industry in the future.

Electronic, Optical, and Vibrational Properties of an AgAlS2 Crystal in a High-Pressure Phase

The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the structural composition and properties of the AgAlS2 crystal during its high-pressure phase. This analysis delves into the second coordination environment of the crystal structure and elucidates the distinct transformations it undergoes during the phase transition. The band energy structure was calculated, and the origin of electronic levels was clarified. It is shown that the crystal becomes non-stratified during the phase transition. This study also determined the values of the crystal's carrier effective masses, underscoring its spatial anisotropy. It was found that the calculated optical functions are similar to the crystal in the chalcopyrite structure, and their differences are shown. Further, this study involved the calculation of the crystal's phonon spectrum, revealing the spectrum's transformation during the phase transition. The vibrational frequencies were also obtained, with a symmetrical classification of vibrational modes. Finally, this study derived the infrared and Raman spectra of the AgAlS2 crystal, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of the crystal during its high-pressure phase.

Diffusion Nitride Coatings for Heat-Resistant Steels

The effect of ion nitriding and nitriding in a melamine-based powder mixture on the structure and properties of AISI A290C1M steel was studied in the paper. Using ion nitriding made it possible to shorten the technological cycle's duration by 5-6 times compared to two-stage nitriding, optimize the diffusion layer's composition, provide a technologically simple process automation scheme, and improve the quality of nitride coatings. After the proposed mode of ion nitriding, a saturated layer depth of 0.25-0.32 mm, hardness up to 1000 HV, and an increase in wear resistance by 2.17 times were obtained. Using 95% melamine + 5% sodium fluoride during nitriding in a powder mixture significantly simplified the technological process. It did not require additional expensive equipment, which in turn significantly simplified the nitriding process with energy savings. The proposed technology and the composition of the mixture contributed to a significant acceleration of the nitriding process of AISI A290C1M steel, compared to traditional gas nitriding, and to obtain a hardness of the nitride layer of 970 HV and an increase in wear resistance by 2.6 times. A nitriding speed is explained by a significantly higher amount of atomic nitrogen when using melamine instead of ammonia and by the almost simultaneous disintegration of nanodispersed particles when the nitriding temperature was reached. After nitriding in a powder mixture, steel was subject to the slightest wear.

Electric field tuning of a nickel zinc ferrite resonator by non-linear magnetoelectric effects

The nature of nonlinear magnetoelectric (NLME) effect has been investigated at room-temperature in a single-crystal Zn substituted nickel ferrite. Tuning of the frequency of magnetostatic surface wave (MSSW) modes under an applied pulsed DC electric field/current has been utilized to probe the effect. The frequencies of the modes at 8-20 GHz were found to decrease by ~ 400 MHz for an applied DC power P of ~ 100 mW and the frequency shift was the same for all of the MSSW modes and linearly proportional to P. A model is proposed for the effect and the NLME phenomenon was interpreted in terms of a reduction in the saturation magnetization due to the DC current. The decrease of magnetization with applied electric power, estimated from data on mode frequency versus P, was - 2.50 G/mW. The frequency tuning efficiency of the MSSW modes due to NLME effects in the ferrite resonator was found to be 4.1 MHz/mW which is an order of magnitude higher than the shift reported for M-type strontium and barium hexaferrite resonators investigated earlier. The spinel ferrite resonator discussed here has the potential for miniature, electric field tunable, planar microwave devices for the 8-20 GHz frequency range.

Parameter Identification of the Fractional-Order Mathematical Model for Convective Mass Transfer in a Porous Medium

Fractional calculus is an essential tool in studying new phenomena in hydromechanics and heat and mass transfer, particularly anomalous hydromechanical advection-dispersion considering the fractal nature of the porous medium. They are valuable in solving the urgent problem of convective mass transfer in a porous medium (e.g., membranes, filters, nozzles, convective coolers, vibrational prillers, and so on). Its solution allows for improving chemical engineering and technology workflows, refining process models for obtaining porous granular materials, realizing the convective cooling of granular and grain materials, and ensuring the corresponding apparatuses' environmental safety. The article aims to develop a reliable convective mass transfer model for a porous medium and proposes a practical approach for its parameter identification. As a result, a general scientific and methodological approach to parameter identification of the fractional convective mass transfer model in a porous medium was proposed based on available experimental data. It mainly used Riemann-Liouville fractional time and coordinate derivatives. The comprehensive application of the Laplace obtained the corresponding general solution transform with respect to time and a coordinate, the Mittag-Leffler function, and specialized functions. Different partial solutions in various application case studies proved this solution. Moreover, the algorithm for practically implementing the developed approach was proposed to evaluate parameters for the considered model by evaluation data. It was reduced to the two-parameter model and justified by the available experimental data.

Synthetic Calcium-Phosphate Materials for Bone Grafting

Synthetic bone grafting materials play a significant role in various medical applications involving bone regeneration and repair. Their ability to mimic the properties of natural bone and promote the healing process has contributed to their growing relevance. While calcium-phosphates and their composites with various polymers and biopolymers are widely used in clinical and experimental research, the diverse range of available polymer-based materials poses challenges in selecting the most suitable grafts for successful bone repair. This review aims to address the fundamental issues of bone biology and regeneration while providing a clear perspective on the principles guiding the development of synthetic materials. In this study, we delve into the basic principles underlying the creation of synthetic bone composites and explore the mechanisms of formation for biologically important complexes and structures associated with the various constituent parts of these materials. Additionally, we offer comprehensive information on the application of biologically active substances to enhance the properties and bioactivity of synthetic bone grafting materials. By presenting these insights, our review enables a deeper understanding of the regeneration processes facilitated by the application of synthetic bone composites.

Derivatives of 2-Pyridone Exhibiting Hot-Exciton TADF for Sky-Blue and White OLEDs

Development of emissive materials for utilization in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) remains a highly relevant research field. One of the most important aspects in the development of efficient emitters for OLEDs is the efficiency of triplet-to-singlet exciton conversion. There are many concepts proposed for the transformation of triplet excitons to singlet excitons, among which thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is the most efficient and widespread. One of the variations of the TADF concept is the hot exciton approach according to which the process of exciton relaxation into the lowest energy electronic state (internal conversion as usual) is slower than intersystem crossing between high-lying singlets and triplets. In this paper, we present the donor-acceptor materials based on 2-pyridone acceptor coupled to the different donor moieties through the phenyl linker demonstrating good performance as components of sky-blue, green-yellow, and white OLEDs. Despite relatively low photoluminescence quantum yields, the compound containing 9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine donor demonstrated very good efficiency in sky-blue OLED with the single emissive layer, which showed an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.7%. It also forms a green-yellow-emitting exciplex with 4,4',4″-tris[phenyl(m-tolyl)amino]triphenylamine. The corresponding OLED showed an EQE of 6.9%. The white OLED combining both exciplex and single emitter layers demonstrated an EQE of 9.8% together with excellent current and power efficiencies of 16.1 cd A-1 and 6.9 lm W-1, respectively. Quantum-chemical calculations together with the analysis of photoluminescence decay curves confirm the ability of all of the studied compounds to exhibit TADF through the hot exciton pathway, but the limiting factor reducing the efficiency of OLEDs is the low photoluminescence quantum yields caused mainly by nonradiative intersystem crossing dominating over the radiative fluorescence pathway.

Mono- and Difluorinated Saturated Heterocyclic Amines for Drug Discovery: Systematic Study of Their Physicochemical Properties

A comprehensive study of physicochemical properties (pKa , LogP, and intrinsic microsomal clearance) within the series of mono- and difluorinated azetidine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine derivatives was performed. While the number of fluorine atoms and their distance to the protonation center were the major factors defining the compound's basicity, both pKa and LogP values were affected considerably by the conformational preferences of the corresponding derivatives. For example, features of "Janus face" (facially polarized) cyclic compounds (i. e., unusually high hydrophilicity) were identified for cis-3,5-difluoropiperidine, preferring a diaxial conformation. Intrinsic microsomal clearance measurements demonstrated high metabolic stability of the compounds studied (with a single exception of the 3,3-difluoroazetidine derivative). According to pKa - LogP plots, the title compounds provide a valuable extension of the fluorine-containing (e. g., fluoroalkyl-substituted) saturated heterocyclic amine series as building blocks for rational optimization studies in early drug discovery.

Eco-friendly TEMPO/laccase/O2 biocatalytic system for degradation of Indigo Carmine: operative conditions and laccase inactivation

The biocatalytic system laccase/TEMPO/O₂ has attracted the attention of researchers over the past two decades. A variety of applications for the system include organic synthesis, modification of cellulose, and oxidative degradation of environmental contaminants. A rigorous and predictable quantitative assessment of the change in enzymatic activity under the influence of a mediator is important for such a system. In this study, the operative conditions for carrying out a model reaction for the degradation of the synthetic dye Indigo Carmine in the presence of Trametes versicolor laccase/TEMPO were determined and the enzyme inactivation under the action of a mediator and substrate was studied. The long-term stability of Trametes versicolor laccase was assessed and the regression model of the response surface of laccase activity under the influence of TEMPO was created. It has been shown that laccase is inactivated in the presence of TEMPO, but the addition of the dye, CuSO₄ or CuCl₂ reduces this effect. The system under study can be used repeatedly for the Indigo Carmine decolorization, however, a gradual falling rate during the process is observed from cycle to cycle. This is due to two reasons - firstly, a decrease in the enzyme activity with each batch and secondly, the consumption of the mediator (22% within 5 days). Relatively high enzyme activity (>40%) is maintained after 73 cycles (1 portion of IC contained 25 μM) using 500 μM TEMPO and 0.12 U mL^-1 laccase. The laccase/TEMPO system has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of artificial wastewater containing high concentrations of Indigo carmine (0.5 g L^-1). In this case, the dye solution becomes 100% colorless within 5 hours in the presence of dye bath components and within 7.5 hours in a buffer solution.

Second harmonic generation on crystalline organic nanoclusters under extreme nanoconfinement in functionalized silica-benzil composites

We demonstrate a series of organic-inorganic nanocomposite materials combining the mesoporous silica (PS) and benzil (BZL) nanocrystals embedded into its nanochannels (6.0-13.0 nm in diameter) by capillary crystallization. One aims to design novel, efficient nonlinear optical composite materials in which inactive amorphous host PS-matrix provides a tubular scaffold structure, whereas nonlinear optical functionality results from specific properties of the deposited guest BZL-nanocrystals. A considerable contraction of the BZL melt during its crystallization inside the silica nanochannels results in a formation of the texture consisting of (221)- and (003)-oriented BZL nanoclusters (22 nm in length), separated by voids. Specificity of the textural morphology similarly to the spatial confinement significantly influences the nonlinear optical features of composite PS:BZL materials being explored in the second harmonic generation (SHG) experiment. The light polarization anisotropy of the SHG response appears to be considerably reduced at channel diameters larger than 7 nm apparently due to the multiple scattering and depolarization of the light on randomly distributed and crystallographically oriented BZL-nanoclusters. The normalized SHG response decreases nonlinearly by more than one order of magnitude as the channel diameter decreases from 13.0 to 6.0 nm and vanishes when spatial cylindrical confinement approaches the sizes of a few molecular layers suggesting that the embedded BZL clusters indeed are not uniformly crystalline but are characterized by more complex morphology consisting of a disordered SHG-inactive amorphous shell, covering the channel wall, and SHG-active crystalline core. Understanding and controlling of the textural morphology in inorganic-organic nanocrystalline composites as well as its relationships with nonlinear optical properties can lead to the development of novel efficient nonlinear optical materials for the light energy conversion with prospective optoelectronic and photonic applications.

From Synthesis to Clinical Trial: Novel Bioinductive Calcium Deficient HA/β-TCP Bone Grafting Nanomaterial

Maxillary sinus augmentation is a commonly used procedure for the placement of dental implants. However, the use of natural and synthetic materials in this procedure has resulted in postoperative complications ranging from 12% to 38%. To address this issue, we developed a novel calcium deficient HA/β-TCP bone grafting nanomaterial using a two-step synthesis method with appropriate structural and chemical parameters for sinus lifting applications. We demonstrated that our nanomaterial exhibits high biocompatibility, enhances cell proliferation, and stimulates collagen expression. Furthermore, the degradation of β-TCP in our nanomaterial promotes blood clot formation, which supports cell aggregation and new bone growth. In a clinical trial involving eight cases, we observed the formation of compact bone tissue 8 months after the operation, allowing for the successful installation of dental implants without any early postoperative complications. Our results suggest that our novel bone grafting nanomaterial has the potential to improve the success rate of maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

Many-body correlations in one-dimensional optical lattices with alkaline-earth(-like) atoms

We explore the rich nature of correlations in the ground state of ultracold atoms trapped in state-dependent optical lattices. In particular, we consider interacting fermionic ytterbium or strontium atoms, realizing a two-orbital Hubbard model with two spin components. We analyze the model in one-dimensional setting with the experimentally relevant hierarchy of tunneling and interaction amplitudes by means of exact diagonalization and matrix product states approaches, and study the correlation functions in density, spin, and orbital sectors as functions of variable densities of atoms in the ground and metastable excited states. We show that in certain ranges of densities these atomic systems demonstrate strong density-wave, ferro- and antiferromagnetic, as well as antiferroorbital correlations.

Engineering Porous Silicon-Based Microcavity for Chemical Sensing

In this article, the authors theoretically and experimentally investigated ways to improve the efficiency of porous silicon (PS)-based optical microcavity sensors as a 1D/2D host matrix for electronic tongue/nose systems. The transfer matrix method was used to compute reflectance spectra of structures with different [n_Ln_H] sets of low n_L and high n_H bilayer refractive indexes, the cavity position λ_c, and the number of bilayers N_bi. Sensor structures were prepared by electrochemically etching a silicon wafer. The kinetics of adsorption/desorption processes of ethanol-water-based solution was monitored in real time with a reflectivity probe-based setup. It was theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that the sensitivity of the microcavity sensor is higher for structures with refractive indexes in the lower range (and the corresponding porosity values in the upper range). The sensitivity is also improved for structures with the optical cavity mode (λ_c) adjusted toward longer wavelengths. The sensitivity of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with cavity increases for a structure with cavity position λ_c in the long wavelength region. The full width at half maximum (fwhm_c) of the microcavity is smaller and the quality factor of microcavity (Q_c) is higher for the DBR with a larger number of structure layers N_bi. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated data. We believe that our results can help in developing rapid, sensitive, and reversible electronic tongue/nose sensing devices based on a PS host matrix.

Prenatal Fumonisin Exposure Impairs Bone Development via Disturbances in the OC/Leptin and RANKL/RANK/OPG Systems in Weaned Rat Offspring

The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of prenatal exposure to fumonisins (FBs) on bone properties and metabolism in weaned rat offspring divided into groups intoxicated with FBs at either 0 (the 0 FB group), 60 (the 60 FB group), or 90 mg/kg b.w. 0 (the 90 FB group). Female and male offspring exposed to FBs at a dose of 60 mg/kg b.w. had heavier femora. Mechanical bone parameters changed in a sex and FBs dose-dependent manner. Growth hormone and osteoprotegerin decreased in both sexes, regardless of FBs dose. In males osteocalcin decreased, while receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand increased regardless of FBs dose; while in females changes were dose dependent. Leptin decreased in both male FBs-intoxicated groups, bone alkaline phosphatase decreased only in the 60 FB group. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 protein expression increased in both female FBs-intoxicated groups and decreased in male 90 FB group. Osteoprotegerin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 protein expression decreased in males, regardless of FBs dose, while nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand expression increased only in the 90 FB group. The disturbances in bone metabolic processes seemed to result from imbalances in the RANKL/RANK/OPG and the OC/leptin systems.

Basal Intestinal Morphology, Immunolocalization of Leptin and Ghrelin and Their Receptors in Newborn Wistar Rats after Prenatal Exposure to Fumonisins

Animal feed is very frequently contaminated with different types of mold, the metabolites of which are toxic to living organisms. Mold-contaminated cereal is rich in heat-resistant and harmful metabolites such as fumonisins (FBs). The amount of FBs consumed as part of animal feed, including livestock feed, is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal oral FB intoxication on basal duodenum morphology and the immunolocalization of gut hormones responsible for food intake (leptin and ghrelin), as well as their receptors, in newborn rat offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a control group or one of two FB-intoxicated groups (60 or 90 mg FB/kg b.w., respectively). Basal morphological duodenal parameters changed in a dose- and sex-dependent manner. The intensity of the ghrelin immunoreaction was unchanged in females, while in males it increased after FB exposure (60 mg/kg b.w.), with a simultaneous decrease in expression of the ghrelin receptor. Leptin and its receptor immunoreaction intensity was decreased in both sexes following FB exposure. The current study highlighted the potential involvement of intestinal ghrelin and leptin in the metabolic disturbances observed later in life in offspring that were prenatally exposed to fumonisins.

Gradual evolution of hydrogen-bonding patterns with the carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide anion in a series of aliphatic diammonium salts

Developing the structures of organic materials that rely on the hydrogen bonding of multifunctional substrates is often complicated due to a competition between various possible motifs. In this context, the illustrative case of the carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide anion, [ONC(CN)-C(O)NH₂]^-, suggests sufficient control over the crystal lattice with a set of supramolecular synthons, which are specific to all the present nitroso, carbamoyl and cyano groups. The structures of the carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide salts of ethane-1,2-diammonium, C₂H₁₀N₂²⁺·2C₃H₂N₃O₂^-, (1), piperazine-1,4-diium, C₄H₁₂N₂²⁺·2C₃H₂N₃O₂^-, (2), butane-1,4-diammonium, C₄H₁₄N₂²⁺·2C₃H₂N₃O₂^-, (3), and hexane-1,6-diammonium, C₆H₁₈N₂²⁺·2C₃H₂N₃O₂^-, (4), reveal two- and three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded frameworks governed by a set of site-selective interactions. The strongest N-H...O hydrogen bonds [N...O = 2.6842 (17)-2.8718 (17) Å, mean 2.776 (2) Å] are associated with the polarized ammonium N-H donors and nitroso O-atom acceptors, which sustain invariant motifs in the form of nitroso/ammonium dimers. Subtle structural changes within this series of compounds concern the rupture of some weaker interactions, i.e. mutual hydrogen bonds of the carbamoyl groups in (1)-(3) [N...O = 2.910 (2)-2.9909 (18) Å; mean 2.950 (2) Å] and carbamoyl/nitrile hydrogen bonds in (1), (2) and (4) [N...N = 2.936 (2)-3.003 (3) Å, mean 2.977 (2) Å], providing a gradual evolution of the hydrogen-bonding pattern. A hierarchy of the synthons involving three different groups could be applicable to supramolecular synthesis with polyfunctional methanide species, suggesting also a degree of control over layered and interpenetrated hydrogen-bonded networks.

Nitrilotriacetic Acid Improves Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of Titanium for Biomedical Applications

Dental implants have become a routine, affordable, and highly reliable technology to replace tooth loss. In this regard, titanium and its alloys are the metals of choice for the manufacture of dental implants because they are chemically inert and biocompatible. However, for special cohorts of patients, there is still a need for improvements, specifically to increase the ability of implants to integrate into the bone and gum tissues and to prevent bacterial infections that can subsequently lead to peri-implantitis and implant failures. Therefore, titanium implants require sophisticated approaches to improve their postoperative healing and long-term stability. Such treatments range from sandblasting to calcium phosphate coating, fluoride application, ultraviolet irradiation, and anodization to increase the bioactivity of the surface. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has gained popularity as a method for modifying metal surfaces and delivering the desired mechanical and chemical properties. The outcome of PEO treatment depends on the electrochemical parameters and composition of the bath electrolyte. In this study, we investigated how complexing agents affect the PEO surfaces and found that nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) can be used to develop efficient PEO protocols. The PEO surfaces generated with NTA in combination with sources of calcium and phosphorus were shown to increase the corrosion resistance of the titanium substrate. They also support cell proliferation and reduce bacterial colonization and, hence, lead to a reduction in failed implants and repeated surgeries. Moreover, NTA is an ecologically favorable chelating agent. These features are necessary for the biomedical industry to be able to contribute to the sustainability of the public healthcare system. Therefore, NTA is proposed to be used as a component of the PEO bath electrolyte to obtain bioactive surface layers with properties desired for next-generation dental implants.

Spatial antiferromagnetic spin texture as a nano-oscillator

We report a theoretical study of the localized spatial magnetization configuration, which is a confined spin configuration of the target skyrmion/hopfion type in an antiferromagnet with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and then we solve the particular problem of self-oscillations of such a topological spin texture. Using the energy approach, a self-consistent account of inhomogeneity of the characteristics of the topological magnetic spin texture was carried out. On this basis, the equation of free oscillations of the confined spin configuration magnetization was derived and its quasi-classical solution was found. For a thin ring spin texture, the frequency, period of oscillations and relative amplitude of the main tone of oscillations are found. For the first time, we determined the topological mass, inertial mass and total energy of the main tone of oscillations of such spatial spin texture. The self-oscillatory process of a spatial spin texture is interpreted as a magnetic nano-oscillator.

Polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase P1 of dogs with mammary tumours

Mammary tumours constitute more than half of neoplasms in female dogs from different countries. Genome sequences are associated with cancer susceptibility but there is little information available about genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) in canine cancers. The aim of this study was to find single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GSTP1 of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) with mammary tumours compared to healthy dogs and to determine the association between GSTP1 polymorphisms and the occurrence of these tumours. The study population included 36 client-owned female dogs with mammary tumours and 12 healthy female dogs, with no previous diagnosis of cancer. DNA was extracted from blood and amplified by PCR assay. PCR-products were sequenced by Sanger method and analysed manually. The 33 polymorphisms were found in GSTP1: 1 coding SNP (exon 4), 24 non-coding SNPs (9 in exon 1), 7 deletions and 1 insertion. The 17 polymorphisms have been found in introns 1, 4, 5 and 6. The dogs with mammary tumours have significant difference from healthy in SNPs I4 c.1018 + 123 T > C (OR 13.412, 95%CI 1.574-114.267, P = .001), I5 c.1487 + 27 T > C (OR 10.737, 95%CI 1.260-91.477, P = .004), I5 c.1487 + 842 G > C (OR 4.714, 95% CI 1.086-20.472, P = .046) and I6 c.2481 + 50 A > G (OR 12.000, 95% CI 1.409-102.207, P = .002). SNP E5 c.1487 T > C and I5 c.1487 + 829 delG also differed significantly (P = .03) but not to the confidence interval. The study, for the first time, showed a positive association of SNPs in GSTP1 with mammary tumours of dogs, that can possibly be used to predict the occurrence of this pathology.

Effect of Size on the Formation of Solid Solutions in Ag-Cu Nanoparticles

Modern technologies stimulate the quest for multicomponent nanosized materials with improved properties, which are ultimately defined by the atomic arrangement and interphase interactions in the nanomaterial. Here, we present the results of the experimental study of the formation of solid solutions in Ag-Cu nanoparticles in a wide size and temperature range using in situ TEM techniques. The Ag-Cu nanoparticles with a eutectic ratio of components were formed on an amorphous carbon film by the physical vapor deposition technique. Electron diffraction, HAADF-STEM imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, chemical element mapping, and electron energy loss spectral imaging were used for the characterization of mixing patterns and composition of phases in AgCu nanoparticles down to the atomic level. As a result, we constructed the solid-state part of the Ag-Cu phase diagram for nanoparticles with a size down to 5 nm. We found a highly asymmetric behavior of the solvus lines. Thus, the content of Cu in Ag gradually increased with a size reduction and reached the ultimate value for our configuration of 27 wt % Cu at a nanoparticle size below ∼8 nm. At the same time, no Cu-rich solid solution was found in two-phase AgCu nanoparticles, irrespective of the size and temperature. Moreover, a quasi-homogeneous solid solution was revealed in AgCu nanoparticles with a size smaller than 8 nm already at room temperature. A size dependence of the terminal temperature T _term, which limits the existence of AgCu alloy nanoparticles in a vacuum, was constructed. Evaporation of the AgCu phase with the composition of 86 wt % Ag was observed at temperatures above T _term. We show the crucial role of the mutual solubility of components on the type of atomic mixing pattern in AgCu nanoparticles. A gradual transition from a Janus-like to a homogeneous mixing pattern was observed in Ag-Cu nanoparticles (28 wt % Cu) with a decrease in their size.

Dynamic stability of the financial monitoring system: Intellectual analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although there is a growing number of scientific publications on financial monitoring, combating money laundering, the shadow economy, and the impact of corruption on economic development, further research needs to determine the stability of the national financial system in dynamics. The dynamic stability of the national financial monitoring system subjects will allow to adequately assess the effectiveness of the existing national financial monitoring system in each country and determine the influential factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The article investigates an approach to identifying the dynamic stability of the national financial monitoring system subjects based on the calculation of the integrated indicator of the country's financial system propensity to ALM, vector autoregression (VAR) model taking into account time lag. The proposed integrated indicator allowed to adequately assess the existing financial monitoring systems of the countries (15 countries of the European Union for 2000-2020: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain). In addition, vector autoregression models (VAR) of the dependence of the country's financial system propensity to ALM on the regressors Government Integrity, Index of economic freedom, Monetary Sector credit to the private sector (% GDP), were built, taking into account time lags in general and for each studied country.

RESULTS

According to the modeling results, the national financial monitoring systems in Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovak Republic, Spain were resistant to money laundering. It is vice versa in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Latvia. These conclusions are also confirmed based on a binary approach. Such exogenous variables as Government Integrity (with a lag of 2 years) and the Index of economic freedom (taking into account the time delays of the regression reflection under the influence of this regressor for 1 and 2 years) have a statistically significant effect on the country's financial system.

CONCLUSION

The general vector autoregression (VAR) model shows that the current value of the country's financial system propensity to ALM by 92.78% is determined by its previous value. With an increase of Government Integrity by 1%, the country's financial system's propensity to ALM will decrease by 0.000616 units with a lag of two years. The nature of the impact made by the Index of economic freedom on the performance feature was specific-when this indicator increases by 1% for a lag delay in one year, the PFSALM value will decrease by 0.001997 units, and for a lag delay of two years it will change the trend and increase by 0.003076 units per unit, respectively.

Reusable alcohol oxidase-nPtCu/alginate beads for highly sensitive ethanol assay in beverages

Nanozymes (NZs) are nanoparticles that mimic the catalytic properties of natural enzymes. The present work aimed to obtain effective peroxidase mimetics (PO-like NZs), to characterize their morphological properties, estimate the kinetic parameters of NZs and evaluate the prospects of their application in analysis of ethanol. Herein, we have proposed a convenient spectrophotometric method for ethanol assay using reusable alginate beads enriched with alcohol oxidase (AO) and nanoparticles of PtCu (nPtCu) as PO-like NZs, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogen. The linear range for the proposed nPtCu-AO/alginate beads/TMB-based method is from 0.01 mM to 0.15 mM with a limit of detection of 3.3 μM ethanol. The method is used for the quantitative determination of ethanol in alcoholic beverages. The obtained results proved to be in a good correlation with the enzymatic reference method. These results highlight the potential of the nPtCu with PO-like activity in bioanalytical applications. The proposed method, being sensitive, economical and suitable for routine and micro-volume formats, can be used in clinical diagnostics for the detection of ethanol.

In situ Functionalized Mesoporous Silicas for Sustainable Remediation Strategies in Removal of Inorganic Pollutants from Contaminated Environmental Water

Low-cost mesoporous silicas of the SBA-15 family were prepared, aimed for removal of a broad spectrum of both cationic and anionic forms of hazardous metal pollutants (Cr(III, VI), Mn(II, VII), Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II)) from environmental water. Series of mono- and bifunctional materials with immobilized ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (EDTA), primary amine (NH₂), and quaternary ammonium (QAS) groups were prepared in a cost-efficient one-step synthesis using two silica sources, low-cost sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃ 9H₂O) and the conventional source-tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The functionalized SBA-15 samples obtained from both silica sources were highly ordered, as evidenced by TEM and SAXS data. All obtained materials were mesoporous with high surface area values of up to 745 m²/g, pore volumes from 0.99 to 1.44 cm³/g, and narrow pore distributions near 7 nm. The adsorption affinity of the EDTA-functionalized samples followed the common order Pb(II)> Cd(II)> Cu(II)> Cr(III)> Mn(II), which could be explained based on the Pearson theory. The highest adsorption capacities were observed for samples functionalized by EDTA groups using TEOS for synthesis (TEOS/EDTA): 195.6 mg/g for Pb(II), 111.2 mg/g for Cd(II), 58.7 mg/g for Cu(II), 57.7 mg/g for Cr(III), and 49.4 mg/g for Mn(II). Moreover, organic matter (humic acid up to 10 mg/L) and inorganic (Na(I), K(I), Mg(II), Ca(II), etc) macrocomponents present in environmental water had almost negligible effect on the removal of these cations. The NaSi/EDTA/NH₂ sample revealed a better selectivity compared to the NaSi_/NH₂ sample towards such species as Cr(III), Mn(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II). The chromate-ions uptake at pH 7.5 by the TEOS/QAS sample turned practically unaffected by the presence of doubly charged anions (CO₃ ^2-, SO₄ ^2-). The content of functional groups on the surface of MS decreased only slightly (∼1-5%) after several regeneration cycles. The complete desorption of all heavy metal ions can be achieved using 1 mol/L EDTA solution. Reusability tests demonstrated the complete stability of the adsorbent for at least five to six consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles with no decrease in its adsorption characteristics compared to those obtained by 0.05 mol/L HNO₃ treatments. The synthesized mesoporous materials were evaluated for removal of the heavy metal ions from drinking and different natural water samples, proving their potential as sustainable, effective, and cost-efficient adsorbents.

Nanozymes with reductase-like activities: antioxidant properties and electrochemical behavior

Nanozymes (NZs) as stable cost-effective mimics of natural enzymes may be promising catalysts in food and environmental biotechnology, biosensors, alternative energy and medicine. The majority of known NZs are mimetics of oxidoreductases, although there are only limited data regarding mimetics of reductases. In the present research, a number of metal-based NZs were synthesized via chemical methods and screened for their antioxidant ability in solution. The most effective reductase-like Zn/Cd/Cu NZ was characterized in detail. Its antioxidant properties in comparison with several food products and Trolox, as well as substrate specificity, size and composition were studied. Zn/Cd/Cu NZ was shown to mimic preferentially selenite reductase. The amperometric sensor was constructed possessing a high sensitivity (1700 A M-1 m-2) and a broad linear range (16-1000 μM) for selenite ions. The possibility to apply the fabricated sensor for selenite determination in commercial mineral water has been demonstrated.

Genomic Insights into the Distribution and Phylogeny of Glycopeptide Resistance Determinants within the Actinobacteria Phylum

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) creates a challenge for global health security, rendering many previously successful classes of antibiotics useless. Unfortunately, this also includes glycopeptide antibiotics (GPAs), such as vancomycin and teicoplanin, which are currently being considered last-resort drugs. Emerging resistance towards GPAs risks limiting the clinical use of this class of antibiotics-our ultimate line of defense against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive pathogens. But where does this resistance come from? It is widely recognized that the GPA resistance determinants-van genes-might have originated from GPA producers, such as soil-dwelling Gram-positive actinobacteria, that use them for self-protection. In the current work, we present a comprehensive bioinformatics study on the distribution and phylogeny of GPA resistance determinants within the Actinobacteria phylum. Interestingly, van-like genes (vlgs) were found distributed in different arrangements not only among GPA-producing actinobacteria but also in the non-producers: more than 10% of the screened actinobacterial genomes contained one or multiple vlgs, while less than 1% encoded for a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). By phylogenetic reconstructions, our results highlight the co-evolution of the different vlgs, indicating that the most diffused are the ones coding for putative VanY carboxypeptidases, which can be found alone in the genomes or associated with a vanS/R regulatory pair.

Band Gap Engineering and Trap Depths of Intrinsic Point Defects in RAlO3 (R = Y, La, Gd, Yb, Lu) Perovskites

The possibility of band gap engineering (BGE) in RAlO₃ (R = Y, La, Gd, Yb, Lu) perovskites in the context of trap depths of intrinsic point defects was investigated comprehensively using experimental and theoretical approaches. The optical band gap of the materials, E _g, was determined via both the absorption measurements in the VUV spectral range and the spectra of recombination luminescence excitation by synchrotron radiation. The experimentally observed effect of E _g reduction from ∼8.5 to ∼5.5 eV in RAlO₃ perovskites with increasing R³⁺ ionic radius was confirmed by the DFT electronic structure calculations performed for RM^IIIO₃ crystals (R = Lu, Y, La; M^III = Al, Ga, In). The possibility of BGE was also proved by the analysis of thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) measured above room temperature for the far-red emitting (Y/Gd/La)AlO₃:Mn⁴⁺ phosphors, which confirmed decreasing of the trap depths in the cation sequence Y → Gd → La. Calculations of the trap depths performed within the super cell approach for a number of intrinsic point defects and their complexes allowed recognizing specific trapping centers that can be responsible for the observed TSL. In particular, the electron traps of 1.33 and 1.43 eV (in YAlO₃) were considered to be formed by the energy level of oxygen vacancy (V_O) with different arrangement of neighboring Y_Al and V_Y, while shallower electron traps of 0.9-1.0 eV were related to the energy level of Y_Al antisite complexes with neighboring V_O or (V_O + V_Y). The effect of the lowering of electron trap depths in RAlO₃ was demonstrated for the V_O-related level of the (Y_Al + V_O + V_Y) complex defect for the particular case of La substituting Y.

When SF5 outplays CF3: effects of pentafluorosulfanyl decorated scorpionates on copper

Polyfluorinated, electron-withdrawing, and sterically demanding supporting ligands are of significant value in chemistry. Here we report the assembly and use of a bis(pyrazolyl)borate, [Ph2B(3-(SF5)Pz)2]- that combines all such features, and involves underutilized pentafluorosulfanyl substituents. The ethylene and carbonyl chemistry of copper(i) supported by [Ph2B(3-(SF5)Pz)2]-, a comparison to the trifluoromethylated counterparts involving [Ph2B(3-(CF3)Pz)2]-, as well as copper catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate and CF3CHN2 are presented. The results from cyclopropanation show that SF5 groups dramatically improved the yields and stereoselectivity compared to the CF3.