Comparative analysis of genetic polymorphism in <i>Rhaponticum carthamoides</i> (Asteraceae) populations by ISSR markers in the Altai Republic

Background. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin (Asteraceae) is a rare species for the Altai Republic (AR).  The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic polymorphism of Rhaponticum carthamoides at the inter- and intrapopulation level in a comparative analysis for subsequent selection of seed samples from the genetically most heterogeneous natural populations of the AR for practical purposes.   Materials and methods. The species was studied for ISSR variability in five habitats in the AR. DNA from dried leaves of R. carthamoides was isolated using the STAB method. For testing seventeen ISSR primers were used, seven of which were selected as most informative ones.   Results and conclusion. The analysis showed that individual plants from five cenopopulations (CP) were distributed into three groups of similarity on the dendrogram. A separate clade was formed by plant samples from two CPs of the Katun Nature Reserve (KNR). Samples of one of those CPs grew on well-warmed southern slopes and exhibited a higher genetic heterogeneity than the others. The highest intrapopulation and interpopulation similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments was also found in two CPs from habitats with the smallest geographic distance from each other. Representatives of a separate population, least in size and number of individuals in the KNR, showed a high level of similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments. Significantly lower coefficients of genetic similarity with other CPs were found in plants from a small isolated CP from the Shavlinsky Protected Area. It can be assumed that one of the main reasons for the least genetic similarity of this population with others is its location in the immediate vicinity of the foothill at the pass to Achik (Ongudaysky District; absolute height: 2300 masl). This location can be a limiting factor for the exchange of genetic information with individuals from other populations

Organizational aspects of out-patient forensic psychiatric examination of persons of the senior age groups

Increase in number of judicial examinations on questions capacity defines necessity of the organisation of expert process and its rationalisation. Archival, statistical methods of research were applied. Features in structure of expenditures of labour of experts are revealed at carrying out of out-patient examinations to persons of the senior age groups.Увеличение числа судебных экспертиз по вопросам сделко- и дееспособности определяет необходимость организации экспертного процесса и его рационализацию. Применялись архивный, статистический методы исследования. Выявлены особенности в структуре трудозатрат экспертов при проведении амбулаторных экспертиз лицам старших возрастных групп

Dissolution behaviour of silicon nitride coatings for joint replacements

In this study, the dissolution rate of SiNx coatings was investigated as a function of coating composition, in comparison to a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) reference. SiNx coatings with N/Si ratios of 0.3, 0.8 and 1.1 were investigated. Electrochemical measurements were complemented with solution (inductively coupled plasma techniques) and surface analysis (vertical scanning interferometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The dissolution rate of the SiNx coatings was evaluated to 0.2–1.4 nm/day, with a trend of lower dissolution rate with higher N/Si atomic ratio in the coating. The dissolution rates of the coatings were similar to or lower than that of CoCrMo (0.7–1.2 nm/day). The highest nitrogen containing coating showed mainly Si–N bonds in the bulk as well as at the surface and in the dissolution area. The lower nitrogen containing coatings showed Si–N and/or Si–Si bonds in the bulk and an increased formation of Si–O bonds at the surface as well as in the dissolution area. The SiNx coatings reduced the metal ion release from the substrate. The possibility to tune the dissolution rate and the ability to prevent release of metal ions encourage further studies on SiNx coatings for joint replacements

Characters of finite groups, part 2

This book places character theory and its applications to finite groups within the reach of people with a comparatively modest mathematical background. The work concentrates mostly on applications of character theory to finite groups. The main themes are degrees and kernels of irreducible characters, the class number and the number of nonlinear irreducible characters, values of irreducible characters, characterizations and generalizations of Frobenius groups, and generalizations of monomial groups. The presentation is detailed, and many proofs of known results are new

Characters of finite groups, part 1

This book discusses character theory and its applications to finite groups. The work places the subject within the reach of people with a relatively modest mathematical background. The necessary background exceeds the standard algebra course with respect only to finite groups. Starting with basic notions and theorems in character theory, the authors present a variety of results on the properties of complex-valued characters and applications to finite groups. The main themes are degrees and kernels of irreducible characters, the class number and the number of nonlinear irreducible characters, values of irreducible characters, characterizations and generalizations of Frobenius groups, and generalizations and applications of monomial groups. The presentation is detailed, and many proofs of known results are new. Most of the results in the book are presented in monograph form for the first time. Numerous exercises offer additional information on the topics and help readers to understand the main concepts and results