The effective electrical conductivity of a two-phase liquid-metal flow

Electrical conductivity of two phase liquid metal flow in magnetohydrodynamic generato

FATTY ACID RECEPTOR GPR84 AND Th1/Th2 BALANCE IN THE EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEM IN VIVO

While conducting numerous studies, including researchers in our laboratory, it was found that Th1/Th2 balance plays an essential role in the regulation of reactions that determine the outcomes of immunopathological processes in both chronic and acute GVHD models. However, the question about activity of which element in the regulatory process during GVHD induction (for example, a receptor or an enzyme) affects the ratio of this balance depends remains open. It has been suggested that the degree of activation of the GPR84 receptor during GVHD induction can significantly affect the host Th1/Th2 balance. And, by assessing this parameter, the direction of development and the intensity of the pathological process can be determined. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of ligands such as medium-chain fatty acid receptor GPR84 on the Th1/Th2 balance in an experimental model in an in vivo system.Female DBA/2 and hybrids (C57Bl/6 × DBA/2) F1 mouse strains were used in the experiments.The studied ligands of GPR84 were capric and lauric acids, as well as a synthetic ligand 6-OAU. Chronic GVHD in the semi-allogenic system was induced by injecting splenocytes from DBA/2 mice to B6D2F1 hybrid mice: 60-70 × 106 -cells iv twice with an interval of 6 days. The first administration of the GPR84 ligands was performed one hour after the donor cell transfer and then once a day for two weeks.The effect of the study drugs on the course of chronic GVHD was assessed three months after the onset of the experiment.It was shown that the administration of GPR84 ligands to to animals during the induction of chronic GVHD affects the activity of the receptor and the host Th1/Th2 ratio. In the group with the injection of 6-OAU, the number of animals which the immunopathological process developed according to the Th1-dependent variant increased by more than 1.5-fold, compared with the control group. This fact is consistent with the literature data obtained in the in vitro system. Apparently, the effect of a mixture of capric and lauric acids is mediated by some other mechanism, differed from the GPR84 activation. Therefore, further research is required to realize the promising possibility of adjusting immune responses by including certain fatty acids in the diet

Democratisation of educational systems through participatory approaches in US schools and universities

Introduction. This article examines the modern educational approach in the field of liberal arts and practical finance, democratisation of the decision-making system in educational institutions through the active engagement of students on the example of US schools and universities. This approach is based on initiative, or participatory budgeting, i.e. students are involved in the process of allocation of budgetary funds of schools and universities. Such participatory practice has educational and administrative objectives, as it serves to improve the quality management in educational institutions through the involvement of students in major decisions. Taking into account the fact that students are the key beneficiaries of the education system, their opinions lead to increased efficiency in educational institutions. Aim. On the basis of real cases, the current research is aimed to identify and describe participatory techniques that can integrate the teaching of theoretical knowledge in the field of civil society with the formation of practical skills in this area. Methodology and research methods. Desk research method of analysing primary and secondary sources (websites of educational institutions, academic publications, and articles in the media) and the field sociological method of expert interviews were used. Expert interviews with representatives of schools and universities, teachers, officers from educational institutions, consultants from the Participatory Budgeting Project, the leading consulting organisation in North America were conducted. Results. The results of the study reveal several participatory techniques for students’ engagement in the allocation of budgetary funds of schools and universities that are applied in New York and Arizona. The identified and described technologies of participation contribute to the formation of students’ knowledge of socio-economic disciplines, practical finance and civics, project management skills, as well as an increase in civic engagement. Scientific novelty. The present study expands the ideas about how to improve the process of teaching social and economic disciplines at schools and universities, practical finance and project management. The method of improving the efficiency of educational institutions through democratic practices is identified. Practical significance. In the future, the proposed approach can be applied in Russian educational institutions.Введение. В статье анализируется современный образовательный подход в сфере обществоведения и практических финансов, демократизации системы принятия решений в учреждениях образования через активное вовлечение учащихся на примере школ и университетов США. В основе такого подхода лежит инициативное, или партисипаторное, бюджетирование - то есть вовлечение самих учащихся в распределение части бюджета школы или вуза. Эта партисипаторная практика преследует с одной стороны образовательные цели, а с другой стороны административные, поскольку помогает улучшить качество управления учреждением образования через вовлечение учащихся в принятие ключевых решений. Учёт мнений конечных бенефициаров работы системы образования в лице самих учащихся помогает повысить эффективность работы образовательного учреждения. Цель. Выявление и методологическое описание партисипаторных методик на примере реальных кейсов, которые могут интегрировать обучение теоретическим знаниям в сфере гражданского общества и формирование практических навыков в этой сфере. Методология и методики исследования. В работе были использованы кабинетный метод анализа первичных и вторичных источников (сайты учреждений образования, академические публикации, статьи в СМИ) и полевой социологический метод экспертных интервью. В ходе исследования были проведены экспертные интервью с учащимися, представителями ряда школ и университетов, преподавателями, гражданскими активистами, сотрудниками администраций учреждений образования, а также экспертами Participatory Budgeting Project, ведущей консалтинговой организации в Северной Америке в исследуемой сфере. Результаты. Результаты исследования раскрывают несколько партисипаторных методик вовлечения учащихся в распределение бюджетных средств школ и университетов, которые применяются в образовательных учреждениях Нью-Йорка и Аризоны. Выявленные и описанные технологии участия способствуют формированию у учащихся знаний по социально-экономическим дисциплинам, практическим финансам и граждановедению, навыков проектного менеджмента, а также повышению гражданской активности. Научная новизна. Исследование позволило расширить представления о путях совершенствования преподавания социально-экономических дисциплин и формирования активной гражданской позиции учащихся через проектную деятельность по вовлечению в расходование части бюджета учебного заведения. Выявлен метод повышения эффективности образовательных учреждений через демократические практики. Практическая значимость. Выявленный подход может быть применен в российских образовательных организациях

Biological peculiarities and cultivation of groundnut (a review)

Peanut is one of the most important crops in the Fabaceae Lindl. (Leguminosae L.) family. South America is considered to be the homeland of peanut, but now this crop is cultivated in America, Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia. The modern phylogenetic system of the genus Arachis L. includes 79 wild species and one cultivated species of common peanut (A. hypogaea L.). Diploid species contain 2n = 20 chromosomes of the A, B or D genome, tetraploids have A and B genomes. The А and В genomes are sequenced. Special biological features of all peanut varieties are the presence of chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers and the development of pods only underground (geocarpy). Along with high requirements for improving the quality of oil and food products, much attention is paid to their safety: resistance to aflatoxin contamination and mitigation of allergenicity. Peanut cultivars vary in plant habit, shape and color of pods and seeds. Their growing season in Africa, Latin America and Asia is from 160 to 200 days, so early-ripening forms need to be selected for the south of the Russian Federation. Breeders from the Pustovoit Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK) have developed peanut cultivars with a yield of 2.0–3.3 t/ha and growing season duration of 115–120 days, adaptable to the environments of Krasnodar Territory. At present, there is no large-scale peanut production in Russia, nor any breeding efforts are underway. As for the world, along with conventional breeding practices (individual selection, intra- and interspecies crosses, etc.), peanut is widely involved in genomic studies. A number of cultivars highly resistant to pests, diseases and drought have been released. Over 15,000 peanut accessions are preserved in the world’s gene banks, including 1823 accessions in the collection of the Vavilov Institute (VIR). Utilization of the worldwide genetic resources of peanut and use of modern research technologies will contribute to the revival of peanut cultivation in Russia

Blood platelets in chronic graft-versus-host disease: association with Th1/Th2 ratio

As found in clinical and laboratory studies, platelets not only play a key role in the processes of coagulation and thrombosis, but are also able to actively participate in other pathophysiological processes, including the development of immune reactions. It has been shown that changes in the immune system leading to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are often accompanied by changes in the number of platelets and their activity in the peripheral blood of SLE patients, which correlate with the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease. Earlier we have studied the standard experimental model of SLE in detail, based on the induction of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in the semi-allogeneic system DBA/2 → (C57Bl/6 x DBA/2)F1. However, the participation of platelets in this immunopathological process has not been studied. There are no data in the literature on the behavior of platelets in cGVHD or on their relationship with the state of Th1/Th2 balance. It can been expected that the platelet count changes according to the development of cGVHD in the used experimental model by analogy with the development of SLE in humans.In the experiments, we used female mice of the DBA/2 strain and (C57Bl/6 × DBA/2)F1 hybrids. Chronic GVHD in a semi-allogeneic system was induced by injecting DBA/2 mouse splenocytes into B6D2F1 hybrid mice: 60-70 × 106 cells intravenously twice with an interval of 6 days. The studied parameters were evaluated three months after the start of the experiment and the formation of lupus-like glomerulonephritis in animals with Th2-dependent cGVHD variant.A decrease in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, a decrease in hematocrit and a parallel increase in the number of reticulocytes in the blood of mice with cGVHD are in good agreement with our earlier conclusion that these animals have autoimmune hemolytic anemia. It was found that, platelets increase significantly with the development of cGVHD unlike other blood cells. Secondary thrombocytosis is observed in the case of the Th2-dependent variant of сGVHD in this model of SLE, while in the group with the Th1-dependent variant of сGVHD, the average number of platelets in the blood does not differ from the control group

Extracellular DNA in blood: an index of <i>in vivo</i> inflammatory response

Increased concentration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the circulating blood of humans and animals is a sign of inflammatory conditions and a distinctive characteristic of various pathophysiological processes in the body. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in changes of cfDNA contents in peripheral blood as a response to experimentally induced systemic inflammation.We used 40 female hybrid mice (C57Bl/6xDBA/2) F1 at the age of 6-8 weeks. The concentration of cfDNA and its individual fractions was determined using a PicoGreen fluorescent dye. The dynamics of inflammatory process was evaluated after 4, 8, 11 and 24 hours following LPS injection. A significant increase in the blood plasma cfDNA levels was shown under the action of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), along with simultaneous decreased levels of cfDNA, associated with cell surface. The ratio of cell surface-bound cfDNA to the total cfDNA contents was reduced in dose-dependent manner as early as 4 hours after LPS injection to the animals, thus allowing us to consider this ratio a characteristic sign of netosis of neutrophilic granulocytes during the development of acute inflammation. The described effects are significantly suppressed with co-injection of recombinant TNFα neutralizing protein along with LPS, whereas increased intake of neutrophils in the tissues is determined by some other factors which are not directly related to the production of this cytokine.Based on the obtained data, we proposed a following hypothesis: induction of netosis by inflammatory stimuli causes an increase in the concentration of cfDNA in blood plasma not only due to de novo emerging extracellular DNA by neutrophil netosis, but also by the release of distinct cfDNA fraction that was previously firmly bound to cell membranes in multiple body tissues under the action of proteases released during netosis

FIRST EXPERIENCE OF USING ENDOSCOPIC VACUUM-ASSISTED AND ASPIRATION THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF THE ESOPHAGUS (BOERHAAVE SYNDROME)

The aim of the article is to demonstrate the possibilities of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome). Within the last 10 years endoscopic treatment has changed the approach to the esophageal rupture treatment. Implantation of fully-covered self-expanding metal or plastic stents is the most extensively studied endoscopic method, and it has proven to be effective in 67-100 % of cases. The successful closure of esophageal rupture by endoscopic placement of a vacuum sponge (endoscopic vacuum assisted closure (E-VAC)) has recently been reported. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is an established treatment modality for extensive cutaneous infected wounds. This principle has been adapted to the treatment of endoscopically accessible upper gastrointestinal leakages by endoscopic placing of sponges connected with a drainage tube in the necrotic cavities (E-VAC)

Pollen of <i>Pterocarya</i> (Juglandaceae) representatives from natural habitats and St. Petersburg environments

Background. Comparative palynomorphological studies of naturally occurring and introduced Pterocarya Kunth representatives reveal the taxonomic significance of pollen morphological features and pollen characters of cultivated plants. The quality of pollen material and the potential of the plants from the Botanical Garden of BIN RAS for introduction are characterized.Materials and methods. Pollen grains were investigated using light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopes. Fertility was assessed using the standard acetocarmine method.Results. Comparison of pollen morphology in cultivated and naturally growing plants of this genus was made for the first time. Pollen fertility of two cultivated species (Pterocarya rhoifolia Siebold et Zucc., and P. stenoptera DC.) was very high, generally over 90%. Fertility of P. fraxinifolia (Lam.) Spach grains varied from 28 to 73% in different years, which is a low or medium level of pollen quality. Morphologically, pollen grains of all 12 specimens from five taxa are flattened, medium sized, 21–45 μm in diameter, with 4–8 pores; pores are located mainly at or near the equator. The pores are round or oval, with a limbus. Exine is three-layered, thickened near the pore. The sculpture is microechinate. The low-fertile P. fraxinifolia specimen contains small pollen grains, as well as grains in tetrads and dyads. The data on the introduction of the genus in St. Petersburg are presented.Conclusion. The palynonomophological description is diagnostic for the genus Pterocarya. The Pterocarya pollen is well distinguishable from other wind-pollinated taxa; however, species identification by pollen for spore-pollen analysis is not practicable. Morphologically, the most diverse are the grains of the low fertile specimen P. fraxinifolia. The limited possibility of seed propagation of P. fraxinifolia is probably explained by low pollen fertility. The pollen quality of the introduced P. rhoifolia and P. stenoptera is high

Ecogeographic study of peanut accessions from the VIR collection

Background. It has been shown that southern oilseeds, including peanuts, can be successfully grown in the south of the Russian Federation under the conditions of Krasnodar Territory and Astrakhan Province. Currently, only two peanut cultivars are included in the State Register of the Russian Federation: ‘Otradokubansky’ and ‘Astrakhansky 5’. Development of raw material for obtaining new peanut cultivars adaptable to the growing conditions in Krasnodar Territory and Astrakhan Province is a relevant task.Materials and methods. We examined 57 peanut accessions of various origins from the VIR collection. The study of peanut accessions for agronomic characters was carried out in two ecogeographic sites located in Krasnodar Territory and Astrakhan Province. Cv. ‘Otradokubansky’ was used as a reference. ANOVA was applied for statistical data processing.Results and discussion. A wide range of variability in agronomic characters was revealed during the study of peanut accessions. The most stable character was the 1000 seed weight. The share of the genotype the variability of productivity was from 30 to 40%. A great effect of soil and climate factors and the place of cultivation on the ripening of beans was observed. Seed yield depended on the genotype (60–70%) as well as on the temperature factors and the presence of moisture in the soil. The best accessions were selected according to their agronomic characters; they may serve as promising material for breeding. Some accessions are able to produce a good harvest either in Astrakhan Province or Krasnodar Territory, while others can do it regardless of the place of cultivation. This study confirmed the possibility of growing peanuts in Astrakhan Province on medium loamy soils under irrigation, or in Krasnodar Territory on black earth without irrigation

Crystal structure and properties of novel oxide Sm0.9Ca1.1Fe0.7Co0.3O4–δ

Received: 13.11.2018. Accepted: 05.12.2018. Published: 31.12.2018.Sm0.9Ca1.1Fe0.7Co0.3O4–δ oxide with the K2NiF4‑type structure was prepared using a glycerin-nitrate technique. The XRD pattern of Sm0.9Ca1.1Fe0.7Co0.3O4–δ was refined by the Rietveld method within an orthorhombic structure (space group Bmab). The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal expansion of Sm0.9Ca1.1Fe0.7Co0.3O4–δ were measured depending on temperature in air. The change of oxygen nonstoichiometry determined by TGA in air does not exceed 0.01. The oxygen content in Sm0.9Ca1.1Fe0.7Co0.3O4–δ determined by the reduction in a hydrogen flux is equal to 3.96 ± 0.01. The positive value of Seebeck coefficient indicates that the predominant charge carriers in the oxide studied are electron holes.This work was supported in parts by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, agreement 02.A03.21.0006