Rapidly inducible, genetically targeted inactivation of neural and synaptic activity in vivo

Inducible and reversible perturbation of the activity of selected neurons in vivo is critical to understanding the dynamics of brain circuits. Several genetically encoded systems for rapid inducible neuronal silencing have been developed in the past few years offering an arsenal of tools for in vivo experiments. Some systems are based on ion-channels or pumps, others on G protein coupled receptors, and yet others on modified presynaptic proteins. Inducers range from light to small molecules to peptides. This diversity results in differences in the various parameters that may determine the applicability of each tool to a particular biological question. Although further development would be beneficial, the current silencing tool kit already provides the ability to make specific perturbations of circuit function in behaving animals

A new redback pulsar candidate 4FGL J2054.2+6904

The Fermi catalogue contains about 2000 unassociated $\gamma$-ray sources. Some of them were recently identified as pulsars, including so called redbacks and black widows, which are millisecond pulsars in tight binary systems with non- and partially-degenerate low-mass stellar companions irradiated by the pulsar wind. We study a likely optical and X-ray counterpart of the Fermi source 4FGL J2054.2+6904 proposed earlier as a pulsar candidate. We use archival optical data as well as Swift/XRT and SRG/eROSITA X-ray data to clarify its nature. Using Zwicky Transient Facility data in $g$ and $r$ bands spanning over 4.7 years, we find a period of $\approx$7.5 h. The folded light curve has a smooth sinusoidal shape with the peak-to-peak amplitude of $\approx$0.4 mag. The spectral fit to the optical spectral energy distribution of the counterpart candidate gives the star radius of 0.5$\pm$0.1$R_\odot$ and temperature of 5500$\pm$300 K implying a G2--G9-type star. Its X-ray spectrum is well fitted by an absorbed power law with the photon index of 1.0$\pm$0.3 and unabsorbed flux of $\approx 2\times10^{-13}$ erg s$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$. All the properties of 4FGL J2054.2$+$6904 and its presumed counterpart suggest that it is a member of the redback family.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 6 pages, 6 figure

Nature of 4FGL J1838.2+3223: a flaring `spider' pulsar candidate

An unidentified $\gamma$-ray source 4FGL J1838.2+3223 has been proposed as a pulsar candidate. We present optical time-series multi-band photometry of its likely optical companion obtained with the 2.1-m telescope of Observatorio Astron\'omico Nacional San Pedro M\'artir, Mexico. The observations and the data from the Zwicky Transient Facility revealed the source brightness variability with a period of $\approx$4.02 h likely associated with the orbital motion of the binary system. The folded light curves have a single sine-like peak per period with an amplitude of about three magnitude accompanied by fast sporadic flares up to one magnitude level. We reproduce them modelling the companion heating by the pulsar. As a result, the companion side facing the pulsar is strongly heated up to 11300$\pm$400 K, while the temperature of its back side is only 2300$\pm$700 K. It has a mass of 0.10$\pm$0.05 ${\rm M}_\odot$ and underfills its Roche lobe with a filling factor of $0.60^{+0.10}_{-0.06}$. This implies that 4FGL J1838.2+3223 likely belongs to the `spider' pulsar family. The estimated distance of $\approx$3.1 kpc is compatible with Gaia results. We detect a flare from the source in X-rays and ultraviolet using Swift archival data and another one in X-rays with the eROSITA all-sky survey. Both flares have X-ray luminosity of $\sim$10$^{34}$ erg s$^{-1}$ which is two orders of magnitude higher than the upper limit in quiescence obtained from eROSITA assuming spectral shape typical for spider pulsars. If the spider interpretation is correct, these flares are among the strongest flares observed from non-accreting spider pulsars.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Societ

Biological diversity of the coastal zone of the Crimean peninsula: problems, preservation and restoration pathways

The results of complex hydrochemical, hydrobiological and ichthyological investigations by IBSS, NAS of Ukraine, realized in 6 regions of the coastal zone of the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are given. The main negative factors causing changes in structural and functional characteristics of hydrobiocenoses in the regions studied are analyzed and “hot ecological spots” are isolated. Variants of different methods of management of the coastal ecosystems, including construction of artificial reefs and usage of biological filters for water cleaning, protection and recreation of biological diversity are taken into consideration

CURRENT STATUS OF PROBLEM OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CANCER AND ITS SOLUTIONS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the reproductive system. The five-year survival rate is extremely low. This disease is difficult to verify due to lack of pathognomonic symptoms and timely diagnosis. The key issue to increase survival in ovarian cancer is finding new methods for early diagnosis. Thus, the development of new methods for diagnosis of ovarian cancer is one of the most urgent problems in modern oncology. The basic approach in this matter is searching for new biomarkers of ovarian cancer, which will be characterized by such concepts as sensitivity and specificity. Biomarkers present in modern oncology, including CA-125, have insufficient specificity and have low sensitivity. The advantage of using a combination of several diagnostic biomarkers instead of one or panels of markers has been proved. Modern proteomic technologies such as two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometric methods are a valuable tool for finding new biomarkers for various malignancies, particularly ovarian cancer. The best results are achieved by using SELDI-TOF technology (Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight), combining the use of chromatographic protein chips with mass spectrometric detection. Serum amyloid A1 deserves the greatest attention between all of the biomarkers identified using mass spectrometric methods, as its ability to have a direct influence on the development of the tumor has been proved. Also its increase by hundreds of times during the disease has been found compared to the other candidate biomarkers identified by mass spectrometry. The main characteristics of serum amyloid 1A have been analyzed and found as one of the most promising markers for the combined determination for prompt diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Evidence that phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of eIF2 does not essentially inhibit mRNA translation in wheat germ cell-free system.

A mechanism based on reversible phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) has been confirmed as an important regulatory pathway for inhibition of protein synthesis in mammalian and yeast cells, while plants constitute the significant exception. We studied the induction of TaeIF2α phosphorylation in germinated wheat (Triticum aestivum) embryos subjected to different adverse conditions. Data confirmed that formation of TaeIF2(αP) was not a general response, as no phosphorylation was observed under salt, oxidative or heat stress. Nevertheless, treatment by salicylic acid, UV-light, cold shock and histidinol did induce phosphorylation of TaeIF2α of wheat, as has been established previously for AteIF2α in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Influence of TaeIF2α phosphorylation on translation of reporter mRNA with different 5′-untranslated regions (5′UTRs) was studied in wheat germ cell-free system (WG-CFS), in which TaeIF2α was first phosphorylated either by heterologous recombinant human protein kinase, HsPKR (activated by double-stranded (ds)RNA), or by endogenous protein kinase TaGCN2 (activated by histidinol). Pre-treatment of WG-CFS with HsPKR in the presence of dsRNA or with histidinol resulted in intense phosphorylation of TaeIF2α; however, the translation levels of all tested mRNAs decreased by only 10–15% and remained relatively high. In addition, factor OceIF2 from rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) bound GDP much more strongly than the homologous factor TaeIF2 from wheat germ. Furthermore, factor OceIF2B was able to stimulate guanine nucleotides exchange (GDP→GTP) on OceIF2 but had no effect on the similar exchange on TaeIF2. These results suggest that the mechanism of stress response via eIF2α phosphorylation is not identical in all eukaryotes and further research is required to find and study in detail new plant-specific mechanisms that may inhibit overall protein synthesis in plants under stress

Дослідження деяких показників якості та антиоксидантної активності дієтичних добавок з екстрактом граната (Punica granatum L.)

Aim. To conduct a qualitative, quantitative analysis and determine the antioxidant activity of dietary supplements with the pomegranate extract. Materials and methods. Three dietary supplements from different manufacturers – “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Source Naturals), “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Puritan Pride), and “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Vitacost) – were chosen for the study. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to perform the qualitative analysis, the quantity of biologically active substances (BAS) in dietary supplements was determined by the spectrophotometric method, the antioxidant activity – by potentiometric method. The qualitative analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC); spectrophotometry was used for the quantitative determination, and the potentiometric method was applied to determine the antioxidant activity. Results and discussions. The presence of anthocyanins, flavonoids, catechins and phenolic acids were detected in the dietary supplements analyzed. The total content of phenolic compounds was 201.00 ± 6.03, 159.00 ± 4.77, 110.30 ± 3.30 mg, catechins was 16.10 ± 0.50, 11.60 ± 0.50, 7.33 ± 0.50 mg, anthocyanins was 43 ± 1.29, 32.00 ± 0.96, 22.00 ± 0.66 mg, and flavonoids was 30.15 ± 0.90, 29.44 ± 1.00, 18.21 ± 0.55 mg. The antioxidant activity was 266.11 ± 5.32, 212.12 ± 4.24, 150.81 ± 3.02 mmol-eqv./mextr for dietary supplements “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Source Naturals), “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Puritan Pride), “Extract of pomegranate” (manufactured by Vitacost) in 1 dosage form, respectively. Conclusions. The analysis of the qualitative composition, the quantitative content of BAS and the antioxidant activity of dietary supplements with the pomegranate extract allows us to find out that dietary supplements manufactured by Source Naturals and Puritans Pride meet the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU), while a dietary supplement manufactured by Vitacost does not correspond the requirements. The results of the study allow us to state that the problem of compliance of dietary supplements is relevant; therefore, it is necessary to introduce normative documentation for the identification and determination of BAS in dietary supplements.Мета – провести якісний, кількісний аналіз та визначити антиоксидантну активність дієтичних добавок з екстрактом граната. Матеріали та методи. Для дослідження обрали три дієтичні добавки різних фірм-виробників: «Екстракт граната» (виробник Source Naturals), «Екстракт граната» (виробник Puritan Pride), «Екстракт граната» (виробник Vitacost). Якісний аналіз виконали методом тонкошарової хроматографії (ТШХ), для кількісного визначення вико ристовували спектрофотометрію, для визначення антиоксидантної активності вико ристовували потенціометричний метод. Результати та їх обговорення. У досліджуваних дієтичних добавках виявили наявність похідних антоціанів, флавоноїдів, катехінів і фенольних кислот. Сумарний вміст фенольних сполук становить 201.00 ± 6.03, 159.00 ± 4.77, 110.30 ± 3.30 мг, катехінів 16.10 ± 0.50, 11.60 ± 0.50, 7.33 ± 0.50 мг, антоціанів 43 ± 1.29, 32.00 ± 0.96, 22.00 ± 0.66 мг, флавоноїдів 30.15 ± 0.90, 29.44 ± 1.00, 18.21 ± 0.55 мг, антиоксидантна активність 266.11 ± 5.32, 212.12 ± 4.24, 150.81 ± 3.02 ммоль-екв./mекстр для дієтичних добавок «Екстракт граната» (виробник Source Naturals), «Екстракт граната» (виробник Puritan Pride), «Екстракт граната» (виробник Vitacost) в 1 дозованій лікарській формі, відповідно. Висновки. Проведений аналіз якісного складу, кількісного вмісту біологічно активних речовин (БАР) та антиоксидантної активності дієтичних добавок з екстрактом граната дозволяє констатувати, що дієтичні добавки виробництва «Source Naturals» і «Puritans Pride» відповідають вимогам Державної фармакопеї України (ДФУ), тоді як дієтична добавка виробництва «Vitacost» не відповідає. Результати дослідження доводять, що проблема відповідності дієтичних добавок визначеним вимогам є актуальною, а тому необхідним постає введення нормативної документації на виявлення та визначення БАР у дієтичних добавках

Psychological characteristics of art specialists with a highly productive creative imagination

Background: Notwithstanding all the different forms of art, the source of the creative process, its initial impulse, is an artistic image, and its creation is closely connected with the imagination. L. Vygotsky held the view that artistic creativity has great importance in overall development. In this regard, it is relevant to study the role of personal psychological characteristics that stimulate creativity, determine creative potential, and indicate personal predisposition to artistic activity. Objective: to study individual psychological characteristics of art specialists with a highly productive creative imagination. Design: There were 240 respondents: art specialists (artists, actors) and specialists who do not work in artistic fields. The empirical research included: assessment of the level of productivity of the creative imagination and psychological testing. All the participants, within the bounds of their profession, were divided into high productivity and low productivity groups. The productivity level of the creative imagination was assessed by expert judgment of art works made by the participants using a monotype technique. For psychological testing, the following methods were used: Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI); Volitional Self-Control Inventory by A. Zverkov and E. Eidman; the “Choose the Side” test by E. Torrance; the “Unfinished Figures” subtest by E. Torrance; and the technique of pair comparisons by V. Skvortsov. Statistical data processing was conducted on the basis of percentage distribution and comparative analysis using the Student parametric t-test. We used STATISTICA 13.0 software. Results: We found the following psychological characteristics of art specialists with highly productive creative imagination: high emotionality, inclination to affective reactions, high anxiety and excitability, and need for self-realization. Artists with highly productive creative imagination were characterized by immersion in their own emotions, psychic estrangement, high sensitivity, flexibility, ingenuity, right-hemisphere and combined types of thinking, and a high level of nonverbal creativity. Actors with highly productive creative imagination were characterized by stability, relaxation, selfsatisfaction, and average nonverbal creativity; the mixed type of thinking predominated in this group. Conclusion: The differences in the intensity of the psychological characteristics of representatives of these different professional groups may be determined by the level of productivity of their creative imagination. We discovered general and specific (depending on professional activity) psychological characteristics of art specialists with a high level of productivity of the creative imagination

Measurement of the cross-section and charge asymmetry of WW bosons produced in proton-proton collisions at s=8\sqrt{s}=8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents measurements of the $W^+ \rightarrow \mu^+\nu$ and $W^- \rightarrow \mu^-\nu$ cross-sections and the associated charge asymmetry as a function of the absolute pseudorapidity of the decay muon. The data were collected in proton--proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC and correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 20.2~\mbox{fb^{-1}}. The precision of the cross-section measurements varies between 0.8% to 1.5% as a function of the pseudorapidity, excluding the 1.9% uncertainty on the integrated luminosity. The charge asymmetry is measured with an uncertainty between 0.002 and 0.003. The results are compared with predictions based on next-to-next-to-leading-order calculations with various parton distribution functions and have the sensitivity to discriminate between them.Comment: 38 pages in total, author list starting page 22, 5 figures, 4 tables, submitted to EPJC. All figures including auxiliary figures are available at https://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/PHYSICS/PAPERS/STDM-2017-13

Search for chargino-neutralino production with mass splittings near the electroweak scale in three-lepton final states in √s=13 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector

A search for supersymmetry through the pair production of electroweakinos with mass splittings near the electroweak scale and decaying via on-shell W and Z bosons is presented for a three-lepton final state. The analyzed proton-proton collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of √s=13  TeV were collected between 2015 and 2018 by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139  fb−1. A search, emulating the recursive jigsaw reconstruction technique with easily reproducible laboratory-frame variables, is performed. The two excesses observed in the 2015–2016 data recursive jigsaw analysis in the low-mass three-lepton phase space are reproduced. Results with the full data set are in agreement with the Standard Model expectations. They are interpreted to set exclusion limits at the 95% confidence level on simplified models of chargino-neutralino pair production for masses up to 345 GeV