[Calculation of the amount of free water molecules in aqueous solutions by means of spectral parameters from the terahertz frequency domain taking into account processes of screening].

In this paper we derive a formula to calculate the amount of free water molecules in solution. Physical values in this formula may be obtained by analyzing the spectra of aqueous solutions in the terahertz frequency range. Formula is derived on the basis of considering water polarization process in electric field. It is shown that without processes of shielding the electric field in the water calculations lead to very high estimation of a share of free water molecule.

[Calculation of the portion of free water molecules in water solutions by means of spectral analysis].

In this paper we present the results of spectral studies of water solutions and water at different temperatures. The calculation method for estimation of the portion of free water molecules is offered. The method is based on the analysis of transmissions spectra features in the terahertz region. The calculation using the proposed method shows that the portion of free water molecules at room temperature ranges from 10 to 16% for a variety of water solutions. In case of pure water, the temperature increase from 20 to 50 degrees C results in the increase of the free molecule fraction from 12% to 19%. Moreover, the increase in the number of free water molecules within a specified temperature range exhibits significant nonuniformity: the most intense growth was observed in the range of 30-40 degrees C. This is particularly interesting because this temperature range includes the optimum temperatures for the existence of warm-blooded animals.

[On singularities of molecular relaxation in water solutions].

In this paper, we analyzed spectra of liquid water and water solutions in a frequency domain, characteristic of the collective dynamics of water molecules (from 0 to 200 cm(-1)). Particular attention is paid to the relaxation processes, one of which is observed in the terahertz region of the spectrum (approximately 5-50 cm(-1)). The physical essence of this process at the molecular level is still unclear. Based on data obtained this process is strongly suggested to interpret as a monomolecular relaxation of unbound water molecules.

[Heat shock induces simultaneous rearrangements of all known cytoskeletal filaments in normal interphase fibroblasts].

We studied the cytoskeleton heat shock response (CHSR) in normal interphase embryonic (NERF) and postnatal rat fibroblasts (NPRF) using fluorescent microscopy. Incubation of the cells at 43 degrees C resulted in reorganization of the cytoskeleton. CHSR in NERF and in NPRF were similar. Under heat shock, the bundles of actin filaments disassembled, microtubule morphology changed remarkably, and intermediate filaments collapsed around the nucleus. After 30-120 minutes at 43 degrees C, the cells were still capable of regaining the actin cytoskeleton after the temperature returned to normal (37 degrees C). Analysis of CHSR dynamics showed that rearrangements of different types of the cytoskeletal filaments proceeded simultaneously, and they were visible after 2-4 minutes. We believe that the cytoskeleton reorganization under heat shock can be of vital importance in cell protection against temperature stress. There are data about possible conjugation of CHSR with the rearrangement of the protein synthesizing system, which results in synthesis of heat shock proteins.

[Influence of "zero" magnetic field on the growth of embryonic cells and primary embryos of mouse in vitro].

The present investigation reveals that a 250-fold screening of the geomagnetic field ("zero" geomagnetic fields, 200 nT) is a biologically active factor that adversely affects embryonic cells and the processes of early embryogenesis as a whole. In particular, the cultivation of primary embryonic fibroblasts in "zero" geomagnetic fields causes reduces the capacity for adhesion and proliferation, changes the monolayer morphology and increases cell death. In a more highly organized experimental model, two-celled mouse embryos, the exposure to the "zero" field results in an increase of plasma membrane permeability for dyes, a reorganization of the cytoskeleton because of alpha-actin redistribution, and the disturbance of the spatial orientation of blastomeres. As a result, the development of two-celled mouse embryos stops, and they do not reach the stage of blastocyst. These data show the significant role of geomagnetic fields in the normal growth of embryonic cells in vitro and the regulation of mammalian embryogenesis.

[Dynamics of the formation of secondary reproductive structures in Streptomyces zone-forming colonies as determined from confocal microscopy data].

The dynamics of the formation of secondary structures on the colony surface, so-called air mycelium concentric rings, was investigated by confocal microscopy and using Streptomyces zone-forming colonies as a model of a self-organizing system. The occurrence of luminescence in reproductive structures was registered, whereas in vegetative structures it was almost completely absent. It was shown that secondary reproductive structures begin to form within the thickness of substratum mycelium as branches or as an apical extension of vegetative gyphes, followed by the formation of numerous secondary branches filled with protospores.

[Experimental evaluation of the protective properties of some nonwoven materials for respiratory protection means and prospects of their use].

The protective properties of nonwoven materials (Spandbond, SMS) used to manufacture 3-5-layer medical masks, by using model physical and bacterial test aerosols, were experimentally assessed. It was shown that the more layers of the materials, the less permeable they became for test aerosols. Three-five-layer masks made from SMS at a density of 42 g/m2 were found to have higher protective properties for oil mist and fine aerosol than those made from Spandbond at a density of 25 g/m2. Five-layer SMS materials at a density of 42 g/m2 have the highest values of bacterial aerosol retention.

[Evaluation of the protective properties of nonwoven materials for throw-away medical overalls].

The permeability of varying density felts (Spandbond, SMS, Tyvek, Sontara) for throw-away medical overalls was experimentally assessed under statistic and dynamic conditions, by using model test aerosols, including bacterial one. Their permeability was shown to decrease with the higher density of the materials under study. Laminated Span-bond contributes to an abrupt reduce in the bacterial penetration of this kind of tissues and enhances their protective properties. The felts CMC, Tyvek, Sontara, and laminated Spanbond were found to have the highest protective properties. In terms of their barrier and protective properties, the felts surpass the tissues used to make re-usable protective medical overalls.

[Changes in the permeability of amphibian embryo envelope for fluorochromes under the action of ultrasound].

It was determined whether high-frequency ultra sound can change the permeability of gray toad Bufo bufo and grass frog Rana temporaria under the action of high-frequency ultrasound. The changes in the permeability of embryonic envelope were assessed by using slowly penetrating fluorochromes ANS, FDA, and fluorescein. It was found that the ultrasound of 0.88 MHz and 0.4 - 0.7 W/cm2 intensity increased the permeability of amphibian embryonic envelope for ANS and FDA, whereas the ultrasound of 2.64 MHz and the same intensity increased that for fluorescein with the retention of low permeability for FDA. Embryos continued the normal development after treatment with ultrasound under these conditions.

[A new setup for the generation and studies of mono-disperse microbiological aerosols in medical-and-biological research]. / Novyi kompleks dlia polucheniia i izucheniia monodispersnykh mikrobiologicheskikh aérozolei v mediko-biologicheskikh issledovaniiakh.

A setup for the generation and studies of mono-disperse microbiological aerosols is described in the paper. Coefficients of 3 microm aerosol deposition in the respiratory tract of mice and rats were refined by using the above setup. The probability of deposition of such particles in the trachea and lungs of mice was proven to be equal to 1.2 +/- 0.1% and 2.6 +/- 0.2%, respectively. The probability for rats was equal to 3.2 +/- 0.2 and 11.8 +/- 0.9%, respectively. The distribution of deposited aerosol particles was determined by electron microscopy.

[Spectral studies of a single cell of marine microplankton. History and perspectives]. / Spektral'nye issledovaniia odinochnykh kletok morskogo mikroplanktona. Istoriia i perspektivy.

Methods and instruments for the spectral analysis of single cells of sea microplankton under the conditions of expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea and tropical zone of the Atlantic Ocean were proposed. Special emphasis was given to the ways of adaptation of sea microplankton communities to unfavorable environment with the formation of autotrophic and heterotrophic symbiont organisms (Radiolarian, Foraminifera, etc.) having closed cycles of phosphate metabolism and variotrophic microorganisms (Cyanophyceae and Dinoflagellata class).

[Vibrational structure of absorption spectra of water in visible region]. / O strukture kolebatel'nykh spektrov pogloshcheniia vody v vidimom diapazone.

The results of the study of the temperature dependence of water absorption spectra in the visible region and in the region of vibrational overtones are discussed.

[Autofluorescence of intact Equisetum arvense L. spores during their development]. / Avtofluorestsentsiia intaktnykh spor khvoshcha Equisetum arvense L. v protsesse razvitiia.

The autofluorescence of horsetail Equisetum arvense spores excited with UV-light of 360-380 nm was studied by microspectrofluorimetry during their development from an individual cell to the formation of a multicellular thallus with the generative organs. The investigation involved the registration of the fluorescence spectra of individual intact developing cells and the measurement of the ratio of cell fluorescence intensities in the blue and red regions of the spectrum. Dry blue-fluorescing microspores showed the maxima at 460 and 530 nm and a small maximum at 680 nm. Thirty minutes after moistening in water, red-fluorescing cells arose among blue-fluorescing microspores, indicating the onset of development. Red fluorescence with a maximum at 680 nm enhanced as cells put off their cover, which brightly fluoresced in the blue region of the spectrum with the main maximum at 460 nm. By estimating the ratio of autofluorescence intensities in the blue region of the spectrum to red lightening of microspores at the first stages of development up to 24 h (in particular, their first division, the formation of nonfluorescencing rhizoid, etc.), nonviable (only blue-lightening) cells were distinguished from viable cells, in which red fluorescence began to prevail. After 25-40 days of development, the gametophyte fluorescing mainly at 680 nm formed male organs, antheridia, with blue-green-fluorescing spermatozoids. Then female generative organs archegonia with the egg cell appeared, which fluoresced blue, whereas the surrounding cells fluoresced red. It was supposed that the lightening in the blue and green regions of the spectrum is due to the presence of phenols, terpenoids, and azulenes, whereas the emission in the red region is associated with the presence of chlorophyll and azulenes. The observation of autofluorescence makes it possible to easily distinguish generative cells without additional staining.

[Dual-channel microfluorometer-photometer based on standard block assemblies and units]. / Dvukhvolnovyi mikrofluorimetr-fotometr na baze standartnykh blokov i uzlov.

The principles of construction and methods of practical realizing of double-wave microfluorometers-photometers for investigation of molecular processes in cells and cell populations are considered.

[Changes in the structural heterogeneity of surviving nerve cells]. / Izmenenie geterogennosti struktury perezhivaiushchikh nervnykh kletok.

Heterogeneity in distribution of the dry substance mass (protein) in normal and reactively altered isolated neurons has been studied in vital investigations by means of interference microscopy and microspectrophotometry. It has been demonstrated that at a reactive reconstruction neuroplasmic substances undergo rearrangement, resulting in increased heterogeneity. In peripheral juxtamembranous parts neuroplasmic colloids are divided separating the hydrated zone with a low content of protein and forming made that an increasing adhesion of the juxtamembranous proteins could result in their aggregation with protein complexes of the transmembranous ionic canals, that affects the specific electrogencic function of the neuron.

[Spectral characteristics of human white blood cells fluorochromed with acridine orange]. / Spektral'nye kharakteristiki fliuorokhromirovannykh akridinovym oranzhevym kletok beloi krovi cheloveka.

It has been shown that the ratio between the intensity of luminescence band in the red spectrum region (640 nm) and that in the green one (530 nm) of acridine orange fluorochromed cells fixed under certain conditions alpha=I640/I530 is a specific character. The latter can be used for automatic classification of bone marrow cells and perypheric blood and for diagnostics of some pathological states of the cell. It has been found that the type of the changes of the ratio of alpha=I640/I530 at photochemical bleaching of fluorochromed cells under irradiation (436 nm) depends on the level of cell differentiation. Completely differentiated mature cells are characterized by a simultaneous decrease of luminescence intensity, both in the red (640 nm) and green (530 nm) spectrum regions. In undifferentiated cells (especially at the blast stage) a decrease of luminescence intensity in the red region (640 nm) is accompanied by an increase of the luminescence intensity in the green region (530 nm) which may serve as an additional specific character. The descovere effect of photobleaching of undifferentiated cells is suggested to be due to the photodestruction of dimers of acridine orange bound with monohelical regions of DNA.

[Microspectrofluorimeter with an interference light filter of variable wavelength]. / Mikrospektrofluorimetr s interferentsionnym svetofil'trom peremennoi dliny volny

A highly sensitive portable microspectrofluorimeter with continuous interference filter for 400-700 nm spectrum, for investigation of living cells, is described.