Interaction of the Electromagnetic p-Waves with Thin Metal Films

For the first time it is shown that for thin metallic films thickness of which not exceed thickness of skin-layer, the problem allows analytical solution for arbitrary boundary value problems. The analysis of dependence of coefficients of transmission, reflection and absorbtion on angle incidence, thickness of films and coefficient of specular reflection is carried out.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure

Twisted convolution and Moyal star product of generalized functions

We consider nuclear function spaces on which the Weyl-Heisenberg group acts continuously and study the basic properties of the twisted convolution product of the functions with the dual space elements. The final theorem characterizes the corresponding algebra of convolution multipliers and shows that it contains all sufficiently rapidly decreasing functionals in the dual space. Consequently, we obtain a general description of the Moyal multiplier algebra of the Fourier-transformed space. The results extend the Weyl symbol calculus beyond the traditional framework of tempered distributions.Comment: LaTeX, 16 pages, no figure

Heisenberg Evolution WKB and Symplectic Area Phases

The Schrodinger and Heisenberg evolution operators are represented in quantum phase space by their Weyl symbols. Their semiclassical approximations are constructed in the short and long time regimes. For both evolution problems, the WKB representation is purely geometrical: the amplitudes are functions of a Poisson bracket and the phase is the symplectic area of a region in phase space bounded by trajectories and chords. A unified approach to the Schrodinger and Heisenberg semiclassical evolutions is developed by introducing an extended phase space. In this setting Maslov's pseudodifferential operator version of WKB analysis applies and represents these two problems via a common higher dimensional Schrodinger evolution, but with different extended Hamiltonians. The evolution of a Lagrangian manifold in the extended phase space, defined by initial data, controls the phase, amplitude and caustic behavior. The symplectic area phases arise as a solution of a boundary condition problem. Various applications and examples are considered.Comment: 32 pages, 7 figure

Mixed Weyl Symbol Calculus and Spectral Line Shape Theory

A new and computationally viable full quantum version of line shape theory is obtained in terms of a mixed Weyl symbol calculus. The basic ingredient in the collision--broadened line shape theory is the time dependent dipole autocorrelation function of the radiator-perturber system. The observed spectral intensity is the Fourier transform of this correlation function. A modified form of the Wigner--Weyl isomorphism between quantum operators and phase space functions (Weyl symbols) is introduced in order to describe the quantum structure of this system. This modification uses a partial Wigner transform in which the radiator-perturber relative motion degrees of freedom are transformed into a phase space dependence, while operators associated with the internal molecular degrees of freedom are kept in their original Hilbert space form. The result of this partial Wigner transform is called a mixed Weyl symbol. The star product, Moyal bracket and asymptotic expansions native to the mixed Weyl symbol calculus are determined. The correlation function is represented as the phase space integral of the product of two mixed symbols: one corresponding to the initial configuration of the system, the other being its time evolving dynamical value. There are, in this approach, two semiclassical expansions -- one associated with the perturber scattering process, the other with the mixed symbol star product. These approximations are used in combination to obtain representations of the autocorrelation that are sufficiently simple to allow numerical calculation. The leading O(\hbar^0) approximation recovers the standard classical path approximation for line shapes. The higher order O(\hbar^1) corrections arise from the noncommutative nature of the star product.Comment: 26 pages, LaTeX 2.09, 1 eps figure, submitted to 'J. Phys. B.

Моделювання та аналіз електротеплових процесів в установках індукційної термообробки алюмінієвої жили силових кабелів

Introduction. The development of the electric power industry is directly related to the improvement of cable lines. Cable lines meet modern requirements for reliability, they are increasingly used. Problem. Currently, power cables with an aluminum multi-conductor core, which requires heat treatment - an annealing process at the stage of the technological manufacturing process, are widespread. This process makes it possible to desirably reduce the electrical resistance of the wire and increase its flexibility. For effective use of induction heating during annealing of an aluminum core, it is necessary to determine the optimal frequency of the power source of the inductor. Considering the long length of the inductor and the large number of its turns, the numerical calculation of the electromagnetic field, which is necessary for calculating the equivalent electrical parameters of the turns of the inductor and its efficiency, requires significant computer resources. The goal is to develop a computer model for calculating electro-thermal processes in an induction plant for heating (up to the annealing temperature) an aluminum core of a power cable moving in the magnetic field of a long multi-turn inductor, as well as obtaining frequency dependences of the equivalent R, L parameters of such an inductor and determining the optimal the value of the frequency of the power source, which corresponds to the maximum value of the electrical efficiency of the inductor. Methodology. The mathematical model was developed to analyze the coupled electromagnetic and thermal processes occurring in a core moving in a time-harmonic magnetic field of an inductor at a constant speed. The differential equations for the electromagnetic and temperature fields, taking into account the boundary conditions, represent a coupled electro-thermal problem that was solved numerically by the finite element method using the Comsol software package. For a detailed analysis of the electromagnetic processes in the inductor, an additional problem was considered at the level of the elementary cell, which includes one turn of the inductor and a fragment of the core located near this turn. Results. According to the results of the calculation of the electromagnetic field in the area of the elementary cell, the equivalent electrical parameters of one turn of the inductor and the entire multi-turn inductor were calculated depending on the frequency of the electric current. The frequency dependences of the electrical efficiency of the inductor were calculated. Originality. Taking into account the design features of the inductor (its long length and large number of turns), the method of multiscale modeling was used. Electro-thermal processes in the core were studied at the macro level, and the distribution of the electromagnetic field and electric current density in the cross-section of the massive copper turn of the inductor was calculated at the micro level – at the level of an elementary cell containing only one turn of the inductor. The frequency dependences of the equivalent R, L parameters of the inductor, taking into account the skin effect, the proximity effect, and the geometric effect, were obtained, and the quantitative influence of the electric current frequency on these effects was studied. Practical value. The dependence of the electrical efficiency of the inductor on the frequency of the power source was obtained and it was shown that for effective heating of an aluminum core with a diameter of 28 mm, the optimal value of the frequency is in the range of 1–2 kHz, and at the same time the electrical efficiency reaches values of ηind = 0.3–0.33, respectively.У роботі досліджено електромагнітні та теплові процеси в установках індукційного нагрівання алюмінієвої жили силових кабелів та умови реалізації технологій її відпалювання. При математичному моделюванні вказаних процесів ураховано такі конструктивні особливості індуктора, як його значна довжина і відповідно велика кількість його витків, що викликало необхідність використати метод мультимасштабного моделювання. При цьому на макрорівні розраховувались електротеплові процеси в жилі, що рухалась у магнітному полі індуктора, а на мікрорівні (тобто на рівні елементарної комірки, що має лише один виток індуктора) визначався розподіл електромагнітного поля та густини електричного струму в перерізі масивного мідного витка індуктора з урахуванням особливостей його конструкції. На обох рівнях у роботі використовувався чисельний метод скінченних елементів, реалізований в пакеті програм Comsol. За результатами розрахунку електромагнітного поля на рівні елементарної комірки, отримано частотні залежності еквівалентних R, L параметрів індуктора із урахуванням скін-ефекту, ефекту близькості та геометричного ефекту. Досліджено кількісний вплив частоти електричного струму на ці ефекти та отримано залежність електричного ККД індуктора від частоти джерела електроживлення. Показано, що для ефективного нагрівання алюмінієвої жили діаметром 28 мм оптимальне значення частоти знаходиться в діапазоні 1–2 кГц, в якому електричний ККД може досягати значень ηind = 0,3–0,33

Immunogenic and Protective Features of the Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Strain Expressing Cassette of Genes of Marburg Virus Structural Proteins

The aim of the study was to create a highly immunogenic vaccine construct based on a recombinant variant of a replication-defective MVA strain of vaccinia virus, expressing virus-like particles that mimic natural infection with Marburg virus. Materials and methods. The recombinant virus was obtained through recombination between homologous viral DNA sequences and the insertion plasmid pDel2-GP-VP-Pat which carries transgenes of the structural proteins GP and VP40 of Marburg virus, flanked by fragments of MVA strain genome. Structure of the recombinant virus was confirmed in PCR and using sequencing, transgenes expression was analyzed by Western blotting, viruslike particles formation was recorded using electron microscopy. Evaluation of immunogenicity and protectivity was carried out using a guinea pig model. The antibody titer was determined in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess T-cell response, the intracellular staining of cytokines was used, followed by analysis of samples on a flow cytometer. Results and discussion. On the basis of highly attenuated MVA strain of vaccinia virus a recombinant variant MVA-GP-VP40-MARV has been constructed, carrying a cassette of transgenes, GP and VP40, of Marburg virus in the region of deletion II of the genome. The expression of transgenes in MVA-permissive CER cells infected with recombinant MVA-GP-VP40-MARV strain and secretion of GP and VP40 proteins into culture medium have been demonstrated. Electron microscopy analysis has revealed the presence of Marburg virus-like particles in the culture medium of cells 12 hours after infection. Double vaccination of guinea pigs with MVA-GP-VP40-MARV strain at a dose of 108 PFU/animal induced the formation of antibodies to Marburg and vaccinia viruses, as well as 100 % protection against lethal Marburg virus infection (50 LD50). Using original TEpredict software, the structure of T-helper epitopes of GP protein has been predicted. Using the ICS method, the biological activity of these epitopes has been experimentally confirmed and it was shown that they provide the induction of a T-cell immune response as part of the MVA-GP-VP40-MARV vaccine construct

Способность искусственных антигенных конструкций, содержащих эпитопы белков, ассоциированных с меланомой, стимулировать цитотоксическую активность мононуклеарных клеток периферической крови в отношении клеток меланомы

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of pMEL-TCI and pMEL-A0201 DNA-constructs encoding artificial polyepitope melanoma antigens to induce antitumor T cell immune response ex vivo. material and methods. Dendritic cells were obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HLA-A02:01-positive donors; DCs transfected with target DNA vaccine constructions were co-cultured with autologous T lymphocytes to stimulate anti-tumor effector T cells. Specific activity of ex vivo stimulated PBMC was assessed (1) by their ability to cause lysis of human melanoma Mel Is cells, and (2) by the level of their granzyme-producing activity. A recombinant plasmid encoding the full-length MART-1 melanoma antigen was used as a positive control. results. All DNA vaccine constructions as well as positive control construction were found to be able to stimulate specific anti-tumor immune responses of autologous PBMC ex vivo, and these PBMC were found to induce melanoma Mel Is cells lysis. Both the efficiency of induced cytotoxic responses and the level of granzymes production stimulated with DCs transfected with pMel-A0201 significantly exceeded those stimulated with DCs transfected with either pMel-TCI or with DNA construction encoding the full-length MART-1 protein. The cytotoxicity level correlates with the level of granzyme B production in CD8+ T lymphocytes. conclusion. DNA vaccine constructions encoding artificial polypeptides composed of tumor antigen epitopes can stimulate the antitumor cytotoxic response. This approach can be used as the basis for the development of new methods of immunotherapy for cancer.Цель исследования – оценить способность ДНК-конструкций pMEL-TCI и pMEL-A0201, кодирующих искусственные полиэпитопные антигены меланомы, стимулировать противоопухолевый ответ в системе индукции Т-клеточного ответа ex vivo. материал и методы. Изучение цитотоксической активности проводилось в системе индукции Т-клеточного ответа ex vivo с использованием мононуклеарных клеток (МНК) периферической крови HLA-A*02:01 позитивных доноров. Цитотоксическую активность оценивали двумя методами: 1) по способности МНК, стимулированных дендритными клетками, трансфицированными плазмидами pMEL-TCI и pMEL-A0201, вызывать лизис клеток меланомы человека линии Mel Is, а также 2) по уровню их гранзим-продуцирующей активности. В качестве положительного контроля использовалась рекомбинантная плазмида, кодирующая полноразмерный антиген клеток меланомы MART-1. Результаты. Полученные результаты показали, что дендритные клетки HLA-A*02:01+ доноров, трансфицированные плазмидными конструкциями pMel-A0201 и pMel-TCI, стимулировали цитотоксическую активность аутологичных МНК в отношении клеток меланомы Mel Is. Как по эффективности индукции цитотоксического ответа, так и по уровню стимуляции продукции гранзима B аллелеспецифическая конструкция достоверно превзошла конструкцию, кодирующую полноразмерный белок MART1. заключение. ДНК-вакцинные конструкции, кодирующие искусственные полипептиды, составленные из эпитопов опухолевых антигенов, способны стимулировать противоопухолевый цитотоксический ответ. Данный подход может послужить основой для разработки новых способов иммунотерапии онкологических заболеваний

Опыт применения вено-венозной экстракорпоральной мембранной оксигенации у беременной с тяжелым острым респираторным дистресс-синдромом, вызванным вирусом SARS-CoV-2

 Pregnant women occupy a special place in the incidence structure of the new coronavirus infection COVID -19. Taking into account the likelihood of a more severe course of acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) in this group, it is worth remembering the possibility of timely use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (IV ECMO) in order to correct life-threatening hypoxia. At the Lapino Clinical Hospital, a cesarean section was successfully performed in a 37-year-old female patient at 20–21 weeks of gestation against the background of IV ECMO with further decannulation  and discharge from the hospital.  Особое место в структуре заболеваемости новой коронавирусной инфекцией COVID-19 занимают беременные. Принимая во внимание вероятность более тяжелого течения острого респираторного синдрома  (ОРДС) у данной группы, стоит помнить о возможности своевременного  применения вено-венозной экстракорпоральной мембранной оксигенации  (ВВ ЭКМО) с целью коррекции жизнеугрожающей гипоксии. В клиническом госпитале «Лапино» было успешно выполнено кесарево сечение у пациентки 37 лет на 20–21-й неделе гестации на фоне ВВ ЭКМО с дальнейшей деканюляцией и выпиской из стационара.

Structural Basis of Chemokine Sequestration by CrmD, a Poxvirus-Encoded Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor

Pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade detection and destruction by the host immune system. Large DNA viruses encode homologues of chemokines and their receptors, as well as chemokine-binding proteins (CKBPs) to modulate the chemokine network in host response. The SECRET domain (smallpox virus-encoded chemokine receptor) represents a new family of viral CKBPs that binds a subset of chemokines from different classes to inhibit their activities, either independently or fused with viral tumor necrosis factor receptors (vTNFRs). Here we present the crystal structures of the SECRET domain of vTNFR CrmD encoded by ectromelia virus and its complex with chemokine CX3CL1. The SECRET domain adopts a β-sandwich fold and utilizes its β-sheet I surface to interact with CX3CL1, representing a new chemokine-binding manner of viral CKBPs. Structure-based mutagenesis and biochemical analysis identified important basic residues in the 40s loop of CX3CL1 for the interaction. Mutation of corresponding acidic residues in the SECRET domain also affected the binding for other chemokines, indicating that the SECRET domain binds different chemokines in a similar manner. We further showed that heparin inhibited the binding of CX3CL1 by the SECRET domain and the SECRET domain inhibited RAW264.7 cell migration induced by CX3CL1. These results together shed light on the structural basis for the SECRET domain to inhibit chemokine activities by interfering with both chemokine-GAG and chemokine-receptor interactions

Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three available genomic nomenclature systems for SARS-CoV-2 to all sequence data from the WHO European Region available during the COVID-19 pandemic until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation. We provide a comparison of the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.Peer reviewe