Theory of enhancement of thermoelectric properties of materials with nanoinclusions

Based on the concept of band bending at metal/semiconductor interfaces as an energy filter for electrons, we present a theory for the enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of semiconductor materials with metallic nanoinclusions. We show that the Seebeck coefficient can be significantly increased due to a strongly energy-dependent electronic scattering time. By including phonon scattering, we find that the enhancement of ZT due to electron scattering is important for high doping, while at low doping it is primarily due to a decrease in the phonon thermal conductivity

The state's investment in education – basis of human capital

The task of economic development of the state can be solved by investing in education as a basis for the development of human capital. The article discusses the approaches necessary investment in human capital at the level of the stateЗадача экономического развития государства может быть решена посредством инвестирования в образование как основы развития человеческого капитала. В статье рассмотрены подходы необходимости инвестирования человеческого капитала на уровне государств

Behavioral Impact of the Regulation of the Brain 2-Oxoglutarate Dehydrogenase Complex by Synthetic Phosphonate Analog of 2-Oxoglutarate: Implications into the Role of the Complex in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Decreased activity of the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) in brain accompanies neurodegenerative diseases. To reveal molecular mechanisms of this association, we treated rats with a specific inhibitor of OGDHC, succinyl phosphonate, or exposed them to hypoxic stress. In males treated with succinyl phosphonate and in pregnancy-sensitized females experiencing acute hypobaric hypoxia, we revealed upregulation of brain OGDHC (within 24 hours), with the activity increase presumably representing the compensatory response of brain to the OGDHC inhibition. This up-regulation of brain OGDHC was accompanied by an increase in exploratory activity and a decrease in anxiety of the experimental animals. Remarkably, the hypoxia-induced elevation of brain OGDHC and most of the associated behavioral changes were abrogated by succinyl phosphonate. The antagonistic action of hypoxia and succinyl phosphonate demonstrates potential therapeutic significance of the OGDHC regulation by the phosphonate analogs of 2-oxoglutarate

The Outburst of the Blazar AO 0235+164 in 2006 December: Shock-in-Jet Interpretation

We present the results of polarimetric ($R$ band) and multicolor photometric ($BVRIJHK$) observations of the blazar AO 0235+16 during an outburst in 2006 December. The data reveal a short timescale of variability (several hours), which increases from optical to near-IR wavelengths; even shorter variations are detected in polarization. The flux density correlates with the degree of polarization, and at maximum degree of polarization the electric vector tends to align with the parsec-scale jet direction. We find that a variable component with a steady power-law spectral energy distribution and very high optical polarization (30-50%) is responsible for the variability. We interpret these properties of the blazar withina model of a transverse shock propagating down the jet. In this case a small change in the viewing angle of the jet, by $\lesssim 1^o$, and a decrease in the shocked plasma compression by a factor of $\sim$1.5 are sufficient to account for the variability.Comment: 22 pages, 8 figures, accepted for Ap

Perspectives of using sodium alginate with different molecular weight in the complex cancer therapy

The article presents the results of screening research of influence of sodium alginate with different molecular weight on the development of transplantable tumor in mice and the effectiveness of cytostatic treatment. It was determined that sodium alginates with both high (М = 403 kDa) and low (M = 1-10 kDa and M = 1 kDa) molecular weight suppress growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma; using sodium alginate (M = 20-30 kDa) in the scheme of chemotherapy increases effectiveness of treatment. Alginates with low molecular weight arrest development of dissemination of Lewis lung carcinoma and sodium alginates (M = 403 kDa and M = 20-30 kDa) in combination with cyclophosphan increase its antimetastatic effect