Giant oscillations of energy levels in mesoscopic superconductors

The interplay of geometrical and Andreev quantization in mesoscopic superconductors leads to giant mesoscopic oscillations of energy levels as functions of the Fermi momentum and/or sample size. Quantization rules are formulated for closed quasiparticle trajectories in the presence of normal scattering at the sample boundaries. Two generic examples of mesoscopic systems are studied: (i) one dimensional Andreev states in a quantum box, (ii) a single vortex in a mesoscopic cylinder.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Features of Linguistic and Cultural Type “Bureaucrat”: Compatibility of Adjective <i>bureaucratic</i>

The article is devoted to the analysis of the linguistic and cultural type “Russian bureaucrat”. The compatibility of the adjective bureaucratic is investigated according to the texts of the XIX - XXI centuries included in the National corpus of the Russian language. The novelty of the study is that to describe the character traits of the linguocultural type “Russian bureaucrat”, the authors refer to the compatibility of an adjective derived from the character type. It is noted that the connotative component in the meaning of the adjective determines an almost exclusively negative interpretation of the image: the pejorative component of the value determines the compatibility of the studied adjective with the designations of negative qualities. The authors dwell on the ideas that have developed in the Russian linguistic consciousness about the character of the Russian bureaucrat, and trace their transformations over two centuries. The analysis of the compatibility of the adjective showed that the linguistic and cultural character “Russian bureaucrat” is characterized by indifference, ignorance, cowardice, arrogance, insincerity. The authors of the article conclude that in the Russian language picture of the world indifference and cowardice are attributed to bureaucrats of different periods of Russian history, while ostentatious arrogance is noted mainly in the descriptions of officials of the past, and markers of ignorance and insincerity are more frequent in the characteristics of modern officials

‘World Will Never Be Same’: Phraseologisms during Coronavirus Pandemic

Issues related to the semantics, structure and functions of new super-word linguistic units that have come into active use during the coronavirus pandemic are considered. Particular attention is paid to the statistics of searching the Internet for a certain phrase for a month and specific digital indicators of its existence as a stable one. The novelty of the research is seen in the fact that identifies phraseologisms of the late XX — early XXI centuries, which need a full-fledged phraseographic description (origin, semantics, examples of use). Phrasemes are combined by the authors into thematic groups: 1) remote work and study, 2) administrative measures to combat coronavirus, 3) features of a new disease and its treatment. It is shown that in the texts of mass communication Phrasemes perform nominative, communicative and pragmatic functions. Investigating stable turnovers, the authors dwell upon their structure, which is represented by three models. It is noted that the result of the work will be a dictionary of phraseological neologisms, which, along with others, will include units that appeared during the coronavirus pandemic

Screening and Characterization of the Antagonistic Properties of Microorganisms Isolated From Natural Sources

BACKGROUND: Human infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens present a serious problem for clinical medicine. Causative agents of nosocomial infections, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., are the most common among them. An active search for antimicrobial agents that can effectively combat drugresistant pathogens is underway. Antimicrobial substances of bacterial origin are of particular interest. Promising sources of microorganisms with antibiotic properties are natural sources: Soil, water, plants, etc. AIM: The purpose of this work is to screen and characterize the antagonistic properties of microorganisms isolated from natural sources in connection with the creation of new pharmaceutical substances. METHODS: The material for the isolation of microorganisms was the soil, water bodies, and plant objects of various municipal districts of the Kemerovo Region. Identification of the isolated microorganisms was carried out using the methods proposed in the directory “Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology” and in the monograph Nesterenko et al. The selection of strains from soil samples was carried out according to standard methods described in “Methods of soil microbiological control. Methodical recommendations,” cultural-morphological properties of isolates were studied using conventional microbiological methods. RESULTS: The following results are obtained: (1) Lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms antagonists from natural sources were isolated: Soil, water bodies, and plant objects; 20 isolates were isolated, their cultural and morphological properties were studied; isolated microorganisms were found to belong presumably to the genera Bacillus, Leuconostoc, Pedio-coccus, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides; (2) Antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria and other antagonistic microorganisms isolated from natural sources on solid and liquid nutrient media were studied; (3) 12 strains of 20 isolates with maximum antimicrobial properties were selected for further studies. CONCLUSION: Further research on the biochemical properties of lactic acid bacteria and other antagonist microorganisms isolated from natural sources, the study of antibiotic resistance of lactic acid bacteria and other antagonist microorganisms isolated from natural sources, as well as other more detailed studies will be conducted with selected 12 strains with maximum antimicrobial properties

Analysis of fundamental parameters for V477 Lyr

We analyze the photometric and spectroscopic observations of the young pre-cataclysmic variable (pre-CV) V477 Lyr. The masses of both binary components have been corrected by analyzing their radial velocity curves. We show that agreement between the theoretical and observed light curves of the object is possible for several sets of its physical parameters corresponding to the chosen temperature of the primary component. The final parameters of V477 Lyr have been established by comparing observational data with evolutionary tracks for planetary nebula nuclei. The derived effective temperature of the O subdwarf is higher than that estimated by analyzing the object's ultraviolet spectra by more than 10000 K. This is in agreement with the analogous results obtained previously for the young pre-CVs V664 Cas and UU Sge. The secondary component of V477 Lyr has been proven to have a more than 25-fold luminosity excess compared to main-sequence stars of similar mass. Comparison of the physical parameters for the cool stars in young pre-CVs indicates that their luminosities do not correlate with the masses of the objects. The observed luminosity excesses in such stars show a close correlation with the post-common-envelope lifetime of the systems and should be investigated within the framework of the theory of their relaxation to the state of main-sequence stars. © 2008 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd

AB0-incompatibility of mother and fetus: the role of anti-glycan alloantibodies in the hemolytic disease of newborns

The mother and fetus incompatibility due to Rh-factor, blood group or other blood factors can lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDN). HDN is a clinical disease condition of the fetus and newborn as a result of hemolysis, when maternal IgG alloantibodies cross the placenta and destroy the red blood cells of the fetus and newborn. The child disease begins in utero and can dramatically increase immediately after birth. As a result, hyperbilirubinemia and anemia develop, that can lead to abortions, serious complications, or death of the neonates in the absence of proper therapy. The range of HDN has changed significantly now compared to previous decades. Half a century ago, HDN was considered an almost complete synonym of RhD-alloimmunization, and this was a frequent problem for newborns. By now due to the high effective of Rh-conflict prevention, immunological AB0-conflicts have become the most common cause of HDN. The review aimes to one of the main causes of jaundice and anemia in neonates at present, i.e. HDN due to immunological AB0-conflict of mother and newborn (AB0-HDN). The main participants of the AВ0- incompatibility mother and child are considered, namely A- and B-glycans, as well as the corresponding anti-glycan alloantibodies. Close attention is paid to the structure features of glycan alloantigens on the red blood cells of the fetus and adult. The possible correlation of the frequency and severity of HDN with the blood group of mother and child, as well as with the titer of maternal alloantibodies, has been considered. The influence of immunoglobulin G subclasses on the AB0-HDN development has been evaluated. In most cases, AB0-HDN appear when the mother has the blood group 0, and the fetus has the group A (subgroup A1) or the group B. Other rare incidences of AB0-incompatibility with severe course are occurred. As a whole the etiology of AB0-HDN is complex and the HDN severity is influenced by many factors. The authors have analyzed statistical data, as well as the prevalence of AB0-incompatibility and AB0-HDN in various regions of the world. Current approaches to the diagnosis of AB0-HDN are discussed in addition. By now the problems of AB0- HDN occurrence and developing of ways to overcome this disease remain relevant

Russian registry of Infliximab.Impact of therapy on the functional status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To evaluate the functional state of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving Infliximab therapy (IF) in real clinical practice and its efficiency. Subjects and methods. The analysis covered 225 patients receiving IF therapy, the follow-up duration in whom was 54 weeks. Disease activity was estimated by the DAS 28 index; functional status was assessed according to the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The authors made an analysis of a Per-Protocol (PP) population (n = 154) at 54 weeks of treatment and an analysis that could consider the results of treatment (by the ACR and EULAR criteria) in patients who had been withdrawn before the control time - a LOCF (Last Observation Carried Forward analysis) population. Results. The mean age of the patients was 47.6±11.4 years; the duration of the disease was 7.8±6.4 years; DAS 28 activity scores were 6.6±1.1; the majority of patients had significant functional impairments (HAQ scores of 2.0±0.7), 86.7% of the patients had extraarticular manifestations; 79.6% were found to have rheumatoid factor (RF); the patients received an average of > 2 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). After 2 week-therapy, there was a reduction in RA activity by DAS 28 index in both the PP (from 6.7±1.1 to 4.0±1.4) and LOCF (6.6±1.1 and 4.2±1.4; p < 106) populations. Drug-induced remission (DAS 28 < 2.6) at 54 weeks was observed in 16.9 and 15.1% of the patients, respectively. Functional improvement was noted in the PP population: HAQ decreased from 2.0±0.7 to 1.7±0.7 scores by week 2; its reduction continued until week 14 (p < 0.05), by remaining stable later on. HAQ dropped from 2.0±0.7 to 1.2±0.7 scores in the LOCF population. At 54 weeks, normal population values of functional activity were achieved in 16.4%. Log regression analysis in the LOCF population indicated that the previous use of DMARDs and a short history of the disease were predictors of an ACR70 response to IF therapy [OR=1.61 (1.13-2.30), p = 0.008 and OR = 0.91 (0.84-0.98), p = 0.018, respectively]. RF seronegativity was a predictor for achievement of low RA activity [OR = 0.44 (0.23-0.84)]. The previous use of glucocorticoids failed to increase the probability of a good response to IF therapy and achievement of clinical remission [OR = 0.26 (0.11-0.60), p = 0.001]. Conclusion. Therapy with IF in combination with methotrexate or other DMARDs reduces RA activity and improves the functional capacities of patients with RA in real clinical practice

Совместное сжигание продуктов пиролиза шин и древесных пеллет

Thermal power plants remain one of the main sources of environmental pollution. The deterioration of the quality of traditional carbon-containing energy resources leads to the need to develop technologies for co-combustion of biofuel and coal at small and large power plants. The paper proposes the concept of using solid waste from tire recycling by adding to the composition of the mixed fuel “coal – wood waste” as a substitute for coal slag, which is formed during the utilization of worn-out tires by pyrolysis. The aim of the work was to determine the possibility of increasing the calorific value of wood pellets by co-firing with pyrolysis slag instead of coal without increasing the burden on the environment. At the same time, the following tasks have been set: to determine the lowest combustion heat of mixed fuels and assess its change when replacing coal with slag; to determine moisture content, total sulfur content, volatile matter yield, ash content of mixed fuels according to standard methods; to assess the change in these parameters when replacing coal with slag at the same component ratios; to determine the optimal ratios of components in mixed fuels, which will not increase the burden on the environment when replacing coal with pyrolysis slag. It has been determined that replacing coal with slag results in an increase in calorific value by 37–45 %, a decrease in ash content by 37–42 %, and an increase in the yield of volatile substances. At the same time, the sulfur content increases by 5.6–18 %. The use of traditional cleaning equipment is recommended in order to reduce the emission of sulfur dioxide. The research results make it possible to substantiate the possibility of replacing coal with slag in mixed fuels at certain ratios of components. A new direction of using solid products from recycling of rubber products, i.e. worn-out tires, has been proposed by the pyrolysis method in mixed fuels “slag-wood pellets” for small and medium-sized power plants.К числу основных источников загрязнения окружающей среды относятся теплоэлектростанции. Ухудшение качества традиционных углеродсодержащих энергоресурсов ведет к необходимости развития технологий совместного сжигания биотоплива и угля на малых и крупных электростанциях. В настоящей статье предлагается концепция использования твердых отходов переработки шин путем добавления в состав смесевого топлива «уголь – древесные отходы» в качестве заменителя угля шлака, образующегося при утилизации изношенных шин методом пиролиза. Цель исследования – определение возможности повышения теплотворной способности древесных пеллет путем совместного их сжигания с пиролизным шлаком вместо угля без увеличения нагрузки на окружающую среду. При этом ставились задачи: определение низшей теплоты сгорания смесевых топлив и оценка ее изменения при замене угля на шлак; определение влажности, содержания общей серы, выхода летучих веществ, зольности смесевых топлив по стандартным методикам и оценка изменения этих параметров при замене угля на шлак при одинаковых соотношениях компонентов; определение оптимальных соотношений компонентов в смесевых топливах, не увеличивающих нагрузку на окружающую среду при замене угля на пиролизный шлак. Установлено, что при замене угля шлаком происходит повышение теплотворной способности на 37–45 %, уменьшение содержания золы на 37–42 %, увеличение выхода летучих веществ. Вместе с тем содержание серы увеличивается на 5,6–18 %. Для снижения выброса диоксидов серы рекомендуется применение традиционного очистного оборудования. Результаты исследования позволяют обосновать возможности замены угля шлаком в смесевых топливах при определенных соотношениях компонентов. Предложено новое направление использования твердых продуктов утилизации резинотехнических изделий, в частности изношенных шин, методом пиролиза в смесевых топливах «шлак – древесные пеллеты» для малых и средних энергетических установок

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ АЭРОБНЫХ СИНТРОФНЫХ АССОЦИАЦИЙ МИКРООРГАНИЗМОВ ДЛЯ ДЕЗАКТИВАЦИИ ЖИДКИХ РАДИОАКТИВНЫХ ОТХОДОВ

The primary objective of the study was to test the possibility of cesium-137 transmutation into a stable barium isotope in contact with an aerobic syntrophic association (SA - a conglomerate of several thousands of different species of bacteria, protozoa and fungi living in symbiosis with each other) together with a set of macro- and microelements. The study was performed sequentially on two different SA. In the course of the work, the transmutation of cesium-137 into stable barium with the use of SA was not experimentally revealed, but the phenomenon of cesium-137 biosorption by both SA was detected to different degrees. In the course of the experiment the possibility of cesium-137 sorption by SA from the solution in the pH range of 7.7 - 8.6 was shown. In the process of the work, the time dependence of cesium-137 distribution in the liquid phase and the phase of SA was determined. The time dependence of the sorption capacity of the syntrophic association was revealed. With further continuation of the study, it is possible to obtain a mixture of SA capable of selectively extracting and concentrating prescribed radionuclides from the liquid phase.The result of this work may be the development of a technology for processing and conditioning low-level liquid radioactive waste (RW) by transferring the bulk of radioisotopes in the phase of SA (the so-called "nanosorbent of biological origin"), with multiple volume reduction.The cost of such a technology compared to existing technologies using synthetic sorbents should be several times less due to the cheapness of the SA and the reagents required for it. Besides, the new technology is more environmentally friendly. The process of biotechnologyoxidation of sulfide ores and concentrates based on the activity of chemolitotrophic bacteria that translate insoluble metal sulfides into soluble metal sulfates can serve as analogue for hardware design of RW purification technology using nanosorbent of biological origin.Целью настоящей работы явилась проверка возможности трансмутации цезия-137 в стабильный изотоп бария при контакте с аэробной синтрофной ассоциацией (СА - конгломерат нескольких тысяч различных видов бактерий, простейших и грибов, живущих в симбиозе друг с другом) в растворе, содержащем набор макро- и микроэлементов в качестве биологической питательной среды. Исследование проводили последовательно на двух различных СА. Обнаружено явление биосорбции цезия-137 в диапазоне рН 7.7-8.6 обеими СА, однако трансмутации цезия-137 экспериментально не выявлено. Найдена зависимость сорбционной емкости синтрофной ассоциации от времени, и рассчитано распределение цезия-137 в жидкой фазе и фазе СА в зависимости от времени. Продемонстрирована возможность получения смеси СА, способной селективно извлекать и концентрировать заданные радионуклиды из жидкой фазы. Полученные результаты могут стать основой создания технологии переработки и кондиционирования низкоактивных жидких радиоактивных изотопов (РАО) за счет перевода основной массы радиоизотопов в фазу СА - так называемый «наносорбент биологического происхождения», сопровождающегося многократным уменьшением их объема. Предлагаемая технология по экономичности и экологичности будет значительно превосходить известные сорбционные процессы, в которых применяются синтетические сорбенты. В качестве аналога по аппаратурному оформлению технологии очистки РАО при использовании наносорбентов биологического происхождения может служить процесс BIOX-технологии - окисления сульфидных руд и концентратов, основанный на деятельности хемолитотрофных бактерий, которые переводят нерастворимые сульфиды металлов в растворимые сульфаты