Efficiency of Developing Renewable Energy Market in Russia

The goal of this study is to systematize and provide a quantitative and qualitative assessment of potential positive economic and non-economic effects of the implementation of a new mechanism for supporting renewable energy in Russia. It should result in achieving the national medium-term objective to increase the share of renewable energy in the wholesale electricity and capacity market to 2.5 % by 2024. The introduction examines the mechanism for supporting the generators of renewable energy by capacity charge in the wholesale electricity and capacity market. It is assumed that the main positive effects from implementing this mechanism will be the replacement of hydrocarbon fuels burned for generating the electricity in traditional coal or gas power plants; improvement in the trade balance; multiplier effects from the development of RES in related industrial sectors, new value added and jobs in the sectors producing the generating and auxiliary equipment for generators; reduction of carbon dioxide emissions; decrease in average prices in the wholesale electricity market; reduction of expenditure on environmental activities and measures to protect the health in the territories with traditional power plants; additional scal charges. As a result, the quantification of these effects amounts to 47.77 billion rubles in 2024. The authors rely on the experience of foreign countries, expert estimates, forecasts by the Russian Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economic Development, research by the Russian Energy Agency, International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, Community for Renewable Energy Policy in the 21st Century (REN21), statistics of Russian Federal State Statistics Service.The article has been supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research as part of the project 14–06–00075 “National Economic and Environmental Security: Threats, Effects, and Scenario for Interaction of Economy and Environment.

Connected components of spaces of Morse functions with fixed critical points

Let $M$ be a smooth closed orientable surface and $F=F_{p,q,r}$ be the space of Morse functions on $M$ having exactly $p$ critical points of local minima, $q\ge1$ saddle critical points, and $r$ critical points of local maxima, moreover all the points are fixed. Let $F_f$ be the connected component of a function $f\in F$ in $F$. By means of the winding number introduced by Reinhart (1960), a surjection $\pi_0(F)\to{\mathbb Z}^{p+r-1}$ is constructed. In particular, $|\pi_0(F)|=\infty$, and the Dehn twist about the boundary of any disk containing exactly two critical points, exactly one of which is a saddle point, does not preserve $F_f$. Let $\mathscr D$ be the group of orientation preserving diffeomorphisms of $M$ leaving fixed the critical points, ${\mathscr D}^0$ be the connected component of ${\rm id}_M$ in $\mathscr D$, and ${\mathscr D}_f\subset{\mathscr D}$ the set of diffeomorphisms preserving $F_f$. Let ${\mathscr H}_f$ be the subgroup of ${\mathscr D}_f$ generated by ${\mathscr D}^0$ and all diffeomorphisms $h\in{\mathscr D}$ which preserve some functions $f_1\in F_f$, and let ${\mathscr H}_f^{\rm abs}$ be its subgroup generated ${\mathscr D}^0$ and the Dehn twists about the components of level curves of functions $f_1\in F_f$. We prove that ${\mathscr H}_f^{\rm abs}\subsetneq{\mathscr D}_f$ if $q\ge2$, and construct an epimorphism ${\mathscr D}_f/{\mathscr H}_f^{\rm abs}\to{\mathbb Z}_2^{q-1}$, by means of the winding number. A finite polyhedral complex $K=K_{p,q,r}$ associated to the space $F$ is defined. An epimorphism $\mu:\pi_1(K)\to{\mathscr D}_f/{\mathscr H}_f$ and finite generating sets for the groups ${\mathscr D}_f/{\mathscr D}^0$ and ${\mathscr D}_f/{\mathscr H}_f$ in terms of the 2-skeleton of the complex $K$ are constructed.Comment: 12 pages with 2 figures, in Russian, to be published in Vestnik Moskov. Univ., a typo in theorem 1 is correcte

Topology of the spaces of Morse functions on surfaces

Let $M$ be a smooth closed orientable surface, and let $F$ be the space of Morse functions on $M$ such that at least $\chi(M)+1$ critical points of each function of $F$ are labeled by different labels (enumerated). Endow the space $F$ with $C^\infty$-topology. We prove the homotopy equivalence $F\sim R\times{\widetilde{\cal M}}$ where $R$ is one of the manifolds ${\mathbb R}P^3$, $S^1\times S^1$ and the point in dependence on the sign of $\chi(M)$, and ${\widetilde{\cal M}}$ is the universal moduli space of framed Morse functions, which is a smooth stratified manifold. Morse inequalities for the Betti numbers of the space $F$ are obtained.Comment: 15 pages, in Russia

Efficiency of developing renewable energy market in Russia

The goal of this study is to systematize and provide a quantitative and qualitative assessment of potential positive economic and non-economic effects of the implementation of a new mechanism for supporting renewable energy in Russia. It should result in achieving the national medium-term objective to increase the share of renewable energy in the wholesale electricity and capacity market to 2.5 % by 2024. The introduction examines the mechanism for supporting the generators of renewable energy by capacity charge in the wholesale electricity and capacity market. It is assumed that the main positive effects from implementing this mechanism will be the replacement of hydrocarbon fuels burned for generating the electricity in traditional coal or gas power plants; improvement in the trade balance; multiplier effects from the development of RES in related industrial sectors, new value added and jobs in the sectors producing the generating and auxiliary equipment for generators; reduction of carbon dioxide emissions; decrease in average prices in the wholesale electricity market; reduction of expenditure on environmental activities and measures to protect the health in the territories with traditional power plants; additional scal charges. As a result, the quantification of these effects amounts to 47.77 billion rubles in 2024. The authors rely on the experience of foreign countries, expert estimates, forecasts by the Russian Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economic Development, research by the Russian Energy Agency, International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, Community for Renewable Energy Policy in the 21st Century (REN21), statistics of Russian Federal State Statistics Service

Results of analyzing the passport database ‘Spring bread wheat landraces in the VIR collection’

Background. Recently, an increased interest in crop landraces has been observed among scientists working with plant genetic resources (PGR). Institutes have been organizing collecting missions to explore old varieties still cultivated locally. Attention paid to landraces is also associated with the introduction of GIS technologies into PGR studies. The N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) holds a unique collection of spring bread wheat landraces. One of the Institute’s top priorities is to develop and maintain a passport database, using a set of fields specifically fit for landraces.Analysis of the passport database. The passport database ‘Spring Bread Wheat Landraces in the VIR Collection’ is analyzed here. The database contains information on 5,925 accessions and has 36 fields. Statistical data are presented for the main fields: origin, collection site, botanical variety, year of registration in the collection, donor institute or expedition, and collector’s name

Method for non-invasive assessment of the structure of a heart valve bioprosthesis

Background. The study of explanted heart valve bioprostheses is a valuable source of information about the destructive processes in their components that develop as a result of prolonged contact with the recipient’s body. An analysis of the morphology, staging and degree of involvement of various valve prosthesis materials in the prevalence of pathological processes – calcification, mechanical damage, growth of the connective tissue capsule, is the basis for developing potential methods for increasing the service life of these products and reducing the risk of re-interventions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of computed microtomography to analyze the internal structure of a biological prosthetic heart valve explanted due to dysfunction. Material and methods. In this work, we investigated the prevalence of pathological mineralization of the PeriCor bioprosthesis, explanted as a result of the developed dysfunction of the leaflet apparatus with a clinical picture of grade 2B prosthetic insufficiency. The material was described macroscopically, after which it was subjected to high-resolution computed microtomography. In the structure of the sample, X-ray dense areas of pathological mineralization were identified and described, and the volume of the material involved in calcification was assessed. Results. It was shown that the main pathological changes that led to prosthetic dysfunction were degenerative changes in the biomaterial with signs of calcification, thickening and rupture of the leaflets. It was quantitatively determined that the areas of radiologically dense inclusions (calcifications) occupy 11.1 % of the volume of the material. It has been established that the described areas are associated with the sheathing of the frame and with the elements of the suture material used in the production of this bioprosthesis. Conclusion. The method of non-destructive analysis of the internal structure of altered materials of a biological prosthesis studied in this work has demonstrated the possibility of а qualitative and quantitative assessment of areas of pathological mineralization, their distribution and connection with other processes leading to the development of prosthetic dysfunction. The method makes it possible to visualize macro- and microsites of calcification and can become a valuable tool to complement existing approaches to the study of explanted bioprostheses

РАЗРАБОТКА ТКАНЕИНЖЕНЕРНОГО СОСУДИСТОГО ГРАФТА МАЛОГО ДИАМЕТРА ДЛЯ НУЖД СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТОЙ ХИРУРГИИ

RICICD has large experience in the development of products for cardiovascular surgery, in particular, the bioprosthesis heart valves and blood vessels. Since 2010, under the leadership of the academician of RAS L. S. Barbarash researches to create bioresorbable vascular prostheses of small diameter began. The primary purpose – to create polymer structures with bio-directed action capable to replace individual structures of a living organism, in particular, of cardiovascular system. Scientific novelty of the problem lies in using a new approach for creation an organ directly in the patient’s body by biofunctional and bioresorbable features of polymer structures. The long-term patency of PCL vascular grafts and PHBV and PCL composition grafts had proved. The in vitro experiments had proved that growth factors incorporated into composition of biodegradable grafts retain their biological activity. The long-term in vivo experiments had demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor had accelerated endothelization and had improved vascular patency of biodegradable polymer grafts. НИИ КПССЗ имеет большой опыт в разработке изделий для сердечно-сосудистой хирургии, в частности биопротезов клапанов сердца и сосудов. С 2010 года под руководством академика РАН Л. С. Барбараша начаты исследования по созданию биорезорбируемых сосудистых протезов малого диаметра. Основная цель – создание полимерных конструкций с бионаправленным действием, способных заменить отдельные структуры живого организма, в частности сердечно-сосудистой системы. Научная новизна поставленной задачи заключается в использовании нового подхода создания органа непосредственно в организме пациента за счет биофункциональности и биорезорбируемости полимерных конструкций. Доказана долгосрочная проходимость полимерных сосудистых графтов на основе поликапролактона и композиции полигидроксибутирата/валерата и поликапролактона. В экспериментах in vitro доказано, что ростовые факторы, инкорпорируемые в состав биодеградируемых графтов, сохраняют свою биологическую активность. В долгосрочных экспериментах in vivo доказано, что сосудистый эндотелиальный фактор роста ускоряет эндотелизацию и улучшает проходимость биодеградируемых полимерных сосудистых графтов.

Relationship between various pathways of cellular death at distinct stages of ontogenesis in normal state and systemic diseases of connective tissue

The aim of our research  was to reveal quantitative ratios existing between  the pathways of cellular death in normal state, as well as in immunocomplex pathology. The proportion of different pathways of cell death (autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis) in autoimmune (systemic  connective tissue diseases (SDCT) – rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)  and systemic scleroderma (SSD) is a subject of age-related changes. On the one hand, aging process can be considered a genetically determined overall decrease in adaptive potential of the body, and a systemic  age-related chronic inflammatory response, with a pronounced cytokine proinflammatory shift. On the other hand, a polygenic decrease in energy and information capacity  of the cells, represent the basis of multisystem and multiorgan functional and metabolic disorders  in SDCT.Blood plasma  samples were analyzed  in the patients of two age groups. The first group consisted of 10 SLE cases (4 men and 6 women, average age 43.8 years), 13 patients with RA (5 men and 8 women, average age 45.6 years),  7 SSD (women, average age 35.8 years),  and 10 healthy  donors  (6 men and 4 women, average age 40.7 years). The second age group consisted of 9 SLE cases (2 men and 7 women, average age 69.8 years), 10 patients with RA (5 men and 5 women, average age 65.6 years), 5 patients with SSD (women, average age 65.7 years) and 12 healthy  donors  (normal biological  aging – 7 men and 5 women, average age 64.7 years). The data presented in this paper  were obtained with informed consent of the  patients. When  carrying  out  biomedical research, we followed  internationally recognized ethical  standards of the Helsinki Declaration (International Medical Association, 1996, revision  2013). The proportion of various cell death  types (autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis) in  autoimmune disorders  (systemic  diseases  of connective tissue,  SDCT), i.e.,  rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic  lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic  scleroderma (SSD) proved to be subject to age-dependent changes. Close  interaction were revealed  between  the  ways of cellular  death  in SDCT (most  pronounced in SLE), correlating with age changes and clinical  manifestations of autoimmune process. In SDCT, the affected tissues exhibit all types of cellular  death, however, degree of their expression  depends on the disease nosology. Upon systemic diffuse pathology of connective tissue, autophagy (especially in case of SLE and RA) is directly involved in development of immune response  and inflammatory process.In normal biological  aging, like as in SDCT, one may observe a sharply increased activity of the metabolic trigger – AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of intracellular energy, along with shifted acid-base equilibrium. The quantity of active oxygen radicals  increases, oxidoreductive potential of the cells is changed, with  activation of cellular  destruction components. Activity  of cytokine system  in the  organism  is changed causing  apoptosis regulation; expression  of chaperons is decreased, and  the immune-oxygenase homeostasis is also displaced. Inhibition of genetically determined process of death  of cells (apoptosis) comprises the basis for development of autoimmune diseases. Transition of late apoptosis into secondary necrosis  is accompanied by decrease of antioxidant protection and  development of autoimmune pathology. The  chaperon-mediated induction of immune response as the signaling mechanism of autophagy, being evolutionarily fixed in mammals only, may be the common central  link and “the  molecular switch”  causing both development of autoimmune diseases of connective tissue, and aging processes

Гидродинамическая эффективность бесшовного протеза клапана сердца

The aim of the study was an in vitro hydrodynamic study of the developed prosthetic heart valve of the second generation, designed to carry out an implantation using «valve-in-valve» method. Material and methods. Prototypes of the developed prosthesis were studied under simulated physiological conditions of the heart using a Vivitro Labs pulse duplicator (Canada) in a comparative aspect with «UniLine» clinical commercial aortic valve bioprosthesis (Russia). Samples were tested by simulating sutureless implantation procedure. Results. The developed valves showed satisfactory hydrodynamic characteristics – for all cases of «implantation» from the position of the average trans-prosthetic gradient (6.1–11.1 mm Hg) and the effective orifice area (1.60–1.81 cm2 ). The analysis of the regurgitation fraction allowed us to determine the optimal sizes for implantation using «valvein-valve» method, which subsequently will form the basis of sizing guidelines for size selection. A qualitative analysis of the leaflet’s work demonstrated the presence of slight asymmetry for a number of prostheses – in case of mismatch of sizes when simulating «valve-in-valve» procedure. Conclusion. The tests demonstrate the viability of the developed design from the standpoint of hydrodynamic efficiency and determines the basic rules of selecting a prosthesis for reimplantation relative to the primary valve.Целью исследования стало гидродинамическое in vitro исследование разрабатываемого протеза клапана сердца II генерации, предназначенного для проведения вмешательства по типу «протез в протез». Материал и методы. Опытные образцы разрабатываемого изделия исследовали в условиях имитации физиологического режима работы сердца на установке пульсирующего потока Vivitro Labs (Канада) в сравнительном аспекте с клиническими коммерческими биопротезами клапана аорты «ЮниЛайн» (Россия). Образцы испытывали при имитации процедуры повторного бесшовного репротезирования. Результаты. Разрабатываемая конструкция продемонстрировала удовлетворительные характеристики – для всех случаев «имплантации» с позиции среднего транспротезного градиента (6,1–11,1 мм рт. ст.) и эффективно площади отверстия (1,60–1,81 см2 ). Анализ показателя фракции регургитации позволил определить оптимальные типоразмеры для имплантации по типу «протез в протез», которые впоследствии лягут в основу сайзинга при подборе необходимого типоразмера для реимплантации. Качественный анализ работы створчатого аппарата продемонстрировал наличие незначительной асимметрии для ряда протезов – как «ЮниЛайн», так и экспериментального протеза, в случае несоответствия типоразмеров при имитации процедуры «протез в протез». Заключение. Проведенные испытания демонстрируют состоятельность разрабатываемой конструкции с позиции гидродинамической эффективности и определяют основные закономерности подбора протеза для реимплантации относительно первичного клапана