Atomistic Characterization of Stochastic Cavitation of a Binary Metallic Liquid under Negative Pressure

We demonstrate the stochastic nature of cavitation in a binary metallic liquid Cu_(46)Zr_(54) during hydrostatic expansion by employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using a quantum mechanics (QM)-derived potential. The activation volume is obtained from MD simulations and transition-state theory. Extrapolation of the pressure dependence of the activation volume from our MD simulations to low tensile pressure agrees remarkably with macroscale cavitation experiments. We find that classical nucleation theory can predict the cavitation rate if we incorporate the Tolman length derived from the MD simulations

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Weak Detonations

Detonation of a three-dimensional reactive non-isotropic molecular crystal is modeled using molecular dynamics simulations. The detonation process is initiated by an impulse, followed by the creation of a stable fast reactive shock wave. The terminal shock velocity is independent of the initiation conditions. Further analysis shows supersonic propagation decoupled from the dynamics of the decomposed material left behind the shock front. The dependence of the shock velocity on crystal nonlinear compressibility resembles solitary behavior. These properties categorize the phenomena as a weak detonation. The dependence of the detonation wave on microscopic potential parameters was investigated. An increase in detonation velocity with the reaction exothermicity reaching a saturation value is observed. In all other respects the model crystal exhibits typical properties of a molecular crystal.Comment: 38 pages, 20 figures. Submitted to Physical Review

Определение полисорбата 80 в биофармацевтических препаратах с помощью оптимизированной колориметрической методики

Objectives. We hereby describe an improvement of a previously developed quantification technique for polysorbate 80 in biopharmaceutical formulations (darbepoetin alfa and eculizumab) and report the validation of the new approach.Methods. Polysorbate was isolated from analyte samples by protein precipitation using an organic solvent, followed by supernatant evaporation in vacuum. Polysorbate was derivatized using a ferric thiocyanate reagent and extracted into an organic phase; the relevant optical density measurements were performed.Results. We established the optimal conditions for each step of the analysis procedure. The accuracy was 97–102% in the tested analytical range, the relative standard deviation did not exceed 5%, and the limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/mL.Conclusions. The reported approach is highly sensitive; polysorbate isolation and quantification do not depend on the matrix or, most importantly, the protein.Цели. В данной работе была усовершенствована ранее разработанная методика определения полисорбата 80 в биотехнологических препаратах (дарбэпоэтин альфа, экулизумаб), а также проведена ее валидация.Методы. Полисорбат извлекали из пробы осаждением белка органическим растворителем, затем выпаривали супернатант в вакууме. Полисорбат дериватизировали оптимизированным железо–тиоцианатным реагентом; дериват экстрагировали в слой органического растворителя и измеряли оптическую плотность.Результаты. Были установлены оптимальные условия для каждой стадии методики. Правильность находится в диапазоне степени извлечения 97–102%, относительное стандартное отклонение составляет не более 5%, предел количественного определения методики 0.01 мг/мл.Выводы. Представленная методика имеет высокую чувствительность. Извлечение и определение полисорбата не зависят от матрикса пробы – прежде всего, от присутствующего белка

Generation of small-scale structures in the developed turbulence

The Navier-Stokes equation for incompressible liquid is considered in the limit of infinitely large Reynolds number. It is assumed that the flow instability leads to generation of steady-state large-scale pulsations. The excitation and evolution of the small-scale turbulence is investigated. It is shown that the developed small-scale pulsations are intermittent. The maximal amplitude of the vorticity fluctuations is reached along the vortex filaments. Basing on the obtained solution, the pair correlation function in the limit $r\to 0$ is calculated. It is shown that the function obeys the Kolmogorov law $r^{2/3}$.Comment: 18 page

Fully developed turbulence and the multifractal conjecture

We review the Parisi-Frisch MultiFractal formalism for Navier--Stokes turbulence with particular emphasis on the issue of statistical fluctuations of the dissipative scale. We do it for both Eulerian and Lagrangian Turbulence. We also show new results concerning the application of the formalism to the case of Shell Models for turbulence. The latter case will allow us to discuss the issue of Reynolds number dependence and the role played by vorticity and vortex filaments in real turbulent flows.Comment: Special Issue dedicated to E. Brezin and G. Paris

Comparison of REMS, NEWS, qSOFA and SIRS criteria scales for sepsis prediction in patients with diagnosis “SARS-CoV-2, virus unidentified”: a retrospective observational study

Background. Despite ample research on the coronavirus infection sequence and therapy, the incidence of adverse outcomes remains very high. Sepsis stands among the major factors greatly complicating treatment and increasing the risk of death. A timely identification of highrisk sepsis patients is a cornerstone of effective sepsis prevention.Objectives. A comparative prognostic power assessment between the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scale, National Early Warning Score (NEWS), Initial Prehospital Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria for sepsis detection in anaesthetic intensive care patients with a diagnosis: SARS-CoV-2, virus unidentified.Methods. A retrospective observational study included 166 patients over 18-year age with unconfirmed infection (ICD-10 code U07.2). The qSOFA, NEWS, REMS and SIRS point estimates were obtained from each patient. The patients were retrospectively divided in two cohorts by sepsis presence (Sepsis-3 criteria) to determine the express scales power in evaluating the risk of sepsis (estimated as area under ROC curve, AUROC).Results. Data on 102 patients were included in the final analysis. Fifty-eight (57%) patients were terminal, and 55 (54%) developed sepsis. The estimates are as follows: NEWS — AUROC 0.848 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.764–0.912], sensitivity 76.36% [95% CI 63.0–86.8], specificity 82.98% [95% CI 69.2–92.4], optimal cut-off threshold >5 points; qSOFA — AUROC 0.700 [95% CI 0.602–0.787], sensitivity 76.36% [95% CI 63.0–86.8], specificity 61.70% [95% CI 46.4–75.5], optimal cut-off threshold >0 points; REMS — AUROC 0.739 [95% CI 0.643–0.821], sensitivity 69.09% [95% CI 55.2–80.9], specificity 65.96% [95% CI 50.7–79.1], optimal cut-off threshold >5 points; SIRS criteria — AUROC 0.723 [95% CI 0.626–0.807], sensitivity 98.18% [95% CI 90.3–100.0], specificity 31.91% [95% CI 19.1–47.1], optimal cut-off threshold >0 points.Conclusion. The NEWS scale revealed a good prognostic power to estimate the risk of sepsis in patients with suspected COVID-19 disease. The qSOFA, REMS scales and SIRS criteria possess a good calibration capacity, albeit insufficient resolution, which limits their prognostic value

Методика ВЭЖХ для определения полисорбата 80 в препаратах рекомбинантных терапевтических белков

Objectives. Polysorbate 80 (PS80) quantification in biopharmaceutical products has always been challenging owing to its minute content, absorption to the protein backbone, lack of specific chromophoric PS80 groups, and heterogenic nature. This work is aimed at developing an express method for PS80 analysis in biopharmaceutical products using hydrolysis and subsequent highperformance liquid chromatography analysis with ultraviolet detection that does not consume substantial amounts of sample (≥35 μL).Methods. Five therapeutic protein formulations were chosen as model proteins. Alkaline hydrolysis formulation was applied, without protein precipitation and with a range of precipitation techniques to remove protein from the test solution and hydrolyze PS80, to free fatty acids. The obtained hydrolysate was analyzed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.Results. As a result of the high protein content of monoclonal antibody formulations, preliminary protein removal was required, which was achieved by precipitation with organic solvents. A specific precipitant ethanol–isopropanol mixture (1:1 volumetric ratio) was developed to efficiently remove antibodies while keeping PS80 in the solution. The PS80 quantification method was developed for monoclonal antibody drugs. For three monoclonal antibody drug products (adalimumab, infliximab, and eculizumab), method validation was performed according to the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, the United States Pharmacopeia, and the State Pharmacopeia of the Russian Federation guidelines.Conclusions. The optimal assay conditions for each group of recombinant monoclonal antibody substances were chosen. Protein precipitation with ethanol or ethanol–isopropanol mixtures before hydrolysis was introduced, allowing for a substantial reduction of sample to 35 μL or even less if PS80 content is higher than 0.05 mg/mL. Accelerated hydrolysis (90 min) is preferable to slow hydrolysis (4–18 h). Method validation for protein products such as adalimumab, infliximab, and eculizumab was demonstrated for the first time. Both methods were validated for each drug product. The coefficients of variation for method specificity and high precision were ≤6.0% for 3 analyses. The accuracy of the methods ranged from 96% to 109% for all of the tested drug products.Цели. Определение полисорбата 80 в препаратах терапевтических рекомбинантных белков всегда являлось трудной задачей, ввиду низкого содержания, гетерогенной природы, присутствия белка в препарате, а также отсутствия хромофорных групп у данного аналита. Целью данной работы являлась разработка экспрессной и экономичной методики определения полисорбата 80 в препаратах рекомбинантных моноклональных антител с использованием гидролиза с последующим определением высвобожденной олеиновой кислоты методом высокоэффективной жидкостной хроматографии (ВЭЖХ) с УФ детектированием.Методы. В качестве модельных образцов выбраны пять терапевтических рекомбинантных белков. Использован щелочной гидролиз без удаления белка и с его удалением различными способами осаждения для выделения свободных жирных кислот. Полученный гидролизат проанализирован методом ВЭЖХ.Результаты. Для субстанций моноклональных антител, ввиду высокого содержания белка, требовалось его удаление. В качестве наиболее простого способа удаления выбрана денатурация и последующая преципитация белка, что достигалось путем осаждения антитела органическим растворителем. Был выбран универсальный осадитель (смесь этанола и изопропанола в объемном соотношении 1:1), использование которого позволяло эффективно удалять моноклональное антитело, но в то же время не допускать потерь полисорбата 80. Была разработана экспрессная методика определения полисорбата 80 для субстанций моноклональных антител. Методика определения полисорбата 80 валидирована согласно требованиям International Council for Harmonisation, United States Pharmacopeia и Государственной фармакопеи Российской Федерации.Выводы. Были проведены испытания условий пробоподготовки для моноклональных антител. Впервые было внедрено осаждение белка этанолом или смесью этанол-изопропанол перед проведением гидролиза и анализом полисорбата 80. Это позволило значительно уменьшить требуемое количество образца для анализа – до 35 мкл, при концентрации полисорбата 80 – 0.05 мг/мл или еще меньше при его большем содержании. Ускоренный гидролиз полисорбата 80 в течение 90 мин является более предпочтительным при проведении анализа в сравнении с продолжительным гидролизом в течение 4–18 ч, описанным в литературе. Впервые была проведена валидация методики пробоподготовки и анализа для моноклональных антител адалимумаб, экулизумаб и инфликсимаб. Высокая прецизионность методики (среднеквадратичное отклонение ≤6.0%), специфичность и удовлетворительные значения правильности (фактор отклика от 96 до 109%), говорят о пригодности методики для определения полисорбата 80 в лекарственных средствах на основе рекомбинантных моноклональных антител

Initial Steps of Thermal Decomposition of Dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate Crystals from Quantum Mechanics

Dihydroxylammonium 5,5?-bistetrazole-1,1?-diolate (TKX-50) is a recently synthesized energetic material (EM) with most promising performance, including high energy content, high density, low sensitivity, and low toxicity. TKX-50 forms an ionic crystal in which the unit cell contains two bistetrazole dianions {c-((NO)N3C)-[c-(CN3(NO)], formal charge of ?2} and four hydroxylammonium (NH3OH)+ cations (formal charge of +1). We report here quantum mechanics (QM)-based reaction studies to determine the atomistic reaction mechanisms for the initial decompositions of this system. First we carried out molecular dynamics simulations on the periodic TKX-50 crystal using forces from density functional based tight binding calculations (DFTB-MD), which finds that the chemistry is initiated by proton transfer from the cation to the dianion. Continuous heating of this periodic system leads eventually to dissociation of the protonated or diprotonated bistetrazole to release N2 and N2O. To refine the mechanisms observed in the periodic DFTB-MD, we carried out finite cluster quantum mechanics studies (B3LYP) for the unimolecular decomposition of the bistetrazole. We find that for the bistetrazole dianion, the reaction barrier for release of N2 is 45.1 kcal/mol, while release of N2O is 72.2 kcal/mol. However, transferring one proton to the bistetrazole dianion decreases the reaction barriers to 37.2 kcal/mol for N2 release and 59.5 kcal/mol for N2O release. Thus, we predict that the initial decompositions in TKX-50 lead to N2 release, which in turn provides the energy to drive further decompositions. On the basis of this mechanism, we suggest changes to make the system less sensitive while retaining the large energy release. This may help improve the synthesis strategy of developing high nitrogen explosives with further improved performance