Kinetic Solvers with Adaptive Mesh in Phase Space

An Adaptive Mesh in Phase Space (AMPS) methodology has been developed for solving multi-dimensional kinetic equations by the discrete velocity method. A Cartesian mesh for both configuration (r) and velocity (v) spaces is produced using a tree of trees data structure. The mesh in r-space is automatically generated around embedded boundaries and dynamically adapted to local solution properties. The mesh in v-space is created on-the-fly for each cell in r-space. Mappings between neighboring v-space trees implemented for the advection operator in configuration space. We have developed new algorithms for solving the full Boltzmann and linear Boltzmann equations with AMPS. Several recent innovations were used to calculate the discrete Boltzmann collision integral with dynamically adaptive mesh in velocity space: importance sampling, multi-point projection method, and the variance reduction method. We have developed an efficient algorithm for calculating the linear Boltzmann collision integral for elastic and inelastic collisions in a Lorentz gas. New AMPS technique has been demonstrated for simulations of hypersonic rarefied gas flows, ion and electron kinetics in weakly ionized plasma, radiation and light particle transport through thin films, and electron streaming in semiconductors. We have shown that AMPS allows minimizing the number of cells in phase space to reduce computational cost and memory usage for solving challenging kinetic problems

The organization of the rating system for assessing the quality of university students training

In spite the universities use the rating system of assessing for a quite long time, this issue is still not fully considered. The article is based on the position of insufficient state of knowledge of the multifunctionality of the students rating. The rating helps to reveal the potential of students. It is mentioned that the rating system of assessment is a tool that will improve the quality of training and provide the required level of motivation. During the research, the following methods were used: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction. As a result, the principles of the rating assessment system were revealed, a definition of the term "Rating" was given, its goals were indicated. As an example of the organization of the rating system of assessment, the Nyzhnii Novhorod State Pedagogical University and its "Regulations on the rating system for assessing the quality of student training" were used. It is noted that the rating includes: current check, midterm and final examinations. Further, all possible conditions under which the student receives points were identified and considered. On the example of the NSPU named after Kozma Minin transferring of the rating points into a five-point grading rating system is presented. Also, the types of violations for which points are discarded, are considered. As the study showed, comprehensive planned system yields productive results for students and the university.peer-reviewe

Metal-Templated Assembly of Cyclopropane-Fused Diazepanones and Diazecanones via exo-trig Nucleophilic Cyclization of Cyclopropenes with Tethered Carbamates

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in The Journal of Organic Chemistry, copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.8b02062.A strain-release-driven, cation-templated nucleophilic 7- and 8-exo-trig-cyclization of tethered Boc-protected amines to cyclopropenes is described. The featured reaction proceeds in diastereo- and regioselective fashion and allows for preparation of the corresponding 2,5-diazabicyclo[5.1.0]octan-6-ones and 2,6-diazabicyclo[6.1.0]nonan-7-ones as sole products in high yields. Preliminary studies on anticancer activities of these novel cyclopropane-fused medium heterocycles were performed

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) and whole genome amplification (WGA) of DNA from normal breast tissue --- optimization for genome wide array analyses

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Laser capture microdissection (LCM) can be applied to tissues where cells of interest are distinguishable from surrounding cell populations. Here, we have optimized LCM for fresh frozen normal breast tissue where large amounts of fat can cause problems during microdissection. Since the amount of DNA needed for genome wide analyses, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, is often greater than what can be obtained from the dissected tissue, we have compared three different whole genome amplification (WGA) kits for amplification of DNA from LCM material. In addition, the genome wide profiling methods commonly used today require extremely high DNA quality compared to PCR based techniques and DNA quality is thus critical for successful downstream analyses.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>We found that by using FrameSlides without glass backing for LCM and treating the slides with acetone after staining, the problems caused by excessive fat could be significantly decreased. The amount of DNA obtained after extraction from LCM tissue was not sufficient for direct SNP array analysis in our material. However, the two WGA kits based on Phi29 polymerase technology (Repli-g^®(Qiagen) and GenomiPhi (GE Healthcare)) gave relatively long amplification products, and amplified DNA from Repli-g^®gave call rates in the subsequent SNP analysis close to those from non-amplified DNA. Furthermore, the quality of the input DNA for WGA was found to be essential for successful SNP array results and initial DNA fragmentation problems could be reduced by switching from a regular halogen lamp to a VIS-LED lamp during LCM.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>LCM must be optimized to work satisfactorily in difficult tissues. We describe a work flow for fresh frozen normal breast tissue where fat is inclined to cause problems if sample treatment is not adapted to this tissue. We also show that the Phi29-based Repli-g^®WGA kit (Qiagen) is a feasible approach to amplify DNA of high quality prior to genome wide analyses such as SNP profiling.</p

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Boltzmann solver with adaptive mesh in velocity space

Abstract. We describe the implementation of direct Boltzmann solver with Adaptive Mesh in Velocity Space (AMVS) using quad/octree data structure. The benefits of the AMVS technique are demonstrated for the charged particle transport in weakly ionized plasmas where the collision integral is linear. We also describe the implementation of AMVS for the nonlinear Boltzmann collision integral. Test computations demonstrate both advantages and deficiencies of the current method for calculations of narrow-kernel distributions

Potentiometric method for assessing the pozzolatic activity of highly dispersed materials

ABSTRACT: Introduction. Pozzolatic activity is an important indicator for highly dispersed materials, particularly clay soils. It determines their effective use and characterizes the ability of the active components in their composition to interact with calcium hydroxide. Various methods are employed to assess this pozzolatic activity. Potentiometric methods are effective. They are based on measuring the electrode potential, which is functionally related to the change in the concentration (activity) of calcium ions in the analyzed solutions as the main information parameter of the pozzolatic reaction. The purpose of the research is to test the potentiometric method to assess the pozzolatic activity of highly dispersed materials, as well as the application of suggested approach to determine the rational amount of an active mineral lime-containing additive as a binder component for producing soil-concrete. Materials and Methods. We have chosen clay soil models with different plasticity index and sandy loam of the Arkhangelsk region as the objects. The potentiometric analysis method involved sequentially adding 0.015 mol/l calcium hydroxide solution, in amounts ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 ml, to a suspension containing 0.5 g of soil in 80 ml of distilled water. The potential of the system was measured while continuously stirring at a fixed speed. Results and Discussion. All studied objects are characterized by the pozzolatic activity, which increases in the series sandy loam sandy → clay loam light silty → clay light silty ≈ sandy loam silty and has the order of absolute values coinciding with the literature data. The rational amount of the active mineral lime-containing additive was 1–2% for clay soil models, depending on the plasticity index, and more than 2 % for the sandy loam of the Arkhangelsk region (from the soil mass on dried basis). Conclusion. We have shown the applicability of the potentiometric method of analysis using a calcium-selective electrode to assess the pozzolatic activity of highly dispersed materials on the example of models of clay soils with different plasticity index and sandy loam of the Arkhangelsk regio

New Perspectives on the Role of Nuclear Proteases in Cell Death Pathways

Multiple factors can trigger cell death via various pathways, and nuclear proteases have emerged as essential regulators of these processes. While certain nuclear proteases have been extensively studied and their mechanisms of action are well understood, others remain poorly characterized. Regulation of nuclear protease activity is a promising therapeutic strategy that could selectively induce favorable cell death pathways in specific tissues or organs. Thus, by understanding the roles of newly discovered or predicted nuclear proteases in cell death processes, we can identify new pharmacological targets for improving therapeutic outcomes. In this article, we delved into the role of nuclear proteases in several types of cell death and explore potential avenues for future research and therapeutic development