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Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) has become one of the major tools to elucidate gene-expression regulation. Similar to other molecular profiling methods, ChIP-seq is sensitive to several technical biases which affect downstream results, especially in cases when material quality is difficult to control, for example, frozen post-mortem human tissue. However, methods for bioinformatics analysis improve every year and allow the mitigation of these effects after sequencing by adjusting for both technical ChIP-seq biases and more general biological biases like postmortem interval or cell heterogenity of the sample. Here we review a wide selection of ChIP-seq normalization methods with a focus on application in specific experimental settings, in particular when brain tissue is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder, the hereditary nature of which has been confirmed by numerous studies. Currently, more than a hundred genetic loci associated with schizophrenia have been described, and rare variants in genes and chromosomal rearrangements associated with familial cases of the disease have also been identified. However, it is not always possible to determine the hereditary nature of the pathology, many cases of schizophrenia are sporadic, and the genetic cause of such cases remains unknown. By using whole-genome-sequencing data for three family trios from Russia with sporadic cases of schizophrenia, we search for rare potentially pathogenic variants in the coding and regulatory loci of the genome, including de novo and compound mutations. The polygenic risk of schizophrenia is also assessed using common polymorphic markers. As a result of the analysis, the genetic heterogeneity of sporadic forms of schizophrenia is shown, as well as the potential role of rare substitutions in genes associated with the metabolism of glutamate and inositol phosphate in sporadic cases of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the oxidizing ability of the H2SO4–H3PO4–H2O–Fe(III) system, we measured the electrode potentials of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple and the half-wave potentials of the Fe3+ + e– = Fe2+ and Fe2+ – e– = Fe3+ transitions (reactions) on the cyclic voltammogram of a platinum electrode in acid solutions containing Fe(III) salts. It is shown that the values of these experimentally obtained parameters are close. The decrease in the oxidizing ability of H2SO4 and H3PO4 mixtures containing Fe(III) with an increase in the molar fraction of H3PO4 in them occurs due to the formation of Fe(III) complexes with phosphate anions, which are inferior in oxidizing ability to their hydrate and sulfate complexes. The temperature coefficients of the electrode potential (dE/dt) of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple in the H2SO4–H2O, H2SO4–H3PO4–H2O, and H3PO4–H2O systems were experimentally determined. Based on the Randles–Sevcik equation, the diffusion coefficients of Fe(III) in the studied solutions were calculated. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients of Fe(III) cations is satisfactorily described by the Arrhenius equation. The parameters of this equation are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence and development of massive parallel sequencing (new generation sequencing) methods have opened up new prospects in the study of ancient organisms, including extinct ones. Numerous skeletal remains from archaeological and museum collections are often the only source of information on ancient species and populations. In this review, we discuss the features of human bone tissue and the advantages and disadvantages of bone material as a source of DNA for genomic analysis of ancient people. Here we present new methodological approaches to DNA extraction from ancient human skeletal remains and its preparation for large-scale parallel sequencing are presented, as well as prospects and directions for further research in a new interdisciplinary field, paleogenomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the design and control system of a reference adiabatic calorimeter, which is part of the State Primary Standard for the unit of the specific thermal capacity of solids (GET 60-2019). The components of the equipment, as well as the control algorithms that provide the required measurement accuracy, are considered in detail. The digital control system maintains a specific temperature difference with an error of less than 0.06°C in the dynamic mode and less than 0.001°C in the static mode, allowing the calorimeter to operate in an adiabatic mode in the range of 30°C–600°C. A predictive proportional-integral-derivative controller is used for control, with the parameters generated using a mathematical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a numerical study of heating and destruction of a biological tissue under the action of a series of focused ultrasound pulses generated by a multielement array (tumor treatment programs) are presented. Irradiation programs are considered that differ in the locations of focal points within a tissue (the Archimedean and "square" spirals), the number of pulses in the series, and the time delay between pulses. A significant influence of the parameters of the pulse series and perfusion process on the size of the thermal lesion area in a tissue was established in a considered range of moderate intensities of radiation. It was shown that the heat propagation process in the tissue turns with time to a quasi-spherical pattern and is weakly dependent on the irradiation program type. This characteristic of the process is discussed in terms of its possible use to optimize protocols of medical procedures utilizing focused ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mutations in lipase H (LIPH) and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6), which are essential for the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signalling pathway, are associated with hypotrichosis and wooly hair in humans. Mutations in LPAR6 and keratin 71 (KRT71), result in unusual fur growth and hair structure in several cat breeds (Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Selkirk Rex). Here, we performed target sequencing of the LIPH, LPAR6 and KRT71 genes in six cat breeds with specific hair‐growth phenotypes. A LIPH genetic variant (LIPH:c.478_483del; LIPH:p.Ser160_Gly161del) was found in Ural Rex cats with curly coats from Russia, but was absent in all other cat breeds tested. In silico three‐dimensional analysis of the LIPH mutant protein revealed a contraction of the α3‐helix structure in the enzyme phospholipid binding site that may affect its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the report is to examine the current and important for the society issues concerning one of the most widespread insurance products - Motor Third Party Liability Insurance. The report examines the use of Motor Third Party Liability insurance on our insurance market. Specific studies have been made on the actual presence of the insurance in the local market and the motor insurance in the general insurance portfolio at European level. The problems and trends in the application and the proposed "Bonus-Malus" system are considered. Further considerations regarding the Bonus-Malus system have been made, taking into account the role of the system for fair payment of insurance premiums. The positive experience of the European insurance market is also reported. The report also focuses on other regulatory and other factors determining the market development. Quantitative methods of analysis and evaluation are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bootstrap current was measured in all reference magnetic configurations of OP1.2a. • Experimental profiles can be reliably mapped with vacuum pre-calculated equilibria. • VMEC calculations show good agreement with Minerva and V3FIT reconstruction. Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is a modular advanced stellarator, which successfully went into operation in December 2015 at the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik in Greifswald, Germany, and continued to thrive at the experimental campaign with the first divertor phase in August-December 2017. The nested magnetic surfaces in W7-X are created by a system of 3-D toroidally discrete coils, providing both toroidal and poloidal field components, and designed with the aim to create optimum equilibrium properties. The optimization criteria included the high quality of vacuum magnetic surfaces, good finite beta equilibrium and MHD-stability properties as well as a substantial reduction of the neoclassical transport and bootstrap current in comparison to classical stellarators. Equilibrium calculations, devoted to the analysis of the experiment programs dedicated to measure the bootstrap current, were performed with help of the Variational Moments Equilibrium Code, available as Wendelstein 7-X web service. Pressure profiles based on experimental data served as an input for calculations. The mapping of measurements using pre-calculated equilibria for different beta values has been analyzed. A comparison with reconstruction results obtained by means of the Minerva Framework, considering only experimental data of magnetics measurements, and the V3FIT code is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spaces dual to spaces of holomorphic functions of given growth on Carathéodory domains are described by using the Cauchy transform of functionals. A pseudoanalytic extension of such transforms to the whole plane is constructed, which makes it possible to remove convexity constrains and consider spaces determined by weights of general form, rather than only by those whose dependence on the distance from a point of the domain to its boundary is one-dimensional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the life expectancy during the last decades in most world countries has resulted in the growing number of people suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, fron-totemporal dementia, and others. Familial forms of neurodegenerative diseases account for 5-10% of all cases and are caused by mutations in specific genes often resulting in pathological protein deposition. The risk factors for neurodegeneration include trauma, lifestyle, and allelic variants of disease-associated genes with incomplete penetrance. Many of these gene variants are located in immunity-related loci, particularly in the human leukocyte antigen locus (HLA class II) coding for proteins of the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). HLA class II plays a key role in the antigen presentation and is expressed in microglial cells. Microglia is a component of innate immunity. On the one hand, microglial cells phagocytize pathological protein deposits; on the other hand, they produce proinflammatory factors accelerating neuronal death. The involvement of adaptive immunity mechanisms (antigen presentation, T cell response, antibody production) in the development of neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear and requires further research, including more detailed studies of the role of identified HLA class II genetic variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging and genetic predisposition are major risk factors in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. The most common neurodegenerative disorder is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified statistically significant association of the PICALM rs3851179 polymorphism with AD. The PICALM G allele increases the risk of AD, while the A allele has a protective effect. We examined the association of the PICALM rs3851179 polymorphism with parameters of the P3 component of auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) in 87 non-demented volunteers (age, 19-77 years) subdivided into two cohorts younger and older than 50 years of age. We found statistically significant association between the AD risk variant PICALM GG and increase in the P3 latency in subjects over 50 years old. The age-dependent increase in the P3 latency was more pronounced in the PICALM GG carriers than in the carriers of the PICALM AA and PICALM AG genotypes. The observed PICALM-associated changes in the neurophysiological processes indicate a decline in the information processing speed with aging due, probably, to neuronal dysfunction and subclinical neurodegeneration of the neuronal networks in the hippocampus and the frontal and parietal cortical areas. Such changes were less pronounced in the carriers of the PICALM gene A allele, which might explain the protective effect of this allele in the cognitive decline and AD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, the optimized stellarator Wendelstein 7-X stellarator (W7-X) started with operation. The main objective of W7-X is the demonstration of the integrated reactor potential of the optimized stellarator line. An important element of this mission is the achievement of high heating power and high confinement in the steady-state operation. The approach to this mission is the following three steps. First, plasmas were produced in a limiter configuration [operation phase (OP 1.1)], then a test divertor unit is being installed (temporary divertor unit) for the next campaign, OP 1.2, before the full steady-state capability will be achieved implementing active cooling of all in-vessel components and a steady-state high heat-flux divertor. In December 2015, the first helium plasma was generated using electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH), in February 2016, the working gas was switched to hydrogen. The first OP (OP 1.1) was successfully finished in March 2016. At the end of OP 1.1, the discharge duration was close to 6 s, the limit for the integrated heating power was increased to 4 MJ and electron temperatures of ~10 keV were achieved. Due to the low densities in the range of 1019 cm−3 and the pure electron heating by ECRH, the ion temperatures reached only 2 keV. At present, W7-X is undergoing the next completion phase, including the installation of the test divertor unit, the installation of the carbon tiles on the inner plasma vessel wall, an upgrade of existing diagnostics, and the installation of new diagnostics. This paper discusses the first operational phase, lessons learned and implemented, and the status before the start of the second OP (OP 1.2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is a modular advanced stellarator with a magnetic field optimized for good plasma confinement and stability, which went into operation in December 2015 at the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik in Greifswald, Germany. The magnet system of W7-X consists of 70 superconducting coils with as-built-shapes and positions which deviate from the designed ones due to manufacturing and positioning tolerances as well as due to deformations under different kinds of loads. Step-by-step evaluation of the magnet system geometry during the machine construction included measurements of the winding pack geometry characterizing deviations of each coil filament caused by the fabrication process and the tracking of coil positions during main assembly steps. In addition finite element calculations were performed with help of the 360° ANSYS Global Model (a finite element model, representing the whole W7-X magnet system, including all superconducting coils and their support structure) in order to define possible coil deformations under the dead-weight, cool-down and electromagnetic loads in different operation regimes. This paper shows the comparative analysis of different types of deviations in the coil geometry and discusses their influence on plasma equilibrium properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain cellular proteins normally soluble in the living organism under certain conditions form aggregates with a specific cross-β sheet structure called amyloid. These intraor extracellular insoluble aggregates (fibers or plaques) are hallmarks of many neurodegenerative pathologies including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion disease, and other progressive neurological diseases that develop in the aging human central nervous system. Amyloid diseases (amyloidoses) are widespread in the elderly human population, a rapidly expanding demographic in many global populations. Increasing age is the most significant risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases associated with amyloid plaques. To date, nearly three dozen different misfolded proteins targeting brain and other organs have been identified in amyloid diseases and AD, the most prevalent neurodegenerative amyloid disease affecting over 15 million people worldwide. Here we (i) highlight the latest data on mechanisms of amyloid formation and further discuss a hypothesis on the amyloid cascade as a primary mechanism of AD pathogenesis and (ii) review the evolutionary aspects of amyloidosis, which allow new insight on human-specific mechanisms of dementia development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Development of inhibitors to human FVIII ( hFVIII) significantly complicates the control of bleeding events in patients with haemophilia A. Aim This prospective, multicentre, open-label, non-comparative, Phase II study evaluated the haemostatic activity of a recombinant B-domain-deleted porcine FVIII (r- pFVIII), in the treatment of non-life/non-limb-threatening bleeding in individuals with haemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors. Methods Acute bleeding episodes in patients with pFVIII inhibitor titres <0.8 BU mL−1 were treated with 50 U kg−1 body weight r- pFVIII. Those with pFVIII inhibitor titres of >0.8 BU mL−1 received an initial calculated r- pFVIII loading dose followed by 50 U kg−1 treatment dose. Treatment continued at 6-hourly intervals until bleeding was determined, controlled or till a maximum of eight doses was reached. Results All 25 bleeding episodes in nine patients (mean age: 23.7 years; range: 14-34 years) were controlled successfully with eight or fewer injections of r- pFVIII. The median time from bleeding onset to the administration of r- pFVIII was 5.7 h (range: 1.5-20.0 h). Twenty of the bleeding episodes (80%) were controlled with one treatment dose of r- pFVIII (with or without a loading dose, median dose: 200.8 U kg−1; range: 50-576 U kg−1) regardless of pFVIII level. r- pFVIII was well tolerated and no treatment-emergent serious adverse events were considered by the investigator to be related to r- pFVIII administration. Conclusion The results suggest that FVIII replacement therapy with r- pFVIII could be a viable alternative to bypassing agents for the treatment of bleeding episodes in individuals with haemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination is made of the process of introducing a mixture of stabilisers – sterically hindered phenols and phosphites – to stabilise recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) with an initial moisture content of ~0.5 wt% during continuous extrusion. It is shown that, using a mixture of stabilisers of optimum composition, it is possible to increase the molecular weight of the RPET and to achieve effective thermal stabilisation of the extruded polymeric material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflex epilepsy is a relatively rare form of epilepsy, occurring only in five percent of all cases of this disease. The genetic factors of reflex epilepsy are diverse and, in general, poorly studied. This review examines the main results obtained in recent years in the study of molecular genetic factors of reflex epilepsy, including new data on the mechanisms of genetic regulation in reflex epilepsy caused by triggers such as audio and video stimulation, food consumption, reading, contact with water, and hypoxia. The results obtained in studies on animal models and patients using next-generation sequencing technology are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of aluminum and zinc phthalocyanin and metal-free phthalocyanin (AlPc, ZnPc, and HPc), whose molecular forms are photosensitizers, can serve as effective 'prophotosensitizers' in photodynamic therapy for malignant tumors. Transition (stimulation) of photo-inert nanoparticles into a photoactive photosensitizer is realized locally in the tumor node by its exposure to potent laser pulses. Systemic injection of AlPc, ZnPc, and HPc nanoparticles has not led to accumulation of their photoactive form in the skin, which can lead to the development of skin phototoxicity. Effective protocols of photodynamic therapy with ZnPc nanoparticles are determined. The use of these protocols in mice with S-37 sarcoma led to 92-70% tumor growth inhibition, 48% improvement of survival, and cure in 84% cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction into recycled polyethylene terephthalate of 0.5% 1,3-phenylene-bis-oxazoline in the process of extrusion without preliminary drying makes it possible to increase the intrinsic viscosity of the material to 75 mL/g, without any change in its thermophysical properties. The existence of an induction period, during which the additive is less effective, is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biological microchip (biochip) has been developed to study the genetic predisposition to sporadic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The biochip allows of genotyping of ten genetic polymorphisms within APOE, TOMM40, APOJ, EXOC3L2, GAB2, A2M, CR1, BIN1, and PICALM genes. The assay includes the amplification of the loci of interest and subsequent allele-specific hybridization of the fluorescently labeled amplicons with oligonucleotides immobilized on the biochip. The genotyping of 166 patients and 128 controls revealed a significant association of APOE allele ɛ4 with susceptibility to AD (OR = 2.275, 95% CI 1.045–4.954, p = 0.034). Protective effects were observed for APOE allele ɛ2 and CLU (rs11136000) allele T (OR = 0.215, 59% CI 0.090–0.516, p = 0.001 and OR = 0.679, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, p = 0.042, respectively). A gene-gene interaction analysis revealed two AD-associated genotype combinations, APOE ɛ3/ɛ4 GAB2 G/G (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.43–4.32, p = 0.001) and APOE ɛ4/ɛ4 GAB2 G/G (OR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.23–10.24, p = 0.015). Based on the results of the combined multivariate analysis, an algorithm was developed to identify the individuals having a higher risk of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical aspects of low-carbon steel corrosion in H3PO4 solutions containing FePO4 are considered. In the system under study, reactions of iron with the acid solution and Fe(III) salt are thermodynamically allowed. The oxidizing power of this medium, characterized by the Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple redox potential, is mainly determined by its anionic composition. Phosphate anions of a corrosive medium bind Fe(III) cations into complex compounds, reducing their oxidizing ability. In H3PO4 solutions containing FePO4 and Fe3(PO4)2, the dependence of the system's redox potential on the Fe(III) and Fe(II) cation relative content is poorly described by the Nernst equation, which is due to the nonequivalent complex formation of these cations with phosphate anions. Analysis of the effect of the studied media convection on the low-carbon steel electrode reactions allowed revealing some of their features. In a FePO4-containing H3PO4 solution, kinetically controlled partial reactions of iron anodic ionization and H+ cathodic reduction, as well as diffusion-controlled Fe(III) cation cathodic reduction, occur on the steel. The FePO4 accelerating effect on the steel corrosion in H3PO4 solution is due only to the Fe(III) reduction but does not affect the H+ reduction and the iron ionization. The value of the Fe(III)-cation diffusion coefficient in the studied corrosive medium was experimentally determined from the data of cyclic voltammetry of the Pt electrode therein and the results of the studying of the cathodic reaction of a steel disk electrode at different rotation velocities. The data on the low-carbon steel corrosion in the flow of the studied media, obtained from the metal samples mass loss, are in full agreement with the results of the study of the electrode partial reactions. An accelerating effect of FePO4 on the steel corrosion in H3PO4 solutions is observed. In this environment, steel corrosion is determined by the convective factor, which is typical of processes with diffusion control. The empirical dependence of the steel corrosion rate on the medium flow intensity is described by the linear dependence k = kst + λw1/2, where kst is the steel corrosion rate in a static medium, w is the rotation velocity of the propeller stirrer that creates the medium flow, λ is the empirical coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of antiserotonin preparation on the development of the connective tissue in the lungs, reaction of the blood system, and the content of hemopoietic stem cells, committed hemopoietic and stromal precursors in BM, spleen, and peripheral blood were studied on C57Bl/6 mice with experimental toxic lung fibrosis caused by intratracheal administration of bleomycin. It was demonstrated that the antiserotonin drug inhibits the growth of the connective tissue in the lungs and attenuates the course inflammatory process primarily due to inhibition of the granulocytic lineage, which was related to suppression of hemopoietic stem cells. Reduced content of the stromal precursor cells in BM and spleen was noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE This prospective study evaluated three different prophylaxis regimens for preventing joint bleeds and preserving the joint status in previously treated children with severe or moderate hernophilia A. METHODS Previously treated children (> zo exposure days [ED], on-demand or prophylaxis) with severe or moderate hemophilia A were allocated to receive one ofthree treatment regimens regimen i: subjects received yo IU/kg once per week; regimen 2: subjects received two doses per week (30 IU/kg plus 40 IU/kg); and regimen 3: subjects received 25 IU/kg three times per week; with option for escalation for regimen i and 2 in the event ofa joint bleed. The primary efficacy variable was the proportion of patients with < 2 joint bleeds during the gemonth treatment period. RESULTS A total of 32 children, aged between i and ig years, participated in this study, and all of them were included in the efficacy and safety analysis. Overall, 781% of subjects achieved the primary efficacy endpoint. All three regimens reduced the bleeding rate compared to 6 months prior to study entry. This was accompanied by a stabilized or even improving joint status and an improved quality of life. Dose escalation was required in seven patients. All regimens were well tolerated, and the incidence ofadverse events (AEs) during the study period was as expected for children in this age group. One case oftransient low titer FVIII inhibitor development in a previously untreated child was reported. The results indicated a higher effectiveness of regimen 3. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that prophylaxis with once, twice, and especially three-times weekly rFVIII-FS dosing protects children from bleeding events, in particular from joint bleeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the general solution of an autonomous third-order ordinary differential equation of certain form to be meromorphic. We obtain equations with a movable singular line all of whose points are essentially singular points of the general solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of immobilized granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (mediated by cells of the hemopoiesis-inducing microenvironment) on hemopoietic precursors of various classes were studied on the model of cytostatic-induced myelosuppression (administration of cyclophosphamide). The action of this preparation was compared with that of the standard preparation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Thy 1,2 cells potentiated the effects of immobilized and standard granulocyte colony-stimulating factors on granulocyte-erythroid-macrophagemegakaryocyte precursors. Stromal cells were shown to potentiate the influence of these agents on granulocyte precursors. Induction of proliferation of precursor cells by the immobilized factor mediated by cells of the hemopoiesis-inducing microenvironment persisted for a longer period compared to that induced by the standard product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin dynamics of cold polarized gases are investigated using the Boltzmann equation. The dispersion relation for spin waves (transverse component of the magnetic moment) and the spin diffusion coefficient of the longitudinal component of the magnetic moment are calculated without using fitting parameters. The spin wave frequency and the diffusion coefficient for rubidium atoms are estimated numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroprotective activity of immobilized granulocyte CSF (nanotechnology with electronbeam synthesis) and hyaluronidase was studied on the model of posthypoxic encephalopathy. Oral administration of immobilized granulocyte CSF had no effect on manifestations of posthypoxic psychoneurological disorders in animals. Combined treatment with immobilized granulocyte CSF and hyaluronidase prevented impairment of orientation and exploratory behavior and development of amnesia in mice with hypoxic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wendelstein 7-X, currently under construction at the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik in Greifswald, Germany, is a modular advanced stellarator, combining the modular coil concept with optimised properties of the plasma. The magnet system of the machine consists of 50 non-planar and 20 planar superconducting coils which are arranged in five identical modules, forming a toroidal five-fold symmetric system. The majority of operational magnetic configurations will have rotational transform ι/2π =1 at the boundary. Such configurations are very sensitive to symmetry breaking perturbations, which are the consequence of imprecisely manufactured coils or assembly errors. To date, all 70 coils have been fabricated, and the first two half-modules of the machine have been assembled. The comparative analysis of manufactured winding packs and estimates of the corresponding level of magnetic field perturbation are presented. The dependency of the error fields on the coil assembly sequence is considered, as well as the impact of the first assembly errors. The influence of different construction uncertainties is discussed, and measures to minimise the magnetic field perturbation are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The existence of spin waves of a new type is predicted for ultracold paramagnetic gases with nondegenerate energy levels. The waves are generated by creating a nonequilibrium population in the absence of external polarization and are damped not only by diffusion, but also by a previously ignored mechanism due to level splitting. Theoretical calculations are in fair agreement with experimental observations of spin waves in magnetically trapped clouds of rubidium atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of spin waves that arise in a paramagnetic gas with a nondegenerate energy level system is predicted. Such waves occur without the commonly applied external gas polarization and are only due to the nonequilibrium population of the operating levels. The dispersion law for these waves is derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper an overview of the helical advanced stellarator (Helias) reactor studies is presented. The Helias reactor (HSR) is a reactor candidate of the optimized stellarator line, developed at the Max-Planck Institut für Plasmaphysik, in Germany. It is an up-scaled version of the Wendelstein 7X, which accommodates a blanket and a shield and combines the modular coils with the optimized properties of the fusion plasma [T. Andreeva, C.D. Beidler, E. Harmeyer, Yu.L. Igitkhanov, Ya.I. Kolesnichenko, V.V. Lutsenko, A. Shishkin, F. Herrnegger, J. Kißlinger, H. Wobig, The Helias reactor concept: comparative analysis of different field period configurations, Fusion Sci. Technol. 46 (2004) 395–400]. A compact reference version is HSR4/18 with 4-field periods and a 18m major radius. HSR4/18 can stably operate at an average beta 4–5% and to deliver a fusion power of 3GW. The design of the HSR demonstrates criteria of a safe and reliable route to ignition, a self-sustained burn without external heating, reliability of the technical components and the tritium breeding blanket. The coil system, the vacuum vessel and the shielding blanket are discussed. A more compact HSR3/15 configuration with 3-field periods and a 15m major radius shows, however, a considerable amount of the bootstrap current and requires further optimization. A quasi-isodynamical configuration without transitional particle orbits was considered as an option, which confines almost 100% energetic particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We derive a kinetic equation for a polarized paramagnetic gas that is exact in the Boltzmann (binary) approximation. The equation is written in a compact form and applies to both Fermi and Bose gases in a wide temperature range as long as the Boltzmann approximation remains applicable. The derived equation is used to analyze the conditions for the propagation of spin waves in polarized Fermi and Bose gases. We deduce a universal criterion for the propagation of weakly damped spin waves in a wide temperature range. The criterion is reduced to the condition that the real parts of the particle zero-angle scattering amplitudes (or T matrices) be much larger than their imaginary parts. We derive dispersion equations for spin waves at high and low gas temperatures and show that spin waves can propagate in both these limiting cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Asymmetric field errors can cause magnetic islands with a non-inherent periodicity which are not tolerable. During the fabrication and assembly of the magnet system a precise geometrical survey allows to estimate the field errors and to make some correction by a proper adjustment of the entire modules. Further field corrections are possible by the control coils and if necessary by additional correction coils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An experimental technique for the investigation of the behaviour of acoustic wave propagation through a turbulent medium is discussed. The present study utilizes the ultrasonic travel-time technique to diagnose a grid-generated turbulence. Travel-time variance is studied versus mean flow velocity, travel distance and outer turbulence scale. The effect of thermal fluctuations, which result in fluctuations of sound speed, is studied using a heated-grid experiment. Experimental data obtained using ultrasonic technique confirm numerical and theoretical predictions of nonlinear increase of the travel-time variance with propagation distance, which could be connected to the occurrence of caustics. The effect of turbulent intensity on the travel-time variance and appearance of caustics is studied. It is demonstrated experimentally that the higher turbulence intensity leads to the shorter distance, at which the first caustic occurs. The probability density for caustics appearance is analysed against the measured wave amplitude fluctuations. The analysis reveals that the region of high-amplitude fluctuations corresponds to the region where the probability of formation of random caustics differs from zero. Experimental results are in very good agreement .with theoretical and numerical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental study of the propagation of high-frequency acoustic waves in grid-generated turbulence in laboratory conditions by means of ultrasound technique is considered. The travel time and log-amplitude variance of acoustic waves are investigated as functions of travel distance and mean velocity. Experimental data were interpreted using theoretical analysis based on ray acoustics and Rytov approximation. The travel time shift in acoustic wave propagation in turbulent and undisturbed media is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength of a metal under the action of short pulses is of great interest. Meanwhile, the problem concerning the magnitude of a tensile stress that leads to cleavage has not yet been solved theoretically. In this paper, an attempt is made to clarify, using the mathematical simulation method, the parameters of pulse radiation that can yield the clearest answer to the question of which of the existing theories of strength works best in metallic materials subjected to short pulses of micro- or nanosecond range. Recommendation are given on the optimal experimental design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An equation is derived for the dynamics of the spin magnetic moment in a polarized Boltzmann gas allowing for spin loss processes. The general form of the T matrix for collisions between two spin 1/2 particles allowing for inelastic processes is used. It is shown that the rate of spin loss depends on the degree of polarization of the gas. As a result, the damping of deviations of the magnetic moment from the average becomes anisotropic where the degree of anisotropy depends on the amplitude of the zero-angle scattering of atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of an investigation of the real collision integral for paramagnetic atoms, we have obtained a criterion for propagation of spin waves in a spin-polarized Boltzmann gas. The main condition for propagation of weakly damped spin waves is a high anisotropy of the atomic scattering amplitude with predominance of the forward scattering. This condition is different from those suggested in earlier publications. Our results indicate that the range of paramagnetic gases where weakly damped spin waves can propagate at the room temperature is considerably wider than it was assumed previously. One example is vapors of alkali metals (Na, Cs, and Rb), where the degree of electron spin polarization can be very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of choosing the optimal mathematical model for a prescribed range of parameters of a pulsed action are discussed. A preliminary analysis performed by similarity and dimensional-analysis methods using interpolation equations of state of the matter shows that the complete system of equations of gasdynamics can be simplified by dropping individual terms which are not important in a given parameter range. The results of an analysis are presented in the form of nomograms, which also make it possible to identify the class of fast and energy-intensive gasdynamic processes more accurately than at an intuitive level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A criterion for the propagation of weakly-damped spin waves is obtained on the basis of a detailed analysis of the quantum collision integral for particles in a paramagnetic polarized Boltzmann gas. It is shown that according to this criterion spin waves can propagate in classical (nonquantum) gases at temperatures close to room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A derivation of the quantum Boltzmann equation is given for identical particles with internal degrees of freedom. It is shown that the off-diagonal (with respect to the internal degrees of freedom) term of the equation contains an energy pole term, which is not present in the most commonly used kinetic equation, known as the Waldmann-Snider equation. The physical conditions underlying the occurrence of the pole term in the quantum kinetic equation are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of eliminating gaps between heat bonded glass plates has been developed using a system for distributing mechanical load. The proposed method was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The results of numerical and full-scale model experiments confirming the efficacy of the proposed method are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of spin waves in ultracold gases is investigated with allowance for exchange and spin-orbit interaction. The exact basis of atomic states is used taking into account all rotational quantum numbers of the atom. The dispersion relation for spin waves is obtained for fermions and bosons in the hydro-dynamic approximation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the antioxidant activity of the whole extracts and their separate fractions obtained using cranberry tree bark and the qualitative composition of the most active antioxidant fraction of the preparations. Phenolic acids in the ethyl acetate fraction of the total cranberry tree extract; Chemical composition of biologically active substances contained in the cranberry tree; Analysis of hydroxybenzoic acids in the ethyl acetate fraction.

Experimental data on the decay of spin polarization in rubidium vapor are compared with inferences of the theory developed by the authors for spin-polarized Boltzmann gases. It is demonstrated that the nonexponential pattern of polarization decay points to the anisotropy of the indicatrix of inelastic scattering of rubidium atoms at high temperatures. Estimates are obtained of the degree of anisotropy of such inelastic scattering, i.e., scattering with variation of total spin. Under the experimental conditions, the indicatrix of inelastic scattering turns out to be highly extended forward, with the degree of anisotropy of the order of 1000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a long device enhancement phase, scientific operation resumed in 2022. The main new device components are the water cooling of all plasma facing components and the new water-cooled high heat flux divertor units. Water cooling allowed for the first long-pulse operation campaign. A maximum discharge length of 8 min was achieved with a total heating energy of 1.3 GJ. Safe divertor operation was demonstrated in attached and detached mode. Stable detachment is readily achieved in some magnetic configurations but requires impurity seeding in configurations with small magnetic pitch angle within the edge islands. Progress was made in the characterization of transport mechanisms across edge magnetic islands: Measurement of the potential distribution and flow pattern reveals that the islands are associated with a strong poloidal drift, which leads to rapid convection of energy and particles from the last closed flux surface into the scrape-off layer. Using the upgraded plasma heating systems, advanced heating scenarios were developed, which provide improved energy confinement comparable to the scenario, in which the record triple product for stellarators was achieved in the previous operation campaign. However, a magnetic configuration-dependent critical heating power limit of the electron cyclotron resonance heating was observed. Exceeding the respective power limit leads to a degradation of the confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the oxidizing ability of the HCl—H3PO4–H2O–Fe(III) system, the electrode potentials of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple and the half-wave potentials of transitions Fe3+ + e– = Fe2+ and Fe2+ – e– = Fe3+ on a cyclic voltammogram of a platinum electrode in acid solutions containing Fe(III) salts have been measured. It is shown that the values of these experimentally obtained parameters are close. A decrease in the oxidizing ability of the mixtures of HCl and H3PO4 containing Fe(III) with an increase in the molar fraction of H3PO4 occurs due to the formation of complexes of Fe(III) with phosphate anions, which are inferior in oxidizing ability to their hydrate and chloride complexes. Temperature coefficients of the electrode potential (dE/dt) of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple in the HCl—H2O, HCl—H3PO4–H2O, and H3PO4–H2O systems have been experimentally determined. Based on the Randles–Shevchik equation, the diffusion coefficients of Fe(III) in the solutions under study were calculated. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients of Fe(III) cations is satisfactorily described by the Arrhenius equation. The parameters of this equation are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade was characterized by an important breakthrough in the development of new technologies and tools for the DNA analysis. The new technology of massive parallel sequencing (MPS), also called "next generation sequencing" (NGS), is already routinely applied to many fields of biological and biomedical research. The speed at which new parallel sequencing technologies spread into forensics is slower than in scientific and clinical research, mainly because of the complexity of alignment with existing databases of DNA profiles, as well as the need to conduct rigorous validation tests to accredit instruments and reagent kits. The review presents all existing solutions on the use of massive parallel sequencing in forensic science, technical aspects of experiments, developed commercial solutions, and prospects of application, and it also considers the advantages and disadvantages of new sequencing technologies in comparison with DNA analysis methods traditionally used in forensics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]