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A prototype device for biological activation of aqueous solutions is presented. The activation is carried out using non-equilibrium (electrolyte) plasma generated by high-frequency glow discharge in water vapor at atmospheric pressure. The structure and functional features of the device are described. The results of investigation tests are presented, including the ranges of the main electrochemical parameters of activated aqueous solutions. It is shown that the activation of aqueous solutions with glow discharge electrolyte plasma is a low-cost procedure that can be implemented under laboratory or field conditions using a small-size device.

We present results from experimental studies supporting the use of electrolytic glow discharge plasma to destroy renal concretions. The rate of fragmentation of urinary stones was assessed in relation to the power of the plasma discharge and the duration of treatment. The process of plasmakinetic lithotripsy was found to be effective for fragmentation of different types of urinary stone. The results lead to the conclusion that plasmakinetic destruction of renal concretions is a fundamentally novel, effective, and economical method which combines well with technologies using radio-frequency surgery in saline for the treatment of pathological processes in urology.

Raman spectroscopy is used to evaluate the structural perfection of epitaxial graphene films before and after deposition of a Ni layer to their surface by magnetron sputtering. Two deposition modes with different gas pressures and deposition times are investigated. It is found that Ni deposition under low pressure combined with long deposition time does not lead to the separation of graphene/Ni film. On the other hand, higher pressure and shorter deposition time results in successful but uncontrollable exfoliation of graphene together with the Ni film. The results obtained will serve as the basis for the optimization of Ni deposition modes, in order to achieve complete exfoliation of the graphene film from the SiC substrate without damaging the graphene layer.

We present here results obtained using hightech bipolar instruments with an electrosurgical device and a non-linear dynamic feedback system for excision of large tissue blocks. The effectiveness of using bipolar scissors with blades made of nanostructured zirconium dioxide and thermostabilized bipolar forceps was assessed using high amputation of the lower limbs as an example. Significant results were obtained showing that the use of innovatory electrosurgical technologies for transfemoral amputation in patients with terminal-stage peripheral arterial disease increases the typical clinical measures of efficacy by an average of 39%. The results can be taken as the basis for a new method of using electrosurgical technology for high amputations of the lower limbs.

We present here the results of studies of laser-induced shockwave destruction of biological tissues obtained experimentally and by computation. In the experiments, microexplosion dynamics were studied by analysis of acoustic pulses induced by explosion of activated charcoal during laser heating of unbound water. The computational method was based on automodel solution of the Stefan problem using a quasilinear approximation. Good agreement was obtained between computation and experimental data for assessment of the main parameters of acoustic waves arising as a result of thermal explosion of microparticles. Morphological studies and clinical testing of the method provided the evidential aspect of the proposed description of the mechanism of shockwave actions.

We present here the results of studies of the effect of low-temperature plasma on the proliferative activity of cells and the repair functions of the biological tissues in animals and plants. The influences of low-temperature plasma on the viability and proliferative activity of human stem cells are considered. Human stem cells can undergo apoptosis or proliferate, depending on the location of the zone of action and the observation time. Treatment of plants with the low-temperature plasma-activated drug Plazmolit, using dilutions giving a high concentration, was found to suppress growth and development, while low concentrations activated growth. These study results led to the conclusion that there is a single mechanism for the processes whereby low-temperature plasma affects the proliferative activity of cells and the repair functions of biological tissues in animals and plants.

—This paper presents the results on the application of low-concentration aqueous solutions of strong electrolytes activated by glow discharge plasma for plant growth stimulation. We provide experimental evidence that these solutions can be used as an effective regulator of plant growth.

In this work, we, for the first time, manufactured a plasma-chemical reactor operating at a frequency of 0.11 MHz. The reactor allows for the activation of large volumes of liquids in a short time. The physicochemical properties of activated liquids (concentration of hydrogen peroxide, nitrate anions, redox potential, electrical conductivity, pH, concentration of dissolved gases) are characterized in detail. Antifungal activity of aqueous solutions activated by a glow discharge has been investigated. It was shown that aqueous solutions activated by a glow discharge significantly reduce the degree of presence of phytopathogens and their effect on the germination of such seeds. Seeds of cereals (sorghum and barley) and fruit (strawberries) crops were studied. The greatest positive effect was found in the treatment of sorghum seeds. Moreover, laboratory tests have shown a significant increase in sorghum drought tolerance. The effectiveness of the use of glow-discharge-activated aqueous solutions was shown during a field experiment, which was set up in the saline semi-desert of the Northern Caspian region. Thus, the technology developed by us makes it possible to carry out the activation of aqueous solutions on an industrial scale. Water activated by a glow discharge exhibits antifungicidal activity and significantly accelerates the development of the grain and fruit crops we studied. In the case of sorghum culture, glow-discharge-activated water significantly increases drought resistance.

We have studied the impact of Nd : YAG laser radiation with a wavelength of λ = 1.44 μm on the myocardial tissue for the formation of channels in the treatment of coronary heart disease by transmyocardial laser revascularisation (TMLR). The mechanism of perforation of the myocardial tissue by a laser pulse is presented and an experimental setup for TMLR is developed. In experiments on biological objects, the optimal parameters of radiation energy and duration necessary for the formation of channels of a given size in a single laser pulse are determined. The exposure regime ensures the adequate character of myocardial tissue destruction, assessed by such criteria as the perforation force, exposure energy, size of the coagulation zone, and level of carbonisation.

We present here the results obtained during the development of an experimental apparatus for transmyocardial laser revascularization based on an Nd:YAG laser. Use of laser irradiation with a wavelength of 1.44 μm was shown to be effective in producing targeted angiogenesis in transmyocardial laser revascularization in experimental studies using a model of ischemic myocardium. The optimum regimes for pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the myocardium with thermal tissue damage were established. Morphological changes in the transmyocardial laser channels in pig myocardium were studied. The objective of the experiments was to confirm the efficacy of using this apparatus for transmyocardial laser revascularization with an Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of patients with diffuse lesions to the coronary arteries.

We present here the results of studies of the mechanism of plasma formation and the kinetics of plasma glow discharge required for making electrosurgical instruments with controllable plasma temperature. Numerical data on the energy parameters of the high-frequency current required for stable heating of the plasma glow discharge at atmospheric pressure are presented. Scientifically based technical solutions for creating prototype high-quality electrosurgical instruments with controlled-temperature low-temperature plasma glow discharge are described. The value of using a single technical platform based on a modular design for the main functional elements of high-frequency electrosurgical instruments with biological tissue dissection and coagulation modes based on temperature-controllable plasma glow discharge is assessed.

Results obtained using an erbium laser to produce directed angiogenesis in transmyocardial laser revascularization in experiments using an animal model of chronically ischemic myocardium are presented. An assessment of the efficacy of using the erbium laser to produce targeted angiogenesis is presented. The optimum operating regimes for erbium laser pulse irradiation of the myocardium, taking account of thermal tissue lesions, are identified. Morphological changes are investigated and morphometric analysis in tissues in the area of the transmyocardial laser channels are analyzed in a model of chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) in dogs. Studies were performed for subsequent development and introduction of the new method into clinical practice in patients with IHD with diffuse coronary artery lesions.

Activation of reducing processes in biological tissues by exposure to pulse-modulated radio-frequency (RF) currents is studied. It is shown that the weak destructive effect of RF currents activates the process of proliferation of healthy cells. A prototype device for dosed exposure to pulse-modulated RF currents based on needle electrodes is described. The results of experimental animal studies and randomized clinical studies using a purpose-designed prototype device for dosed exposure to pulse-modulated RF currents are presented. The clinical efficacy of dosed RF stimulation for treatment of purulent, inflammatory, and purulent-inflammatory processes is shown to be high.

The article describes a new method of treatment of pathological integumentary tissues by controlled shock-wave destruction. The controlled destruction is achieved by micro-explosions of finely dispersed particles applied to the pathological tissue surface and exposed to laser radiation. The method is implemented using laser radiation within the transparency range of biological tissues (0.6-1.1 μm) and a suspension of particles absorbing laser radiation in this range. Thermochemical reaction in the exposure zone leads to release of thermal and mechanical energy and results in destruction of biological tissues precisely in the area of application of the laser absorbing suspension. The mechanism of the shock wave effect combines several factors, including the prevailing acousto-mechanical component leading to radical explosive destruction of the superficial structures of tissues. An important distinctive feature of the method is that it allows the depth of the shock-wave effect to be controlled by varying the radiation intensity. In contrast to the well-known laser-based methods, the method suggested in this work allows the depth of the shock-wave effect to be decreased by increasing the laser radiation intensity.

The article describes an aqueous suspension of activated carbon particles containing unbound water used for treatment of dystrophic gynecological diseases. The treatment is based on the method of controlled shock wave destruction of pathological tissues using laser radiation poorly absorbed by the tissues. A technology for saturating internal micropores of activated carbon particles with unbound water and preparing the aqueous suspension is described. The results of histological in vitro studies of the zone of necrosis caused by exposure of model biological objects (mucous membrane of miniature pig vagina) to shock waves are presented. It is shown that the thickness of the necrosis zone decreases with increasing intensity of laser radiation.

We present here the results of an experimental study of the effects of capture and retention of intrarenal stones in transcutaneous nephrolithotrypsy by irrigation fluid flow and discuss a mathematical model explaining this physical phenomenon. Mathematical modeling and experimental studies were used to formulate the specifications for devices providing increases in stone capture and retention force with a simultaneous reduction in the intrarenal pressure created by the irrigation fluid flow.

Effects of proton irradiation in n-3C-SiC grown by sublimation on a 4H-SiC substrate have been studied by the Hall effect and photoluminescence methods. It was found that the carrier removal rate (Vd) reaches a value of ~110 cm-1. The full compensation of samples with an initial concentration of (1-2) x 1018 cm -3 was estimated to occur at doses of about 6 x 1015 cm -2. Compared with 4H and 6H silicon carbide, no significant increase in the intensity of so-called "defective" photoluminescence was observed in 3C-SiC.

This article describes the use of nanostructured zirconium dioxide to provide high performance characteristics for novel electrosurgical instruments. Design solutions providing major functional improvements are described. A clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of using the new electrosurgical instruments with a special high-frequency generator in surgical operations on the thyroid gland.

The article substantiates a new method of treatment of degenerative diseases in gynecology by controlled destruction with laser shock waves poorly absorbed by biological tissues. The shock-wave process is initiated using finely dispersed absorbing particles deposited on the surface of pathological tissues. Absorption of laser radiation by the particles leads to their explosion accompanied by generation of elastic waves. Propagation of these waves in the surface layer of the surrounding biological tissue leads to its destruction. Such destruction can provide a precision therapeutic effect with controlled depth and area.

Dust formation in refractory production quarries and its danger for the health of service personnel are studied. Dust properties are provided in relation to particle size. Well-known methods are considered for collection of harmful dust and disadvantages are considered. A new means of transport is considered for high throughput using an air cushion for collection and transport of dust-forming loose materials under conditions impassable by land.

Schottky-barrier diodes with a diameter of ~10 μm are fabricated on n-GaN epitaxial films grown by hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) on sapphire substrates. The changes in the parameters of the diodes under irradiation with 15 MeV protons are studied. The carrier rate was found to be 130-145 cm-1. The linear nature of the dependence N = F (D) (N is carrier concentration, and D, the irradiation dose) shows that compensation of the material is associated with transition of electrons from shallow donors to deep acceptor levels which are related to primary radiation defects.

The results of research into the mechanism of the effect of shock waves on the surface structures of biological tissues are presented. Shock waves were applied to the surface structures to provide their destruction under exposure to laser radiation. The laser radiation parameters were selected so as to reduce its absorption by biological tissues. Fine particles of activated carbon with a high proportion of mesopores filled with unbound water were used to activate the shock-wave decomposition of biological tissues with minimal thermal damage. Particles were deposited on the surface of the biological tissue exposed to laser radiation. The results of histological studies of the shock-wave effect on porcine vulva skin are presented. The results obtained under otherwise identical parameters of laser radiation, but in the absence of a water suspension of fine laser-absorbing particles on the skin surface, are presented for comparison.

The effects of 8-MeV proton irradiation on n-3C-SiC epitaxial layers grown by sublimation on semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates are studied. Changes in the sample parameters were recorded by the Hall-effect method and judged from photoluminescence spectra. The Hall method was employed to distinguish between the effects of irradiation on the charge-carrier concentration and mobility. It is found that the charge-carrier removal rate (V d ) is ~110 cm–1. Full compensation of the samples with an initial charge-carrier concentration of ~6.5 × 1017 cm–3 is observed at irradiation doses of ~6 × 1015 cm–2. It is found that the mobility at these doses decreased by only a factor of 2.5. Compared with 4H and 6H silicon carbide, no significant increase in the intensity of so-called defect-related photoluminescence is observed.

A method of activation of aqueous solutions of strong electrolytes using high-frequency glow discharge plasma in water vapor at atmospheric pressure is considered. An experimental setup for activation of aqueous solutions of NaCl and KCl salts, sodium sulfate Na2SO4, potassium sulfate K2SO4, etc. is presented. Experimental studies were conducted using an activated solution based on potassium sulfate K2SO4, at a concentration of 5.7×10−2 M. The limit values of acidity, redox potential (Eh) and hydrogen peroxide concentration of the prepared activated solution were: pH ≍ 8.3, Eh ≍ 800, H2O2 concentration ≍ 5×10−4 mol. %. The effectiveness of the K2SO4 - based activated aqueous solution was evaluated at test sites of typical crops, such as soybeans and corn. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the method of activation of aqueous solutions using high-frequency glow discharge plasma is quite simple, technological and low-cost.

Dynamic processes establishing of the collector current and also the rate of inversion base forming for tunnel MIS-structure transistors were investigated in Al-SiO2-n-Si heterostructures having a tunnelthin insulator layer and an advanced emitter window.

Schottky-barrier diodes with a diameter of ~10 µm are fabricated on n-GaN epitaxial films grown by hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) on sapphire substrates. The changes in the parameters of the diodes under irradiation with 15 MeV protons are studied. The carrier removal rate was found to be 130–145 cm–1. The linear nature of the dependence N = f(D) (N is the carrier concentration, and D, the irradiation dose) shows that compensation of the material is associated with transitions of electrons from shallow donors to deep acceptor levels which are related to primary radiation defects.

The choice of an optimum constructional material for the electrosurgical cutting tools based on nanostructured crystals of partially stabilized zirconia (NPSZe) is substantiated on the basis of criteria of operational stability and functional efficiency. The results of research into adsorption of organic molecules on the surface of the material are used to study the adhesion characteristics of NPSZe. The models of the innovative tools, such as curved bipolar electrosurgical scissors, bipolar forceps, tweezers, and dissectors with nonstick spray, are presented. An experimental model of a high-frequency generator necessary for optimal tool operation is considered.

To optimize the chemical composition of the crystals of nanostructured partially stabilized zirconium dioxide for fabricating cutting parts of an electrosurgical tool, the structural and strength properties of these crystals were investigated in dependence on the stabilizing impurity (Y2O3) content and the effect of additional dopants on the critical properties of the material was studied. It was established that in all the investigated crystals without additional doping, regardless of the stabilizing impurity content, there are two phases of zirconium dioxide tetragonal modification with different tetragonality factors, c/a = 1.006–1.007 and 1.014–1.015, the first being nontransformable and the second being transformable to a monoclinic phase. All the synthesized crystals are characterized by a pronounced twin domain structure, which forms upon cooling the single crystal during the transition of the cubic structure to the tetragonal one. It was established that the Y2O3 concentration in the range from 2.5 to 3.0 mol % is optimal for ensuring high values of the strength characteristics and fracture toughness of the material. Doping of the crystals with the rare-earth elements notice-ably affects their strength characteristics. One of the most promising materials for fabricating cutting blades of the electrosurgical tool is the crystals of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide doped with Ce2O3+Nd2O3, which are characterized by high fracture toughness and enhanced bending strength.

Carrier removal rate (Vd) in p-6H-SiC in its irradiation with 8 MeV protons has been studied. p-6H-SiC samples were produced by sublimation in a vacuum. Vd was determined by analysis of capacitance-voltage characteristics and from results of Hall effect measurements. It was found that full compensation of samples with initial value of Na-Nd 1.5 x1018 cm-3 occurs at an irradiation dose of ~1.1 1016 cm-2. In this case, the carrier removal rate was ~130 cm-1

The relationship between solar and geomagnetic activities in connection with seismicity and vol� canic eruptions on the globe during the period 1680-2010 is studied. The centennial cycles of terrestrial endogenous activity, related to solar and geomagnetic activity, are revealed; at the beginning of these cycles, solar cycles with small Wolf numbers were detected, while intensive seismic and volcanic activity was observed for several decades. A stable negative correlation between seismicity and volcanism, on the one hand, and solar and geomagnetic activity, on the other hand, were found. Experiments, which were simultaneously car� ried out at the Pushkov Institute of Geomagnetism, Ionosphere, and Radiowave Propagation, Russian Acad� emy of Sciences (IZMIRAN), Troitsk, Moscow oblast, and the Karymshina Complex Geophysical Observa� tory, Kamchatka Branch, Geophysical Survey, Russian Academy of Sciences, have verified the suggestion that disturbances in the geomagnetic field and neutron generation occur during the early stages of strong earthquakes. It is supposed that the mechanism of primary generation of terrestrial neutrons is related to nuclear reactions in the Earth's interior.

Absorption on the surface of crystalline nanostructured, partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) was studied by fluorescent spectroscopy. Water-soluble dissociable phtalocyanine derivatives of the anion and cation types were used as fluorescent markers. The Photosens luminescent dye was used in the case of the anion molecule, and Holosens was used in the case of the cation molecule. The absorption coefficients were evaluated by the method of comparison of the residual fluorescence of the dye solution after absorption of the crystalline powders of oxides under study (sapphire and PSZ) on the surface. It is shown that the adsorption ability of alumina (sapphire) is higher than that of zirconia (PSZ) by a factor of 6–8 for both the anionic and cationic molecules.

Specific features of generation of low-temperature plasma in high-frequency plasma discharge electrosurgical apparatuses are discussed for electrolyte solution surrounding a metal electrode. Ignition and stable burning conditions of low-temperature plasma in electrolyte medium at atmospheric pressure are considered. Necessary conditions of plasmochemical electrosurgical action in medicine are discussed. High-frequency electrosurgical apparatuses Plasmatom are presented. The apparatuses operate in low-temperature plasma mode.

Available laser models for transmyocardial laser-induced revascularization (TMLR) are discussed. Laser radiation with λ = 1.44 μm interacts with biological tissue. A 1.44-μm-output solid-state laser based on Nd:AIG has been constructed and tested for medical applications.

The Velmi thermal-laser therapeutic system for treatment of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection using photoactivated drug is described. The results of clinical use of this method are discussed. The efficacy of HPV elimination in the uterine cervix was supported by conventional clinical methods of HPV diagnosis (including electron microscopy).

The action of a current in the radio frequency range with a periodic impulse mode of modulation on the activation of recovery processes in the skin and skeletal muscles has been studied. The action of a radio frequency current with a power of 1 W, as opposed to that of the weaker action (0.1 W) and stronger (4 W) action, leads to the activation of recovery processes in the skin and skeletal muscles. Recovery processes are manifested in the increase in proliferation and activation of angiogenesis in the skin, and also in formation of new muscle fibers. Recovery processes in muscles are accompanied by activation and migration of satellite cells of muscle tissue in the zone of action of the radio frequency current.

Materials for construction of the cutting parts of surgical tools are considered in this work. The choice of nano-structured crystals of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide (PSZD) as the optimum material for electrosurgical cutting tools is based on criteria of operational stability and functional efficiency. Models of innovative tools are presented including bipolar electrosurgical scissors, bipolar scalpels, and dissector clamps for electro ligaturing. The tools are intended for use with Plasmotom high-frequency electrosurgical devices that generate low-temperature plasma.

It is known by now that variation in solar activity causes a set of interrelated phenomena in interplane� tary space, the magnetosphere, ionosphere, neutral atmosphere, and biosphere [1]. Analysis of publica� tions on the relation of solar activity with seismic activity has shown that, depending on the quality and completeness of catalogues used and the duration of measurements, the conclusions varies from statements about the existence of the correlation between energy of earthquakes and Wolf’s numbers to those about the anticorrelation between these parameters [2, 3]. Thus, one purpose of this study has been development of the most complete and homogeneous catalogue of earth� quakes over a long period of time to evaluate the cor� relation between energy of earthquakes and solar

[1] Modern progress in the solution of fundamental and application tasks in the field of Earth sciences is related mainly to development of scientific-information data and information communication technologies. The databases of the portal “Geophysics”, elaborated by the Geophysical Center in the framework of the project “Electronic Earth” of the Russian Academy of Sciences led to the solution of a complicated and resource-intensive task: exploring of the evolution and ore-bearing factors of rare-metal carbonatites and diamondiferous kimberlitic magmatism. INDEX TERMS: 1025 Geochemistry: Composition of the mantle; 1037 Geochemistry: Magma genesis and partial melting; 8011 Structural Geology: Kinematics of crustal and mantle deformation; 8035 Structural Geology: Pluton emplacement; 8109 Tectonophysics: Continental tectonics: extensional; 8110 Tectonophysics: Continental tectonics: general; KEYWORDS: Rare-metal, carbonatites, diamond, kimberlites.