Search

The study of elemental status was carried out as a result of a multielement analysis of hair by ICP-MS within the framework of the Federal Program "National System of chemical and biological security of the Russian Federation, 2009-2014". This parameter is an index of the impact of the environment on the body. A total of 1,138 adult residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan (624 women and 514 men aged of25-50 years) were examined. The features of the element status of the adult population of the Republic were shown. The obtained data can be used as reference values of chemical elements in the hair of the adult population of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Children growth and development may be affected by metal exposure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the interactive effects of age and gender on children hair toxic metal levels in urban environment of two Russian cities. A total of 2021 children living in Moscow and Novosibirsk aged 1–18 years old were examined. Hair Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sn levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in dynamic reaction cell mode. Children from Novosibirsk were characterised by higher hair Al (37%), As (385%), Cd (127%), Hg (11%), Ni (23%), Pb (72%) and Sn (25%) in comparison to Moscow values. In the general cohort, boys had higher Al (13%), As (51%), Cd (65%), Pb (63%) and Sn (18%) levels, whereas hair Ni was higher in girls (17%). Further analysis demonstrated age-specific gender differences. In particular, only hair Ni and Cd levels were higher in male toddlers and pre-schoolers from Novosibirsk as compared to females. No gender difference was detected in ...

The stimulations of the conductive plate acceleration by magnetic field are presented. The magnetic field is created by the current of the helical magnetocumulative generator (MCG) with a 200-mm-diameter stator (MCG-200). The effect of two types of current pulses was considered using only MCG, and the second one is MCG with an explosive opening switch. Simulation demonstrates acceleration of the striker up to velocity 3–5 km/s. The device design is proposed on the basis of the MCG-200 generator and intended for investigation of the equations of state.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the level of toxic and essential trace elements in hair of adult overweight and obese persons as well as its association with metabolic parameters. Hair trace element levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in 112 overweight and obese patients and 106 lean controls. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, uric acid (UA) levels, and cholinesterase (CE) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity were also assessed. Excessive body weight significantly affected hair trace element levels. In particular, hair Co (33%), Cu (13%), I (30%), Mg (2-fold), Mn (25%), Zn (17%), and Ni (21%) levels were lower, whereas Al (14%) and As levels were higher in comparison to those in the control group. Correlation analysis demonstrated the most significant correlations for hair Mg with body weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and UA, and for hair Al with body weight, BMI, TC, glucose, TG, CE, GGT, and UA. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that trace elements were not associated with TC and LDL-C levels neither in crude nor in adjusted models. In turn, crude and adjusted models accounted for 25 and 43% of serum TG variance. The most significant associations were observed for hair Al, Fe, Si, and V in adjusted model. The obtained data demonstrate that obesity-related metabolic disorders may be at least partially mediated by altered trace element and mineral levels.

Explosive current opening switches (EOSs) operate based on the principle of the conductors mechanical destruction of the inductive energy storage system by detonation products of the high explosive charge. The EOSs are used for current pulse sharpening of the magnetocumulative generators (MCG). These explosive single-acting devices constructively match each other; both operate in the physical limit and provide maximum specific characteristics. This paper describes several basic schemes of the EOS constructions that were experimentally checked in different laboratories of the world. The investigation results on the flat and cylindrical models and also full-scale experiments on the current pulses sharpening of the helical and disc MCG are presented.

The existing data provide information on hair essential and toxic trace element content, whereas data on ultra-trace and rare elements are scarce. Therefore, the primary aim of the current study was to estimate hair levels and reference values of hair rare metal content using IUPAC recommendations in 2593 occupationally non-exposed adults living in Moscow and Novosibirsk (1900 women and 693 men). Hair Ag, Au, Ga, Ge, La, Rb, Tl, W and Zr content was assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with NexION 300D. Women were characterised by significantly higher hair Ag and Au levels than men, whereas men had increased La, Rb, Tl, W and Zr content as compared to women. Moscow inhabitants were characterised by significantly higher hair Au and Ge, and lower hair Ga, La, Rb, Tl, W and Zr content as compared to the ones from Novosibirsk. The coverage intervals of Ag, Au, Ga, Ge, La, Rb, Tl, W and Zr content in hair of the general sample of examinees calculated in accordance with IUPAC recomme...

The primary aim of the research was to assess the level of trace elements and electrolytes in serum of postmenopausal diabetic women. Sixty-four postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and 64 age- and body mass index-matched controls were examined. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were evaluated using Randox kits. The obtained data demonstrate that DM2 patients were characterized by 42 and 34 % higher FPG and HbA1c levels, respectively (p

Elemental hair profile of the population is adequate hygienic indicator reflecting the impact of climatic and geographical, biogeochemical and ecological characteristics of the area on human. This indicator is also a tool for monitoring the population's health through detection and elimination the elementosis which is typical for the territory. The purpose of this study was to carry out a study of element status of adult population of the Republic of Tatarstan not employed in the manufacturing sector in the framework of the Federal Target Program "National System of chemical and biological security of the Russian Federation. It was analised elemental composition of hair 2,127 adult residents (1,667 women and 460 men aged 25-50 years) of the Republic of Tatarstan in the period 2004 and 2010 to perform the tasks. ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods was used. Mathematical processing of data was carried out using methods of nonparametric statistics. In general, the evaluation of the element status of population of the Republic of Tatarstan showed that the situation with the adult residents is sufficient, although the male part of the population deficits are relatively frequent. Attracts attention common for both men and women accumulation of aluminum, silicon and calcium in hair. The positive facts necessary to carry a small risk hipoelementosis frequency in women.

Magneto-cumulative generators (MCGs) are powerful high-energy sources of energy. Helical generators (HMCGs) are the most universal generators among different types of MCGs. They can form powerful current pulses (up to tens of megaamperes) in the loads with different parameters having a high initial inductance and high rate of its change. Modern high-inductive and high-speed HMCGs can amplify the initial energy tenfold and hundredfold providing the output magnetic energy up to 20–30 MJ and power of several hundreds of gigawatts. A short review of different applications of HMCGs both in VNIIEF and in other world laboratories is provided in the report.

High initial currents are required for effective operation of multi-element disk magneto-cumulative generators (DMCG). The DMCG powering is provided by an energy preamplifier (helical MCG). Having a lot of contact connections located on a small radius, it is necessary to power the DMCG during a short time period; that is the preamplifier should be of high-speed. In the report, there are the results of the first experiment with a high-speed helical MCG with an internal diameter of the turns of 320 mm. The generator provided the current of 8.5 MA (magnetic energy of 10.6 MJ) with a characteristic rise time of 38 µs in the load of 300 nH at the energy powering of 120 kJ; this is equal to the initial inductance of the 15-element DMCG with a HE-charges of 480 mm diameter.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the level of toxic and essential trace elements in hair of adult overweight and obese persons as well as its association with metabolic parameters. Hair trace element levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in 112 overweight and obese patients and 106 lean controls. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, uric acid (UA) levels, and cholinesterase (CE) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity were also assessed. Excessive body weight significantly affected hair trace element levels. In particular, hair Co (33%), Cu (13%), I (30%), Mg (2-fold), Mn (25%), Zn (17%), and Ni (21%) levels were lower, whereas Al (14%) and As levels were higher in comparison to those in the control group. Correlation analysis demonstrated the most significant correlations for hair Mg with body weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and UA, and for hair Al with body weight, BMI, TC, glucose, TG, CE, GGT, and UA. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that trace elements were not associated with TC and LDL-C levels neither in crude nor in adjusted models. In turn, crude and adjusted models accounted for 25 and 43% of serum TG variance. The most significant associations were observed for hair Al, Fe, Si, and V in adjusted model. The obtained data demonstrate that obesity-related metabolic disorders may be at least partially mediated by altered trace element and mineral levels.

Several possibilities of preamplifier energy and power increasing are considered: using a more powerful (HMX-based) conical HE-charge in the central tube of the magneto-cumulative generator, using a magnetic flux finish pressing out device with axial initiation of the HE charge, and increasing the inner diameter of the helix. A magneto-cumulative generator (MCG) with a helix 280 mm in diameter (MCG-280) is developed. The new preamplifier has a power of ≈400 GW and is able to power a ten-element DMCG480 with an initial inductance of ≈0.2 µH by a current of ≈10 MA with a characteristic current rise time (by a factor of e at the final stage of its operation) τe = 32 µs.

Helical magneto-cumulative generator (MCG) powered from explosive piezogenerator (EPG) is the most compact device among modern sources having output energy of 1–10 kJ. EPG matches well MCG on nature of their operation and design parameters; they are simple in use and do not require transforming and switching devices. This paper presents the results of the work on creating an autonomous small energy source based on EPG and MCG. The energy on the piezogenerator output reaches $\sim 25$ J at the expense of double-sided shock loading of the EPG piezoceramic unit. The energy is transmitted to the helical MCG with the initial inductance of $\sim 1000~\mu $ H. Constructively, the energy source is made both in the form of a monoblock of $\sim 2~\mathrm{dm}^{\mathrm {\mathbf {3}}}$ volume and in the form of two separate units, connected with high-voltage cable.

Nowadays, disk magnetocumulative generators (DMCGs) are the most powerful and power-consuming magneto-cumulative generators (MCGs). The problem of necessary initial energy supply to the generator circuit is very urgent at creating high-performance disk generators. Preliminary energy amplification in experiments with DMCG is provided with helical MCGs. Along with preset energy supply, the preamplifier should have small characteristic current rise time. It is necessary for decreasing thermal and mechanical supply current effect on elements of the disk generator. This means increasing the output power of the preamplifier and associated with obtaining maximum possible initial energy in the DMCG. Initial inductance and resistance of the DMCG circuit became higher with an increase of the DMCG sizes and the number of its elements. This required increasing the power of earlier used preamplifiers. This paper presents experimental results of the MCG-240 characteristics improvement at the expense of turns distribution change and application of more powerful explosive. Other possibilities of the preamplifier power increase are considered in this paper.

This paper presents the results of tests of a facility based on a ten-element disk magnetocumulative generator and an explosive opening switch. A current of 10 MA with a characteristic rise time of ≈0.5 µs was obtained by breaking a circuit with a current of 18 MA in a load with an inductance of 16 nH, which is equivalent to the inductance of the chamber with a multiwire liner.

Explosive and electroexploded opening switches (EEOSs) are used for current sharpening of magnetocumulative generators (MCGs). The EEOSs are well studied both in calculations and experimentally; the explosive opening switches (EOSs) have been studied mostly experimentally. Calculation and theoretical studies of the explosive current opening switches have been carried out by means of phenomenological model building or in 2-D gas-dynamic approximation. The mentioned approaches have some limits, and they do not allow completely revealing the complicated pattern of physical phenomena taking place during the opening switch operation. Whereas it is necessary to optimize the EOSs, it is almost impossible to solve this problem completely at expensive full-scale explosive experiments. The 2-D numerical magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the processes is very close to the reality. This paper compares calculation and experimental data on the circuit breaking of the MCG using the explosive current opening switch with the ribbed barrier. Investigation results of the electric circuit parameters, opening switch construction, and linear density of the breaking current dependence on the load current pulse characteristics are presented. Possible reasons of differences in calculation and experimental results are shown; ways of improvement of the calculation model and opening switch optimization are outlined.

Helical magnetocumulative generators (MCGs) fed from explosive piezo generators (EPGs) are the most compact power supplies with an output energy of 1–10 kJ. EPGs are successfully coupled with MCGs in the operation mode and in structural parameters; these generators are easy to operate and do not require transformers or commutators. We report on the results of designing an autonomous small-size power supply based on EPGs and MCGs. Owing to bidirectional impact loading of the piezoceramic block of an EPG, the energy at the piezo generator output attains values of ∼25 J and is transferred to the helical MCG with an initial inductance of ∼1000 μH. The power supply is constructed in the form of a monoblock with a volume of ∼2 dm3 or in the form of two separate devices connected by a high-voltage cable.

The primary aim of the research was to assess the level of trace elements and electrolytes in serum of postmenopausal diabetic women. Sixty-four postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and 64 age- and body mass index-matched controls were examined. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA

Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity involving N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors has been recognized as a final common outcome in pathological conditions involving death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Overstimulation of NMDA receptors results in influx of calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na) ions and efflux of potassium (K). NMDA receptors are blocked by magnesium (Mg). Such changes due to NMDA overstimulation are also associated with not only the altered levels of minerals but also that of trace elements and redox status. Both the decreased and elevated levels of trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) affect NMDA receptor excitability and redox status. Manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) are also part of antioxidant defense mechanisms in retina. Additionally endogenous substances such as taurine also affect NMDA receptor activity and retinal redox status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mg acetyltaurate (MgAT) on the retinal mineral and trace element concentration, oxidative stress, retinal morphology and retinal cell apoptosis in rats after-NMDA exposure. One group of Sprague Dawley rats received intravitreal injection of vehicle while 4 other groups similarly received NMDA (160nmolL-1). Among the NMDA injected groups, 3 groups also received MgAT (320nmolL-1) as pre-treatment, co-treatment or post-treatment. Seven days after intravitreal injection, rats were sacrificed, eyes were enucleated and retinae were isolated for estimation of mineral (Ca, Na, K, Mg) and trace element (Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, Zn) concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma (DRC ICP-MS) techniques (NexION 300D), retinal oxidative stress using Elisa, retinal morphology using H&E staining and retinal cell apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Intravitreal NMDA injection resulted in increased concentration of Ca (4.6 times, p

The dynamics of mechanical destruction of a conductor in an explosively formed fuse opening switch on a finned obstacle under the action of detonation products is studied in the injection channel of the U-70 proton synchrotron. Protonograms are recorded with digital multiframe electron-optic cameras. The exposure time per frame, about 30 ns, is determined by the duration of a proton bunch. The time from the beginning of motion of the conductor to its destruction is about 3 μs. It is shown that the switch with typical sizes of the obstacle (the thickness of the fin is 1.5 mm, and the width and depth of the groove are 1.5 and 4.5 mm, respectively) provides operation with satisfactory gasdynamic parameters.

A scheme of a device intended for amplification of an axial magnetic field by a system of solid-state cylindrical liners is described in this paper. A 1-D magnetohydrodynamic model used in this paper is stated briefly. Calculation results of ultrahigh magnetic-field generation using one-, two-, and three-stage liner systems are presented.

The first test of a pulsed power system consisting of a five-element disk magneto-cumulative generator with high-explosive charges of 240 mm diameter and an explosive current opening switch with ribbed barrier was carried out in the frameworks of a program for creating an explosive complex EMIR, intended for the generation of high-power soft X-ray radiation pulses. A current pulse of ~ 9 MA with a characteristic rise time of ~ 0.6 μs was recorded at opening of the generator circuit with the current of ~ 15 MA into a ~ 7 nH inductance load.

This paper presents results of investigations aimed at the creation of high-power explosive sources of soft X-ray radiation (SXR) for thermonuclear-target ignition. Successful tests of basic elements of the power system of such sources: a disk magnetocumulative generator of 480-mm diameter and explosive-current opening switch, have been carried out. These elements will provide current pulses of 50, ... , 70 MA amplitude at rise time of 0.5, ..., 1 μs. The technology aimed at generation of the SXR, powered from the explosive-current sources, is developed. SXR pulses of 55-ns length and energy of ~ 800 kJ have been recorded at a liner current of 14 MA with a rise time of 1 μs. Analysis of the experimental data is carried out using a 2-D MHD code. The most probable scenario of implosion of single and nested array liners is determined. A conclusion about the perspectives of the developed direction and its competitiveness with stationary facilities is made.

High-inductive helical magneto-cumulative generators (MCGs) of 50- and 80-mm diameters intended for a plasma focus (PF) powering are created in VNIIEF. High energy gain, efficient operation into loads to 50 nH, and the possibility of application in combination with the current opening switches are the distinctive features of the generators. Having small sizes and masses, these generators produce current pulses from 400 kA to 1 MA with the rise time of ~ 0.5 μs powered with the energy less than 100 J. This paper presents results of experimental research during which the high stability of the MCG operation both on the current amplitude and operation time is shown. Results of the experiments on the PF powered from the MCG, operated in the regime of the magnetic flux extra compression, are presented. The yield of 1012 neutronsper pulse was recorded in the tests with the MCG-80 and PF with D-T mixture.

A calculation simulation of multielement disk magnetocumulative systems is carried out. Effect of failure of one or several detonators in a system of high-explosive (HE) charge initiation and axial shift of the detonators relative to a symmetry plane of the HE charges on the operation efficiency of the multielement disk magnetocumulative generator is considered. The considered models allow explaining the results of the experiments in the case of similar situations.

A requirement of current rise-time shortening on the final stage of a magnetocumulative generator (MCG) operation (a requirement to increase the fast operation of the generator) comes from a necessity to decrease a premature thermal or ponderomotive effect of a current pulse on loads elements. These requirements mean an increase of the MCG power, and finally, they are associated with obtaining maximum possible energy density in the loads. This paper considers different factors that limit the power of the helical MCG and experimentally shows possibility of significant increase of the helical-generator's fast operation due to application of additional elements in the stator, change of a liner shape, and use of two-sided initiation of a high-explosive charge.

The first test of a disk magnetocumulative generator (DMCG) with high explosive charges of 480-mm diameter was carried out in the frameworks of a program on creation of an explosive EMIR facility, intended for high-power soft X-ray radiation pulses generation.The generator consists of five disk elements. The inductive load was equal to ~ 7 nH. The generator was twice larger than model DMCG240, successfully tested earlier. A comparison of calculation and experimental results is carried out.

Appropriate reference values of hair trace element content are required for correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. The primary objective of the current study was to estimate the reference values of selected essential trace elements in hair of adult Russian population. Involved in current investigation were 7256 occupationally non-exposed adults aged from 20 to 60 years and living in the European part of Russia. Occipital hair essential metal and metalloid (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, V, Zn) content was estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The reference ranges were calculated in accordance with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommendations. Women were characterized by 55, 18, 58, and 7% higher values of hair Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn content as compared to the values observed in men. At the same time, hair Cr, Fe, Se, and V concentration in men significantly exceeded the respective female values by 65, 13, 20, and 56%. Consequently, the reference ranges of essential hair trace elements content should be separately calculated for both men and women. The obtained reference ranges for hair Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, V, and Zn in men were 0.11-0.67, 0.007-0.045, 10.4-22.6, 11.1-40.5, 0.24-1.05, 0.089-0.480, 0.014-0.083, and 125.7-262.8 μg/g, respectively. The respective values estimated for women were 0.06-0.40, 0.011-0.085, 12.1-44.5, 8.9-25.6, 0.32-2.05, 0.094-0.504, 0.010-0.056, and 140.0-315.1 μg/g. The reference ranges for hair Co (0.07-0.50), Cr (0.009-0.073), Cu (11.8-29.2), Fe (9.6-31.5), Mn (0.29-1.76), Se (0.093-0.482), V (0.011-0.069), and Zn (134.7-301.9) content (μg/g) in the general cohort were also calculated.

Age-related differences in the trace element content of hair have been reported. However, some discrepancies in the data exist.The primary objective of this study was to estimate the change in hair trace elements content in relation to age.Six hundred and eighteen women and 438 men aged from 10-59 years took part in the current cross-sectional study.Hair Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, Al, As, Be, Cd and Pb tended to decrease with age in the female sample, whereas hair Cu, Fe, I, Se, Li and Sn were characterised by an age-associated increase. Hair levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Ni, Si and Al in men decreased with age, whereas hair Co, Fe, Se, Cd, Li and Pb content tended to increase. Hair mercury increased in association with age in men and in women, whereas hair vanadium was characterised by a significant decrease in both sexes. The difference in hair trace element content between men and women decreased with age. These data suggest that age-related differences in trace element status may have a direct implication in the ageing process.

A total of 5908 occupationally non-exposed adults (4384 women and 1524 men) living in Moscow and Moscow region were involved in the current investigation. Hair Al, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Sr content was estimated by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry using NexION 300D. Men are characterized by significantly higher hair Al, As, Cd, Hg, Li, and Pb content. At the same time, hair levels of Bi, Ni, Sn, and Sr were significantly higher in women. Consequently, the reference ranges were estimated for male, female, and general cohort as coverage intervals in accordance with IUPAC recommendations.

The results from experiments with powering an electrical-explosion opening switch (EEOS) from a high-speed helical magnetic explosion generator are presented. The energy capacity of this generator is ∼1 kJ, the total operating time is 25 µs, and the characteristic current rise time is ∼2 µs. In experiments with thin copper wires used in EEOSs, voltage pulses with an amplitude of ∼180 kV and a rise time of ∼50 ns were formed across a 25-Ω resistive load connected in parallel to the EEOS.

A transportable standard module developed at the Institute of Experimental Physics as a component of an energy source for modeling current pulses of positive lightning is described. The source is designed as a combination of several unified helical explosion–magnetic generators with output transformers and an inner diameter of the stator of 200 mm. According to our calculations, the source generates current pulses with an amplitude of up to 100 kA in loads with an inductance of ∼100 μH and a resistance of several tens of ohms. The results from testing a typical module operating with a circuit having an inductance of ∼100 μH and a resistance of ∼4 Ω are presented. The experimental data coincide well with the results of a mathematical simulation of the module's operation.

A plasma opening switch fed by a helical magnetic explosion generator is developed. A plasma sheath with an axial length of ≈4 cm and an electron density of ∼1017 cm−3 is produced in the electrode gap of the switch by six coaxial gaseous-plasma injectors. A series of explosion experiments shows that the system developed allows one to study the switch at currents of about 2 MA.

Experimental data on a helical magnetic-cumulation generator with an output step-up transformer formed by two coaxial solenoids is presented. The inner diameter of the helix is 50 mm. Compared with the transformers described earlier, this transformer has a smaller size. The transformer can feed an energy of ∼1 kJ into a ∼100-μH high-impedance load.

The primary objective of the research is to estimate the dependence between hair mercury content, hair selenium, mercury-to-selenium ratio, serum lipid spectrum, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in 63 adults (40 men and 23 women). Serum triglyceride (TG) concentration in the high-mercury group significantly exceeded the values obtained for low- and medium-mercury groups by 72 and 42 %, respectively. Serum GGT activity in the examinees from high-Hg group significantly exceeded the values of the first and the second groups by 75 and 28 %, respectively. Statistical analysis of the male sample revealed similar dependences. Surprisingly, no significant changes in the parameters analyzed were detected in the female sample. In all analyzed samples, hair mercury was not associated with hair selenium concentrations. Significant correlation between hair mercury content and serum TG concentration (r = 0.531) and GGT activity (r = 0.524) in the general sample of the examinees was detected. The respective correlations were observed in the male sample. Hair mercury-to-selenium ratios significantly correlated with body weight (r = 0.310), body mass index (r = 0.250), serum TG (r = 0.389), atherogenic index (r = 0.257), and GGT activity (r = 0.393). The same correlations were observed in the male sample. Hg/Se ratio in women did not correlate with the analyzed parameters. Generally, the results of the current study show the following: (1) hair mercury is associated with serum TG concentration and GGT activity in men, (2) hair selenium content is not related to hair mercury concentration, and (3) mercury-to-selenium ratio correlates with lipid spectrum parameters and GGT activity.

The primary objective of the current study was to estimate the hair toxic metal content in adults in relation to body mass index. A total of 1,229 persons including 719 women and 510 men were examined. All subjects were divided into two age groups: 1 and 2 periods of adulthood. All men and women were also subdivided into groups in relation to their values of body mass index (BMI): underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Hair aluminium (Al), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) content was evaluated using mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. It has been shown that increase in body weight is accompanied by elevated hair cadmium content in women. At the same time, no significant alteration of hair cadmium concentration was observed in males. Higher values of scalp hair mercury and lead content were observed in men and women with increased body mass index independently of their age. BMI-related elevation of hair tin content was registered only in men of the first period of adulthood. A significant correlation between hair metal content and the values of BMI was observed for mercury independently of the gender of the subjects, whereas BMI values correlated significantly with hair cadmium levels in women and lead and tin levels in men. It has been also estimated that hair cadmium, mercury and lead levels in men exceed the respective values in women.

Explosive and electro-exploded opening switches are used for current sharpening of magneto-cumulative generators (MCG). The electro-exploded opening switches (EEOS) are well studied both in calculations and experimentally; the explosive opening switches (EOS) have been studied mostly experimentally. Calculation and theoretical studies of the explosive current opening switches has been carried out by means of phenomenological model building or in two-dimensional gas-dynamic approximation. The mentioned approaches have some limits, and they do not allow completely revealing the complicated pattern of physical phenomena taking place during the opening switch operation. Whereas it is necessary to optimize the explosive opening switches, it is almost impossible to solve this problem completely at expensive full-scale explosive experiments. Two-dimensional numerical magneto-hydrodynamic simulation of the processes is very close to the reality. The paper describes the statement of problem, compares calculation and experimental data on the circuit breaking of the magneto-cumulative generator using the explosive current opening switch with the ribbed barrier. Investigation results of the electric circuit parameters, opening switch construction, and linear density of the breaking current dependence on the load current pulse characteristics are presented. Possible reasons of differences in calculation and experimental results are shown; ways of improvement of the calculation model and opening switch optimization are outlined.

Helical magneto-cumulative generator (MCG) powered from explosive piezo-generator (EPG) is the most compact device among modern sources having output energy of 1-10 kJ. EPG matches well MCG on nature of their operation and design parameters; they are simple in use and do not require transforming and switching devices. The paper presents results of work on creating autonomous small energy source based on EPG and MCG. The energy on the piezogenerator output reaches ~25 J at the expense of double-sided shock loading of the EPG piezoceramic unit. The energy is transmitted to the helical MCG with the initial inductance of ~1000 μH. Constructively the energy source is constructed both in the form of a monoblock of ~2 dm3 volume, and the form of two separate units, connected with high-voltage cable.

Matching devices in the form of electro-exploded (EEOS) or explosive (EOS) opening switches are used for transforming current pulses of magneto-cumulative generators (MCG) into voltage pulses of hundreds kilovolts at high-impedance loads. Current pulse sharpening is accompanied by significant losses of the stored energy. Using EOS is more preferable compared to EEOS from the point of view of the energy losses since it does not lead to efficiency decrease of the MCG operation. The paper considers magneto-cumulative multi-module systems (MCMS) consisting of several synchronously operating and serially connecting small helical MCG generators. Each generator equipped with the explosive current opening switch. Voltages, generated at each opening switch, are summarized into the load. Fast operation of the MCG allows using very thin foils in the opening switches, and obtaining short voltage pulse front. Results of the works on creating high-voltage devices based on helical MCG of 60 mm diameter and disk EOS of 200 mm diameter are presented in the paper. In the experiment the device consisting of two modules provides the voltage pulse of 370 kV with the rise time of ~100 ns into the load of 27 Ω and inductance of 0.5 μH.

Nowadays disk magneto-cumulative generators (DMCG) are the most powerful and power-consuming magneto-cumulative generators (MCG). The problem of necessary initial energy supply to the generator circuit is very urgent at creating high-performance disk generators. Preliminary energy amplification in experiments with DMCG is provided with helical MCGs. Along with preset energy supply, the preamplifier should have small characteristic current rise time. It is necessary for decreasing thermal and mechanical supply current effect on elements of the disk generator. This means increasing the output power of the preamplifier and associated with obtaining maximum possible initial energy in the DMCG. Initial inductance and resistance of the DMCG circuit became higher with increase of the DMCG sizes and the number of its elements. This required increasing the power of earlier used preamplifiers. The paper presents experimental results of the MCG-240 characteristics improvement at the expense of turns distribution change and application of more powerful explosive. Other possibilities of the preamplifier power increase are considered in the paper.

The paper presents results of investigations aimed at creation of high-power explosive sources of soft x-ray radiation (SXR) for thermonuclear targets ignition. Successful tests of basic elements of the power system of such sources: a disk magneto-cumulative generator of 480 mm diameter and explosive current opening switch are carried out. These elements will provide with the current pulses of 50...70 MA amplitude at a rise time of 0.5...1 μs. The technology of the experiments performance aimed at generation of the SXR, powered from the explosive current sources, is developed. The SXR pulses of 55 ns length and energy of -800 kJ are recorded at the liner current of 14 MA with the rise time of 1 μs. Analysis of the experimental data is carried out using a 2D MHD code. The most probable scenario of implosion of single and nested array liners is determined. A conclusion about perspectives of the developed direction and its competitiveness with stationary facilities is made. (4 pages)

During 2003-2006 totally 1470 women 46-60 y.o., living mainly in Moscow city and Moscow region, were observed. There were three groups of women: obese, diabetic and practically healthy. The anthropometric and clinical data were compared with elemental status, estimated by atomic emission and mass spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES/ICP-MS) analyses of occipital scalp hair. The obesity in women was corresponding to elevated hair K, Hg, Pb and decreased Ca, Mg, Zn, I. The type 2 diabetes was corresponding to elevated hair K, Na, Hg and decreased Ca, Mg, Zn, Co. So, the obtained data demonstrate the very similar changes in hair elemental content in both obese and diabetic women, thus suggesting the general pathophysiological mechanisms of metabolic mineral disturbances.

Summary form given only. Experimental research of an explosive current opening switch operation with a ribbed obstacle are carried out. A voltage pulse of ~300 kV with a rise front of ~100 ns was formed at a current circuit breaking of a helical magneto-cumulative generator HMCG-60 in a high-impedance load of 27 Omega resistance and 500 nH inductance.

Summary form only given. The paper presents investigation results on development of soft X-ray radiation sources based on imploding multi-wire Z-pinches, powered from magneto-cumulative generators. Parameters of the source, realized with fast helical magneto-cumulative generator MCG-200, are close to calculation results: an energy of the X-ray radiation is 180 kJ in a pulse with the width at half height of ~20 ns, the pinch plasma temperature is 65 eV, a current amplitude in the liner load is 5.3 MA at a rise time of 400 ns. The research on optimization of the X-ray radiation source parameters with the power source based on the magneto-cumulative generator of 240 mm diameter are being continued. Up to now the current of 14 MA amplitude and rise time of 1.3 mus could be supplied into the liner load . A length of the generated pulse of the X-ray radiation is 60 ns at half height, the pinch plasma temperature is ~60 eV.

Summary form only given. EMIR (an abbreviation from Russian: electro-magnetic X-ray radiation source) is a facility that should provide generation of high-power fluxes of soft X-ray radiation with an energy in a pulse of ges10 MJ and a power of ges500 TW. In the paper we present a current state of the research of the EMIR main units: disk magneto-cumulative generators, being the base of current pulses formers of tens megamperes amplitude at a rise time of ~1 mus; plasma current opening switches, providing shortening of the current rise front of the explosive generators up to les100 ns; and devices of the magneto-cumulative generators energy transformation into the soft X-ray radiation. Analysis of results of the experimental works is carried out, and perspective directions of further research are proposed.

Summary form given only. Results of an experiment, performed for the first time, on realization of a plasma current channel (PCC) opening in a plasma current opening switch (POS), powered from a current magneto-cumulative generator (MCG) are presented in the paper. To study the POS operation as an energy source we used the helical MCG having an internal stator diameter of 200 mm (MCG-200). The generator MCG-200 with the explosive current opening switch makes it possible to realize the current pulse with an amplitude Imax~4 MA with a rise time of ~1 mus in a load up to 50 nH inductance. In the experiment we installed three gas-plasma injectors with a pulsed gas puff on the outer cylindrical electrode of a plasma chamber. These devices inject plasma jets of 4 cm diameter with an electrons density up to 1010 cm3 on the injector output into a radial inter-electrode gap of the POS. We used integrated Rogovsky coils to record a value and pulses shape of the current, and differentiating probes to measure a current derivative. In the experiment we used more than 40 recording channels based on analogue and digital oscilloscopes. Analysis of the experimental data showed that all methods agree with each other with the precision of the measurements errors. Critical current of the POS was 1.9plusmn0.1 MA, the current decay time at the breaking moment reaches the value of ~1013A/s.

Summary form only given. The first test of a disk magneto-cumulative generator with a HE-charge of 480 mm diameter was carried out. The generator consists of five disk elements; an inductive load equal to 5 nH. The generator is two times enlarged model of the earlier successfully tested generator DMCG-240. Its experimental results were presented at Megagauss-10 Conference. The experimental results match the calculation predictions.