Reconstruction of Z-pinch emission spectra in the wavelength range of less than 10 Å using a crystal X-ray spectrograph.

This work is devoted to the reconstruction of Z-pinch plasma emission spectra in the wavelength range of less than 10 Å recorded by using a crystal x-ray spectrograph at the Angara 5-1 mega-ampere facility. The spectrograph JA-1 used in experiments has a cylindrical mica crystal with dimensions of 50 × 40 mm2 and radius of curvature of 100 mm. Registration of spectra is performed on the photographic film UF-4 with dimensions of 30 × 10 mm2. To reconstruct the spectra, the previously developed method based on iterative approximation of a true spectrum shape while minimizing a residual between experimental and calculated spectrograms is used. The calculated spectrogram was obtained taking into account the instrumental function of the spectrograph. To define the instrumental function a virtual Monte-Carlo model in the Geant4 toolkit has been developed. This model takes into account the interaction of radiation with the mica crystal using dynamical theory of diffraction. A true spectrum of Z-pinch plasma radiation is reconstructed for a 16 mm high load made of two nested cylindrical wire liners. External liner with a diameter of 12 mm has 40 Al wires with a diameter of 18 µm. The internal liner with a diameter of 5 mm has 4 W wires with a diameter of 6 µm. The W wires have a sputtered layer of Re that is 0.5 µm thick.

The Effect of Calcium Ions on the Electrophysiological Properties of Single ANO6 Channels.

Proteins belonging to the anoctamin (ANO) family form calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs). The most unusual member of this family, ANO6 (TMEM16F), simultaneously exhibits the functions of calcium-dependent scramblase and the ion channel. ANO6 affects the plasma membrane dynamics and phosphatidylserine transport; it is also involved in programmed cell death. The properties of ANO6 channels remain the subject of debate. In this study, we investigated the effect of variations in the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of calcium ions on the electrophysiological properties of endogenous ANO6 channels by recording single ANO6 channels. It has been demonstrated that (1) a high calcium concentration in an extracellular solution increases the activity of endogenous ANO6 channels, (2) the permeability of endogenous ANO6 channels for chloride ions is independent of the extracellular concentration of calcium ions, (3) that an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration leads to the activation of endogenous ANO6 channels with double amplitude, and (4) that the kinetics of the channel depend on the plasma membrane potential rather than the intracellular concentration of calcium ions. Our findings give grounds for proposing new mechanisms for the regulation of the ANO6 channel activity by calcium ions both at the inner and outer sides of the membrane.

Calcium chelation independent effects of BAPTA on endogenous ANO6 channels in HEK293T cells.

Selective calcium chelator 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) is a common tool to investigate calcium signaling. However, BAPTA expresses various effects on intracellular calcium signaling, which are not related to its ability to bind Ca2+. In patch clamp experiments, we investigated calcium chelation independent effects of BAPTA on endogenous calcium-activated chloride channels ANO6 (TMEM16F) in HEK293T cells. We have found that application of BAPTA to intracellular solution led to two distinct effects on channels properties. On the one hand, application of BAPTA acutely reduced amplitude of endogenous ANO6 channels induced by 10 µM Ca2+ in single channel recordings. On the other hand, BAPTA application by itself induced ANO6 channel activity in the absence of the intracellular calcium elevation. Open channel probability was enhanced by increasing the intracellular BAPTA concentration from 0.1 to 1 and 10 mM. Another calcium chelator EGTA did not demonstrate chelation independent effects on the ANO6 activity in the same conditions. Due to off-target effects BAPTA should be used with caution when studying calcium-activated ANO6 channels.

Single-pass method for reconstruction of extreme UV spectra.

This work is devoted to the development of a method for the reconstruction of plasma extreme UV (EUV) spectra recorded by a three frame grazing incidence spectrograph (GIS-3D). The spectrograph provides registration of radiation reflected from the diffraction grating (DG) on a three-frame detector based on a microchannel plate with a scintillator screen and registration on a CCD camera, with an exposure time of one frame of ∼1.5 ns. DG has a gold-coated spherical concave form with a radius of curvature of 2 m and dimensions of 30 × 40 × 10 mm3. In this case, radiation is incident on the DG at a grazing angle of 2°; the DG period is 1.66 µm. The new single-pass method for the reconstruction of plasma EUV spectra was developed, which solves the inverse problem of decomposing experimental signals into separate contributions from each of the diffraction orders, followed by the reconstruction of the true plasma spectrum. Using the developed method, the possibility of finding a close approximation to the shape of a DG groove profile based on a priori information about the recorded spectra was demonstrated. In order to test and demonstrate the efficiency of this method, several experimental EUV spectra obtained at the Z-pinch facility Angara-5-1 with a current of ∼3-4 MA through loads made of either tungsten wires or polypropylene fibers were reconstructed. In addition, to test the single-pass method, the transmittance of EUV in cold aluminum was measured in the wavelength range of 3-35 nm, and it has a good match with the Henke database.

Role of STIM2 and Orai proteins in regulating TRPC1 channel activity upon calcium store depletion.

Store-operated calcium channels are the major player in calcium signaling in non-excitable cells. Store-operated calcium entry is associated with the Orai, stromal interaction molecule (STIM), and transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) protein families. Researchers have provided conflicting data about TRPC1 channel regulation by Orai and STIM. To determine how Orai and STIM influence endogenous TRPC1 pore properties and regulation, we used single channel patch-clamp recordings. Here we showed that knockout or knockdown of Orai1 or Orai3 or overexpression of the dominant-negative mutant Orai1 E106Q did not change the conductance or selectivity of single TRPC1 channels. In addition, these TRPC1 channel properties did not depend on the amount of STIM1 and STIM2 proteins. To study STIM2-mediated regulation of TRPC1 channels, we utilized partial calcium store depletion induced by application of 10 nM thapsigargin (Tg). TRPC1 activation by endogenous STIM2 was greatly decreased in acute extracellular calcium-free experiments. STIM2 overexpression increased both the basal activity and number of silent TRPC1 channels in the plasma membrane. After calcium store depletion, overexpressed STIM2 directly activated TRPC1 in the plasma membrane even without calcium entry in acute experiments. However, this effect was abrogated by co-expression with the non-permeable Orai1 E106Q mutant protein. Taken together, our single-channel patch clamp experiments clearly demonstrated that endogenous TRPC1 forms a channel pore without involving Orai proteins. Calcium entry through Orai triggered TRPC1 channel activation in the plasma membrane, while subsequent STIM2-mediated TRPC1 activity regulation was not dependent on calcium entry.

[Differences in the cognitive status of patients with schizophrenia depending on the genesis of concomitant encephalopathy]. / Razlichiya kognitivnogo statusa bol'nykh shizofreniei v zavisimosti ot geneza soputstvuyushchei entsefalopatii.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cognitive status of patients with schizophrenia and organic cerebral pathology of various genesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 75 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0). Depending on the type of organic brain lesion, all patients were divided into four groups: patients with paranoid schizophrenia without organic brain pathology (n=41), patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy (n=15), patients with post-traumatic encephalopathy (n=12), patients with toxic encephalopathy (n=7).The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) followed by the evaluation of the results with the Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS)were used to assess the cognitive status. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Patients with schizophrenia without concomitant cerebral pathology had a better state of the cognitive sphere compared to patients whose underlying disease was aggravated by encephalopathy of various genesis. In particular, it applied to such cognitive functions as verbal memory, speech fluency, problem-solving behavior, long-term visual-motor memory, organization and constructive ability. According to the results of this study, patients with posttraumatic encephalopathy had the least pronounced cognitive deficit among patients with an organic brain lesion. In turn, patients with toxic encephalopathy had the worst indicators of the state of the cognitive sphere.

Homer 1a Induces Calcium Channel Activation, but Does Not Change Their Properties in A431 Cells.

Store-operated channels activated in response to intracellular calcium store depletion represent the main pathway of calcium entry from the extracellular space in nonelectroexcitable cells. Adapter proteins organize the components of this system into integral complex. We studied the influence of adapter proteins of the Homer family on endogenous store-operated calcium Imin channels in A431 cells. Monomeric Homer 1a proteins increase activity of Imin channels, but did not modulate their electrophysiological properties. Recombinant Homer 1c protein did not block the induced calcium currents.

Electrophysiological Features of Single Store-Operated Calcium Channels in HEK S4 Cell Line with Stable STIM1 Protein Knockdown.

An important role in intracellular calcium signaling is played by store-operated channels activated by STIM proteins, calcium sensors of the endoplasmic reticulum. In stable STIM1 knockdown HEK S4 cells, single channels activated by depletion of intracellular calcium stores were detected by cell-attached patch-clamp technique and their electrophysiological parameters were described. Comparison of the properties of single channels in HEK293 and HEK S4 cells revealed no significant differences in their current-voltage curves, while regulation of store-operated calcium channels in these cell lines depended on the level of STIM1 expression. We can conclude that electrophysiological peculiarities of store-regulated calcium entry observed in different cells can be explained by differences in STIM1 expression.

Investigation of discharged aerosol nanoparticles during chemical precipitation and spray pyrolysis for developing safety measures in the nano research laboratory.

Nowadays, the demands for the nanoparticles are increasing due to their tremendous applications in various fields. As a consequence, the discharge of nanoparticles into the atmosphere and environment is also increasing, posing a health threat and environmental damage in terms of pollution. Thus, an extensive research is essential to evaluate the discharge of these nanoparticles into the environment. Keeping this in mind, the present investigation aimed to analyze the discharge of aerosol nanoparticles that are synthesized in the laboratory via chemical precipitation and spray pyrolysis methods. The results indicated that the chemical precipitation method discharges a higher concentration of nanoparticles in the work site when compared to the spray pyrolysis method. The aerosol concentration also varied with the different steps involved during the synthesis of nanoparticles. The average particle's concentration in air for chemical precipitation and spray pyrolysis methods was around 1,037,476 and 883,421particles/cm3. In addition, the average total discharge of nanoparticles in the entire laboratory was also examined. A significant variation in the concentration of nanoparticles was noticed, during the processing of materials and the concentration of particles (14-723nm) exceeding the daily allowed concentration to about 70-170 times was observed over a period of 6 months. Thus, the results of the present study will be very useful in developing safety measures and would help in organizing the rules for people working in nanotechnology laboratories to minimize the hazardous effects.

[Peculiarities of the psychic state and quality of life in patients with duodenal ulcer in the context of chronomedicine].

Most clinicians consider duodenum ulcer as a psychosomatic disease. Objective: To show the interdependence of this condition and mental disorders and their relation to disturbances of melatonin production . Materials and Methods: 15 patients with seasonal DU and 15 healthy subjects of the control group were examined during 3 years using laboratory, endoscopic, and standard psychodiagnostic methods. Results. It was found that all patients with exacerbation of DU experienced enhanced anxiety, reduced background mood, and impaired quality of life based on general health and mental health scoring scales. The circadian rhythm of melatonin production was markedly distorted throughout the observation period but especially during exacerbations of the disease. Conclusions. The results indicate a high degree of correlation between DU and mental disorders caused by impaired production of melatonin. It suggests common etiological mechanisms of DU and psychosomatic symptom complex.

Comparative characterization of the skull bones after implantation of titanium biocomposites containing BMP-2 in their coating structure.

The skull bone tissue was studied under conditions of implantation of Grey nanostructured titanium containing biocomposites and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the coating structure. Implantation of sandblast processed titanium led to more rapid formation of the bone tissue than the use of titanium biocomposites with microarch oxidation (due to porous surface). The type of metal processing was inessential for nanocomposites. Morphogenetic proteins stimulated regeneration and facilitated the formation of structures characteristic of the bone tissue.

[Impairments in the ultrastructure and macro- and microelement composition of hard tooth tissues in caries in patients with hypothyroidism and in those without thyroid disease].

Extracted teeth were studied in patients with hypothyroidism, by applying electron and atomic force microscopy. This method allows one to have extended morphometric characteristics. The patients with hypothyroidism were found to have superficial and internal changes in the enamel, dentin, and cement of intact and carious teeth. The macro- and microelement composition of teeth were investigated. In hypothyroidism, the resistance of dental tissue depends on the homogeneous structure of enamel and dentin.

[Current views of psychosomatic diseases].

This review is designed to analyse current views of physicians representing different fields of medicine (psychoanalysis, pathological anatomy, psychiatry, etc.) on the problem of psychosomatic diseases with reference to its history, past and present concepts, etiopathogenetic mechanisms of these conditions. The authors propose to use the results of analysis as a basis for considering psychosomatic diseases as a singular etiopathogenetic entity resulting from dysregulation of rhythm-organizing structures.

[The psychic state of women suffering infertility in the old reproductive age].

A total 60 infertile women aged 36-42 years treated by ART were examined to evaluate their psychic condition using CES-D and Spielberg-Khanin scales, SF-36 questionnaire. 15 (25%) patients were found (CES-D) to have mild depressive disorder; it was more pronounced in one woman. More than half of the patients exhibited enhanced anxiety, with 32 (53.3%) and 19 (31.6%) having generalized and strong anxiety respectively. Estimation of the quality of life revealed difficulties in maintaining social contacts up to complete isolation, low self-assessment of psychic health and prospects for recovery. It is concluded that comprehensive diagnostics and combined treatment are needed to manage infertile women of old reproductive age with the use of both traditional and psychocorrective methods.

[Functional disorders from the perspective of V.KH.Vasilenko's theory].

The authors turn down the concept of functional disease alluding to the experience of brilliant Russian clinicians and morphologies. Their reasoning is that the adoption of this concept interferes with the correct understanding of the nature and management of a given disease.

Effect of thermal annealing in vacuum and in air on nanograin sizes in hard and superhard coatings Zr-Ti-Si-N.

Zr-Ti-Si-N coating had high thermal stability of phase composition and remained structure state under thermal annealing temperatures reached 1180 degrees C in vacuum and 830 degrees C in air. Effect of isochronous annealing on phase composition, structure, and stress state of Zr-Ti-Si-N-ion-plasma deposited coatings (nanocomposite coatings) was reported. Below 1000 degrees C annealing temperature in vacuum, changing of phase composition is determined by appearing of siliconitride crystallites (beta-Si3N4) with hexagonal crystalline lattice and by formation of ZrO2 oxide crystallites. Formation of the latter did not result in decay of solid solution (Zr, Ti)N but increased in it a specific content of Ti-component. Vacuum annealing increased sizes of solid solution nanocrystallites from (12 to 15) in as-deposited coatings to 25 nm after annealing temperature reached 1180 degrees C. One could also find macro- and microrelaxations, which were accompanied by formation of deformation defects, which values reached 15.5 vol.%. Under 530 degrees C annealing in vacuum or in air, nanocomposite coating hardness increased. When Ti and Si concentration increased and three phases nc-ZrN, (Zr, Ti)N-nc, and alpha-Si3N4 were formed, average hardness increased to 40.8 +/- 4 GPa. Annealing to 500 degrees C increased hardness and demonstrated lower spread in values H = 48 +/- 6 GPa and E = (456 +/- 78) GPa. Zr-Ti-Si-N coatings has high wear resistance and low friction coefficient in comparison at a temperature of 500 degrees C possess with coatings TiN, Ti-Si-N.

[Antidepressants in cardiology].

Amitriptyline was for a long time the sole medication for the management of depression in cardiological patients despite a large number of side effects. It was substituted by the safe and cardiologically neutral sertraline, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Presently the results of agomnelatine therapy of cardiovascular diseases and accompanying depressions arise great interest.

[The role of melatonin in the development of psychosomatic diseases].

Relationship between psychic and somatic disorders is currently a most widely discussed problem. The published results of relevant research reflect controversial views of internists and psychiatrists. The aim of this paper is to elucidate common mechanisms underlying some psychosomatic diseases based on the chronobiological approach with special reference to abnormal production of melatonin (main rhythm-controlling hormone) resulting in the disturbance of biological rhythms (desynchronosis). Different scenarios of development of psychosomatic disorders are considered using models of irritated bowel syndrome and ulcer disease.

[Psychic disorders and gastrointestinal pathology. Part 2].

The problem of nosological forms of somatic diseases associated with psychic disorders is discussed as exemplified by gastrointestinal pathology (duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, irritated bowl syndrome). Implication of such diseases provides a basis for regarding certain pathological conditions as specific clinical variants in which somatic and psychic constituents are integrated into a single morbid complex.

[Metabolic syndrome: more questions than answers].

Metabolic syndrome has a close association with "diseases of civilization" and widespread in economically developed countries. By the end of XX century, unification in clusters of cardiovascular diseases risk factors showed, that simultaneous presence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia contributed to significant increase in mortality.