A modernized control system of the “Victoria” pulse modulator complex

The results of designing an automated control system (ACS) of the Victoria pulse modulator complex, which is used for the high-voltage power supply of auxiliary plasma heating systems on the Т-10 and Т-15 tokamaks and gyrotron test benches, are considered. The ACS is based on digital and microprocessor devices and ensures control of the power circuit of high-voltage modulators, monitoring of the load parameters, and emergency protection of the power electrical equipment.     

NotI Microarrays: Novel Epigenetic Markers for Early Detection and Prognosis of High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Chromosome 3-specific NotI microarray (NMA) containing 180 clones with 188 genes was used in the study to analyze 18 high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) samples and 7 benign ovarian tumors. We aimed to find novel methylation-dependent biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of HGSOC. Thirty five NotI markers showed frequency of methylation/deletion more or equal to 17%. To check the results of NMA hybridizations several samples for four genes (LRRC3B, THRB, ITGA9 and RBSP3 (CTDSPL)) were bisulfite sequenced and confirmed the results of NMA hybridization. A set of eight biomarkers: NKIRAS1/RPL15, THRB, RBPS3 (CTDSPL), IQSEC1, NBEAL2, ZIC4, LOC285205 and FOXP1, was identified as the most prominent set capable to detect both early and late stages of ovarian cancer. Sensitivity of this set is equal to (72 ± 11)% and specificity (94 ± 5)%. Early stages represented the most complicated cases for detection. To distinguish between Stages I + II and Stages III + IV of ovarian cancer the most perspective set of biomarkers would include LOC285205, CGGBP1, EPHB1 and NKIRAS1/RPL15. The sensitivity of the set is equal to (80 ± 13)% and the specificity is (88 ± 12)%. Using this technique we plan to validate this panel with new epithelial ovarian cancer samples and add markers from other chromosomes.     

Atomically thin layers of MoS2 via a two step thermal evaporation-exfoliation method

Two dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) has recently become of interest to semiconductor and optic industries. However, the current methods for its synthesis require harsh environments that are not compatible with standard fabrication processes. We report on a facile synthesis method of layered MoS(2) using a thermal evaporation technique, which requires modest conditions. In this process, a mixture of MoS(2) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO(2)) is produced by evaporating sulfur powder and molybdenum trioxide (MoO(3)) nano-particles simultaneously. Further annealing in a sulfur-rich environment transforms majority of the excess MoO(2) into layered MoS(2). The deposited MoS(2) is then mechanically exfoliated into minimum resolvable atomically thin layers, which are characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore Raman spectroscopy is employed to determine the effect of electrochemical lithium ion exposure on atomically thin layers of MoS(2).     

Basic aspects of the temperature coefficients of concentrator solar cell performance parameters

The basis for the temperature dependence of the principal performance parameters of single and multi‐junction concentrator solar cells is examined, focusing on the impact of bandgap and irradiance. The analysis of cells in the radiative limit establishes fundamental bounds. A quasi‐empirical model yields predictions consistent with available data. A simple method for estimating the temperature coefficients of key performance parameters is identified. The degree to which the efficiency penalty associated with cell heating can be mitigated by high irradiance is also evaluated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanistic investigation of non-ideal sorption behavior in natural organic matter. 1. Vapor phase equilibrium

Results from an experimental and modeling investigation of the influence of thermodynamic properties of highly purified natural organic matter (NOM) on observed equilibrium sorption/desorption behaviors of vapor phase trichloroethylene (TCE) is presented. Identification of glass transition (T(g)) behavior in Leonardite humic acid and Organosolv lignin enabled evaluation of equilibrium and nonequilibrium sorption behavior in glassy and rubbery NOM. Specific differences in vapor phase equilibrium behavior in NOM above and below their T(g) were identified. In the glassy state (below T(g)), sorption of TCE is well-described by micropore models, with enthalpies of sorption characteristic of microporous, glassy macromolecules. Above T(g), sorptive behavior was well-described by Flory-Huggins theory, indicating that the mobility and structural configuration of rubbery NOM materials may be analogous to the characteristic sorption behavior observed in more mobile, rubbery macromolecules, including strong entropic changes during sorption. Results from this work provide further support that, at least for the samples employed in this study, NOM possesses macromolecular characteristics which display sorption behavior similar to synthetic macromolecules-an important assumption in conceptual sorption equilibrium models used in the analysis of the fate and transport of VOCs in the environment.     

Composite InGaN/GaN/InAlN heterostructures emitting in the yellow-red spectral region

The results of studies of the properties of composite InGaN/GaN/InAlN heterostructures are reported. It is shown that, in the InAlN layer, there is substantial phase separation that brings about the formation of three-dimensional islands consisting of AlN-InAlN-AlN regions. The dimensions of these islands depend on the thickness of the InAlN layer and the conditions of epitaxial growth. Interruptions in the growth of InAlN provide a means for influencing the structural properties of the InAlN islands. The use of composite InGaN/GaN/InAlN heterostructures, in which the InGaN layer with a high In content serves as the active region in light-emitting diode structures, makes it possible to achieve emission in the yellow-red wavelength range 560?C620 nm.     

Solvothermal Synthesis of Acmite Conversion Coatings on Steel

Acmite (NaFeSi₂O₆) films were formed on steel coupons via solvothermal reaction of silica, sodium hydroxide, and 1, 4‐butanediol in an autoclave under autogenous pressure. Systematic variation in processing variables led to homogenous coatings comprised of pinacoidal acmite grains with an average grain size of ~33 μm. The coatings were produced on the steel coupons from reactant conditions of 0.635 m SiO₂, 2.546 m NaOH, and 3.087 m 1,4‐butanediol for 72 h at 240°C.     

Modeling Sintering of Multilayers Under Influence of Gravity

There is a tendency for multiple functional ceramic layers used in various applications to have increasing surface areas and decreasing thicknesses. Sintering samples with such geometry is challenging, as differential shrinkage of the layers causes undesired distortions. In this work, a model, which describes the combined effect of sintering and gravity of thin multilayers, is derived and later compared with experimental results. It allows for consideration of both uniaxial and biaxial stress states. The model is based on the Skorohod‐Olevsky viscous sintering framework, the classical laminate theory and the elastic‐viscoelastic correspondence principle. The modeling approach is then applied to illustrate the effect of gravity during sintering of thin layers of cerium gadolinium oxide (CGO), and it is found to be significant.     

A computerized system for investigating friction processes in synovial joints

The work describes the set-up and operation of a computerized pendulum tribometer for investigating the tribological characteristics of synovial joints. The validity of the system is established for studies of friction in the cartilage-cartilage interface when the partitioned joint contains lubricating media of various (artificial or natural) origins.