Simulation of magnetic reconnection in 3D geometry

The mathematical model of magnetic reconnection in the vicinity of critical points is discussed in the frame of 3D magneto-hydrodynamics. A mixed problem for an initial magnetic configuration without external currents was formulated and solved numerically. The evolution of a magnetic field in the vicinity of the null point and null line for the case of the forced magnetic reconnection mode is considered. Results of computational experiments concerning the formation of complex self-organizing nonlinear structures are presented.     

Ability of lymphokine-activated killer cells to lyse mycobacteria-infected cells

In cats and monkeys, we examined the parasympathetic component of the oculomotor complex, which directly innervates the ciliary muscle, using horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Labeled neurons of varying form and size were found in the Edinger-Westphal(EW) and the Perlia nuclei of the cat and in the anteromedian, EW, and Perlia nuclei of the monkey. Our study confirmed that a direct parasympathetic pathway exists from the midbrain to the ciliary muscles, and that accommodation is controlled in part by this direct link from the midsagittal region via a parasympathetic neuron of the oculomotor nuclear complex.     

Explosive plasma-vortex source of optical emission

The dynamics of large-scale vortex structure development in atmospheric air in explosive generators of pulsed plasma jets and the optical emission from these jets have been studied. It is established that plasma-vortex formations with long life, large emitting surface, and a total optical radiation yield reaching several percents of the chemical energy stored in the explosive compound can be obtained. The plasma-vortex optical emission pulse contains components on micro-and millisecond time scales.     

Radiolysis of ammonia in the first-loop coolant of reactors in floating power-generating units

Experimental data on the kinetics of the radiolysis of ammonia in the water coolant of the first loop of real reactors used in floating power-generating units are presented. Empirical equitions governing the kinetics of the decomposition of ammonia in the first loop of these plants and the dependence of the stationary ammonia concentration on the hydrogen content are obtained. An equation is derived for the material balance of radiolysis in a vessel with no free volume of the ammonia solution, initially containing dissolved nitrogen. It is shown that the water-chemical regime of the first-loop coolant in reactors in floating power-generating units is self-regulating. 2 figures, 2 tables, 6 references. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 88, No. 5, pp. 353–358, May, 2000.     

Routine portable chest radiographs in the medical intensive care unit: effects and costs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects and net costs of routine chest radiographs in a medical intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: A prospective, cohort study. A survey of experts in critical care and pulmonary diseases was undertaken to assess the effect of routine radiographs on patient management. SETTING: Medical ICU of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty randomly selected patients admitted to a medical ICU. Two hundred fourteen experts were surveyed; 118 (55%)/214 responded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Daily interviews with medical ICU clinicians were conducted to assess the radiographic findings in the routine radiographs and actions taken based on these findings. Experts evaluated the findings, their importance, the actions taken, and the probability of complications if the actions had not been taken at that time. Experts also predicted increases in length of stay associated with these complications. Presence of radiographic findings, changes in management because of the findings, net costs of routine chest radiographs, cost per finding that prompted an action, and expected changes in length of stay resulting from the actions were also assessed. Seventy-two (33%) of 221 routine radiographs (95% confidence interval: 25% to 39%) had findings, of which 44 (61%) were judged important, and 18 (8%, 95% confidence interval: 5% to 12%) prompted actions. Experts predicted that each action averted, on average, 2.1 +/- 1.7 days (SD) in the medical ICU. Mean savings per routine radiograph was $98. Net savings from routine chest radiographs remained after sensitivity analysis for expected change in length of stay, percentage of patients with routine radiographs, and percentage of routine radiographs that produce changes in management. CONCLUSION: The policy of obtaining routine chest radiographs in the medical ICU is effective and results in net savings.     

Development of enzyme biosensor based on trypsin and conductometric thin-film electrodes for protein and artificial substrates determination

ULTRA was established on the 1st April 1990, to consider applications made by registered medical practitioners seeking approval to transplant an organ between 2 living unrelated persons in the United Kingdom.     

Influence of the quality of clinkering coal on coke strength

The dependence of the postreactive strength (CSR) and reactivity (CRI) of coke on the quality of the clinkering coals in the batch is considered. Optimal batch quality ensures maximum CSR.     

An Analysis of the Heat Flux Density under Conditions of Boiling Internal Phase of Emulsion

The results are given of a theoretical investigation of heat transfer to emulsions in which the internal phase is low-boiling compared with the dispersion medium. It is found that the density of heat flux qto an emulsion from a cooled surface depends considerably both on the mean size of droplets and on their distribution over their volumes. For low temperature gradients, the observed density of qis the higher, the larger the medium and maximum volumes of droplets of the internal phase of the emulsion.     

Heat-resistant plasma coatings for metallurgical equipment

Increasingly stringent requirements on the durability and reliability of machines and mechanisms are making it necessary to develop new heat-resistant alloys that can be used for the surface alloying of metallurgical equipment parts. Either new structural steels or heat-resistant alloys that contain iron can satisfy this need. Experimental results have been used to propose an optimum composition of a heatresistant plasma coating based on iron-chromium aluminide Fe-23Cr-15Al-1Y. Use of this material makes it possible to obtain coatings having characteristics better than those of existing coatings. __________ Translated from Metallurg, No. 5, pp. 44–45, May, 2007.