Extracellular Vesicles and Asthma—More Than Just a Co-Existence

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures, which are secreted by almost every cell type analyzed so far. In addition to their importance for cell-cell communication under physiological conditions, EVs are also released during pathogenesis and mechanistically contribute to this process. Here we summarize their functional relevance in asthma, one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases. Asthma is a complex persistent inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and, from a long-term perspective, airway remodeling. Overall, mechanistic studies summarized here indicate the importance of different subtypes of EVs and their variable cargoes in the functioning of the pathways underlying asthma, and show some interesting potential for the development of future therapeutic interventions. Association studies in turn demonstrate a good diagnostic potential of EVs in asthma.     

On the role of vacancies in the process of self-diffusion at low temperatures

Expressions for the calculation of the parameters of self-diffusion in a crystal of simple substance at temperatures close to absolute zero are derived. It is established that, in “loose” crystal structures (with the first coordination number below 12), the amount of atoms involved in diffusion motion exceeds the number of vacant sites in the crystal lattice at T=0 K. The results of calculations of the vacancy and diffusion parameters at T=0 K for ten cryocrystals show that the phenomenon of “nonvacancy self-diffusion at T=0 K” can take place only in bcc helium.     

On the change in the modulus of elasticity with a decrease in the size of a nanocrystal

A model of nanocrystal in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with a variable surface shape is used to show that, at high temperatures, modulus of elasticity B decreases with a decrease in size of the nanocrystal N, which is due to the increase in the surface pressure. However, at low temperatures, dependence B(N) is less pronounced and can even rise with a decrease in the nanocrystal size. This is because, at low temperatures, the increase in the surface pressure (which is larger than at high temperatures) leads to an increase in the modulus of elasticity for the entire nanocrystal. The more the nanocrystal shape deviates from the most energetically stable shape, the more pronounced the change in the dependence B(N) is.     

Thermodynamically Consistent Calculation of the Debye Temperature Using Thermophysical Data

Equations are obtained which must be satisfied by the temperature dependence of the Debye temperature ((T)) so that the thermodynamic functions calculated on its basis would satisfy both the third principle of thermodynamics and the law of equipartition of energy over degrees of freedom. A general expression for the function (T) is obtained, which satisfies these thermodynamic regularities.     

Binary covalent crystals of group IVa elements: Interatomic interaction and properties

Correlations of potential parameters with the atomic weight are used to determine parameters of the interatomic interaction potential for sphalerite-structured AB binary crystals composed of group IVa elements. It is shown that the parameters for elastic (reversible) deformation differ from those for plastic (irreversible) deformation capable of breaking covalent bonds. A calculational procedure is proposed for evaluating the properties of a sphalerite-structured binary crystal consisting of atoms A and B in which the crystal is represented as a diamond-like crystal composed of identical atoms with a mass equal to the harmonic mean of the masses of atoms A and B. The calculated properties of β-SiC and GeSi agree well with earlier estimates. Predictions of properties are presented for other binary crystals of the group IVa elements whose properties have not been reported in the literature.     

Thermoelectric and photoelectric properties of the p-n CuInSe2/CdS heterostructures obtained by the quasi-equilibrium deposition method

Through deposition of CuInSe₂ films on CdS substrates in a quasi-closed-circuit “hot-wall” reactor, p-n CuInSe₂/CdS heterostructures were obtained. The thermoelectric power, current-voltage characteristics, and photosensitivity spectra of the structures were investigated.     

Coal resources at OOO Metinvest Holding and their optimal coking at PAO AKKhZ

The coal resources at OOO Metinvest Holding are considered, in a climate of increase requirements on coke quality and self-reliance. The parameters of high-quality coke are outlined, and the corresponding requirements on the coal batch employed are discussed. Recommendations regarding coal preparation and coking technology are developed, so as to obtain high-quality coke. At PAO Avdeevsk Koksokhimicheskii Zavod (AKKhZ), industrial trials are undertaken to obtain high-quality coke. The trials confirm that such coke may be produced on the basis of the recommendations. Data regarding coke quality in shops 2–4 at PAO AKKhZ are presented for the first eight months of 2013.     

Epitaxial ZnO films grown by RF-assisted low-temperature CVD method

A low-temperature modification of the Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth with the RF-discharge plasma generated in CVD reactor during the growth process has been reported. This method allows us to significantly increase the effective pressure of atomic oxygen during the deposition, and to shift the stoichiometry of the growing film to oxygen excess. With RF activation we could lower the substrate temperature by more than 200°C, down to 420°C. The obtained zinc oxide/α-sapphire films feature high crystallinity, perfect surface morphology and good electrical and optical properties at the expense of both the decrease in the width of the transition layer and amount of the uncontrolled impurities.