Changes In Cell Parameters Research Articles

Improve Efficiency Solar Cells Using PID Controller

The photovoltaic cell (PV) converts the solar radiation into electric energy and the current coming out of the photovoltaic cell is of the direct current type. The external power of the PV system depends on solar radiation (G) and cell temperature (T). The method of using photovoltaic cells (PV) is efficiently known by the method of tracking the maximum power points (MPPT) using the PID console. This paper introduces MPPT controllers and is a traditional Relative Integration derivative (PID). The work to simulation and modeling to PV cell by MATLAB program. The results show the relationship of curve IV and V-P of the PV panel, as is the case with changes in cell parameters and environmental parameters (radiation and temperature). Optimize PV results for maximum power and maximum voltage using the PID controller used. According to the results, observe the best PID control if compared with other MPPT algorithms.

Spectrum of red blood cell parameters in chronic kidney disease in a tertiary care centre

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an emerging public health problem worldwide. The increasing cost of healthcare, particularly in developing nations like India, is a social and economic burden. Slow but progressive deterioration in kidney function leads to numerous hematological and biochemical changes. The aim of the present study is to study various changes in red cell parameters that occur in the CKD patients. Materials and Method: 50 patients with CKD were included in this study. Age, gender, RBC count; hemoglobin (Hb); hematocrit; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); MCH concentration (MCHC); and peripheral smears were studied. Results were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 version. Results: Of the 50 CKD patients on maintenance HD, the most common group sampled were male patients (72%) with the mean age of 54 (±15) years. The study revealed that Hemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cells (RBC) were low in CKD patients. The most common type of anemia was normocytic normochromic anemia, followed by dimorphic anemia. Fragmented RBCs and Spherocytes were 42% and 32% respectively. Conclusion: CKD is associated with different degrees of abnormality in hematological parameters that needs careful evaluation and management. From the CBC and peripheral smear findings the type of anemia, the degree of hemolysis can be analysed and the patients can be evaluated for the underlying cause and treated appropriately. The present study might help clinicians understand haematological profile and take necessary steps in the management.

Data-Driven Fault Diagnosis in Battery Systems Through Cross-Cell Monitoring

Fault diagnosis is a central task of Battery Management Systems (BMS) of electric vehicle batteries. The effective implementation of fault diagnosis in the BMS can prevent costly and catastrophic consequences such as thermal runaway of battery cells. As fire incidents of electric vehicles show, the early detection of faults in the latent phase before a thermal runaway is still a problem. The goal is therefore to develop methods with high sensitivity and robustness that detect abnormalities in the battery system even under dynamic load profiles and sensor noise. This work presents a novel data-driven approach to fault diagnosis based on a comparison of single cell voltages. Faults are detected and localized by a statistical evaluation based on a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data. To increase the sensitivity and robustness of the Cross-Cell Monitoring (CCM) method, an outlier robust sample studentization and a new method for selecting the number of principle components is proposed. The CCM data model is recursively updated, to handle non-stationarities caused by cell parameter changes. An application to the data of a large battery system consisting of 432 Lithium-ion cells shows the fault detection and isolation capability. The ability to learn and generalize is shown by an artificial parameter change and cross-validation.

The effect of methionine and folic acid administered in ovo on the hematological parameters of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Methionine (Met), an essential amino acid in poultry diets, when overdosed may cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which is mainly a trigger for cardiovascular diseases in humans. Homocysteine is neutralized (remethylated) in the presence of folic acid (FA), which also plays an important role in hematopoiesis and participates in the synthesis of DNA, and its deficiencies may result in the development of neural tube defects. One of the basic tools in studying the impact of both xenobiotics and nutrients on the animal organism is hematological analysis. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of in ovo supplementation with Met and FA on the hematological parameters of broiler chickens. On the 17th day of incubation, embryonated eggs (Ross 308) were injected with 5 or 25 mg of Met per egg (M5 and M25), 3 and 15 mg of FA per egg (F3 and F15), or a mixture of these 2 compounds (M5/F3 and M25/F15). The broilers were reared in accordance with welfare regulations and fed with commercial diets ad libitum. Blood samples were collected on the first, seventh, and 35th day of rearing (D1, D7, and D35), and complete hematological analysis was performed. The observed changes in red blood cell parameters probably result from physiological changes occurring during bird growth. Mean erythrocyte volume decreased with the age of chickens in the control, M5, and M25 groups, but not in those supplied with FA. Among supplemented groups, the number of white blood cells on D1 was lower only in group M5 than in the sham (C) group. The analysis of leukograms showed no significant differences between the groups. Comparing D1 with D7 in the group injected with a higher dose of Met and FA (MF25/15), a statistically significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes and a significant decrease in the percentage of heterophils were observed. In addition, in the group injected with a higher FA dose (F15), there was statistically significant reduction in the percentage of eosinophils and a significant increase in the percentage of monocytes at day 7 compared with day 1. It seems that Met supplementation led to temporary immunosuppression in the animals.

Microstructure and Properties of Lead-Free Perovskite Ceramics on the Base of KNN Perovskite

The influence of LiSbO3 on the structure, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and local piezoelectric properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 ceramics has been studied. Changes in unit cell parameters correlated with ionic radii changes and high effective local d33 piezoelectric coefficient values were observed depending on solid solutions compositions.

Embedded Ocv Based Model for State of Health Monitoring in a BMS

Lithium ion batteries degrades with time. Battery diagnostics links observable changes in cell parameters to changes that have occurred inside the cell. More accurate diagnosis means a better insight into these internal changes which can aid in predicting failure modes, remaining life, aide in optimising future use.In the case of electric vehicles, an on-board battery management system (BMS) could implement these diagnostic techniques to give real time information on the internal state of the pack. It can then dynamically adjust parameters such as state of charge (SOC) window, maximum power and maximum allowable temperature to optimise performance and pack longevity.Models capable of predicting Li-ion battery health with higher accuracy are highly advanced, and computationally exhaustive requiring complex physics-based models or equivalent circuit models (ECM) that require exhaustive parameter fitting. Other techniques require measurements or hardware which are not available in typical applications and so are only suited to lab-based diagnostics.Current diagnostic techniques are not suitable for in-situ applications; either the BMS does not have the computational capacity to run the models, or the measurements required are not available outside a laboratory environment. In this work, we propose an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) based model that predicts the degradation of a cell accurately without needing extensive computational capacity.This model has been embedded in a microcontroller with limited computing power which could form part of the BMS system that better predicts the state of health of the cell. The model uses the open circuit potentials of each electrode and fits them to the full cell voltage in order to identify the degradation modes. Typical modes include Loss of Lithium (LLI) and Loss of Active Material from either electrode (LAM).The model does not require the solving of concurrent complex equations or the fitting of extensive parameters to an equivalent circuit whilst still being able to provide accurate insight into the cell’s internal changes.Results from this work demonstrate the usefulness of such a system in electric vehicle and paves the way for implementation of smarter BMS in electric vehicles by manufacturers. This unlocks the potential to predict and increase the longevity of a battery pack whilst still providing optimal performance to the vehicle.

Structure and Behavior of the Ni End-Member Schreibersite Ni3P under Compression to 50 GPa

To better understand the potential presence of light element alloys of Fe and Ni in the Earth’s interior, the crystal structure and compressional behavior of the Ni-P binary compound, schreibersite (Ni3P), have been investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments. Both powder and two single-crystal samples of synthetic Ni3P (in different orientations with respect to the loading axis of the diamond anvil cell) were compressed up to approximately 50 GPa at ambient temperature. The compressional data obtained for Ni3P were fitted with a 3rd order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state. All data indicated that the c/a ratio of unit cell parameters remained approximately constant up to about 30 GPa but then increased progressively with pressure, exhibiting a second slight discontinuity at approximately 40 GPa. The changes in unit cell parameters at ~30 GPa and ~40 GPa suggested discontinuous changes in magnetic ordering. Moreover, the threshold of these subtle discontinuities is sensitive to the stress state and orientation of the crystal in the diamond anvil cell. This study is the first report on the compressional behavior of both powder and single-crystal schreibersite at high-pressure (up to 50 GPa). It offers insights into the effects of Ni3P components on the compressional behavior of the Earth’s core.

Complex Salts Containing [Pd(NH3)4]2+ Cations and $$\text{WO}_4^{2-}$$ and $$\text{W}_7\text{O}_{24}^{6-}$$ Anions: The Precursors of Pd–W Metal Alloys

Two crystal structures containing [Pd(NH3)4]2+ cations and $$\text{WO}_4^{2-}$$ and $$\text{W}_7\text{O}_{24}^{6-}$$ anions are studied. For the [Pd(NH3)4]WO4 structure at 150 K the following crystallographic data are obtained: a = 7.4626(3) A, c = 15.5718(8) A, space group I41/amd, V = 867.20 A3, Z = 4. With increasing temperature to 400 K, the unit cell parameters change in different directions: a increases by 0.032 A, c decreases by 0.036 A. The total increase in the unit cell volume is 5 A3. In a range of 150 K to 400 K, the observed W-O distances decrease by 0.019 A from 1.778(18) A to 1.759(3) A. For the [Pd(NH3)4]3W7O24·4.4H2O structure at 298 K the crystallographic data are as follows: a = 8.3409(2) A, b = 22.2654(6) A, c = 10.5450(3) A, β = 104.449(1)°, space group P21/m, V = 1896.41 A3, Z = 2. In the heptatungstate anion the shortest are the W—O distances with the terminal O atoms (1.731–1.745 A). The distances to the bridging O atoms connecting two W atoms are 1.930–2.406 A; those connecting three W atoms are 1.882–2.234 A, and those connecting four W atoms are 2.192–2.220 A. It is shown that the [Pd(NH3)4]3W7O24·4.4H2O structure has a pseudohexagonal motif in the a direction. The thermal decomposition of the salts is performed in the presence of LiH in the He atmosphere at 1273 K. The ex situ powder X-ray diffraction study reveals the formation of Pd–W alloys.

Radioligand therapy using [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC: a pre-VISION single-center analysis

BackgroundRadioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is efficacious for the treatment of patients with metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Various studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 using a dose of 6.0 GBq and an 8-week therapy interval. However, the first prospective phase III trial (VISION) plans to use an elevated cumulative dose by applying 7.5 GBq in a 6-week interval. The aim of the present study was to compare safety and efficacy of the two aforementioned [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy regimes (7.5 GBq every 6 weeks vs. 6.0 GBq every 8 weeks).MethodsA total number of 78 consecutive patients with mCRPC and a history of first-line chemotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. The outcome of patients treated with 6.0 GBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 per cycle (n = 37) were compared with those treated with 7.5 GBq (n = 41) per cycle. The median therapy intervals were 8.4 weeks (6.0 GBq group) vs. 6.5 (7.5 GBq group). PSA response, PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), overall survival, and adverse events were evaluated and compared between both groups. Chi-squared test, Kaplan Meier estimates, Cox regression, and log-rank test were used. The highest decline from pretherapeutic PSA levels was measured as percentage (best PSA response) and compared between groups by Wilcoxon test.ResultsThere was no significant difference comparing the rate of > 50% PSA decline or best PSA response between the 6.0 GBq and 7.5 GBq group (35% vs. 54%, p = 0.065; and − 40.2% vs. − 57.8%, p = 0.329). The median estimated survival and PSA-PFS did not significantly differ between the 6.0 GBq and 7.5 GBq groups as well (11.3 vs. 12.7 months, p = 0.384; and 9.5 vs. 12.3 months, p = 0.258). There was no significant difference regarding the change of kidney, liver, and blood cell parameters under therapy between the treatment groups.ConclusionHigher cumulated doses of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 were well tolerated and caused no significantly increased rate of adverse reactions. Moreover, 7.5 GBq of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 every 6 weeks causes slightly higher, though not statistically significant, response rates and seems therefore to be the preferable treatment regime. However, future studies are needed to elucidate the dose-related efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 as a way to personalized medicine.

Luminescence properties of PbF2:Nd3+,Er3+, Yb3+Phosphors and it’s multi-wavelength sensitive bidirectional conversion mechanism

In this paper, PbF2:Nd3+, Er3+, Yb3+ bidirectional conversion phosphors were successfully prepared by high temperature solid-state method, and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), general structure analysis system structure refinement, photoluminescence spectra and lifetime analysis methods. X-ray diffraction and refinement results analyzed phase composition and changes in cell parameters. Intense characteristic emissions of the samples were observed when excited under ultraviolet (378 nm) and different infrared wavelengths (808 nm, 980 nm). Under 808 nm excitation, the PbF2:3mol%Nd3+, 1.5mol%Er3+, 13.5mol% Yb3+ phosphors reached the maximum emission intensity among all samples. In order to study the effect of the Nd3+ ion on the luminescence mechanism, the decay curves of the Er3+: 4S3/2 level at 550 nm under pulsed 808 nm and 980 nm excitation were analyzed. Finally, the down-conversion and up-conversion multi-wavelength sensitive luminescence mechanisms were discussed.

Temporal changes in circulatory blood cell parameters of sheep genetically different for faecal worm egg count and diarrhoea from late summer to spring in a Mediterranean environment

Differences in haematology traits were investigated in worm-resistant and worm-susceptible Merino sheep that were genetically prone or less prone to developing diarrhoea in a winter rainfall region. The experiment was a 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 design. Male and female sheep aged 8–9 months old identified as having high (H) or low (L) breeding values for dags (breech soiling) and for worm egg counts (WEC) were allocated to one of four genetic groups: HH, HL, LH and LL (the first letter refers to dags and the second to WEC). The animals were sampled five times from autumn through winter to spring, in March, May, June (ewes only), July (rams only), August and in September after exposure to a natural paddock infection dominated by Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Chabertia and Oesophagostomum. Measurements were packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, differential white cell counts, WEC and faecal consistency score. At all sampling times, there were large (P < 0.01) differences between groups within sex for both the faecal consistency score and WEC. The genetic effect for WEC was large (P < 0.01), as worm-susceptible sheep shed 10- (ewes) and 6-fold (rams) as many worm eggs at their WEC peak as the worm-resistant sheep at the end of the experiment. In the high-dag groups, the faecal consistency score was ~0.5 units higher for rams and 0.4 units higher for ewes, throughout the experiment. The optimum time to measure dags and WEC in this environment appears to be 6–8 weeks after the start of the winter rain. No differences were found among any of the treatment groups for any haematology trait. The haematogram changed significantly throughout the experiment, but genetic selection for low-dag score (reduced diarrhoea) or low WEC did not provide an acceptable discriminator in circulatory haematology traits between these genetically distinct groups of Merino sheep. It was concluded that circulatory haematology traits do not offer opportunities to select against diarrhoea or increased worm resistance in sheep.

The TbNiIn1-xMx (M = Al, Ge, Sb) systems

Interaction of the components in TbNiIn 1- x Al x , TbNiIn 1- x Ge x and TbNiIn 1- x Sb x systems at 873 K was investigated by means of X-ray phase and partially local analysis in full concentration range. The samples for the investigation were synthesized by arc-melting purity metals with subsequent annealing at 873 K for a month. Phase analysis was carried out by X-ray powder diffraction (DRON-2.0M, Fe K α-radiation, PANalytical X’Pert Pro, Cu K a- radiation, Guinier FR552, Cu K a-radiation). The EDX analysis of the samples and single crystal was carried out by REMMA-102-02 and Zeiss EVO MA10. The influence of Indium substitution by other p -element on the nature of interaction and solubility type was determined. Solubility ranges for solid solutions were found and changes of unit cell parameters were calculated: TbNiIn 1-0 Al 0-1 (ZrNiAl-type structure, space group P - 62 m , a = 0.7449–0.6997(2), c = 0.378–0.3889(1) nm); TbNiIn 1-0 . 6 Ge 0-0 . 4 (ZrNiAl-type structure, space group P - 62 m , а = 0.7449–0.74348(6), с = 0.378–0.38063(4) nm); TbNiGe 1-0 . 5 In 0-0 . 5 (TiNiSi-type structure, space group Pnma , а = 0.69499–0.69598(7), b = 0.42306–0.42475(4), с = 0.72813–0.72996(7) nm); TbNiSb 1 . 0-0 . 6 In 0-0 . 4 (MgAgAs-type structure, space group F -43 m , a = 0.62662(2)–0.62011(5) nm). The crystal structures of the TbNiIn 0 . 28 Al 0 . 72 compound were investigated by single crystal X-ray analysis (Stoe IPDS II diffractometer, Mo K α-radiation). The refined compositions are confirmed by the results of the EDX analysis (Zeiss EVO MA10 scanning electron microscope). The structures were solved and refined using JANA2006 package: ZrNiAl-type structure, space group P - 62 m, Pearson symbol hP 9, a = 0.71452(6), c = 0.38394(3) nm, R 1 = 0.0152, 307 F 2 values, 15 variables). The formation of solid solutions and the character of the unit cell parameters variation in the studied and related systems briefly discussed. Keywords: indium, solid solution, powder data, single crystal, crystal structure.

PHASE EQUILIBRIA IN THE Cu2Se – Ga2Se3 – In2Se3 QUASI-TERNARY SYSTEM

Isothermal section of the quasi-ternary system Cu2Se – Ga2Se3 – In2Se3 at 820 K has been built according to the X-ray analysis results of 100 samples. The system is characterized by the formation of the region of α-solid solutions with the chalcopyrite structure, S.G. I-42d. δ'-Solid solutions based on CuIn3Se5 and δ-solid solutions based on CuGa3Se5 are formed at 820 K. The first one have tetragonal structure and crystallize in S.G. I-42m with changing of the cell parameters from a = 0.57540(1) nm, c = 1.1520(2) nm for CuIn3Se5 to a = 0.56207(9) nm, c = 1.1286(6) nm for the composition 48 mol.% CuIn3Se5 – 52 mol.% CuGa3Se5. δ-Solid solutions crystallize in tetragonal system, S.G. I-42m. The cell parameters change from a = 0.55092(3) nm, c = 1.0973(2) nm for CuGa3Se5 to a = 0.56040(7) nm, c = 1.1179(9) nm for the composition 28 mol.% CuIn3Se5 – 72 mol.% CuGa3Se5. The mechanism of the formation of solid solutions, namely the substitution In3+ « Ga3+, was established. In addition to these solid solutions, the system is characterized by the formation of ε-solid solutions based on HTM Ga2Se3 with cubic structure, S.G. F-43m. The unit cell parameters vary from a = 0.5430(2) nm for Ga2Se3 to a = 0.5512(3) nm for the sample 4 mol.% Cu2Se – 83 mol.% Ga2Se3 – 13 mol.% In2Se3. There are also γ2 and γ1 phases, which areas of existence extend into the quasiternary system till 1-2 mol.% and streach along the Ga2Se3 – In2Se3 system (γ1 – up to 10 mol.% In2Se3, γ2 – up to 30 mol.% In2Se3). There are small regions of homogeneity based on HTM Cu2Se, CuIn5Se8, CuIn7Se11, CuIn11Se17, 1-HTM In2Se3. These one-phase regions are separated by two- and three-phase equilibria.The liquidus surface projection has been built based on the results of investigations of the quasi-binary CuInSe2 – Ga2In8Se15 system and 6 polythermal sections. The liquidus surface projection of the Cu2Se – Ga2Se3 – In2Se3 system consists of 11 fields of the primary crystallization: μ-solid solutions based on HTM-Cu2Se, Cu3InSe3 compound, α-solid solutions with the chalcopyrite structure, β-solid solutions based on HTM-CuInSe2, quaternary high-temperature γ-phase formed in the Cu2Se – Ga2Se3 system, δ-solid solutions based on CuGa3Se5, ε-solid solutions based on HТМ-Ga2Se3, γ1-phase based on the Ga0.4In1.6Se3 composition, compounds CuIn5Se8 and CuIn11Se17, and 3-HТМ In2Se3. These fields are separated by 21 monovariant curves and 22 nonvariant points which lie on the corresponding planes of nonvariant four-phase processes. There is one quasibinary section CuInSe2 – Ga2In8Se15 (γ1) in the system. The compounds CuGaSe2, CuGa3Se5, CuIn5Se8, CuIn11Se17 have a peritectic type of formation. The CuIn3Se5, CuIn7Se11, Ga6In4Se15 compounds have a solid-phase type of formation, therefore, they do not have areas of primary crystallization on the liquidus surface projection.

Measuring Absolute Cell Volume Using Quantitative-Phase Digital Holographic Microscopy and a Low-Cost, Open-Source, and 3D-Printed Flow Chamber

Although cell volume is a critical cell parameter and acute changes of its regulation mechanisms can reveal pathophysiological states, its accurate measurement remains difficult. On the other hand, custom-made devices are now possible through the application of 3D printing that meet the needs of certain specific applications. Therefore, in this article we describe the development of a low-cost, open-source, and 3D-printed flow chamber optimized to perform non-invasive accurate measurements of important cell biophysical parameters. This measurement development includes the absolute cell volume, mean cell thickness, and whole-cell refractive index using quantitative-phase digital holographic microscopy. Specifically, this advancement makes it possible to develop a flow chamber that preserves cell viability while exhibiting a fast washout process for the two-liquid decoupling procedure - an experimental procedure allowing to separately measure the intracellular refractive index and cell thickness from the quantitative-phase signal - characterized by a homogeneous return of the extracellular refractive index over the entire imaging slit toward the known value of the last perfusion solution. Such a fast washout process has been extensively characterized by monitoring the time required to obtain a stabilization of the quantitative-phase signal following the perfusion of the two liquids. A more rapid quantitative-phase signal stabilization time results in fewer cell changes, including important cell position and shape modifications. These changes likely take place over the washout process time and ultimately result in important artefacts to all cell biophysical measurements. The proposed flow chamber has been used to perform measurements of the whole-cell refractive index, mean cell thickness, and absolute cell volume of three cell types in culture during resting state, and hypo-osmotic and hyper-osmotic challenges. For a typical cell body, these biophysical parameters are measured with a precision of 0.0006, 100 nm, and 50 µm3 respectively. Finally, the design files of the flow chamber will be shared with the scientific community through an open-source model.

Negative thermal expansion property of β-Cu2V2O7

β-Cu2V2O7 is prepared by using the solid-state method. We discuss that β-Cu2V2O7 exhibits large negative thermal expansion property over a wide temperature range and no phase change occurs. The coefficient of thermal expansion is −20.2 × 10−6 K−1 in temperature range of RT–673 K. The change of cell parameters is obtained from High-temperature XRD. Its phase, microstructure, thermal expansion property, and Raman spectra are analyzed in detail. The underlying mechanism of the negative thermal expansion of β-Cu2V2O7 involves the coupling effect of the tetrahedron caused by the lateral vibration of the bridge oxygen atom and tensile effect of the tetrahedron. The partial collapse caused by the loss of oxygen atoms is also crucial in this mechanism.

Deviations from Vegard's Law and Intense Raman Scattering in Low‐Doped Bi2Mo1−xWxO6 (x = 0–10%) Ceramics

Hume‐Rothery rules along with Vegard's law form the basis of systematic doping variation resulting into similar changes in unit cell parameters and volume. Many recent reports have highlighted positive–negative departure from Vegard's law in binary semiconducting systems and a few oxide alloys as well. The current work targets investigations on the missing response of bismuth molybdate on low tungsten doping onto molybdenum sites (Bi2Mo1−xWxO6). Bismuth molybdate and bismuth tungstate have been widely reported for lattice oxygen migration‐driven photocatalytic response and pressure‐sensitive Raman scattering. Octahedral tilting in low‐tungsten‐doped Bi2Mo0.94W0.06O6 carries an interesting lattice oxygen folding toward a–c plane. As a result, unit cell polarity increases drastically and becomes a source for intense Raman scattering phase that is normally observable at pressures around 8.3 GPa. An interesting departure from Vegard's law behavior at around 5–6% tungsten doping confirms nearly identical unit cell structure rather than mix unit cell‐based alloy formation.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRICAL FEATURES IN DUNALIELLA SALINA (CHLAMYDOMONADALES, DUNALIELLACEAE) DURING THE TWO-PHASE CULTIVATION MODE

The paper presents studies of morphological and morphometrical characteristics of green halophilic carotenogenic microalga Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teodoresco, 1905, from the south-west region of Crimean Peninsula. D. salina was cultivated in two-phase mode under conditions of natural illumination at the premises of A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS (IBSS), Sevastopol, Russia. The maximum D. salina cell density was 1.69·106 cell/ml in the “green” phase and 0.84·106 cell/ml in the “red” growth phase. The maximum productivity by cell number reached 0.15 ∙ 106 cell/(ml·day)in the “green” phase while it was lower by 73% in the “red” phase (0.04∙106 cell/(ml·day). Along with the maximum productivity, linear growth stage in the first phase was characterized by a maximum fraction of small (up to 500 μm3 in volume) cells (about 15-29%) and a decrease in cell volume by 40-45% as compared with initial value. The mean of D. salina cell volume in the “red” phase was 30% higher than in the “green” phase. At the same time, the large cell fraction in the “red” phase was consistently high (15-35%). The patterns of change in morphological and morphometrical cell parameters were in accordance to stage and conditions of growth. Thus, cell elongation was noted in the stage of linear growth, while under unfavorable conditions at growth-declining stage cells became more round-shaped, with orange and tile-red coloration and granulation of cell content. It was shown that morphological and morphometric cell parameters can serve as additional criteria for assessment of physiological condition in D. salina culture. The experiment demonstrated the prospects for two-stage D. salina cultivation in Crimea.

Photoluminescence of complete solid solutions α-Y1-xEuxB5O9 by sol-gel synthesis and thermal decomposition from Y1-xEux[B6O9(OH)3

Completed solid solutions of Y1-xEux[B6O9(OH)3] were prepared by boric acid flux method and the structure of Eu[B6O9(OH)3] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The successful cationic doping was supported by the linear change of unit cell parameters obtained by Le Bail fitting on powder XRD. Thermal treatments on Y1-xEux[B6O9(OH)3] will lead to the dehydration, re-crystallization into TD-α-Y1-xEuxB5O9, and decomposition to α-Y1-xEuxB3O6 eventually. For comparison, the sol-gel method was also applied to prepare SG-α-Y1-xEuxB5O9. Rietveld refinements on powder XRD was applied to obtain the crystallographic data for α-YB5O9. PL investigation indicated that the existence of hydroxyl groups weakened the Eu3+ charge transfer (CT) in Y1-xEux[B6O9(OH)3]. In α-Y1-xEuxB5O9, an intense CT absorption was detected and a bright right emission was observed. Moreover, both series of phosphors exhibited a right shift of CT maximum wavelength due to the expansion of unit cell and the delayed concentration at x = 0.6.

An Adiabatic Calorimetry Method to Determine the Thermodynamic Characteristics of Cryoprotectants

Abstract—The efficiency of cryoprotectants used to protect cells from damage is usually evaluated by the changes in vital cell parameters after a freezing–thawing cycle. Certain physical parameters, such as the glass transition temperature, viscosity, toxicity, and the minimum concentration necessary for vitrification, are known for several components of cryoprotectants. However, it is impossible to provide physicochemical characteristics for a medium that contains both penetrating and nonpenetrating cryoprotective agents. An adiabatic calorimetry method adapted to studying liquid media was used to describe the temperature dependence of the heat capacity and to find the temperatures of the phase transition and changes in the state of aggregation for a glycerol-containing solution, which is commonly used as a basic component of cryoprotectants, and for a commercial cryoprotectant. Changes in entropy and enthalpy in the commercial cryoprotectant were 1.5 times higher than in aqueous solutions of glycerol.

A dialogue with the cell: diagnostic real-time technology based on laser interferometry

The paper presents a review of current techniques of the interference microscopy of living functioning cells that allow for assessment of the real-time changes of subcellular microstructures with 2D and 3D reconstructions of the images and multifactorial data analysis. It has been shown that new diagnostic information can be obtained within the research methodology of the so-called interactive dialogue with the cell to identify changes in the morphofunctional state of living cells through registration of their realtime response to environmental fluctuations. We describe physical basis of laser interferometry, problems and specifics of interpretation of cell phase pictures. As an illustration to the practical use of the technique in the clinic we present the results of studies on morphofunctional state of peripheral blood platelets in patients with oral malignancies (OM) and various stages of the tumor. Analysis of circulating platelets with a realtime technique of laser interferometry allowed for identification of compensated activation of the platelet compartment of hemostasis in these patients, as well as an association between the severity of cancer and changes of dimensional cell parameters (an increase of the mean diameter and area of circulating platelets by 23.4, 26.8 and 30.3%, and by 30.2, 32.5 and 38.1% in the patients with OM grades II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0,05 for all comparisons)). The necessary condition for a wider implementation of new diagnostic technologies is a critical evaluation of the efficacy of their use in routine practice, identification of their advantages, disadvantages and differences between current and proposed diagnostic platforms.