We analyzed the C-V curves of CdхHg1-хTe-based (x ∼ 0.22) MIS structures with Al2O3 as an insulator. Alumina films were deposited on p and n type CdхHg1-хTe by atomic layer deposition. C-V curve specific features at high and low frequencies were found to be a result of the semiconductor-dielectric interface surface state influence. The surface state density was derived from the fitting experimental C-V curves at high and low frequencies with the theoretical model. The calculated curves were obtained by solving Poisson and continuity equations within the drift-diffusion model. The charge exchange between the surface states and permitted bands was supposed to be conducted using the Shockley-Read-Hall mechanism.

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T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by a persistent increase in the number of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), neutropenia, and splenomegaly. Clinical manifestations of T-LGLL in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often identical to those in which one would suspect Felty's syndrome (FS). These disorders are distinguished by the presence of T-cell clonality, which is present in T-LGLL but not in FS. Mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and 5b (STAT5b) genes can be used as molecular markers of T-LGLL, but their prevalence in FS is unknown.Eighty-one patients with RA and unexplained neutropenia or/and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were stratified into RA-associated T-LGLL (N = 56) or FS (N = 25) groups based on the presence or absence of T-cell clonality. STAT3 and STAT5b gene mutations were assessed in each group by means of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. Clinical, immunological, laboratory data and the results of immunophenotyping of blood and bone marrow lymphocytes were also evaluated.Mutations of the STAT3 gene and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were detected in RA-associated T-LGLL, but not in FS (39% vs 0% and 21% vs 0%, respectively). Mutations in the STAT5b gene were not observed in either group. Expression of CD57, CD16, and CD5−/dim on CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes was observed in both RA-associated T-LGLL and FS.STAT3 gene mutations or LGL counts over 2 × 109/L in RA patients are indicative of T-LGLL.

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Aim: to propose diagnostic algorithm of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Materials and methods. One center retrospective research. 52 pts with IgG4-RD were included. The diagnosis was proved histologically and immunohistochemically. 48 out of 52 pts received treatment. Treatment included one of the following schemes (along with low oral glucocorticoids): rituximab monotherapy, cyclophosphamide monotherapy or their combination. Results. The mean age was 47.4±5.9 years, the mean age of the disease onset was 43.9±16.0 years. Median time before the diagnosis was 24 months. The most often sites of IgG4-RD were lacrimal (63.5%), salivary (46.2%) glands, lungs (48%), lymph nodes (34.6%) and retroperitoneum (17.3%). In clinical picture the leading complain was organ enlargement, but not its dysfunction. Pain was characteristic for retroperitoneum localization. In 56.8% of pts with IgG4-related syalo - and/or dacryoadenitis there was association with ear - nose - throat organs affection. In 4 pts (7.7%) IgG4-RD was combined with some malignant disease, including MALT-lymphoma of lacrimal glands. Irreversible organ damage as an IgG4-RD outcome had 15.4% of pts. The main laboratory markers of IgG4-RD were ESR elevation (38.5%), blood eosinophilia (9.6%), immunological disturbances (serum total IgG and IgG4 elevation, IgE elevation, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor detection, hypocomplementemia). Serum IgG4 level >1.35 g/l was elevated in 88% of pts and correlated with the number of affected organs (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.39, Student’s test, р=0.0056). Monoclonal serum secretion and B-cell clonality in the tissue was detected in 4 (23.5%) out of 17 pts, but not all of them had both signs. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of clinical and laboratory characteristics of IgG4-RD a diagnostic algorithm was proposed that enhances the detection and examination of the patients with suspected IgG4-RD.

Increase of the part of graphitized cathode blocks used in the modern assemblies for production of primary aluminium via electrolytic method is recognized as the main direction of development of this technology. These blocks have a row of indisputable advantages, first of all low electric resistance and high level of electric conductivity. Increased abrasive hearth wear by alumina precipitants during melt motion seems to be the most important problem in operation of such blocks. This wear leads to decrease of service life of an electrolyzer and to increase of cost of manufactured metal. The leading global producers conduct complex works directed on quality improvement of graphitized blocks. These works include a row of scientific directions: rational selection of raw materials, selection of optimal parameters of the technological process, different variants of impregnations etc. Most of researchers agree that rise of density leads to lowering of abrasive wear, and that this effect can be achieved via different ways (first of all by pitch impregnation). Several technical solutions (e.g. creation of variable electric resistance along block length, with lower value close to edges, in the areas with increased wear) have peen confirmed via production testing and are used now successfully at a row of metallurgical works. In Russia graphitized blocks are not used practically. The project of Boguchansky aluminium works (planned to be put into operation in 2016) uses the blocks manufactured on the base of electrocalcinated anthracite with addition of 30 % graphite. Despite of the power engineering potential of Siberian region, such approach is inexpedient, taking into account the fact that high power expenses caused closure of a row of aluminium works in the European part of Russia. Accumulated global experience can be the base for development of science-intensive solutions in the Russian electrode industry and their consequent putting into operation, what in its turn will allow to achieve correspondence between quality of manufactured commercial products and requirements of customers.

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