Dissimilar Metal Solution from Solid Alloys as Observed for Steels and Nickel‐Based Alloys in the Presence of Lead‐Based Liquid Alloys or Liquid Tin

The solution of elements from metallic alloys is analyzed, notably the initial stage characterized by solution in proportion to the alloy composition and subsequent selective leaching of alloying elements. For the latter stage of the process, characteristic features of the originating depletion zone are derived for different formation mechanisms. The results are compared with observations for steels and nickel-based alloys after exposure to lead-based liquid alloys or liquid tin, and, where possible, the prevailing mechanism is identified. Furthermore, the influence of dissolved oxygen and formation of intermetallic compounds are addressed.

Novel application of multitubular nozzle in through-feed centerless grinding process of bearing steel SAE 52100

Through-feed centerless grinding is a high-productivity machining process widely used for mass production of cylindrical parts and rotationally symmetrical parts in automotive and bearing industries. Grinding process is strictly related to large amount of heat generated in the cutting zone. This process characteristic makes pivotal and indispensable the effects of lubrication and cooling provided by metal working fluid (MWF). In this regard, this work aims to contribute to the study of MWF application in grinding process, analyzing the effects of the optimized technique developed for an eco-friendlier use of MWF by the application of a novel multitubular nozzle. The results obtained for the novel designed multitubular nozzle with compressed air outperformed the conventional nozzle system with lower oil volume employed.

Sergey Timofeyevich Konenkov’s Mythopoetics

The article deals with the features of mythopoetic models in S.T. Konenkov’s sculpture. Despite the fact that monographs, albums, dozens of articles are devoted to the maestro’s works and they are quite well studied, the nature of the mythologism of S.T. Konenkov’s artistic thinking has not been fully revealed. In the ideological context of Soviet art studies, which were based on the methodology of the “social history of art”, only the fact of the sculptor’s deep interest in archaic folk traditions was noted, while this topic can be considered as a natural manifestation of the myth-making process characteristic of the art of the 20th century as a whole. Using the example of S.T. Konenkov’s works, the article attempts to retrace the formation specifics of the “non-classical artistic language” of mythopoetics in the Russian land, which consisted in the fact that, unlike Western European artists who would immerse in the exotic world of archaic art of non-European origin (primarily Africa), Russian masters were fascinated by their home antiquity. When considering the mythological structures that served as the basis for the mythopoetic models of S.T. Konenkov’s sculptural projects, three basic groups can be conditionally distinguished: a direct appeal to ancient mythology, pagan Slavic reminiscences, and a mythological interpretation of a freshly created new world. It is thanks to myth-making that the characters of S.T. Konenkov’s sculptural compositions, despite all the heterogeneity of specific subjects, belong to the integrity of a single cosmos created by the mythopoetic consciousness of the maestro. At the same time, the common mythological foundations of the Russian sculpture development in that period determine the commonality of the mythopoetic models, characteristic not only of S.T. Konenkov’s works. In many ways, they are also quite clearly manifested in the works of S.D. Erzia, A.S. Golubkina, and others.

Elevation of CD40/CD40L Inflammatory Pathway Molecules in Carotid Plaques from Moderate-and-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

A chronic inflammatory process characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea promotes vascular endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. This process can lead to destabilization and rupture of cardiovascular plaques, which clinically manifests as an acute coronary syndrome or stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory pathway leading to plaque destabilization in non-to-mild and moderate-to-severe groups of OSA patients. This prospective study involved enrollment of patients scheduled for endarterectomy. A sleep study was performed prior to surgery. Immunohistochemistry was performed on atherosclerotic plaques from carotid arteries obtained during standard open endarterectomy to determine levels of CD40, CD40L receptors, MCP-1, and MMP-9. The 46 patients included 14 controls, 13 with mild, 11 with moderate, and 8 with severe OSA. Increased expression of CD40, CD40L receptors, MCP-1, and MMP-9 were found to be proportionate with OSA severity. However, significant differences among groups were observed only for MCP-1 (p = 0.014). Increased expression of inflammatory markers (CD40, CD40L, MCP-1, MMP-9) is associated with increasing OSA severity. This suggests the CD40-CD4-L inflammatory pathway may contribute to plaque instability and rupture in OSA patients.

Collecting as a form of demonstrative behavior

In the XXI century, under the effects of the globalization factors, mass consumerism culture and demonstrative consumption, there formed a new type of culturological way of thinking, which prompted new conceptual approaches towards the understanding of the collecting phenomenon. The basic function of collecting (preservation of the heritage of the past) is replaced by a demonstrative collecting, in which the value (both, material and spiritual) is substituted by the symbolic perception of demands of an individual, and the main motivating factor for the collector becomes consists in the desire of establish a certain level of prestige and effort to be a part of an elite social circle or demonstrate their individuality. These changes represent an objective and natural process, characteristic to the period of change in the paradigm of civilizational development, namely the transition from traditional industrial society towards a postindustrial one. This article gives detailed overview to the presented structural transformations of the forms of collecting, brought about by the development in cultural trends of consumer society.

Utilization of waste forest biomass: pelletization studies of torrefied sawmill wood chips

The paper presents the effects pelletization process of torrefied waste forest biomass – sawmill wastes. The sawmill waste are generated in significant quantities and has significant energy potential. The use of torrefaction and pelletization process enables to produce mechanically durable fuel pellets. Aim of the studies was to evaluate the effect of different kind of additives (binders) to torrefied waste forest biomass on pelletization process characteristic (production capacity, energy consumption) and properties of produced pellets (i.e. density, mechanical durability). The most effective binder among the tested was modified wheat starch. Pellets made with this addition were characterized by the highest mechanical strength.

Morphological and phylogenetic characterization of a novel Unicauda species, infecting the kidney of Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae) in Brazil

During a parasitological survey of Astyanax altiparanae captured in the Mogi Guaçú river, Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil, a new species of myxozoa was observed infecting the kidney of 30 of 42 specimens. Plasmodia of the new myxozoa, referred to herein as Unicauda whippsi n. sp. were spherical and varied from 450 to 1000 μm in length. The mature spore was elongated and measured 11 ± 1.2 (10–12) μm long by 5.4 ± 0.6 (4.7–7.2) μm wide. Polar capsules of unequal length with the filament coiled 7–9 times and a unique caudal process characteristic of the genus Unicauda, were recorded. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that U. whippsi n. sp. clustered with members of the genus Unicauda and Myxobolus, confirming it’s placement within the family Myxobolidae. This is the first record of a species of Unicauda infecting characiform fish, as well as the first registered occurrence of species of this genus in South America.