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Extracellular vesicles (EVs), biomimetics, and other biological nanoparticles (BNs) produced from human cells are gaining increasing attention in the fields of molecular diagnostics and nanomedicine for the delivery of therapeutic cargo. In particular, BNs are considered prospective delivery vehicles for different biologics, including protein and RNA therapeutics. Moreover, EVs are widely used in molecular diagnostics for early detection of disease-associated proteins and RNA. Technical approaches for measuring biologics mostly originated from the field of EVs and were later adopted for other BNs, such as extracellular vesicle-mimetic nanovesicles, membrane nanoparticles (nanoghosts), and hybrid nanoparticles, with minimal modifications. Here, we demonstrate that BNs are highly resistant to protocols that severely underestimate the protein and RNA content of BNs, and provide the relevance of these data both for general BNs characterization and practical applications of CRISPR/Cas-based therapies. We demonstrate that the addition of saponin leads to an ∼2- to 7-fold enhancement in protein isolation and an ∼2- to 242-fold improvement in RNA recovery rates and detection efficiency. Differences in the proteolipid contents of BNs, measured by Raman and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, correlate with their susceptibility to saponin treatment for cargo extraction. Finally, we develop a unified protocol using saponin to efficiently isolate proteins and RNA from the BNs. These data demonstrate that previously utilized protocols underestimate BN cargo contents and offer gold standard protocols that can be broadly adopted into the field of nanobiologics, molecular diagnostics, and analytical chemistry.

AbstractAn analysis of the prospects for the use of atmospheric optical communication lines at industrial nuclear energy installations, including thermonuclear (fusion) reactors and energy facilities with on-site fuel reprocessing plants, was carried out. It is shown that modern atmospheric communication terminals make it possible to implement high-speed data exchange within the perimeter of energy complexes, as well as to provide an external backup communication channel protected by use of quantum key distribution technology. The absence of the need to lay special cables through limited-access areas to organize high-speed data transmission provides a significant advantage of atmospheric communication systems over any wired communication systems. A methodology is presented for assessing the feasibility of using atmospheric optical communications at nuclear facilities, and based on long-term meteorological observations in the area where ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is located, graphs of the availability of atmospheric communications are constructed. The high prospects of using atmospheric laser communication at nuclear and fusion facilities are shown.

•The 300 nm all-dielectric germanium metasurface that nanohole remains 75 nm thick.•The all-dielectric absorber has a high absorptance of 98.5 % without a metal back reflector.•Utilizes high-Q quasi-BIC resonant mode near the SP- BIC with the super radiant mode.•The symmetry and asymmetric cases are analyzed using the FDTD and TCMT methods.

The crystal structure of ammonium polyuranates xUO3·yNH3·zH2Ohas been investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) has been employed to define single-phase samples within a series of synthesized compounds, which are further characterized by elemental analysis to ascertain the stoichiometry, revealing compositions of 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·3H2O. Analysis using extended X-ray absorption fine structure and vibrational spectroscopy has elucidated that both 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·3H2Opossess a local structure similar to the metaschoepite─layered U(VI) oxohydroxide UO3·2H2O, but with H2O and NH4+groups in the interlayers. The structures of ammonium polyuranates are solved from PXRD data, revealing their relationship to the U(VI) oxohydroxide with the established composition of NH4[(UO2)3O2(OH)3]·3H2Oand NH4[(UO2)2O2(OH)]·2H2Ofor 3UO3·NH3·5H2Oand 2UO3·NH3·H2O, respectively. These structures maintain the arrangement of U–O polyhedra as pentagonal bipyramids. However, disparities in lattice parameters, space group, and layer topology from UO3·2H2O emphasize significant structural modifications resulting from the substitution of water by ammonium. Moreover, the anion topology of the NH4[(UO2)2O2(OH)]·2H2Ohas no analogues among uranium oxohydroxide minerals. Notably, ammonium polyuranates, when compared, have minimal alterations in lattice parameters regardless of the presence of ammonia within the structure. The revealed results contribute valuable insights into the UO3–NH3–H2O system and hold potential applications in the field of nuclear power as ammonium polyuranates form during actinide precipitation in back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle and also serve as precursors in the fabrication of nuclear fuel.

Abstract—: The paper analyzes the problems of predicting urban resistance to shocks. The methodological problems of forecasting are described: the vagueness and versatility of the concept of shock resistance, the unknown nature of the shock and the state of the system at the time of its onset, the complexity of cause-and-effect relationships in the system of urban economics and urban management, the unpredictability of the ability to adapt to shock, the human factor, the lack of consensus on the final goal urban shock resistance, lack and/or delay of data. In Russian conditions, these problems are compounded by the lack of up-to-date, high-quality information about the reaction to stress, about the most pressing problems that require immediate solutions. The author’s approach to predicting shock resistance was proposed and tested, including expert interviews with representatives of the city administration and their questionnaire survey. As the survey results showed, Russian cities have a fairly high adaptive capacity to stress, and one of the most important reasons for resilience is the human factor, the ability of the municipal administration to quickly respond to emerging problems.

There are substantial regional differences in drinking alcohol in Russia, both at the population and individual levels. However, the causes of these differences have not been studied yet.

Controlling the movement of liquid metal by selecting the parameters of an external electromagnetic effect makes it possible to change the conditions of dynamic equilibrium of the weld pool and, as a result, the formation of a weld. Magnetic process control has advantages over mechanical control methods, since it is carried out without contact with the welding zone. The study of processes leading to a decrease in the concentration of defects in metals, recombination of dislocations, polygonization, recrystallization, defect healing, etc., is an urgent task for technologists. The purpose of the work is to study the laws of formation of phase composition, microhardness, grain, lath, subgrain, dislocation structures of low-alloy steel welds in underwater welding and the relationship of structural parameters with the properties of strength and crack resistance of these joints. Microstructure studies were carried out by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Mathematical modelling was carried out to optimize the research efficiency. The developed computer application implements the idea of sequential calculation of quantities, where the value of the welding current and the current in the inductor is selected by the researcher. The influence of structural factors at the dislocation level on local internal stresses, which determine the deformation localization zones in the structures of the upper and lower bainites in the deposited metal, is analyzed. The conditions for obtaining high-quality welded joints in the welding of low-alloy steels, which ensure their strength and crack resistance, are established.

Abstract: The article examines the features of structural formations and their influence on the properties of chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) films during preparation from solutions in carbon tetrachloride under the influence of a constant electric field. It has been shown that films formed in a directed constant electric field have higher electrical resistance and lower values of electrical capacitance, heat capacity, and electrical loss tangent in relation to films formed outside the field.

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This study provides insight into the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) employing a highly promising Trichodermaisolate. The effectiveness of the synthesized ZnONPs was assessed against two plant pathogenic fungi, Phomopsis vexans, which causes Phomopsisblight in brinjal, and Colletotrichum capsici, which causes fruit rot in chili. ZnONP synthesis was optimized through systematic parameter adjustments, including different ratios of Zn to culture filtrate, varying pH ranges, and different time intervals of synthesis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through diverse analytical techniques, including UV‒vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and others. The UV–visible spectra exhibited absorption peaks within the range of 240–380 nm, indicating the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The size of ZnONPs during SEM and TEM analysis was found to be 20–30 nm and 9–25 nm, respectively. These analyses yielded valuable insights into the morphology, size distribution, crystalline structure, and functional groups present in the nanoparticles and their antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the antifungal efficacy of the synthesized ZnONPs was assessed against P. vexansand C. capsiciat various concentrations. The nanoparticles demonstrated strong antifungal activity in vitro at 200–500 ppm concentrations against both pathogens. The outcome of this study highlights the potential of using Trichoderma-derived ZnONPs as a sustainable and effective approach for managing plant fungal diseases. Overall, this research contributes to the expanding field of nanoparticle-based agricultural solutions and underscores the significance of understanding nanoparticle-fungus interactions for practical applications in crop protection.

Construction and operation problems of small sewage systems in Arctic climate are discussed. An integrated approach to the solution of emerging issues such as frozen soils, uneven sewage inflow, high wastewater concentration, frozen rivers in cold winter and others, is offered. Standard laboratory and analytical methods to determine the wastewater quality indicators and the design characteristics of wastewater storage tanks in small settlements, called shift camps, are used. Physical methods of municipal wastewater treatment are considered. Survey results of the shift camp’s sewage systems in the northern climatic zone of Russia, Tyumen Region, are presented. The uniformity of wastewater inflow is analyzed and a balancing reservoir design procedure with the use of an integrated graph is presented using the example of a typical camp’s sewage treatment plant. Research results on wastewater and sludge treatment by Super high frequency microwave electromagnetic radiation (SHF) are presented. A technological scheme with the use of SHF technologies in water purification and sludge treatment is proposed. The design procedure of accumulator-regulators during the process of treated wastewater release into frozen rivers is considered. The implementation of recommended measures at existing and newly designed stations will ensure their effective operation in arctic conditions.

The paper considers the issue of the influence of ambient temperature and service life on the endurance of pipe steels of underground pipelines. The results of numerous experimental studies allowed us to draw the following conclusions. An analysis of the experimental data indicates that for all the studied steels, the endurance decreases with decreasing air temperature, mainly down to-20... -30 °C. This can be explained by the embrittlement of the metal, i.e. a decrease in the plastic properties of the pipeline metal structure. In addition, it can be seen from the given data that low-alloy steels 48KhN, 09G2S, 10GS have the highest endurance. Weak endurance is mainly typical of grade 20 carbon steel. Experimental studies show that with an increase in the service life of pipes, their endurance decreases, and this tendency is inherent in all the studied steels. Studies of the endurance of pipe steels under complex stress states show that static torsional stresses close to the yield strength, when tested in the air, do not reduce fatigue life. Although the corrosive environment significantly reduces the cyclic strength of steel under shear stresses up to τcr=05τY, the conditional limit of corrosion fatigue is not lower than when tested for corrosion fatigue under the action of only alternating stresses in a symmetrical cycle. It could be considered that the torsional stress in the pipeline system does not exceed 10 MPa. In that case, their influence on practical calculations on the endurance of pipes of underground pipeline systems can be neglected.

Data are presented on ligands based on bombesin derivatives, which are peptides that specifically bind to gastrin-releasing factor receptors, that are promising for use in nuclear medicine. An analysis of developments related to the creation of radiopharmaceuticals (RPs) based on gastrin-releasing peptide-receptor agonists for radionuclide diagnostics and systemic radiation therapy is carried out. The stages of pharmaceutical development of the first Russian RPs 68Ga-NOTA-AMBA and 177Lu-DOTA-AMBA are described, including the synthesis technology using automated modules, as well as drug specifications.

Proton beam therapy (PBT) has gone through several stages along the path of its development: experimental studies and the accumulation of clinical data, then, starting in 1990, the construction of clinical multi-room PBT centers, which after 2011 was supplemented by the development of single-room complexes. The clinical results accumulated to date in a number of cases show that there is no alternative to PBT for the treatment of a number of oncological diseases, which suggests the feasibility of developing both multi-room and specialized single-room PBT complexes. The review is devoted to the role of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” in the development of PBT in Russia, namely, the development of two PBT complexes as part of the creation of the Scientific and Educational Medical Center for Nuclear Medicine of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute.”

An oncological-ophthalmological complex of proton-beam therapy based on the C-80 cyclotron is being created at Konstantinov St. Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute.” An analysis of publications devoted to the issues of quality control of specialized systems with a fixed proton beam direction in the horizontal plane for solving the problems of proton-beam therapy for patients with oncological-ophthalmological diseases is carried out. The analysis shows that since there are fewer than twenty such centers in the world, data on the frequency and content of quality-control tests for such installations is extremely contradictory. Quality-control tests based on the AAPM TG 224 protocol, supplemented by tests specific to proton oncology-ophthalmology, are presented. The levels of permissible deviations for various tests are developed on the basis of published data and technical-design data. These parameters will be included in the specialized software being created for quality control, which will allow data to be obtained on various parameters of all subsystems of the complex.

We used small-angle neutron scattering partially coupled with size-exclusion chromatography to unravel the solution structures of two variants of the Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) lacking the N-terminal extension (OCP-ΔNTE) and its complex formation with the Fluorescence Recovery Protein (FRP). The dark-adapted, orange form OCP-ΔNTEOis fully photoswitchable and preferentially binds the pigment echinenone. Its complex with FRP consists of a monomeric OCP component, which closely resembles the compact structure expected for the OCP ground state, OCPO. In contrast, the pink form OCP-ΔNTEP, preferentially binding the pigment canthaxanthin, is mostly nonswitchable. The pink OCP form appears to occur as a dimer and is characterized by a separation of the N- and C-terminal domains, with the canthaxanthin embedded only into the N-terminal domain. Therefore, OCP-ΔNTEPcan be viewed as a prototypical model system for the active, spectrally red-shifted state of OCP, OCPR. The dimeric structure of OCP-ΔNTEPis retained in its complex with FRP. Small-angle neutron scattering using partially deuterated OCP–FRP complexes reveals that FRP undergoes significant structural changes upon complex formation with OCP. The observed structures are assigned to individual intermediates of the OCP photocycle in the presence of FRP.

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are a class of rapidly mutating genetic elements typically characterized by repeated units of 1–6 bp. We leveraged whole-genome sequencing data for 152 recombinant inbred (RI) strains from the BXD family of mice to map loci that modulate genome-wide patterns of new mutations arising during parent-to-offspring transmission at STRs. We defined quantitative phenotypes describing the numbers and types of germline STR mutations in each strain and performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses for each of these phenotypes. We identified a locus on Chromosome 13 at which strains inheriting the C57BL/6J (B) haplotype have a higher rate of STR expansions than those inheriting the DBA/2J (D) haplotype. The strongest candidate gene in this locus is Msh3, a known modifier of STR stability in cancer and at pathogenic repeat expansions in mice and humans, as well as a current drug target against Huntington's disease. The Dhaplotype at this locus harbors a cluster of variants near the 5′ end of Msh3, including multiple missense variants near the DNA mismatch recognition domain. In contrast, the Bhaplotype contains a unique retrotransposon insertion. The rate of expansion covaries positively with Msh3expression—with higher expression from the Bhaplotype. Finally, detailed analysis of mutation patterns showed that strains carrying the Ballele have higher expansion rates, but slightly lower overall total mutation rates, compared with those with the Dallele, particularly at tetranucleotide repeats. Our results suggest an important role for inherited variants in Msh3in modulating genome-wide patterns of germline mutations at STRs.

The paper provides the results of justification and practical use of criteria of assessing influence of design and technology impacts on road train movement stability. The method of changing the inclination angle of the road train trailer rotary device pivot was selected as the design impact on road train movement stability. The paper provides the results of processing of video frames of field tests. It was established that oscillations of a road train trailer with an altered pivot inclination angle, under external impact, take place not only with a lower amplitude, but with a lower period in relation to the initial design, too.

The article contains analysis of the number of occupied human resources and the level of occupational injuries by kinds of economic activity based on ROSSTAT data. The analysis resulted in a low level of occupational safety in the construction sphere. To ensure safe tower crane operation with account for impact of random factors and loads a technical solution was offered that provides for additional tower crane stability by moving the counterbalance over traveling rollers in the direction opposite to probable collapse, thus preventing crane tipping over. As a result, it becomes possible to change the value of holding moment at high loads on the tower crane boom. This technical solution will ensure reliability in the process of operation of lifting machines and it meets all occupational health and safety requirements on construction sites.

Abstract: This paper presents an experimental study of biocorrosion of D16T and AMg6 aluminum alloys. The determining role of reactive oxygen species in aluminum biocorrosion by a consortium of molds has been shown. A model has been proposed according to which the initiators of corrosion damage to the metal surface are superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide released via the activity of micromycetes. It has been assumed that the initiation and development of biocorrosion occurs, among other things, as a result of the process of reductive activation of oxygen and the Fenton decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. A conclusion has been made about the mechanism of the occurrence of intergranular and pitting corrosion of aluminum alloys interacting with microscopic fungi.

Abstract: This paper addresses the question of an evaluation of damage accumulation in a steel structure during operation. The fracture criterion of the structure is defined as the highest value of uniform deformation in tensile testing of steel. This paper presents a method to allow the calculation of the damage from the change in the coercive force with regard to the value of the maximum uniform deformation of steel in tension and the value of the initial coercive force.

The Super Charm-Tau factory (high luminosity electron-positron collider with 3–7 GeV center of mass energy range) experiment project is under development by the consortium of Russian scientific and education organizations. The article describes the present status of the Super Charm-Tau detector fast simulation and the algorithms on which it is based, example usage and demonstration of fast simulation results.