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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays major roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and membrane protein cleavage, suggesting a high correlation with cancer cell invasion and tumor metastasis. Here, we present a contrast agent based on a DNA aptamer that can selectively target human MMP-9 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with high affinity and sensitivity. Surface modification of plasmonic gold nanospheres with the MMP-9 aptamer and its complementary sequences allows the nanospheres to aggregate in the presence of human MMP-9 through DNA displacement and hybridization. Aggregation of gold nanospheres enhances the optical absorption in the first near-infrared window (NIR-I) due to the plasmon coupling effect, thereby allowing us to detect the aggregated gold nanospheres within the TME via ultrasound-guided photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging. Selective and sensitive detection of human MMP-9 via US/PA imaging is demonstrated in solution of nanosensors with the pre-treatment of human MMP-9, in vitro in cell culture, and in vivo in a xenograft murine model of human breast cancer.

Over the past decades, the achievements in astronomical instrumentation have given rise to a number of novel advanced studies related to the analysis of large arrays of observational data. One of the most famous of these studies is a study of transient events in the near and far space and a search for exoplanets. The main requirements for such kinds of projects are a simultaneous coverage of the largest possible field of view with the highest possible detection limits and temporal resolution. In this study, we present a similar project aimed at creating an extensive, continuously updated survey of transient events and exoplanets. To date, the core of the project incorporates several 0.07–2.5 m optical telescopes and the 6-m BTA telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of RAS (Russia), a number of other Russian observatories and the Bonhyunsan observatory of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (South Korea). Our attention is mainly focused on the description of two groups of small, wide-angle optical telescopes for primary detection. All the telescopes are originally designed for the goals of the project and may be of interest to the scientific community. A description is also given for a new, high-precision optical spectrograph for the Doppler studies of transient and exoplanet events detected within the project. We present here the philosophy, expectations and first results obtained during the first year of running the project.

Oil shale is a critical strategic resource with enormous reserves. In-situ combustion technology offers great potential for the development of oil shale reserves. In this study, the combustion behavior and kinetics of Domanik oil shale were investigated using High Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Additionally, the thermal behavior of the oil shale during combustion was studied by using a self-designed Porous Medium Thermo-Effect Cell. Furthermore, the stability of the combustion front and the upgrading effect of the combustion process were investigated with Visual Combustion Tube, and the produced oil was analyzed to evaluate its quality. The results showed that the combustion process of oil shale is characterized by two reaction stages. The oil shale was found to form enough coke residue during the oxidation reactions to allow for stable propagation of a combustion front. The produced oil was of better quality compared to the naturally produced bitumen in oil shale, which indicates that the combustion process had a good upgrading effect. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the in-situ upgrading process of kerogen and provide significant knowledge about the combustion mechanism of oil shale for its potential development using the in-situ combustion technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells have already demonstrated high radiation hardness substantially exceeding that of crystalline silicon and GaAs based solar panels commonly used in space. However, aerospace applications of PSCs require a number of other important prerequisites, among which the stability towards a combination of multiple stress factors characteristic of the outer space environment is of particular importance. Herein, we present an in-depth investigation of the influence of the Eu2+/Eu3+ redox pair on the intrinsic photostability of PbI2 and complex lead halides. We confirm that the incorporation of europium effectively suppresses the photochemical production of metallic lead and other aging products. Furthermore, the Eu-modified methylammonium-free double cation perovskite formulation Cs0.12FA0.88Pb0.99Eu0.01I3 demonstrated excellent radiation hardness under exposure to ultrahigh doses of gamma rays (5.5 MGy) and 8.5 MeV electron beams (fluences up to 3 × 1016 e per cm²) owing to the mitigated aging pathways such as radiochemical Pb0 formation and segregation of CsPbI3 and/or FAPbI3 Ζ-phases. Thus, the stabilizing effect of the Eu2+/Eu3+ redox shuttle was exploited here for the first time to substantially increase the stability of perovskite absorber materials with respect to three different stress factors simultaneously: light, gamma-rays and high-energy electrons. Further development of this research direction might facilitate commercialization of PSCs for aerospace applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of Internet technologies on the political process in Russia and in the world. The author draws attention to the emergence of new trends in the field of IT, which bring new to the electoral process, PR-activities, agitation, propaganda and counter-propaganda. It is suggested that political actors should act within the framework of the new rules of the game, without neglecting the transfer of political struggle in the Internet space. The article draws attention to the fact that the Internet activity of political actors can be both positive and negative in perception and goals. Given the impact that the Internet has on the political sphere of society, we can assume that the virtual environment will be the main stage of political struggle. The author emphasizes that modern political technologists should take this factor into account in their activities. Thus, the author concludes that the online space significantly expands the tools of political campaigns and radically transforms the relationship between citizens and the state, forming the real prerequisites for the development of democracy.

Objectives. The aim of the study is to develop information technology design systems for monitoring load-bearing structures of buildings and structures of a higher category of responsibility based on the initial data on the construction object and the results of engineering surveys.Method. The article discusses the approach to the formalization of the description of the procedure for developing projects for monitoring buildings and structures, based on the design features of the SMC building structures, the engineering experience of designing these systems.Result. The article presents the conceptual foundations of the developed information technology, the algorithm for determining the monitoring mode based on information about the construction object, the algorithm for the macro to determine the most loaded nodes and elements in the complex finite element modeling. Recommendations are given for determining the control parameters, the composition of the measuring equipment.Conclusion. The conceptual foundations of information technology developed in the course of the research allow for the further development of algorithms and programs for the automated analysis of information about the object and the construction site in order to obtain the automatic mode of the results necessary for developing monitoring systems for buildings and structures of a higher category of responsibility.

This oceanographic dataset was gathered during the TIC-MOC cruise, which was designed to characterize the dynamics of the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence. The cruise was carried on board the R/V Hespérides, with departure from Ushuaia and arrival to Salvador de Bahía. A total of 66 conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) stations were completed between 8 and 22 March 2015, offshore from the continental platform and within 45°S-35°S and 61°W-50°W. At each station, water samples were collected, which were used to calibrate the CTD salinity-oxygen sensors and to determine inorganic nutrient concentrations, and the horizontal current was measured. Along its track, the vessel recorded surface temperature and salinity, as well as the horizontal flow down to about 700 m. Lastly, eight position-transmitting drifters were launched and two profiling floats were deployed and later recovered.

Integrity of records or data integrity is the most «hot» requirement when assessing documentation systems for compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). It's in the center of focus of attention during inspections of pharmaceutical companies. This article is the first of a series of articles devoted to this topic. In it explains the reasons for the importance of preserving the integrity of records and provides examples of identified deviations.

Dose spacing (DS) can be useful for optimizing treatment with biologics in psoriasis patients. However, interval prolongation might increase the production of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and, therefore, reduce the drug’s effectiveness. The long-term effects of DS with adalimumab in psoriatic patients have not been reported. The goal of our study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up of psoriatic patients after adalimumab DS regarding the clinical course and determination of circulating adalimumab, TNFα levels, and anti-adalimumab antibodies. We retrospectively included seven patients treated with adalimumab for moderate-to-severe psoriasis and benefiting from DS from 2010 to 2021. The dose interval of adalimumab was extended to three weeks for all patients and then to four weeks for three of the seven patients. Adalimumab trough levels, TNFα levels, and ADA against adalimumab were measured. For six of the seven patients, absolute PASI values remained below 3 throughout the follow-up period (median = 8.0 years; range: 1.7–11.5) after DS. All the patients were satisfied with the effectiveness of their treatment regime. Within the follow-up period, an average of 63 doses of adalimumab per patient were spared. The median adalimumab trough levels were 4.7 µg/mL (range: 1.9–12.5). TNFα levels remained under 10 pg/mL (undetectable) in all except one patient. ADA against adalimumab remained negative (

In this paper, we describe the relevance of diagnosing the lining condition of steel ladles in metallurgical facilities. Accidents with steel ladles lead to losses and different types of damage in iron and steel works. We developed an algorithm for recognizing thermograms of steel ladles to identify burnout zones in the lining based on the technology and design of neural networks. A diagnostic system structure for automated evaluating of the technical conditions of steel ladles without taking them out of service has been developed and described.