Complex automation of aerodynamic experiment in T-106 transonic wind tunnel

The system of complex automation of aerodynamic experiment in T-106 TsAGI transonic wind tunnel is presented. Data acquisition processes, as well as control processes for the model’s Mach number and angle of attack are automated on the basis of new data acquisition and control system involving IVK M2 data acquisition software package and VMIC control software package. The results of balance and pressure experiments (and of the combined ones) are presented. Stages of experimental results processing are described.     

Design and manufacturing of X-band RF MEMS switches

Microsystem Technologies - In this article, we present the results of the design of different geometries for X-band RF MEMS switches. A number of mechanical and RF optimizations are described along...     

Achievements in the synthesis of thiophene-containing polymers

The recent trends in the synthesis, characterization, and application of thiophene-containing polymers are surveyed. This review covers methods used for the synthesis of polythiophene and thiophene-based copolymers via oxidative dehydropolycondensation as well as electrochemical and metal-catalyzed polycondensations. The synthesis of polythiophenes carrying bridge groups annelated by aromatic rings is also discussed. The data on macromolecular transformations occurring during the synthesis of polythiophene, as well as on hyperbranched, macrocyclic, and organoelement thiophene-containing polymers, are summarized.     

Determination of the weight and composition of the precipitates formed in the course of dissolution of irradiated WWER oxide fuel

The amount and composition of insoluble precipitates formed in the course of dissolution of spent fuel samples with the burn-up from 15 to 54 MW day (kg U)⁻¹ were examined. The weight of the insoluble precipitates was from 0.03 to 0.44% of the fuel weight. The major elements determining the composition of the precipitates were platinum group metals (Pd, Rh, Ru), Zr, and Mo. The specific β- and α-activity of the precipitates obtained was 30–840 and 0.01–8 Ci kg⁻¹, respectively. The major factor determining the concentration of α-emitting nuclides is the fuel burn-up. Depending on the dissolution conditions, the U content was 0.2–4, and the Pu content, 0.1–3%. The weight of secondary precipitates was from 0.005 to 0.3% of the irradiated fuel weight, or 11–50% of the total weight of the precipitates obtained in the experiments. The specific β-activity of the secondary precipitates obtained varies from 5 to ∼300 Ci kg⁻¹ and is determined by the same radionuclides as in the primary precipitates. The α-activity of the secondary precipitates increases with the burn-up and amounts to 0.1–30 Ci kg⁻¹. The values obtained vary only slightly depending on the dissolution conditions and on the time of solution keeping before control filtration.     

Human Recombinant DNase I (Pulmozyme®) Inhibits Lung Metastases in Murine Metastatic B16 Melanoma Model That Correlates with Restoration of the DNase Activity and the Decrease SINE/LINE and c-Myc Fragments in Blood Cell-Free DNA

Tumor-associated cell-free DNAs (cfDNA) play an important role in the promotion of metastases. Previous studies proved the high antimetastatic potential of bovine pancreatic DNase I and identified short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs)and fragments of oncogenes in cfDNA as the main molecular targets of enzyme in the bloodstream. Here, recombinant human DNase I (commercial name Pulmozyme^®), which is used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in humans, was repurposed for the inhibition of lung metastases in the B16 melanoma model in mice. We found that Pulmozyme^® strongly reduced migration and induced apoptosis of B16 cells in vitro and effectively inhibited metastases in lungs and liver in vivo. Pulmozyme^® was shown to be two times more effective when administered intranasally (i.n.) than bovine DNase I, but intramuscular (i.m.) administration forced it to exhibit as high an antimetastatic activity as bovine DNase I. Both DNases administered to mice either i.m. or i.n. enhanced the DNase activity of blood serum to the level of healthy animals, significantly decreased cfDNA concentrations, efficiently degraded SINE and LINE repeats and c-Myc fragments in the bloodstream and induced apoptosis and disintegration of neutrophil extracellular traps in metastatic foci; as a result, this manifested as the inhibition of metastases spread. Thus, Pulmozyme^®, which is already an approved drug, can be recommended for use in the treatment of lung metastases.     

Capacitance Sensors Based on Nanotube Supercondensers

A design of a capacitance sensor, which remains highly sensitive while allowing the significant miniaturization of its sensitive element, the condenser, is proposed. For this purpose, supercondensers based on electroconducting and insulating nanotubes are used. The presented calculations show the possibility, in principle, to create pressure and displacement capacitance sensors on this basis with a sensitivity that is 5–6 orders of magnitude higher than the sensitivity of those based on classical carbon nanotubes. Such sensors can be used in medicine, robotics, and nanoelectronics.