Statistical study of accuracy of the video-positioning system for GPR

Here we present results of the statistical study of the accuracy of the local optical positioning system for the industrial GPR OKO-2. The results of measurement are forming a statistical set. The statistical set should verify the accuracy LPS. The proposed LPS uses special tapes with a special periodic pattern as a reference object. The video camera records the image of the marker tapes, was located on a fast mechanical scanner. The scanner produced an accurate movement of the camera perpendicular to the tape. During the moving process, LPS measures the distance between the camera and tape and compared it with the scanner data

Visualization system for a radio images

Radio wave tomography (radiotommography) allows restoring the shape of objects hidden behind radio-transparent barriers. Radiotommography detectors use this technology for location and visualization for metal, metalized, and dielectric communications in walls and floors. An interpretation of tomography images obtained during radio wave measuring is a difficult task for non-specialists. Moreover, they have no visual reference to the objects of the scene under exploration. To simplify a perception and analysis of the obtained data of radio wave measurements, we propose to combine digital radio and optical images of the scene. This article describes the solution to the problem of combining optical and radio wave images. It allows to estimate visually the size and position of the hidden objects

Local video-positioning system for industrial GPR

This article presents a local positioning system working with the industrial GPR OKO-2 (LOGIS) in the process of radio measurements. Here we discuss principles of the positioning system and the method of transferring location data into the GPR system as satellite data. The location uses a video recording of special tapes, which limit the scanning area. Tapes contain the special periodic pattern. A pair of video cameras are placed directly on the GPR body, cameras will register images of the limiting tapes. Results of experimental approbation of the GPR complex confirm the applicability of the system

Sonochemical effects on food emulsions

ArticleAcoustic cavitation of food emulsions is widely applied as the main processing method to improve the quality of a finished product and its organoleptic characteristics, as well as to increase production performance. To identify the optimal modes of ultrasonic emulsification, we propose a model of emulsion droplet breakup in an acoustic cavitation field, which allows us to determine the dependence of emulsion droplets’ diameter on exposure time and intensity of action. The developed models enabled us to pioneer complex research of the dependence of emulsion droplets’ diameter on time given the maximum radius of cavitation bubbles and physical properties of liquid phases in the emulsion composition. We carried out the fi rst complex theoretical and practical research of how shapes and positions of absolutely fixed boundaries influence the propagation of oscillations in a activating liquid medium (food emulsion). To verify the adequacy of the obtained theoretical models, we studied the dependence of emulsion droplets’ breakup rate (by the example of a model water/oil emulsion) on the exposure time and the intensity of ultrasonic action. The calculation results revealed that the results of a series of experiments and the resu lts obtained with the use of the developed mathematical model are consistent. Based on the theoretical data obtained, we designed an industrial flow - type acoustic cavitation device aimed at acting on food emulsions; it differs from analogous devices in th at it has within it a cylindrical wave acting through solid walls of the tunnel for transmitting processed liquid

Safety and immunogenicity of IMVAMUNE®, a third-generation vaccine based on the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) strain

In 1980, the World Health Assembly officially declared smallpox eradicated in the world, which allowed developed countries to stop preventive vaccination against this disease. However, circulating and emerging orthopoxviruses along with the lack of herd immunity prompt the need for emergency smallpox vaccines meeting the current requirements for biologicals.The aim of the study was to analyse the safety and efficacy of third-generation smallpox vaccines based on the MVA strain of vaccinia virus compliant with the current (stricter) immunogenicity and safety requirements in healthy subjects and especially in patients with underlying health conditions, considering the lack of herd immunity to orthopoxviruses.The authors analysed the existing experience with smallpox vaccines. The vaccines based on the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) strain hold a special place amongst other third-generation vaccines, as this strain is safe and can be used for creating vector vaccines. Bavarian Nordic produces the MVA-based vaccine under three brand names (Imvanex in the EU, Jynneos™ in the USA, and IMVAMUNE® in Canada). According to the results of MVA-based vaccine clinical trials in healthy volunteers and patients with various underlying conditions, the main mild adverse drug reactions (erythema, pain, pruritus, and swelling) were mostly registered at the injection site. The systemic adverse drug reactions included fatigue, headache, myalgia, and chills; several subjects developed upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and gastroenteritis, which resolved spontaneously within a day. MVA-based vaccines did not cause any cardiac abnormalities, including myo- or pericarditis. Thus, the vaccines may be used in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory skin conditions, HIV, tuberculosis, cardiac abnormalities, as well as in children, adolescents, and pregnant women. The optimal intradermal immunisation dose was 1×108 TCID50. Two injections at this dose induced a pronounced humoral and cell-mediated immune response comparable to that induced by one administration of a first-generation smallpox vaccine. At this dose, the study vaccine also boosted pre-existing immunity conferred by a first-generation vaccine. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend Jynneos™ for preventing monkeypox in adults (18 years of age and older)

Eurasian-Scale Experimental Satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution with Detector Efficiency Mismatch Analysis

The Micius satellite is the pioneering initiative to demonstrate quantum teleportation, entanglement distribution, quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum-secured communications experiments at the global scale. In this work, we report on the results of the 600-mm-aperture ground station design which has enabled the establishment of a quantum-secured link between the Zvenigorod and Nanshan ground stations using the Micius satellite. As a result of a quantum communications session, an overall sifted key of 2.5 Mbits and a total final key length of 310 kbits have been obtained. We present an extension of the security analysis of the realization of satellite-based QKD decoy-state protocol by taking into account the effect of the detection-efficiency mismatch for four detectors. We also simulate the QKD protocol for the satellite passage and by that validate our semi-empirical model for a realistic receiver, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. Our results pave the way to the considerations of realistic imperfection of the QKD systems, which are important in the context of their practical security.Comment: 8+2 pages, 5+2 figure

Registration of the quantum state of a single photon to create a satellite quantum network

Artificial satellites employed as trusted nodes can increase the distance between two parties to establish quantum key distribution (QKD), unlike fiber based communication lines that are limited up to a few hundred kilometers. This report summarises our progress on a ground receiver for satellite QKD and its tracking receiving system (TRS). The authors demonstrate the operation of the TRS in practice and achieve standard tracking error of 1.4/Ltrad observing four satellites over 80% of the time they were available. The optical signal, which was the sunlight reflected of low Earth orbit satellites, was attenuated to a single photon level and was detected effectively using avalanche single photon detectors. The authors have thus proved that the developed system is capable of stable reception of quantum signal from a satellite. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.This work is supported by Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 17-71-20146)

The use of immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19

Introduction. When a new disease occurs, one of the most affordable remedies is drugs containing specific antibodies to this infectious agent. The use of such drugs is aimed at reducing the amount of the pathogen in the macroorganism and the associated reduction in the severity of the symptoms of the disease or recovery. The purpose of this review is to analyze the experience of using immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. Results and conclusion. The two main groups of medical protective agents that block the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into permissive cells are drugs obtained from blood plasma of convalescents (immunoglobulin) and human monoclonal antibodies. The first group of drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 includes blood plasma of convalescents, which can be successfully used for emergency prevention. The main disadvantage of using blood plasma convalescents is the difficulty of standardization due to the different content of specific antibodies in donors. Another disadvantage is the undesirable side effects in recipients that occur after plasma administration. An alternative approach to COVID-19 therapy is the use of humanized and genetically engineered human monoclonal antibodies against certain epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For example, monoclonal antibodies against receptor-binding domain of the S-protein, which prevents the virus from entering permissive cells and interrupts the development of infection. The advantages of these drugs are their safety, high specific activity, and the possibility of standardization. However, the complexity of their production and high cost make them inaccessible for mass use in practical medicine

Безопасность и иммуногенность вакцины третьего поколения IMVAMUNE® на основе вируса вакцины, штамм MVA

In 1980, the World Health Assembly officially declared smallpox eradicated in the world, which allowed developed countries to stop preventive vaccination against this disease. However, circulating and emerging orthopoxviruses along with the lack of herd immunity prompt the need for emergency smallpox vaccines meeting the current requirements for biologicals.The aim of the study was to analyse the safety and efficacy of third-generation smallpox vaccines based on the MVA strain of vaccinia virus compliant with the current (stricter) immunogenicity and safety requirements in healthy subjects and especially in patients with underlying health conditions, considering the lack of herd immunity to orthopoxviruses.The authors analysed the existing experience with smallpox vaccines. The vaccines based on the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) strain hold a special place amongst other third-generation vaccines, as this strain is safe and can be used for creating vector vaccines. Bavarian Nordic produces the MVA-based vaccine under three brand names (Imvanex in the EU, Jynneos™ in the USA, and IMVAMUNE® in Canada). According to the results of MVA-based vaccine clinical trials in healthy volunteers and patients with various underlying conditions, the main mild adverse drug reactions (erythema, pain, pruritus, and swelling) were mostly registered at the injection site. The systemic adverse drug reactions included fatigue, headache, myalgia, and chills; several subjects developed upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and gastroenteritis, which resolved spontaneously within a day. MVA-based vaccines did not cause any cardiac abnormalities, including myo- or pericarditis. Thus, the vaccines may be used in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory skin conditions, HIV, tuberculosis, cardiac abnormalities, as well as in children, adolescents, and pregnant women. The optimal intradermal immunisation dose was 1×108 TCID50. Two injections at this dose induced a pronounced humoral and cell-mediated immune response comparable to that induced by one administration of a first-generation smallpox vaccine. At this dose, the study vaccine also boosted pre-existing immunity conferred by a first-generation vaccine. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend Jynneos™ for preventing monkeypox in adults (18 years of age and older).В 1980 г. Всемирная ассамблея здравоохранения официально провозгласила искоренение натуральной оспы в мире, что позволило в развитых странах отменить профилактическую вакцинацию против этого заболевания. Однако из-за постоянно циркулирующих и вновь возникающих ортопоксвирусов, а также отсутствия популяционного иммунитета необходимо наличие в чрезвычайных ситуациях противооспенных вакцин, отвечающих современным требованиям к иммунобиологическим препаратам.Цель работы — анализ безопасности и эффективности в условиях отсутствия популяционного иммунитета к ортопоксвирусам оспенной вакцины третьего поколения на основе штамма MVA вируса вакцины, отвечающей повышенным требованиям иммуногенности и безопасности, особенно с учетом применения ее для лиц с отклонениями в состоянии здоровья. Проанализирован опыт применения противооспенных вакцин. Среди противооспенных вакцин третьего поколения особое место занимает вакцина на основе вируса вакцины, штамм MVA (modified vaccinia virus Ankara), выпускаемая компанией Bavarian Nordic под тремя названиями (в Европе — Imvanex, в США — Jynneos™, в Канаде — IMVAMUNE®), поскольку он безопасен и может использоваться для конструирования векторных вакцин. Результаты клинических исследований вакцины на основе штамма MVA на здоровых добровольцах и лицах с различными отклонениями в здоровье показали, что основные побочные реакции легкой степени тяжести (эритема, болезненность, зуд, припухлость) в основном регистрировали в месте введения вакцины. Из системных побочных реакций отмечены утомление, головная боль, миалгия, озноб; у незначительной части — инфекция верхних дыхательных путей, тошнота, гастроэнтерит, которые самопроизвольно проходили в течение первых суток. Вакцина не вызывает нарушений сердечной деятельности, включая миоперикардит, может быть применена для лиц с экземой, атопическим дерматитом и воспалительными кожными заболеваниями, ею можно вакцинировать ВИЧ-инфицированных, больных туберкулезом, лиц с нарушениями сердечной деятельности, а также детей младшего возраста, подростков и беременных женщин. Определена оптимальная иммунизирующая доза вакцины при внутрикожном введении, равная 1×108 ЦПД50. Выявлено, что при двукратном введении в данной дозе вакцина индуцирует выраженный гуморальный и клеточный иммунный ответ, сопоставимый по уровню с иммунитетом после однократного введения вакцины первого поколения, а также бустирует иммунитет, ранее сформировавшийся при иммунизации противооспенной вакциной первого поколения. Вакцина Jynneos™ в настоящее время одобрена CDC (США) для профилактики оспы обезьян у взрослых в возрасте 18 лет и старше

Свойства гетерологичного иммуноглобулина против лихорадки Эбола после длительного хранения

Ebola outbreak in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2018–2020 proved that the virus remains highly hazardous for humans, and the outbreak in West Africa in 2014–2016, which was the largest Ebola outbreak in history, showed that it could be imported to other continents, including Russia. In 1993 the Federal State Budgetary Institution “48th Central Scientific Research Institute” of the Russian Ministry of Defence developed a specific equine immunoglobulin for emergency prophylaxis of Ebola in risk groups. The evaluation and improvement of the product’s properties is an important area in the development of biological defence technologies.The aim of the study was to examine the properties of the equine anti-Ebola immunoglobulin which had been stored for a long time at 2–8 °C.Materials and methods: the authors studied batches of heterologous anti-Ebola immunoglobulin that had been stored for 17–22 years. The properties of the product were evaluated according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, 14th ed. (Ph. Rus. 14 ed.). The specific activity of the product was determined in a plaque reduction neutralisation test using Ebola virus and African green monkey kidney cells (GMK-AH-1(D)). Immunoglobulin molecular parameters were determined by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography using the test methods described in the European Pharmacopoeia 9.6 and Ph. Rus. 14 ed.Results: the storage of anti-Ebola immunoglobulin for 17–22 years at 2–8 °C resulted in a four-fold reduction of the level of virus-neutralising antibodies against Ebola, decrease in the proportion of monomers from 98 to 74–90%, increase in the proportion of dimers and polymers, and formation of immunoglobulin molecules’ fragments. Signs of toxicity for mice were observed in one of the three product batches. Conclusions: the obtained results suggest the need to perform more studies to test the quality of antiEbola immunoglobulin batches that were stored for shorter periods of time in order to assess the stability of their initial characteristics.Вспышка геморрагической лихорадки Эбола в восточных районах Демократической Республики Конго в 2018–2020 гг. показала сохраняющуюся высокую опасность вируса для человечества, а вспышка в Западной Африке в 2014–2016 гг., самая крупная с момента обнаружения вируса – возможность его ввоза в другие страны, в том числе в Россию. В ФГБУ «48 ЦНИИ» Минобороны России в 1993 г. разработан специфический лошадиный иммуноглобулин для экстренной профилактики лихорадки Эбола в группах риска. Изучение и совершенствование его защитных свойств является актуальным направлением разработки средств биологической защиты. Цель работы: оценить свойства иммуноглобулина против лихорадки Эбола из сыворотки крови лошадей после длительного хранения при температуре от 2 до 8 °С. Материалы и методы: серии гетерологичного иммуноглобулина против лихорадки Эбола, хранившиеся от 17 до 22 лет. Свойства иммуноглобулина оценивали согласно требованиям Государственной фармакопеи Российской Федерации XIV издания (ГФ РФ XIV изд.). Специфическую активность препарата определяли в реакции нейтрализации с вирусом Эбола в культуре клеток почки африканской зеленой мартышки (GМК-АН-1(Д)) методом подавления образования негативных колоний (бляшкообразования). Определение молекулярных параметров иммуноглобулина проводили методом эксклюзионной высокоэффективной жидкостной хроматографии согласно методикам, представленным в Европейской фармакопее 9.6 и ГФ РФ XIV изд. Результаты: хранение препарата иммуноглобулина против лихорадки Эбола в течение 17–22 лет при температуре от 2 до 8 °С привело к снижению уровня вируснейтрализующих антител к вирусу Эбола в 4 раза, уменьшению доли мономеров c 98 до 74–90%, увеличению доли димеров и полимеров, а также появлению фрагментов молекул иммуноглобулина. В одной из трех серий препарата была выявлена токсичность для белых нелинейных мышей. Выводы: полученные результаты свидетельствуют о целесообразности проведения дальнейших исследований по определению показателей качества серий иммуноглобулина против лихорадки Эбола, хранившихся менее продолжительные сроки, с целью оценки стабильности их исходных характеристик