Space fragment in studies of the Earth

The fragment apparatus, mounted on board the artificial earth satellite Meteor, was created for the operational study of the natural resources of the Earth in the optical range of electromagnetic waves. The orbit of the satellite at an altitude of about 650 km makes it possible to observe the same sectors of the Earth's surface at the same time of day with a periodicity of 15 days

The Role of Glypicans in Wnt Inhibitory Factor-1 Activity and the Structural Basis of Wif1's Effects on Wnt and Hedgehog Signaling

Proper assignment of cellular fates relies on correct interpretation of Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) signals. Members of the Wnt Inhibitory Factor-1 (WIF1) family are secreted modulators of these extracellular signaling pathways. Vertebrate WIF1 binds Wnts and inhibits their signaling, but its Drosophila melanogaster ortholog Shifted (Shf) binds Hh and extends the range of Hh activity in the developing D. melanogaster wing. Shf activity is thought to depend on reinforcing interactions between Hh and glypican HSPGs. Using zebrafish embryos and the heterologous system provided by D. melanogaster wing, we report on the contribution of glypican HSPGs to the Wnt-inhibiting activity of zebrafish Wif1 and on the protein domains responsible for the differences in Wif1 and Shf specificity. We show that Wif1 strengthens interactions between Wnt and glypicans, modulating the biphasic action of glypicans towards Wnt inhibition; conversely, glypicans and the glypican-binding “EGF-like” domains of Wif1 are required for Wif1's full Wnt-inhibiting activity. Chimeric constructs between Wif1 and Shf were used to investigate their specificities for Wnt and Hh signaling. Full Wnt inhibition required the “WIF” domain of Wif1, and the HSPG-binding EGF-like domains of either Wif1 or Shf. Full promotion of Hh signaling requires both the EGF-like domains of Shf and the WIF domains of either Wif1 or Shf. That the Wif1 WIF domain can increase the Hh promoting activity of Shf's EGF domains suggests it is capable of interacting with Hh. In fact, full-length Wif1 affected distribution and signaling of Hh in D. melanogaster, albeit weakly, suggesting a possible role for Wif1 as a modulator of vertebrate Hh signaling

COMPUTER SIMULATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC LOG SENSOR STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS

Subject of Research.The problems of insufficient strength of the EM log sensor are studied. The EM log sensor design for deep-sea vehicles is analyzed; a mathematical model of EM log sensor is built. The design and technological solutions that improve the performance of this type of log are shown. Method. The study was performed using the finite element method in the ANSYS software. The calculations were performed in the static structural module, in which the load was created in the way that simulated the external hydrostatic pressure. To check the reproducibility the analysis of model was carried out by built-in assessment of the quality elements. All materials are taken to be isotropic. Main Results. The ways of increasing the strength of outboard tools for measuring the ship speed are presented. Calculating results of the stress-strain state of devices under the influence of seawater at various depths were obtained by the method of finite element analysis. The technological features of the sensor production are shown. The recommendations for changing the log construction to increase its strength, supported by computer modeling, are given. Practical Relevance. The discussed ways of increasing the strength of the device enable to expand implementation area. The results can be applied in the modernization of the design and construction of new EM log sensor operating at high pressures

Radiological and Morphometric Features of Canalis Sinuosus in Russian Population: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Introduction. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is considered to be the most informative radiographic method for pre- and postoperative analysis of the maxillary anatomy and for avoiding further complication. Canalis sinuosus is one of such structures that damage can go along with bleeding and neurological symptomatology. The aim of the study was to investigate radiological and morphometric features of the canalis sinuosus in Russian population using CBCT technique. Materials and Methods. 150 CBCT scans of 61 males and 89 females aged from 24 to 80 years were retrospectively studied with different slice thickness and evaluated with regards to prevalence and diameter among age and gender groups in Russia. Results. CS prevalence in this study was 67%, and CS was most frequently presented in the lateral incisor region (33.5%). Women showed statistically higher CS prevalence (p<0.01) than the male group, and there was no statistically significant difference observed between occurrence and localization of CS and age groups. Conclusion. CBCT examination demonstrated good diagnostic efficiency in CS visualization, and the CS may have variations on its location and prevalence with statistically significant differences between the gender group and without significant differences among age groups and can depend on the population. © 2019 Avanesov Anatoly et al

MICROCIRCULATORY ALTERATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER AFTER RADIATION THERAPY: A POSSIBLE CORRELATION WITH MUCOSITIS?

BACKGROUND: Patients affected by several forms of malignant neoplasms receive chemotherapy (CT) or radiation therapy (RT). These treatments can cause many side effects, such as oral mucositis (OM). Mucositis is the most frequently occurring early side effect of conservative treatment of patients with malignant tumors in the head and neck, and it is registered in more than 60% of cases. It occurs due to the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs on the cells of the mucous membrane, which causes their death, and to a greater extent, due to the effect of ionizing radiation on the endothelium of the blood vessels and the basal cells of the mucous membrane the submucosa. OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation between the indicators of hemomicrocirculation of the oral mucosa and the intensity of the clinical manifestations of oral mucositis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 48 patients who had a morphologically confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and received radiation therapy at National Medical Research Radiological Centre (Moscow, Russia). RESULTS: It was found that, in all the subgroups, the severity index of mucositis National Cancer Institute (NCI) clearly correlated with the indicators of the flow of microcirculation through the study area at point A (r = -0.85, -0.99 and -0.77). At point A, blood perfusion in the study of hemomicrocirculation in all the subgroups 18-44 g in Ia, 45-59 g and 60-74 g in Ic was the opposite of the value of the severity of mucositis. A strong negative correlation was found between the severity of mucositis and the perfusion index at point B in subgroup Ia : (r = -0.99) along with, a moderate inverse correlation in subgroups Ib (r = -0.69) and Ic (r = -0.36). At point B, a strong inverse correlation was found in subgroups Ib and Ic (r = -0.72 and -0.65, respectively), and a moderate inverse correlation was found in subgroup Ia - NCI where r = -0.32. CONCLUSIONS: There is a negative correlation between the indicators of hemomicrocirculation of the oral mucosa and the severity of oral mucositis. It was found that the higher the lesions of the microvasculature, the lower the intensity of mucositis. These data have important prognostic value and make it possible to recommend the determination of hemomicrocirculation as a screening test