The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Geothermal Exploitation Monitoring: Khankala Field Example

The article is devoted to the use of unmanned aerial vehicle for geothermal waters exploitation monitoring. Development of a geothermal reservoir usually requires a system of wells, pipelines and pumping equipment and control of such a system is quite complicated. In this regard, use of unmanned aerial vehicle is relevant. Two test unmanned aerial vehicle based infrared surveys have been conducted at the Khankala field (Chechen Republic) with the Khankala geothermal plant operating at different regimes: during the first survey – with, and the second – without reinjection of used geothermal fluid. Unmanned aerial vehicle Geoscan 201 equipped with digital (Sony DSX-RX1) and thermal imaging (Thermoframe-MX-TTX) cameras was used. Besides different images of the geothermal plant obtained by the surveys, 13 thermal anomalies have been identified. Analysis of the shape and temperature facilitated determination of their different sources: fire, heating systems, etc., which was confirmed by a ground reconnaissance. Results of the study demonstrate a high potential of unmanned aerial vehicle based thermal imagery use for environmental and technological monitoring of geothermal fields under operation

Modern Methods of DNA Sequencing (Scientific Review)

Rapidly developing sequencing technologies have provided the possibility for identification of a DNA nucleotide sequence of a whole individual human genome just in a couple of weeks. Working capacity of some sequencers is already measured in thousands of milliards of base pairs per an operating cycle. Reviewed have been the basic principles and analytical potential of the modern methods for DNA sequencing which are nominally subdivided into three major types: classical - capillary electrophoresis sequencing and pyrosequencing, novel (Next Generation Sequencing - NGS) - simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, each one of which is a cluster containing many thousands or hundreds of thousands of their clones - high-performance pyrosequencing, cyclic ligase and semiconducting sequencing, molecular-cluster-based sequencing using fluorescent-labeled precursors; and cutting-edge methods - (Next-Next Generation Sequencing - NNGS) - the ones that read millions of single DNA fragments without pre-cloning

Phenotypic and Molecular-Genetic Analysis of Genetically Modified Toxigenic <I>Vibrio cholerae</I> El Tor Strain 301, Isolated in 2011 in Russia

The phenotypic and molecular-genetic analysis of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Inaba strain 301, isolated in 2011 from sea water in recreation zone in Taganrog, demonstrated this isolate to be a genetic variant of El Tor cholera causative agent. Its genome was shown to carry a hybrid prophage, containing gene ctxB of classical type and gene rstR of El Tor type, as well as altered pathogenicity island VPI-1 and pandemicity island VSP-II. This strain produced much more cholera toxin (0,12 mcg/ml) than typical strains of this causative agent

Radial-piston pump for drive of test machines

The article reviews the development of radial-piston pump with phase control and alternating-flow mode for seismic-testing platforms and other test machines. The prospects for use of the developed device are proved. It is noted that the method of frequency modulation with the detection of the natural frequencies is easily realized by using the radial-piston pump. The prospects of further research are given proof

Heterocycles of biological importance: Part 6. The formation of novelbiologically active pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimid-azoles from electron deficientalkynes and 2-aminobenzimidazoles

2-Aminobenzimidazole (1a) and its 5,6-dimethyl derivative 1b react with phenylpropynenitrile (2) to give 2-amino-4-phenylpyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles 8a,b in excellent yields. Of these compounds, 2-amino-7,8-dimethyl-4- phenylpyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (8b) has been shown to possess diuretic properties. Acetylenic aldehydes 9a,b also react with 1a,b to give pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles 13a-13d in good yield

Pneumatic device of the preload and dynamic loads balancing to reduce the intensity of thermal processes in the metal cutting process

Improved reliability of the technological system "machine-tool-instrument-detail" is an important current task. Backlashes and insufficient stiffness of technological system lead to intensive wear of the cutting tool, increasing the heat in the cutting zone. Due to high temperature in the thin surface layers of the workpiece and tool thermal processes may occur which are similar to release and can cause the structural changes of the material. The current article presents the final design of the device which has been developed to reduce the intensity of thermal processes in metal cutting

Monoterpenoids dithiophosphates. Synthesis and biological activity

O,O-Dialkyldithiophosphoric acids adds at the double bond of the racemic camphene and (+)- limonene in the presence of Lewis acids in accordance with the Markownikoff rule with the formation of Sterpenyl esters of dithiophosphoric acids. The reaction with camphene is accompanied by the rearrangement of camphane structure to that of bornane. Addition of dithiophosphoric acid to (+)-limonene proceeds with the participation of the exocyclic double bond. Toxic and genotoxic properties of the monoterpenoid dithiophosphates were studied. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2010

Impact of Zweymüller Stem Modification on Clinical and Radiological Outcomes

Background. According to the analysis of large arthroplasty registers we have noted the increase in the use of non-cemented implants, because the latter shows the same results of implant survival as well as cemented implants. On the other hand, they can affect the quality of the bone around the implant in different ways. These components differ in shape, length, and surface properties. According to the analysis of the arthroplasty register of the Vreden National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, a significant decrease of the Alloclassic femoral stem using can be noted. In parallel the use of its SL-PLUS MIA modification has increased significantly. Aims of the study: 1) to determine the influence of changes in the design of the Zweymüller-type femoral stem on midterm and long-term outcomes and its survival; 2) to identify the characteristics of adaptive remodeling of periprosthetic bone tissue around these femoral stems; 3) to determine risk factors for aseptic loosening of these femoral stems. Methods. 492 cases of hip arthroplasty using the Alloclassic and SL-PLUS MIA femoral stems were observed, with an average follow-up 78.6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of femoral stem. The assessment the hip articulation condition was carried out using the HHS and OHS. The intensity of the pain syndrome was assessed by VAS, and the level of patient’s satisfaction. The dynamic analysis of X-rays was also performed visually. Results. A significant improvement in clinical and functional results was observed according to the HHS and OHS in both groups of patients, regardless of the type of femoral stem. Analysis of X-rays over time showed differences in the behavior of these two femoral component models. The radiolucent lines around the femoral stem are absent in SL-PLUS MIA group, in Alloclassic stem group radiolucent lines are present even at a minimal period (12 months). We also found that a tight fit of Zweymüller femoral stems in the distal shaft is a risk factor for severe stress-shielding syndrome, especially in the funnel channels. But ceteris paribus, a distal tight fit of SL-PLUS MIA stems despite similar geometry of the distal part does not lead to such frequent manifestation of severe stress shielding. Conclusion. The change in Zweymüller stem design from Alloclassic to SL-PLUS MIA improved the nature of adaptive remodeling in the periprosthetic area of the femur. It may improve the long-term results of primary hip arthroplasty, but these differences require closer observation

Economic Ideas and Institutional Change: Evidence from Soviet Economic Discourse 1987-1991

In recent years, institutional and evolutionary economists have become increasingly aware that ideas play an important role in economic development. In the current literature, the problem is usually elaborated upon in purely theoretical terms. In the present paper it is argued that ideas are always also shaped by historical and cultural factors. Due to this historical and cultural specificity theoretical research must be supplemented by historical case studies. The paper analyses the shift in ideas that took place in Soviet economic thought between 1987 and 1991. This case study, it is argued, may contribute to our understanding of the links between ideas and institutions. More specifically, it sheds new light on the issue of whether the evolution of economic ideas is pathdependent, so that they change only incrementally, or whether their development takes place in a discontinuous way that can best be compared with revolutions

In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Characterization of Peptoids as Antimicrobial Agents

Bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics is a global threat that has spurred the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimetics as novel anti-infective agents. While the bioavailability of AMPs is often reduced due to protease activity, the non-natural structure of AMP mimetics renders them robust to proteolytic degradation, thus offering a distinct advantage for their clinical application. We explore the therapeutic potential of N-substituted glycines, or peptoids, as AMP mimics using a multi-faceted approach that includes in silico, in vitro, and in vivo techniques. We report a new QSAR model that we developed based on 27 diverse peptoid sequences, which accurately correlates antimicrobial peptoid structure with antimicrobial activity. We have identified a number of peptoids that have potent, broad-spectrum in vitro activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains. Lastly, using a murine model of invasive S. aureus infection, we demonstrate that one of the best candidate peptoids at 4 mg/kg significantly reduces with a two-log order the bacterial counts compared with saline-treated controls. Taken together, our results demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential of peptoids as antimicrobial agents