Technologies for studying functional neural networks of the human brain based on data of nuclear functional magnetic tomography

Nuclear functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is one of the most popular methods for studying the functional activity of the human brain. In particular, this method is used in medicine to obtain information about the state of the functional networks of the patient’s brain. However, the process of processing and analysis of experimental fMRI data is complex and requires the selection of the correct technique, depending on the specific task. Practice has shown that different processing methods can give slightly different results for the same set of fMRI data. There are a number of alternative specialized software packages for processing and analysis, but the methodology still needs improvement and development. We are working in this direction: we analyze the effectiveness of existing methods; we develop our own methods; we create software services for processing and analysis of fMRI data on the basis of the distributed modular platform “Digital Laboratory”, with the involvement of the supercomputer NRC “Kurchatov Institute”. For research we use experimental fMRI data obtained on the scanner Siemens Verio Magnetom 3T at the Kurchatov Institute. One of our tasks within the framework of this project is to improve the technology for studying large-scale functional areas of the cerebral cortex at rest. To build a hierarchical model of interaction of large-scale neural networks, a verified binding of functional areas to anatomy is required. Today, there are a number of generally accepted atlases of the functional areas of the human cerebral cortex, which, nevertheless, are constantly being finalized and refined. This article presents the results of our study of the Glasser atlas for the consistency of voxels within one region and the connectivity metrics of voxel dynamics.

Titanium alloys for deep marine engineering

The results of the work of the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” – CRISM “Prometey” on the creation of titanium alloys for deep-sea marine equipment, vehicles and submersibles are presented. The paper considers development of titanium alloys with a yield strength of more than 1000 MPa.

Advances in operating capacity and life time of centrifugal cast pipes for high-temperature pyrolysis of NRC “Kurchatov Institute” – CRISM “Prometey”

On the basis of expert examinations of spent pipes metal operated as coil-pipes at pyrolysis furnaces, heat-resistant alloys and technologies for manufacturing standard products from them have been developed. The service characteristics of the developed alloy 45Kh32N43SB and its welded joints at temperatures of 1100 and 1150°C have been investigated. It is shown that the alloy has structural stability and the ability to resist high-temperature creep at operating temperatures up to 1150°C. A method has been developed for assessing the resource of pipe elements, taking into account the peculiarities of its operation, as well as crack-like defects in the pipe material. The reasons for the significant deformation and damage of the crossover piping, leading to the premature failure of the coils, have been found. The most significant operational factor of damage to the heat exchangers at pyrolysis plants has been identified.

Innovative research carried out at the nanocenter of the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” – CRISM “Prometey”

This article presents the results of comprehensive innovative research carried out over the past 15 years at the Nanocenter of the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” – CRISM “Prometey” in the following areas: the creation of coatings based on quasicrystals of the Al-Cu-Fe system, laser synthesis technologies, systems electromagnetic protection of technical equipment and biological objects, structural ceramics and composite materials, technologies for surface modification and magnetron sputtering, obtaining powders by melt spraying, hydrogen and alternative energy.

2.5 GeV booster synchrotron for a new Kurchatov synchrotron radiation source

The Project of complete modernization of a current accelerator complex and the making of the 3-d generation light source is in progress in the NRC «Kurchatov Institute». A new booster synchrotron is part of the injection complex for a new synchrotron light source. It must ensure reliable and stable operation of the upgraded main storage ring. The paper presents the lattice of a new booster synchrotron and its main parameters.

Neutron and Synchrotron Imaging Studies of Preservation State of Metal of Cultural Heritage Objects

This paper analyzes the results of studies carried out at the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, using the methods of neutron and X-ray synchrotron tomography from the point of view of the preservation state of metal objects. Objects damaged by corrosion and exposure to fire were the focus of this study. To identify regions of metal preservation, the diffraction contrast on grains of metal, observed in tomographic projections, was used. The simultaneous use of neutron and synchrotron imaging is shown to be a powerful tool for identification of the constituents of an object.

The Collimated Propagation Causes of Astrophysical and Laboratory Jets

The use of Z-pinch facilities makes it possible to carry out well-controlled and diagnosable laboratory experiments to study laboratory jets with scaling parameters close to those of the jets from young stars. This makes it possible to observe processes that are inaccessible to astronomical observations. Such experiments are carried out at the PF-3 facility (“plasma focus,” Kurchatov Institute), in which the emitted plasma emission propagates along the drift chamber through the environment at a distance of one meter. The paper presents the results of experiments with helium, in which a successive release of two ejections was observed. An analysis of these results suggests that after the passage of the first supersonic ejection, a region with a low concentration is formed behind it, the so-called vacuum trace, due to which the subsequent ejection practically does not experience environmental resistance and propagates being collimated. The numerical modeling of the propagation of two ejections presented in the paper confirms this point of view. Using scaling laws and appropriate numerical simulations of astrophysical ejections, it is shown that this effect can also be significant for the jets of young stars.

Abstract P-13: Structural Studies of Insulin Receptor-Related Receptor Ectodomain

Background: The insulin receptor-related receptor (IRR) was originally discovered due to its high homology to the other family members (insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor). We determined that IRR can be activated by mildly alkaline extracellular media and has typical features of the ligand-receptor interaction, including its specificity and dose-dependence. Since pH-sensitive properties of IRR are determined by its ectodomain; therefore, we chose as an option to study the soluble extracellular domain IRR. Methods: The investigation carried out in Titan Krios 60-300 TEM/STEM (FEI, USA) CryoEM, equipped with direct electron detector Falcon II (FEI, USA) and Cs image corrector (CEOS, Germany), at an accelerating voltage of 300 kV. Data processing and 3D reconstruction were carried out using computing resources of the Federal Collective Usage Center Complex for Simulation and Data Processing for Mega-Science Facilities at NRC “Kurchatov Institute.” Results: The obtained 2D classifications of particles of the ectodomain IRR at a neutral pH form several 3D models. This indicates that the ectodomain has several possible conformations, which is consistent with our previously obtained data using SEC-SAXS and AFM. In the future, additional careful data processing is required, as well as studies of the IRR ectodomain in mildly alkaline pH. Conclusion: In this study, we presented the structural characteristics of the IRR ectodomain obtained by CryoEM. These results are an important step towards understanding the mechanism of functioning of the IRR.

Research and development of hydrogen energy systems at the National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute»

This publication provides a brief overview of the materials of developments in promising areas of hydrogen energy and hydrogen technologies carried out by scientists and specialists at the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", in particular: - plasma, plasma-chemical, beam technologies, hydrogen energy technologies to ensure environmental safety and environmental protection, including:methods and technologies based on plasma-chemical processes for the processing and synthesis of organic compounds, modeling of plasma and plasma-chemical processes;development of plasma-melt technologies for gasification of solid organic raw materials, • development of a plasmatron complex for waste processing;elements of hydrogen (atomic-hydrogen) energy, including plasma ones, which ensure an increase in energy efficiency and environmental safety in energy (including renewable energy) in transport; • plasma catalytic systems for the conversion of organic fuels;fuel cells and electrolytic cells with solid polymer electrolyte; • membrane and membrane catalytic systems for hydrogen production and purification;nanostructured electrocatalysts;ensuring hydrogen safety.The Kurchatov Institute is the founder and undisputed leader and coordinator of research and development in our country in a number of key areas of hydrogen energy.