Evolutionary dynamics of eukaryotic selenoproteomes: large selenoproteomes may associate with aquatic life and small with terrestrial life

In silico and metabolic labeling studies of the selenoproteomes of several eukaryotes revealed distinct selenoprotein patterns as well as an ancient origin of selenoproteins and massive, independent losses in land plants, fungi, nematodes, insects and some protists, suggesting that the environment plays an important role in selenoproteome evolution

Thiol peroxidase deficiency leads to increased mutational load and decreased fitness in saccharomyces cerevisiae

Thiol peroxidases are critical enzymes in the redox control of cellular processes that function by reducing low levels of hydroperoxides and regulating redox signaling. These proteins were also shown to regulate genome stability, but how their dysfunction affects the actual mutations in the genome is not known. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has eight thiol peroxidases of glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin families, and the mutant lacking all these genes (Δ8) is viable. In this study, we employed two independent Δ8 isolates to analyze the genome-wide mutation spectrum that results from deficiency in these enzymes. Deletion of these genes was accompanied by a dramatic increase in point mutations, many of which clustered in close proximity and scattered throughout the genome, suggesting strong mutational bias. We further subjected multiple lines of wild-type and Δ8 cells to long-term mutation accumulation, followed by genome sequencing and phenotypic characterization. Δ8 lines showed a significant increase in nonrecurrent point mutations and indels. The original Δ8 cells exhibited reduced growth rate and decreased life span, which were further reduced in all Δ8 mutation accumulation lines. Although the mutation spectrum of the two independent isolates was different, similar patterns of gene expression were observed, suggesting the direct contribution of thiol peroxidases to the observed phenotypes. Expression of a single thiol peroxidase could partially restore the growth phenotype of Δ8 cells. This study shows how deficiency in nonessential, yet critical and conserved oxidoreductase function, leads to increased mutational load and decreased fitness.National Institutes of Health (GM065204

Singularities of bi-Hamiltonian systems

We study the relationship between singularities of bi-Hamiltonian systems and algebraic properties of compatible Poisson brackets. As the main tool, we introduce the notion of linearization of a Poisson pencil. From the algebraic viewpoint, a linearized Poisson pencil can be understood as a Lie algebra with a fixed 2-cocycle. In terms of such linearizations, we give a criterion for non-degeneracy of singular points of bi-Hamiltonian systems and describe their types

Functional classification of proteins based on projection of amino acid sequences: application for prediction of protein kinase substrates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The knowledge about proteins with specific interaction capacity to the protein partners is very important for the modeling of cell signaling networks. However, the experimentally-derived data are sufficiently not complete for the reconstruction of signaling pathways. This problem can be solved by the network enrichment with predicted protein interactions. The previously published <it>in silico </it>method PAAS was applied for prediction of interactions between protein kinases and their substrates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We used the method for recognition of the protein classes defined by the interaction with the same protein partners. 1021 protein kinase substrates classified by 45 kinases were extracted from the Phospho.ELM database and used as a training set. The reasonable accuracy of prediction calculated by leave-one-out cross validation procedure was observed in the majority of kinase-specificity classes. The random multiple splitting of the studied set onto the test and training set had also led to satisfactory results. The kinase substrate specificity for 186 proteins extracted from TRANSPATH^®database was predicted by PAAS method. Several kinase-substrate interactions described in this database were correctly predicted. Using the previously developed ExPlain™ system for the reconstruction of signal transduction pathways, we showed that addition of the newly predicted interactions enabled us to find the possible path between signal trigger, TNF-alpha, and its target genes in the cell.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>It was shown that the predictions of protein kinase substrates by PAAS were suitable for the enrichment of signaling pathway networks and identification of the novel signaling pathways. The on-line version of PAAS for prediction of protein kinase substrates is freely available at <url>http://www.ibmc.msk.ru/PAAS/</url>.</p

Dispatch’s decision-making support during operational voltage control in control stations

Voltage and reactive power mode control is performed by dispatcher for the purpose of ensuring required reserves on steady state stability and load stability as well as permissible voltage operating conditions of electric grid equipment. The decision made by dispatcher engaged in controlling reactive power and voltage modes is founded on instructional materials developed in advance for each voltage control station (CS) with focus on data about typical modes of power system or energy area operation. The actual efficiency of reactive power compensation facilities depends on many factors (the composition and operation of grid elements, the composition and operation of generating equipment, etc.). To make final and balanced decision, in some cases, it is necessary to perform some estimation calculations, which take more time for decision making. To minimize and reduce the time required by dispatcher for their decision making and improve its accuracy when involved in voltage and reactive power mode control, it is reasonable to develop software able to determine the efficiency of reactive power compensation facilities in real time

Problems of a Transport Complex of Mining and Processing Plants

The article considers problems of a transport complex of mining and processing plants. Requirements for quarry transport are presented. The production process and technological operations of the transportation process are considered. The ways of solving the problems of the transportation process are determined. It is established that when creating a rational system for transporting iron ore raw materials, it is possible to reduce material costs and losses during transportation

Acute Viral Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections in the Tropics—A Role for Cartridge-Based Multiplex PCR Panels?

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) contributes to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, children in resource-poor settings suffer from frequent episodes of diarrhea. A variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, can cause AGE. Common viruses associated with AGE are norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, and sapovirus. Due to their similar clinical presentation, AGE pathogens cannot be distinguished on clinical grounds rendering the etiological diagnosis challenging. However, reliable diagnosis is essential for individual and public health reasons, e.g., to limit transmission, for appropriate antibiotic use, prognostic appreciation, and vaccination programs. Therefore, high-quality data derived by accurate diagnostics are important to improve global health. In Western industrialized countries, diagnosis relies on microbiological testing, including culture methods, microscopy, immunochromatography, and single-target molecular methods. Recently, multiplex PCR or syndromic panels have been introduced, which simultaneously analyze for multiple pathogens in a very short time. A further technological advancement is cartridge-based syndromic panels, which allow for near patient/point-of-care testing independently from a laboratory. In resource-poor tropical regions, however, laboratory diagnosis is rarely established, and there are little routine laboratory data on the epidemiology of viral AGE pathogens. Limiting factors for the implementation of syndromic panels are high costs, sophisticated equipment, and the need for trained personnel. In addition, pilot studies have shown a large number of viral (co-)detections among healthy controls, thus further challenging their clinical utilization. Hence, there are little evidence-based data on the impact of multiplex syndromic panels from resource-limited regions. Here, we aim to provide a brief overview of what is known about the use of syndromic panels for virus-associated AGE in tropical regions and to address future challenges

Financial Stability in Companies with High ESG Scores: Evidence from North America Using the Ohlson O-Score

The benefits and advantages of the incorporation of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governing)-related policies have been discussed extensively. However, research articles focus not only on the socioecological aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but also on the underlying effects on a corporation’s corporate financial performance (CFP). In this regard, the current study aims to analyze the impact of ESG parameters on corporations’ financial stability. A sample size of 691 companies in North American countries was investigated in order to test the hypothesis that ESG has an effect on the likelihood of a company going bankrupt using the Ohlson O-score. This is conducted using regression models and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Furthermore, a follow-up hypothesis on the relationship between firm size and ESG is also tested in order to evaluate a tendency of corporate growth through ESG-based sustainable development. The results of the study conclude that the governing pillar of ESG factors has the highest positive impact on corporations’ financial success. Furthermore, the analysis conducted in the study with its sample size confirms the hypothesis that larger firms tend to have higher ESG scores

The Effect of Adding Modified Chitosan on the Strength Properties of Bacterial Cellulose for Clinical Applications

Currently, several materials for the closure of the dura mater (DM) defects are known. However, the long-term results of their usage reveal a number of disadvantages. The use of antibiotics and chitosan is one of the major trends in solving the problems associated with infectious after-operational complications. This work compares the mechanical properties of samples of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) impregnated with Novochizol™ and vancomycin with native BNC and preserved and native human DM. An assessment of the possibility of controling the mechanical properties of these materials by changing their thickness has been performed by statistical analysis methods. A total of 80 specimens of comparable samples were investigated. During the analysis, the results obtained, the factor of Novochizol™ addition has provided a statistically significant impact on the strength properties (Fisher Criteria p-value 0.00509 for stress and 0.00112 for deformation). Moreover, a stronger relationship between the thickness of the samples and their ultimate load was shown: R2=0.236 for BNC + Novochizol™ + vancomycin, compared to R2=0.0405 for native BNC. Using factor analysis, it was possible to show a significant effect of modified chitosan (Novochizol™) on the ultimate stress (p-value = 0.005)