Determination of the monetisation coefficient dynamics of the Russian economy and its impact on macroeconomic indicators

The monetisation coefficient is the most important indicator of the saturation level of the economy with money. This article examines the dynamics of the monetisation coefficient of the Russian economy in 2017–2021, provides a forecast for the level of monetisation for 2022, and an assessment of its impact on key macroeconomic indicators: unemployment, inflation and economic growth. Based on the correlation analysis, the existence of a strong relationship between the monetisation coefficient and the unemployment rate in Russia has been determined, while an increase in unemployment in the country contributes to a decrease in the gross domestic product, which, in turn, is an important component in calculating the monetisation level. A direct linear relationship between the monetisation level and gross domestic product has been revealed. The existence of a direct relationship between the level of inflation and the monetisation of the Russian economy has been determined. The conclusion is made about the need to increase the monetisation level of the Russian economy

O международной школе-конференции по теории функций, посвященной 100-летию со дня рождения С. Б. Стечкина

The paper provides an overview of the main events of the International Workshop–Conference on Function Theory dedicated to the Centenary of the birth of S. B. Stechkin, which was held in Yekaterinburg online from August 3 to August 12, 2020, for the 45th time since 1971. A description of the traditions and peculiarities of such workshops that have developed over the years as well as a list of reports by the conference participants are given. The paper also contains memoirs about Sergei Borisovich Stechkin, the initiator of such workshops–conferences, the founder and head of the scientific school on function theory. © 2020 Krasovskii Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics. All rights reserved

Evaluation of bioactive sphingolipids in 4-HPR-resistant leukemia cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>N</it>-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide) is a synthetic retinoid with potent pro-apoptotic activity against several types of cancer, but little is known regarding mechanisms leading to chemoresistance. Ceramide and, more recently, other sphingolipid species (e.g., dihydroceramide and dihydrosphingosine) have been implicated in 4-HPR-mediated tumor cell death. Because sphingolipid metabolism has been reported to be altered in drug-resistant tumor cells, we studied the implication of sphingolipids in acquired resistance to 4-HPR based on an acute lymphoblastic leukemia model.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>CCRF-CEM cell lines resistant to 4-HPR were obtained by gradual selection. Endogenous sphingolipid profiles and in situ enzymatic activities were determined by LC/MS, and resistance to 4-HPR or to alternative treatments was measured using the XTT viability assay and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide labeling.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No major crossresistance was observed against other antitumoral compounds (i.e. paclitaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin hydrochloride) or agents (i.e. ultra violet C, hydrogen peroxide) also described as sphingolipid modulators. CCRF-CEM cell lines resistant to 4-HPR exhibited a distinctive endogenous sphingolipid profile that correlated with inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase. Cells maintained acquired resistance to 4-HPR after the removal of 4-HPR though the sphingolipid profile returned to control levels. On the other hand, combined treatment with sphingosine kinase inhibitors (unnatural (dihydro)sphingosines ((dh)Sph)) and glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor (PPMP) in the presence or absence of 4-HPR increased cellular (dh)Sph (but not ceramide) levels and were highly toxic for both parental and resistant cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In the leukemia model, acquired resistance to 4-HPR is selective and persists in the absence of sphingolipid profile alteration. Therapeutically, the data demonstrate that alternative sphingolipid-modulating antitumoral strategies are suitable for both 4-HPR-resistant and sensitive leukemia cells. Thus, whereas sphingolipids may not be critical for maintaining resistance to 4-HPR, manipulation of cytotoxic sphingolipids should be considered a viable approach for overcoming resistance.</p

Defective Sphingosine-1-phosphate metabolism is a druggable target in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is characterized by a complex and heterogeneous pathogenic profile. Studies have shown that disturbance in lipid homeostasis may represent a critical determinant in the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders. The recognition of perturbed lipid metabolism is only recently becoming evident in HD. In order to provide more insight into the nature of such a perturbation and into the effect its modulation may have in HD pathology, we investigated the metabolism of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), one of the most important bioactive lipids, in both animal models and patient samples. Here, we demonstrated that S1P metabolism is significantly disrupted in HD even at early stage of the disease and importantly, we revealed that such a dysfunction represents a common denominator among multiple disease models ranging from cells to humans through mouse models. Interestingly, the in vitro anti-apoptotic and the pro-survival actions seen after modulation of S1P-metabolizing enzymes allows this axis to emerge as a new druggable target and unfolds its promising therapeutic potential for the development of more effective and targeted interventions against this incurable condition

Clutter and malfunction at the impact of powerful nanosecond pulses on transceivers of cellular and mobile communication systems

The paper presents the results of experiments concerning the impact of nonlinear clutter of powerful nanosecond pulses on radiotelephones, causing them to malfunction, and on nearby communication transceivers, for the deliberate distortion of signals radiated into space and for forced switching of the transmitter’s generators to a mismatched load with subsequently causes them to go out of service because of overheating. Some unique features of this type of clutter are discussed, as well as advantages of radio suppression of telecommunication systems with the aid of such interference