Chemistry for Sustainable Development 13 (2005) 507-514 Distribution and Composition of Nitrogen-Containing Compounds in Petroleum from the Lower and Middle Jurassic Deposits in West Siberia

Abstract The distribution and composition of low-molecular nitrogen-containing components in petroleum from the Lower and Middle Jurassic complex of West Siberia were investigated. The dependence of the quantitative content and qualitative composition of hetero-organic compounds of nitrogen on the geological-geochemical bedding conditions was revealed. It was established that the group and individual composition of nitrogencontaining compounds of the Lower and Middle Jurassic petroleum is typical also for petroleum from the Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic deposits of the West Siberian oil-and-gas province. No evident differences in the distribution of predomin ant types of low-molecular nitrogen-containing compounds were revealed in the investigated kinds of petroleum

Hybridization Capture Using RAD Probes (hyRAD), a New Tool for Performing Genomic Analyses on Collection Specimens.

In the recent years, many protocols aimed at reproducibly sequencing reduced-genome subsets in non-model organisms have been published. Among them, RAD-sequencing is one of the most widely used. It relies on digesting DNA with specific restriction enzymes and performing size selection on the resulting fragments. Despite its acknowledged utility, this method is of limited use with degraded DNA samples, such as those isolated from museum specimens, as these samples are less likely to harbor fragments long enough to comprise two restriction sites making possible ligation of the adapter sequences (in the case of double-digest RAD) or performing size selection of the resulting fragments (in the case of single-digest RAD). Here, we address these limitations by presenting a novel method called hybridization RAD (hyRAD). In this approach, biotinylated RAD fragments, covering a random fraction of the genome, are used as baits for capturing homologous fragments from genomic shotgun sequencing libraries. This simple and cost-effective approach allows sequencing of orthologous loci even from highly degraded DNA samples, opening new avenues of research in the field of museum genomics. Not relying on the restriction site presence, it improves among-sample loci coverage. In a trial study, hyRAD allowed us to obtain a large set of orthologous loci from fresh and museum samples from a non-model butterfly species, with a high proportion of single nucleotide polymorphisms present in all eight analyzed specimens, including 58-year-old museum samples. The utility of the method was further validated using 49 museum and fresh samples of a Palearctic grasshopper species for which the spatial genetic structure was previously assessed using mtDNA amplicons. The application of the method is eventually discussed in a wider context. As it does not rely on the restriction site presence, it is therefore not sensitive to among-sample loci polymorphisms in the restriction sites that usually causes loci dropout. This should enable the application of hyRAD to analyses at broader evolutionary scales

Floodplain soils on the soil map of the Russian Federation, scale 1 : 2.5 M, 1988, in the Russian soil classification, 2004

The largest area of taiga gley-differentiated soils on the Soil map of Russian Federation, scale 1:2.5 M, is located in the north of West Siberia. Small areas are dispersed over the northwestern European Russia, Eastern Siberia and the North-East. Interpretation of taiga gley-differentiated soils in terms of Russian soil classification system (2004) is rather ambiguous owing to high diversity of ecological conditions where these soils occur, аs well as variability of soil morphological, chemical, and physicochemical properties in diverse mapping units. Comparing properties of taiga gley-differentiated soils described in the Program of the map (1972) and in regional publications with the diagnostic criteria for soil types in some orders of the Russian classification system made it possible to find adequate names and taxonomic position for these soils. Thus, taiga gley-differentiated soils in the middle and northern taiga of Western Siberia proved to be allocated to several orders: weakly differentiated and gleyed soils with a brown profile were referred to the order of organo-accumulative soils as shallow-peat gleyic soils; their more hydromorphic variants – taiga gley-differentiated shallow-peat soils were  defined in the order of gleyzems, as peat gleyzems, soil with morphologically differentiated profile having a particular cryogenic structure were qualified for svetlozems and iron-illuvial gleyic svetlozems in the order of cryometamorpic soils, and for eluvial-metamorphic soils of the same order in case of cryogenic structure was absent. Taiga gley-differentiated soils in their northwestern area are confined to varved clays and correspond to (soddy-)eluvial-metamorphic gleyic soils

Floodplain soils on the soil map of the Russian Federation, scale 1 : 2.5 M, 1988, in the Russian soil classification

The development of the digital model of the soil map of Russia derived of the map of the Soviet Russian Federation, 1988, compiled in Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, comprises the transfer of soil names in the initial legend to those in the new classification system of Russian soils (2004). Floodplain soils (only native) are represented by seven legend units (out of 205) that were named in terms of soil classification of USSR, 1977, and part of their names indicated ‘landscapes’ rather than soils, which disagrees with the principles of the new classification system. Basing on numerous publications and following the rules of the new system, soils were renamed. Most of them were referred to alluvial soil types within the synlithogenic trunk (Fluvisols), and their new names indicate both their properties and their zonal attachment. In order to obtain more adequate patterns of soils in river valleys additional soils were introduced including stratified-alluvial soils in the trunk of primary pedogenesis (Regosols). Simultaneously, the composition of polygons in the database was revised in accordance with regional data; human-modified soils were introduced (agro-soils and urbo-soils)

Mire peat soils of the taiga and sub-taiga zones of West Siberia on a digital model of the soil map of Russia at a scale of 1 : 2 500 000 in terms of the Russian soil classification

A digital version of the soil map of the Russian Federation, scale 1 : 2.5 M, is being prepared based on the analysis of the attributes of polygons with peat soils in the West-Siberian taiga and sub-taiga zones. The correction was perfomed in 795 polygons (with the total area of 179 483 km2) out of 1 711 polygons considered (with the total area of 262 204 km2). The currently formulated idea of the dominance of oligotrophic bogs in the West Siberian taiga region of mires served as the basis for suggestion to replace the mesotrophic peat soils by oligotrophic ones in 598 polygons of the total area of 87 250 km2. Similarly, the polygons of microcatenas comprising oligotrophic and mesotrophic peat soils (57 polygons, total area of 38 405 km2) were modified: only oligotrophic peat soils were considered to be the dominant ones there. At the same time, a number of polygons with prevailing oligotrophic soils, confined mainly to the sub-taiga zone were proposed to be replaced by polygons with mesotrophic peat soils. The thermokarst pools in ridge-hollow mire complexes that were shown on the soil map of Russia beyond the permafrost zone were eliminated from the map database; the mapping of destructive peat soils was rearranged in accordance with the new interpretation of this taxon in the Russian soil classification. This work should improve the quality of research in the field of assessing the resource potential of peat soils in West Siberia

Soil orders and their areas on the updated soil map of the Russian Federation, 1 : 2.5 M scale

An analysis of the soil cover of Russia as presented on the soil map on a scale of 1 : 2.5 M with the use of a new substantive-genetic soil classification system has been performed at the level of soil orders. The high level of classification-based generalization makes it possible to assess the most general patterns of soil geography and soil resources and to identify changes that have occurred as a result of renaming of each polygon on the map with the use of the new classification. The areas occupied by soil orders have been calculated. In total, there are 24 soil orders on the new map, including 21 orders of natural soils and 3 orders (agrozems, turfzems, stratozems) of anthropogenically transformed soils. Soils of the orders of agro-abrazems, chernozems, and turbozems are not presented on the map. As on most small-scale soil maps of Russia, the zonal regularities of the soil cover in the East European Plain and high lithogenic mosaicity in Central and Eastern Siberia are clearly seen. The new map includes soil orders that were absent on the initial map: cryozems, cryometamorphic and hydrometamorphic soils, lithozems, cryoabrazems, cryoturbozems, urbostratozems, and organo-accumulative soils. Soils characteristic of humid conditions predominate: Al-Fe-humus soils (Podzols) (319.2 M ha, or 19% of the land fund of Russia), gley soils (Gleysols) (223.9 M ha, 13%), texture-differentiated soils (Luvisols and Regosols) (190.8 M ha, 11%), and peat soils (Histosols) (143.5 M ha, 8%) and occupy more than a half of the territory of Russia. The area of humus-accumulative soils most suitable for arable use is 103.6 M ha (6%). Considerable areas are occupied by soils of the orders of cryozems (Turbic Cryosols) (111.4 M ha), iron-metamorphic soils (Chromic Cambisols) (92.7 M ha), structure-metamorphic soils (Cambisols) (47.3 M ha), pale-metamorphic soils (Cambic Cryosols) (12.8 M ha), hydrometamorphic soils (Calcic Gleysols) (4.3 M ha), and cryometamorphic soils (Cambisols Gelic) (3.4 M ha), which corresponds to the vast continental territory of Russia with balanced moisture conditions. Separate place belongs to the soils with strict limitations for use (lithosols (Leptosols), weakly developed soils (Regosols, Nudilithic Leptosols)) but playing important biospheric functions and requiring special protection

Affinity Labeling of RNA Polymerase II in the Transcriptionally Active Complex by a Phosphorylating Analog of the Initiation Substrate

RNA polymerase II is composed of 12 subunits Substrate derivatives with various chemical groups were used to study the active site of RNA polymerase II. Reagents with arylazide groups were activated by irradi ation at the appropriate wavelength. An additional reagent was required for detection of the products of pro tein interaction with other reagents. For example, when carbonyl containing reagents were used for irreversible attachment of an affinity reagent to the protein, the gen erated Schiff bases were reduced with NaBH 4 . These studies were performed with highly purified enzyme preparations , poly[d(A T)] ACCELERATED PUBLICATION 0006 2979/00/6510 1129$25.00 ©2000 MAIK "Nauka / Interperiodica" * To whom correspondence should be addressed. Vol. 65, No. 10, 2000, pp. 1129 1134. Translated from Biokhimiya, Vol. 65, No. 10, 2000, pp. 1334 1340. Original Russian Text Copyright © 2000 Abstract-Affinity modification of RNA polymerase II by a phosphorylating analog of the initiation substrate carrying a zwitterionic 5′ terminal phosphate group with a 4 N,N dimethylaminopyridine residue (DMAP pA) was studied during specific transcription initiation controlled by the late adenoviral promotor. Super selective affinity labeling and standard conditions of affinity modification resulted in labeling a polypeptide with molecular weight corresponding to that of the third subunit of the enzyme, RPB3 (45 kD). The initiation substrate (ATP) protects RNA polymerase II from modification. The third subunit may be involved in the formation of the substrate binding site of the enzyme

Application of Modular Rating Knowledge Assessment as an Innovative Learning Method

Оценка качества знаний специалистов среднего профессионального образования выступает одним из актуальных вопросов повышения качества образования. Методы оценки, релевантные уровню сформированности компетенций, представляют дисскусионный вопрос среди отечественных исследователей.Assessment of the quality of knowledge of specialists in secondary vocational education is one of the topical issues of improving the quality of education. Assessment methods that are relevant to the level of competence formation represent a discussion issue among domestic researchers

CHANGES IN HEART RATE, HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND QT INTERVAL IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DURING RITUXIMAB TREATMENT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a proven high cardiovascular risk disease. High heart rate (HR), lower heart rate variabil- ity (HRV), and increased QT interval are considered as predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. In RA, there is a pronounced rise in HR, a reduction in HRV, and an increase in QT interval mainly due to the factors reflecting the severity of the disease. Rituximab (RTM) is successfully used to treat patients with high RA activity. At the same time there are only a few pieces of evidence for the effect of the drug on the cardiovascular system. Objective: to study changes in HR, HRV, and QT interval values obtained during electrocardiography (ECG) Holter monitoring (ECG HM) in RTM-treated women during a 6-month follow-up. Subjects and methods: The investigation enrolled 55 women (mean age 50 years) with a definite diagnosis of RA and its high activity. The patients were examined 6 months after administration of RTM. The latter was infused intra- venously twice (500 and 1000 mg in 22% and 78% of the patients, respectively) during therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids. The RA patients were divided into two groups: 1) a satisfactory/good effect of RTM according to the EULAR criteria (n = 41); 2) no effect (n = 14). Analysis of 24-hour ECG HM yielded the values of HR and mean duration of corrected QT interval (QTc). The tim- ing HRV values obtained at ECG HM were standardized from age and mean HR (SDNNn, RMSSDn, and pNN50n). Results. The baseline HRmin and HRmean values were higher and SDNNn was lower in the RA patients in Group 1 than those in Group 2 (p < 0.05). In Group 1, RTM therapy was accompanied by a reduction in HRmean and HRmin by 8% and by an increase in SDNNn by 3%, RMSSDn by 26%, and pNN50n by 33% whereas no significant changes in HR and HRV were found in Group 2. The RTM therapy-induced HRmean decrease was associated with the reductions of C-reactive protein concentration and HAQ disability index (p < 0.01), the increases of rMSSDn and pNN50n associated with lower HAQ index, ERS, and DAS28 (p < 0.01). There were no differences in QTc in Groups 1 and 2 during 6 months after RTM therapy. Thus, effective RTM therapy is attended by reduced HR and improved HRV values

The influence of the mechanically activated amorphous form of calcium gluconate on the metabolism and mineral density of bone tissue in dental implantation in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis

The influence of mechanoactivated (nanodispersed) form of calcium gluconate (inside and locally) on the bone mineral density (BMD) and osteointegration processes in 89 patients aged 35-44 with chronic generalized periodontitis with reduced BMD within T-score from -1.1 to -2.5 SD was evaluated. The clinical condition, indicators of mineral metabolism (Ca, Mg, P) in blood plasma, markers of bone remodeling were studied. The inclusion of traditional training and accepted Protocol of dental implant receiving mechanically activated (nanosized) amorphous form of calcium gluconate in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis with reduced mineral density of bone tissue contributes to the correction of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone metabolism with the improvement of osseointegration of dental implants.Проведена оценка влияния механоактивированной (нанодисперсной) формы кальция глюконата (внутрь и местно) на минеральную плотность костной ткани (МПкт) и процессы остеоинтеграции у 89 пациентов в возрасте 35-44 года с хроническим генерализованным пародонтитом со сниженной МПкт в пределах т-score от -1,1 до -2,5 SD. Исследовано клиническое состояние, показатели минерального обмена (Ca, Mg, P) в плазме крови, маркёры костного ремоделирования. Включение в традиционную подготовку и принятый протокол дентальной имплантации приёма механоактивированной (нанодисперсной) аморфной формы кальция глюконата у пациентов с хроническим генерализованным пародонтитом со сниженной минеральной плотностью костной ткани способствует коррекции фосфорно-кальциевого обмена и метаболизма костной ткани с улучшением остеоинтеграции и имплантации зубов