Modeling the Income Distribution in the Society

In the paper the income distribution in the closed economic system is modeled. It has been shown the obtained equilibrium function for the income distribution in the society fits well the statistical data. It is also shown the Gini coef-ficient approaches its theoretical value 0.5 in the absence of government interference. Finally, the conclusion is drawn about a high stability of the income distributionincome distribution; Gini coefficient

High-Throughput Fingerprinting of Rhizobial Free Fatty Acids by Chemical Thin-Film Deposition and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Fatty acids (FAs) represent an important class of metabolites, impacting on membrane building blocks and signaling compounds in cellular regulatory networks. In nature, prokaryotes are characterized with the most impressing FA structural diversity and the highest relative content of free fatty acids (FFAs). In this context, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (order Rhizobiales), the symbionts of legumes, are particularly interesting. Indeed, the FA profiles influence the structure of rhizobial nodulation factors, required for successful infection of plant root. Although FA patterns can be assessed by gas chromatography—(GC-) and liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC-MS), sample preparation for these methods is time-consuming and quantification suffers from compromised sensitivity, low stability of derivatives and artifacts. In contrast, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) represents an excellent platform for high-efficient metabolite fingerprinting, also applicable to FFAs. Therefore, here we propose a simple and straightforward protocol for high-throughput relative quantification of FFAs in rhizobia by combination of Langmuir technology and MALDI-TOF-MS featuring a high sensitivity, accuracy and precision of quantification. We describe a step-by-step procedure comprising rhizobia culturing, pre-cleaning, extraction, sample preparation, mass spectrometric analysis, data processing and post-processing. As a case study, a comparison of the FFA metabolomes of two rhizobia species—Rhizobium leguminosarum and Sinorhizobium meliloti, demonstrates the analytical potential of the protocol

Antibodies raised against a Sunn bug (Eurygaster integriceps Put.) recombinant protease, rGHP3p2, can inhibit gluten-hydrolyzing activity

Sunn pest or Sunn bug, Eurygaster integriceps Put., salivary gland proteases are responsible for the deterioration of wheat flour quality during dough mixing, resulting from gluten hydrolysis. These proteases are highly heterogeneous and show low sensitivity to most types of proteinaceous inhibitors, meaning that such inhibitors cannot be used to prevent gluten damage. The present study describes the generation of a specific peptide antibody, raised against the active center of the recombinant gluten-hydrolyzing protease (GHP3). The recombinant protein, encoding two repeats of the GHP3 sequence element involved in forming the S4 pocket and binding of substrate at position P4, was designed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The antibodies raised to this recombinant protein showed inhibitory activity against the GHP3 protease. The results indicate that it is possible to design specific antibodies to inhibit wheat-bug gluten-hydrolyzing proteases

Tribological properties of experimental hard alloys in conditions of friction on structural steel without lubricant

Tribological properties of the experimental grades of high entropy hard alloys with modified binding phase on cobalt, which are characterized by minimal value of absolute t.m.f. to carbide phase, were experimentally investigated. It was established experimentally that new grades obtain better friction characteristics in comparison with the base alloy grade VK8 because friction processes of these materials in contact with structural steels are characterized by lower friction forces and lower temperatures in the friction zones. The ‘third body’ which is thicker than for the base alloy grade VK8, obtains a positive gradient of mechanical properties in friction zone, has a shielding effect, reduces the rate of generation of adhesive joints (welding bridges), and, perhaps, performs the role of dry lubrication

Tribological properties of experimental hard alloys in conditions of friction on structural steel without lubricant

Tribological properties of the experimental grades of high entropy hard alloys with modified binding phase on cobalt, which are characterized by minimal value of absolute t.m.f. to carbide phase, were experimentally investigated. It was established experimentally that new grades obtain better friction characteristics in comparison with the base alloy grade VK8 because friction processes of these materials in contact with structural steels are characterized by lower friction forces and lower temperatures in the friction zones. The ‘third body’ which is thicker than for the base alloy grade VK8, obtains a positive gradient of mechanical properties in friction zone, has a shielding effect, reduces the rate of generation of adhesive joints (welding bridges), and, perhaps, performs the role of dry lubrication

Genetically Determined Dosage of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Affects Male Reproductive Parameters

Context: The detailed role of FSH in contributing to male testicular function and fertility has been debated. We have previously identified the association between the T-allele of the FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; G/T, -211 bp from the mRNA start) and significantly reduced male serum FSH. Objective: In the current study, the T-allele carriers of the FSHB -211 G/T single nucleotide polymorphism represented a natural model for documenting downstream phenotypic consequences of insufficient FSH action. Design and Subjects: We genotyped rs10835638 in the population-based Baltic cohort of young men (n=1054; GG carriers, n=796; GT carriers, n=244; TT carriers, n=14) recruited by Andrology Centres in Tartu, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; and Kaunas, Lithuania. Marker-trait association testing was performed using linear regression (additive, recessive models) adjusted by age, body mass index, smoking, and recruitment center. Results: Serum hormones directly correlated with the T-allele dosage of rs10835638 included FSH (additive model, P=1.11×10 -6; T-allele effect, -0.41 IU/liter), inhibin-B (P=2.16×10 -3; T-allele effect, -14.67 pg/ml), and total testosterone (P = 9.30 × 10 -3; T-allele effect, -1.46 nmol/liter). Parameters altered only among TT homozygotes were reduced testicular volume (recessive model, P = 1.19 × 10 -4; TT genotype effect, -9.47 ml) and increased serum LH (P = 2.25 × 10 -2; TT genotype effect, 1.07 IU/liter). The carrier status of rs10835638 alternative genotypes did not affect sperm motility and morphology, calculated free testosterone, serum SHBG, and estradiol concentrations. Conclusion: We showed for the first time that genetically determined low FSH may have wider downstream effects on the male reproductive system, including impaired testes development, altered testicular hormone levels (inhibin-B, total testosterone, LH), and affected male reproductive potential.publishersversionPeer reviewe

High-Throughput Fingerprinting of Rhizobial Free Fatty Acids by Chemical Thin-Film Deposition and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Fatty acids (FAs) represent an important class of metabolites, impacting on membrane building blocks and signaling compounds in cellular regulatory networks. In nature, prokaryotes are characterized with the most impressing FA structural diversity and the highest relative content of free fatty acids (FFAs). In this context, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (order Rhizobiales), the symbionts of legumes, are particularly interesting. Indeed, the FA profiles influence the structure of rhizobial nodulation factors, required for successful infection of plant root. Although FA patterns can be assessed by gas chromatography—(GC-) and liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC-MS), sample preparation for these methods is time-consuming and quantification suffers from compromised sensitivity, low stability of derivatives and artifacts. In contrast, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) represents an excellent platform for high-efficient metabolite fingerprinting, also applicable to FFAs. Therefore, here we propose a simple and straightforward protocol for high-throughput relative quantification of FFAs in rhizobia by combination of Langmuir technology and MALDI-TOF-MS featuring a high sensitivity, accuracy and precision of quantification. We describe a step-by-step procedure comprising rhizobia culturing, pre-cleaning, extraction, sample preparation, mass spectrometric analysis, data processing and post-processing. As a case study, a comparison of the FFA metabolomes of two rhizobia species—Rhizobium leguminosarum and Sinorhizobium meliloti, demonstrates the analytical potential of the protocol

Water pollution monitoring by an artificial sensory system performing in terms of Vibrio fischeri bacteria

This report describes the application of potentiometric multisensory system for estimation of water samples toxicity in terms of Microtox ® analyzer—a widespread instrument for toxicity evaluation. The working principle of Microtox ® analyser is based on a registration of luminescence from Vibrio fischeri bacteria. This luminescence depends on metabolism conditions and toxicity of the environment. Due to the fact that metabolism is influenced by multiple parameters the method is associated with certain limitations. Unlike this bioassay procedure the employment of multisensory system does not require the use of living organisms and can provide for faster toxicity evaluation. Fifty-five real and model polluted water samples, for which the toxicity was established by bioassay, were studied. The response of multisensory array processed with machine learning techniques allows for prediction of toxicity in terms of EC50 with relative errors of 20–25%. Taking into account the complexity of the task (simulation of complex biological reactions with inanimate instrument) this can be considered as a good promise for further research in this direction in order to develop instrumental alternative for toxicity assessmen

High-Throughput Fingerprinting of Rhizobial Free Fatty Acids by Chemical Thin-Film Deposition and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Fatty acids (FAs) represent an important class of metabolites, impacting on membrane building blocks and signaling compounds in cellular regulatory networks. In nature, prokaryotes are characterized with the most impressing FA structural diversity and the highest relative content of free fatty acids (FFAs). In this context, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (order Rhizobiales), the symbionts of legumes, are particularly interesting. Indeed, the FA profiles influence the structure of rhizobial nodulation factors, required for successful infection of plant root. Although FA patterns can be assessed by gas chromatography—(GC-) and liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC-MS), sample preparation for these methods is time-consuming and quantification suffers from compromised sensitivity, low stability of derivatives and artifacts. In contrast, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) represents an excellent platform for high-efficient metabolite fingerprinting, also applicable to FFAs. Therefore, here we propose a simple and straightforward protocol for high-throughput relative quantification of FFAs in rhizobia by combination of Langmuir technology and MALDI-TOF-MS featuring a high sensitivity, accuracy and precision of quantification. We describe a step-by-step procedure comprising rhizobia culturing, pre-cleaning, extraction, sample preparation, mass spectrometric analysis, data processing and post-processing. As a case study, a comparison of the FFA metabolomes of two rhizobia species—Rhizobium leguminosarum and Sinorhizobium meliloti, demonstrates the analytical potential of the protocol