Russia's Energy Future and Northeast Asia1

Since about 2000, Russia became increasingly interested in a swift expansion of its oil and gas industry to the eastern regions, aiming primarily at the domestic development needs and new markets of Northeast Asia. Eastern Siberia and the Far Eastern areas contain up to 50 percent of Russia's estimated oil reserves. In this context, the Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean oil pipeline is attracting attention as a mega-project important not only for Russia, but also for its neighbors. This pipeline will facilitate the development of new oil fields in the remote eastern areas. There are also plans to build oil refineries connected to the pipeline, including the one planned on the Pacific coast. Indeed, Russia needs an access to the neighboring markets not only in the field of oil, but also natural gas and electricity. In this regard, long-term shared interests should drive new energy projects, and governments could greatly facilitate business interaction. Moreover, specific measures dealing with the long-term energy policies are required at the national, bilateral and regional levels, including practical and project specific initiatives tailored to the needs of the economies of Northeast Asia, considering their large markets, geography, technological potential and an interest in building institutions.     

Polymorphism of the central region of D-loop of mitochondrial DNA and personality identification by forensic medicine methods

Polymorphism of mDNA D-loop central region (CR), positions 16366-0072) was studied versus hypervariable sections (HVS1), positions 16024-16365, and HVS2, positions 00073-00340, for a sample of 71 residents of the Russian Federation. Ten polymorphic positions with 56 nucleotide substitutions, 55 of which are transitions, were detect in the CR section; no insertions or deletions were found there. It was proven as possible to use the mDNA CR locus as an additional identification marker in the forensic-expert of the mDNA control region. The probability of random coincidence (RC) of haplotypes in joint typing of HVS1, HVS2 and CR made 0.0208, which is 1.4-fold less versus the same parameter for haplotypes HVS1/HVS2 (RC = 0.0284).     

A definition of the nomenclature of allele variants and a description of allele polymorphism within a molecular-genetic individualization system based on the pentanucleotide tandem replication of HUMCD4

While analyzing the available published data, we found significant differences in definition of alleles of the HUMCD4 polymorphic chromosome locus. It is an obstacle for comparing the expertise results obtained while using the locus as molecular individualization system in different laboratories and, as a consequence, it hinders the use of the said marker in building up a reference database. The structure of the HUMCD4 locus was analytically investigated and the distribution of the locus alleles was systemized in a sample of 407 persons (citizens of Russia who are not blood relatives) within the present case study for the purpose of a detailed definition of its allele's characteristics. We worked out recommendations related with the nomenclature standardization of alleles of the HIMCD4 locus and specified the main population features of the locus polymorphism on the bases of the studied sample of Russia's citizens. The results can be used as reference parameters in interpreting the findings of the molecular-genetic identification expertise and examinations and in building up databases.     

Studies of the allelic diversity in micro-satellite locus D16S539, F13B, FESFPS, TH01, and TROX in European population of Russia Ural region using capillary electrophoresis

Allelic frequencies of chromosome micro-satellite locuses D16S539, F13B, FESFPS, TH01 and TPOX were determined, within the case study, in a sampling of Europeoidal individuals residing in Russia's Ural Region. The allelic variants were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis after the enzyme amplification in polymerase chain reaction with fluorescent primers. The genotypic frequencies of the studied locuses were shown not to divert with statistical reliability from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The estimated aggregate discriminative potential for a panel of 5 studied locuses made 0.99995. No nonequilibrium was found by linkage between alleles of all lucuses examined within the present case study or between their alleles and the alleles of previously investigated locuses D7S820 and D13S317. The implemented testing of the population homogeneity of allelic frequencies of investigated locuses for 3 samplings of Europeoids showed a deviation for locus FESFPS versus the Ural and Polish samplings and for locus F13B in the Ural and North America samplings. The distribution of allelic frequencies of other locuses was homogenous in the compared samplings.     

The use of genomic "dactyloscopy" for the diagnosis of monozygotic twins

Possibilities of gene identification expertise for the solution of problem on mono- or dizygotic origin of twins were demonstrated. It was shown that DNA printing method makes it possible to differentiate mono- and dizygotic twins in complicated cases.     

"Sexing" deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on DNA fingerprint gel: an internal control for DNA fingerprint evidence

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from male and female fresh blood samples was processed exactly as for routine DNA fingerprint analysis; that is, the DNA was digested with particular restriction endonucleases and fractionated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Ultraviolet (UV) visualization of ethidium-bromide (EtBr)-stained gels revealed a sex-specific banding pattern, which depended only on the restriction enzyme used. By means of this test, which is based on direct detection of particular sex-specific restriction fragments in human DNA digests, the authors succeeded in determining the sex of DNA obtained from biological specimens recovered as criminal evidence in rape cases. The data obtained demonstrate that direct sexing of DNA on DNA fingerprint gel appears to be useful as an intermediate control step in DNA fingerprinting analysis used for the purpose of assailant identification.     

Strategy of multiplex analysis of STR-loci polymorphism of Y-chromosome on the basis of "minimal haplotype"

A molecular-genetic analysis of Y chromosome is a convenient tool of paternal affinity determination. This method is now widely introduced in expert practice. Previous experience in typing of Y chromosome is outlined. Strategy of development and experience in operating a multiplex system for a simultaneous analysis of seven STR loci of Y chromosome is discussed.     

Dynamics of postmortem autolysis of cardiomyocytes

Dynamics of postmortem autolysis of cardiocytes was evaluated using cells and tissues obtained from the patients who died from acute forms of ischemic heart disease, such as acute coronary insufficiency and acute myocardial infarction in the pre-necrotic phase. The studies were carried out at a temperature of 7, 20, and 37 degrees C. It was shown that autolysis of cardiac muscular fibers proceeds through three successive stages. A rise in temperature from 7 to 20 degrees C accelerated autolysis by one third while further elevation of the temperature up to 37 degrees C was associated with a 9-fold decrease in the duration of autolysis.     

Restructuring the Mechanism of Foreign Economic Relations in the USSR

An up-to-date paper by the Deputy Chairman of the State Commission on Foreign Economic Relations, USSR Council of Ministers, details recent economic reforms in the foreign trade sector of the USSR. Particular emphasis is placed on direct business relations between Soviet enterprises and their foreign counterparts, and on joint ventures with CMEA partners as well as firms in Western and developing countries. Anticipated changes in the role exports and imports are to play in the Soviet economy are also discussed. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 124, 420.