Duality for Exotic Bialgebras

In the classification of Hietarinta, three triangular $4\times 4$ $R$-matrices lead, via the FRT formalism, to matrix bialgebras which are not deformations of the trivial one. In this paper, we find the bialgebras which are in duality with these three exotic matrix bialgebras. We note that the $L-T$ duality of FRT is not sufficient for the construction of the bialgebras in duality. We find also the quantum planes corresponding to these bialgebras both by the Wess-Zumino R-matrix method and by Manin's method.Comment: 25 pages, LaTeX2e, using packages: cite, amsfonts, amsmath, subeq

Fusion Rules of the Lowest Weight Representations of osp_q(1|2) at Roots of Unity: Polynomial Realization and Degeneration at Roots of Unity

The degeneracy of the lowest weight representations of the quantum superalgebra $osp_q(1|2)$ and their tensor products at exceptional values of %when deformation parameter $q$ takes exceptional values is studied. The main features of the structures of the finite dimensional lowest weight representations and their fusion rules are illustrated using realization of group generators as finite-difference operators acting in the space of the polynomials. The complete fusion rules for the decompositions of the tensor products at roots of unity are presented. The appearance of indecomposable representations in the fusions is described using Clebsh-Gordan coefficients derived for general values of $q$ and at roots of unity.Comment: 28 pages, 3 figures; completed (section 5, section 6); version published in JP

Lectin-Dependent Enhancement of Ebola Virus Infection via Soluble and Transmembrane C-type Lectin Receptors

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key soluble effector of the innate immune system that recognizes pathogen-specific surface glycans. Surprisingly, low-producing MBL genetic variants that may predispose children and immunocompromised individuals to infectious diseases are more common than would be expected in human populations. Since certain immune defense molecules, such as immunoglobulins, can be exploited by invasive pathogens, we hypothesized that MBL might also enhance infections in some circumstances. Consequently, the low and intermediate MBL levels commonly found in human populations might be the result of balancing selection. Using model infection systems with pseudotyped and authentic glycosylated viruses, we demonstrated that MBL indeed enhances infection of Ebola, Hendra, Nipah and West Nile viruses in low complement conditions. Mechanistic studies with Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein pseudotyped lentiviruses confirmed that MBL binds to N-linked glycan epitopes on viral surfaces in a specific manner via the MBL carbohydrate recognition domain, which is necessary for enhanced infection. MBL mediates lipid-raft-dependent macropinocytosis of EBOV via a pathway that appears to require less actin or early endosomal processing compared with the filovirus canonical endocytic pathway. Using a validated RNA interference screen, we identified C1QBP (gC1qR) as a candidate surface receptor that mediates MBL-dependent enhancement of EBOV infection. We also identified dectin-2 (CLEC6A) as a potentially novel candidate attachment factor for EBOV. Our findings support the concept of an innate immune haplotype that represents critical interactions between MBL and complement component C4 genes and that may modify susceptibility or resistance to certain glycosylated pathogens. Therefore, higher levels of native or exogenous MBL could be deleterious in the setting of relative hypocomplementemia which can occur genetically or because of immunodepletion during active infections. Our findings confirm our hypothesis that the pressure of infectious diseases may have contributed in part to evolutionary selection of MBL mutant haplotypes

Environmental conditions of waters of cold and warm canals of "Dolna Odra" power station in the second half of the nineties

Na skład chemiczny wód dolnego odcinka Odry ma wpływ cały górny i środkowy odcinek rzeki z dopływami i z całym "dobrodziejstwem" cywilizacyjnym. Wody są przeżyźnione i, mimo że w miarę spływu do morza, oczyszczają się, to jednak poziom zawartości w nich biogenów jest bardzo znaczny, choć w porównaniu z latami 70-tymi i 80-tymi, wody płyną czystsze [3]. Celowym więc, zdawało się, ocenienie jakości wód płynących kanałami do i z Elek-trowni "Dolna Odra", na podstawie dostępnych danych z lat 1994÷99Results of the environmental research of waters of cold and warm canals in of "Dolna Odra" power station taking into account basic physical and chemical parameters. were compared in the article. An entire upper and centre segment of Odra with tributaries and with entire "benefits" of civilization has the influence on chemical composition of waters of the bottom segment of the river. Waters are over-fertilized and even though along with the flow to the sea, they are cleaning themselves, however levels of content of biogenes is very considerable although in comparison with 70's and 80's, waters are cleaner [3]. Intentional than, appeared to judge quality of waters flowing with canals into and from "Dolna Odra" power station, on the base of accessible data from years 1994÷99. Materials for examinations were obtained from reports of the Department of Environmental Protection of "Dolna Odra" power station where regularly, usually once a week, through the period of the entire year, in accordance with Polish Standards following parameters were determined: temperature, oxygen concentration, BOD, CODCr, chlorides, sulphates, total suspension, and, partly, from own research, also in accordance with standards [4] and with Polish Standards. Measurements were carried once a week. Samples from the cold canal were collected from the bridge and samples from warm canal behind 2nd oil catcher, that is in the half of the length of both canals. On the base of results, collected in 1994÷99 years, in the cold and warm canal of "Dolna Odra" power station, it is possible to state that chlorides stayed in range to 100 mg/dm3 or exceeded a little in both canals. Sulphates rarely exceeded a little 110 mg/dm3, and already occasionally achieved 150 mg/dm3. Total suspension didn't usually exceed in both canals 20 mg/dm3, however in summer months it could achieve 30÷36 mg/dm3. It may be stated, that generally, environmental conditions of waters of the cold and warm canals of "Dolna Odra" power station are similar to conditions observed in this area in 2000÷2002 years and a little bit better than in 80's