Expression profile of genes encoding allatoregulatory neuropeptides in females of the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Araneae, Theridiidae)

Allatoregulatory neuropeptides are multifunctional proteins that take part in the synthesis and secretion of juvenile hormones. In insects, allatostatins are inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the corpora allata while allatotropins, act as stimulators. By quantitative real-time PCR, we analyzed the gene expression of allatostatin A (PtASTA), allatostatin B (PtASTB), allatostatin C (PtASTC), allatotropin (PtAT) and their receptors (PtASTA-R, PtASTB-R, PtASTC-R, PtAT-R) in various tissues in different age groups of female spiders. In the presented manuscript, the presence of allatostatin A, allatostatin C, and allatotropin are reported in females of the spider P. tepidariorum. The obtained results indicated substantial differences in gene expression levels for allatoregulatory neuropeptides and their receptors in the different tissues. Additionally, the gene expression levels also varied depending on the female age. Strong expression was observed coinciding with sexual maturation in the neuroendocrine and nervous system, and to a lower extent in the digestive tissues and ovaries. Reverse trends were observed for the expression of genes encoding the receptors of these neuropeptides. In conclusion, our study is the first hint that the site of synthesis and secretion is fulfilled by similar structures as observed in other arthropods. In addition, the results of the analysis of spider physiology give evidence that the general functions like regulation of the juvenile hormone synthesis, regulation of the digestive tract and ovaries action, control of vitellogenesis process by the neuropeptides seem to be conserved among arthropods and are the milestone to future functional studies

Mickiewiczowska hermeneutyka "tego, co religijne". Próba lektury postsekularnej

Adam Mickiewicz’s Hermeneutics of “the Religious”: An Attempt at a Postsecular Reading This article synthetically presents the hermeneutic attitude revealed in Mickiewicz’s work (poetry as well as lectures and journalism). It is analyzed from a post-secular perspective. The poet opposes the reductive secularism of the Enlightenment and its secular humanism. He also encourages preserving “the religious” and reviving religious concepts. However, this should not be a simple return to the past (conservatism), but rather a rethinking of religion with consideration to the new, secular conditions. Mickiewicz follows the scattered interpretations of the traces of transcendence or sacrum in various traditions and different ways of thinking: from mythology, pagan practices and folk piety to sophisticated mysticism and complicated theosophy. This Romantic thinker appears as a dialogue mediator between various religious languages, as well as between opposite beliefs and discourses (the ritualized religiosity of the official Church, rationalist Enlightenment philosophy, simple and sensual folk religiosity). The aim is to renew the broken relationship (‘union’) that connects man to God and creation, and to rebuild the community. In “the religious” he tries to find the common basis or extract the universal truths. In his opinion, Christianity is what connects and summarizes all religious traditions. According to this poet-politician, the revival of the religioncentered spirit is associated with the freedom revolution (the abolition of slavery, equality of women, emancipation of nations). He believes that the transcendent perspective of human history is the main guarantee of social change and true community. In a broader context, the hermeneutic strategy of this Polish Romantic can be interpreted as a post-secular stance,mas it urges us to rethink and internalize all levels of religion, which should be continuously and constantly updated in one’s life.   Mickiewiczowska hermeneutyka „tego, co religijne”. Próba lektury postsekularnej Artykuł w syntetyczny sposób prezentuje ujawniającą się w twórczości Mickiewicza (zarówno poetyckiej, jak i wykładowej czy publicystycznej) postawę hermeneutyczną, która analizowana jest w horyzoncie myśli postsekularnej. Poeta dyskutuje z redukcyjnymi przejawami oświeceniowego sekularyzmu i jego świeckim humanizmem. Zachęca do zachowania „tego, co religijne” oraz do odnowienia religijnych pojęć. Nie chodzi jednak o prosty powrót do tego, co było (konserwatyzm), lecz o przemyślenie religii na nowo – w zmienionych warunkach po sekularyzacji. Mickiewicz śledzi rozproszone interpretacje śladów transcendencji czy tropów sacrum w rozmaitych tradycjach i sposobach mówienia o tym: od mitologii, folkloru, praktyk pogańskich, pobożności ludowej, po wyrafinowaną mistykę czy skomplikowaną teozofię. Romantyczny myśliciel jawi się jako dialogujący mediator między różnymi religijnymi językami, a także zderzającymi się przekonaniami i dyskursami (religijność zrytualizowana Kościoła urzędowego, racjonalistyczna filozofia oświeceniowa, sensualna w swej prostocie religijność ludowa). Celem tych działań jest odnowa zerwanej więzi („spójni”) łączącej człowieka z Bogiem i stworzeniem oraz odbudowa wspólnoty. W „tym, co religijne” szuka tego, co wspólne, wyłuskuje prawdy uniwersalne. Tym, co łączy i podsumowuje wszystkie okołoreligijne tradycje jest, jego zdaniem, chrześcijaństwo. Odrodzenie ducha religijnego poeta-polityk wiąże z rewolucją wolnościową (zniesienie niewolnictwa, równouprawnienie kobiet, emancypacja ludów). Wierzy, że transcendentna perspektywa dziejów ludzkości jest gwarantem zmian społecznych oraz źródłem prawdziwej wspólnoty. W szerokim kontekście strategię hermeneutyczną polskiego romantyka można odczytywać jako gest postsekularny, gdyż namawia do przemyślenia i uwewnętrznienia wszystkich poziomów religii, by poprowadzić ją dalej, nieustannie uaktualniając w swojej biografii

THE IMPACT OF CORN TILLAGE SYSTEM ON THE PROPERTIES OF ORGANIC MATTER IN THE HUMUS HORIZON OF BLACK EARTH (HAPLIC PHAEOZEMS) IN POZNAŃSKI LAKE DISTRICT

The subject of the study was the impact of three different combinations of corn tillage on the properties of organic matter – direct seeding into stubble as a  control, seeding after deep plowing and seeding after application of manure and deep plowing. The experiment included humus horizons in black earth (Haplic Phaozems) in Poznański Lake District in the field of a  ten-year conservation tillage system of corn monoculture. There are no significant differences in the fractionalcomposition of humus one year after the introduction of the specified cultivation system

Vitellogenins in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum – expression profile and putative hormonal regulation of vitellogenesis

Background: Knowledge about vitellogenesis in spiders is rudimentary. Therefore, the aim of study was to check the vitellogenin (Vg) presence in various tissues of the female spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum, determine when and where vitellogenesis starts and takes place, and the putative role of selected hormones in the vitellogenesis. Results: Here we show two genes encoding Vg (PtVg4 and PtVg6) in the genome of the spider P. tepidariorum. One gene PtVg4 and three subunits of Vg (250 kDa, 47 kDa and 30 kDa) are expressed in the midgut glands, ovaries and hemolymph. Heterosynthesis of the Vg in the midgut glands and autosynthesis in the ovaries were observed. Vitellogenesis begins in the last nymphal stage in the midgut glands (heterosynthesis). However, after sexual maturity is reached, Vg is also synthesized in the ovaries (autosynthesis). Changes in the PtVg4 expression level and in the Vg concentration after treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone, a juvenile hormone analog (fenoxycarb) and an antijuvenoid compound (precocene I) were observed. Therefore, we propose a hypothetical model for the hormonal regulation of vitellogenesis in P. tepidariorum. Conclusions: Our results are the first comprehensive study on spider vitellogenesis. In our opinion, this work will open discussion on the evolutionary context of possible similarities in the hormonal control of vitellogenesis between P. tepidariorum and other arthropods as well as their consequences

Analysis of the fire‐protection impregnation influence on wood strength

The paper presents the description, results and result analysis for the effect of fire‐protection impregnation with a salt‐containing agent, made by a vacuum‐and‐pressure method, on wood strength. A significant effect of this impregnation type was proven for the strength types as follows: static bending, tension, lengthwise compression (ie along fibres), crosswise compression (ie across fibres), as well as for dynamic bending and impact strength in normal and elevated temperatures. Gaisro izoliacijos įtakos medienos stipriui analiz Santrauka Pateikiami druskos turinčia medžiaga įmirkytos medienos stiprio tyrimų rezultatai ir jų analiz­. Mediena impregnuota vakuuminiu-giluminiu būdu. Atlikus bandymus normaliomis ir aukštų temperatūrų sąlygomis, nustatyta, kad abiem atvejais tiriama gaisro apsaugos priemon­ turi didelę įtaką lenkiamajam stipriui bandant statine, dinamine ir smūgine apkrovomis, taip pat stipriui tempiant bei gniuždant išilgai, skersai sluoksnių. First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010 Reikšminiai žodžiai: mediena, stipris, aukštos temperatūros, apsauga nuo gaisro, vakuuminis-giluminis impregnavimas