ON TORSIONAL ELASTIC WAVES IN THE VEHICLE GEARED DRIVE SYSTEMS

In the paper, non-linear transient torsional vibrations of the motor and rail vehicle drive systems are investigated. Considerations are performed using discrete-continuous models consisting of rigid bodies of constant and variable mass moments of inertia connected each other by means of cylindrical elastic elements with continuously distributed parameters as well as by means of massless, non-linear torsional springs. An application of the d'Alembert solutions of the wave motion equations leads to appropriate systems of linear and non-linear ordinary differential equations with a 'shifted' argument. The shifted argument enables to solve these systems of equations numerically in an appropriate sequence which, in comparison with coupled ordinary differential equations for analogous discrete models, essentially increases the numerical efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. In the numerical examples, there are considered some non-linear effects due to backlashes in the geared drive systems of the motor vehicle and the electric locomotive bogie

Sand Removal from Sandstone Cliffs as the Main Factor Influencing Properties of Organic Soils – a Case Study of Transitional Bog in the Stołowe Mountains

With this paper we investigate the effect of sand contribution to organic soils and direct influence of this process on the physical and physicochemical properties on the example of transitional bog in the Stołowe Mountains (the Central Sudetes), which was periodically covered by sand material from sandstone cliffs weathering. Field survey and soil sampling were conducted in August 2015 in the area of Białe Skały. Soil material for laboratory analysis was collected from three peat cores, while soil samples were collected from each soil horizon distinguished in each core. Obtained results indicate the great impact of mineral material admixture on soil properties, both physicochemical and chemical. Recorded values of each soil parameter in the organic horizons adjacent to the mineral interlayers differ considerably from those obtained in the soil profile free of sand admixtures. Preliminary study of soil cover of transitional bog will allow correct planning of palaeoecological research about genesis and evolution of this peatland.

CATECHOLAMINES AND β2-ADRENOCEPTOR GENE EXPRESSION BEFORE AND AFTER MAXIMAL INCREMENTAL CYCLE TEST IN YOUNG ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS: RELATION TO WORK PERFORMED

The aim of this study was to assess the plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations as well as whole blood β2-adrenoceptor gene (ADRB2) expression in young ice hockey players before and immediately after exercise in relation to performed work. Nineteen Youth National Team ice hockey players were subjected to the maximal incremental cycloergometer exercise. The test was done in the pre-competitive phase of training. Among many parameters the plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations and ADRB2 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined before and after exercise. The average performed work was 3261.3 ± 558.3 J · kg-1 and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for all players was 53.85 ± 3.91 mL · kg-1 min-1. The geometric mean of the ADRB2 gene expression was statistically significantly different before and after exercise (P ≤ 0.05), while adrenaline and noradrenaline levels in plasma significantly increased after exercise. In the analysed group of athletes we found that initial level of plasma noradrenaline correlated with the performed work (r = - 0.55, P < 0.014) and normalized ADRB2 expression before the exercise correlated with the work done by them (r = 0.48, P<0.039). However, no statistically significant correlations were found between the plasma adrenaline or noradrenaline concentrations and ADRB2 gene expression in peripheral blood of the players. The performed work in the maximal incremental exercise test of regularly training young ice hockey players depends on the initial levels of noradrenaline in plasma and ADRB2 mRNA in PBMC

Oral Health of Patients Treated with Acrylic Partial Dentures Using a Toothpaste Containing Bee Product

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of a propolis and tee tree oil-containing hygienic agent on selected oral health parameters, oral microflora, and the condition of periodontal health. Thirty-seven patients who underwent oral rehabilitation with a removable acrylic denture were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: study group (A) which received a newly formulated propolis and tee tree oil-containing toothpaste or a control group (C) without an active ingredient. API, S-OHI, and mSBI were assessed in three subsequent stages. During each examination swabs were employed for microbiological inoculation: in the study group after 4 weeks use of the active toothpaste showed a decrease in the number of isolated microorganisms. In the control group, after 4 weeks use of the toothpaste without active ingredients resulted in increase in the number of the isolated microorganisms. Improvements in hygiene and the condition of periodontium were observed in patients using active toothpastes. In the study group the oral flora diversity was reduced by the decrease in the number of cultured microorganism species, while in the control group an increase in the number of cultured microorganisms and their species was observed

Soil sequences atlas. 2

TäistekstThis is the second book in the series of Soil Sequence Atlases. The first volume was published in 2014. Main pedogeographic features are presented in the form of sequences to give a comprehensive picture of soils - their genesis and correlations with the environment in typical landscapes of Central Europe from Estonia furthest north, through Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary to the southernmost Slovenia. Soils of natural landscapes - loess and sand (continental dunes) - are presented, as well as those of plains of various origin, karst lands, low mountains, and anthropically modified soils. Each chapter presents soil profiles supplemented by landscape information and basic analytical data. Then, genetic interpretations of soil properties related to soil forming agents are given as schematic catenas. When one factor changes while the others are more or less stable, the soil sequence can be recognised. Depending on the dominant soil-forming factor affecting repeated soil patterns, different types can be distinguished. Chapters are arranged roughly in accordance with the main soil-forming process in sequences, and referring to the WRB key (peat formation, vertic and gleyic process, podzolisation, humus accumulation, clay illuviation), with one small exception - the Technosols have been placed at the end of book. The main objective of this book is to present the diversity of relations between soil and landscape, climate, hydrology and human relations, and to present interpretations reflecting the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (2015) classification with comments on the choice of qualifiers. Sixteen Reference Soil Groups are featured, and represented by 67 soil profiles. The secondary objective is pedological education. One of the aims of soil science education is to explain to students the relations between landscape and soil cover. The patterns of soil units within landscapes are to some extent predictable. The collected data is intended as a useful educational tool in teaching soil science, supporting understanding of the reasons for the variability of soil cover, and also as a WRB classification guideline. The Atlas was developed as part of the EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil). Marcin Šwitoniak, Przemyslaw Charzynsk

Characterization of the effect of molidustat, a prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor, on breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 – analysis of HIF-1 stabilization as a possible method of increasing the effectiveness of anticancer therapies

Czynnik indukowany niedotlenieniem-1 (HIF-1), jest jednym z głównych regulatorów ekspresji genów w odpowiedzi na hipoksję, prowadząc do przywrócenia zaburzonej przez niskie stężenie tlenu homeostazy komórki. Czynnik ten reguluje wiele ważnych procesów w tym, glikolizę, erytropoezę, cykl komórkowy czy też angiogenezę. Wysoka aktywność HIF-1 wspomaga także rozwój i przerzutowanie nowotworów, co zwiększa szanse na pojawienie się nowotworów złośliwych. Terapie polegające na hamowaniu działania HIF-1 są powszechnie stosowane, lecz z czasem pojawiły się także metody polegające na stymulacji aktywności tego czynnika, co ma zgodnie z hipotezą normalizacji naczyń krwionośnych w guzie nowotworowym, zwiększyć efektywność chemio- i radioterapii. Rozwój tych technik wymaga stabilizacji podjednostki HIF-1α, co najczęściej jest osiągane przy użyciu substancji wpływających na ekspresję i aktywność hydroksylaz prolinowych. Niestety większość tych związków ma efekty uboczne, dlatego poszukiwanie nowych, specyficznych inhibitorów ma bardzo duże znaczenie.Celem badań była charakterystyka działania inhibitora hydroksylaz prolinowych, molidustatu (BAY 85-3934), na komórki nowotworowe raka piersi MDA-MB-231. Skupiono się głównie na wpływie związku na przeżywalność, stabilizację HIF-1α oraz na regulowane przez ten czynnik geny związane z angiogenezą i cyklem komórkowym. Analizowany był także wpływ kostymulacji z lekiem chemioterapeutycznym, gemcytabiną.W wyniku badań potwierdzono skuteczność molidustatu jako stabilizatora poziomu HIF-1α oraz wykazano jego negatywny wpływ na przeżywalność i potencjał klonogenny komórek. Badano również działanie inhibitora na regulację cyklu komórkowego i angiogenezy. Stymulacja molidustatem prowadziła do wzrostu fosforylacji p53 oraz niespodziewanego spadku poziomu p21. Wzrost ekspresji i wydzielania białka zaobserwowany został natomiast w przypadku genów związanych z angiogenezą, VEGF i IL-8, co wskazuje na proangiogenne działanie badanego związku. Wykazano także, że molidustat wzmacnia efekt działania gemcytabiny na komórki nowotworowe, jednakże dalsze analizy są wymagane w celu zrozumienia dokładnego mechanizmu działania.Podsumowując, potwierdzono efektywność molidustatu jako inhibitora hydroksylaz prolinowych oraz wykazano wpływ na przeżywalność, potencjał klonogenny i angiogenezę w komórkach MDA-MB-231. Dalsze badania, w szczególności na modelu zwierzęcym, są wymagane do dalszej charakterystyki związku.Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is one of the main regulators of gene expression in response to hypoxia conditions that leads to restoration of homeostasis that was disturbed by low oxygen concentration. HIF-1 regulates many processes such as glycolysis, erythropoiesis, cell cycle or angiogenesis. High activity of HIF-1 is also connected with cancer growth and metastasis, which increases chances of malignancy. HIF-1 inhibiting therapies are commonly used, but methods to increase HIF-1 activity in accordance with angiogenesis normalization hypothesis to improve chemo- and radiotherapy are also appearing. Stabilization of HIF-1α, which is mainly achieved by usage of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, in needed for further development of those therapies. Unfortunately, most of those compounds have side effects, so development of new, more specific inhibitors is very important.The aim of the study was to characterise the effect of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, molidustat (BAY 85-3934), on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Effect on cell survival, stabilization of HIF-1α and regulation of genes connected with angiogenesis and cell cycle were the main focuses of the performed experiments. Additionally, co-stimulation with chemotherapy medication, gemcitabine, was also analysed. As a result of these studies, effectiveness of molidustat as a HIF-1α stabiliser was confirmed and negative effect on cell survival and colony formation was demonstrated. Effect of the inhibitor on cell cycle and angiogenesis was also studied. Stimulation with molidustat resulted in increased p53 phosphorylation and unexpected decrease in p21 level. Furthermore, expression and secretion of proteins regulating angiogenesis, VEGF and IL-8, was increased, which indicates a proangiogenic effect of examined compound. It was also proven, that molidustat enhances effectiveness of gemcitabine on cancer cells, but further studies are needed to understand accurate mechanism of action of this potential drug.To sum up, the activity of molidustat as a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor was proven, as well as its effect on cell survival, clonogenic potential and angiogenesis has been demonstrated. Further studies, particularly on animal models, are needed for better characterization of molidustat action

Evaluation of inhibition of phosphoserine aminotransferase in breast and lung cancer cell lines

Komórki nowotworowe charakteryzują się odmiennymi od komórek prawidłowych zdolnościami, takimi jak umiejętność unikania apoptozy czy nieograniczony potencjał mitotyczny. Szczególnie ważną cechą jest zdolność do przeprogramowania metabolizmu komórki. Jedną z adaptacji metabolicznej komórek nowotworowych jest zwiększenie biosyntezy seryny. Ścieżka ta powiązana jest z glikolizą i przeprowadzana jest za pośrednictwem trzech enzymów: dehydrogenazy 3-fosfoglicerynianowej (PHGDH), aminotransferazy fosfoseryny (PSAT1) i fosfatazy fosfoseryny (PSPH). Zahamowanie ekspresji któregoś z tych enzymów może umożliwić badanie wpływu biosyntezy seryny na rozwój komórek nowotworowych. W przedstawionej pracy sprawdzono zahamowanie ekspresji PSAT1 na poziomie transkrypcji i translacji przy użyciu linii komórkowych nowotworów piersi (MDA-MB-468) i płuc (H1792, H1944 i H1299) po transdukcji wektorami lentiwirusowymi z shRNA (small hairpin RNA). Analiza poziomu mRNA metodą PCR w czasie rzeczywistym oraz poziom białka oznaczony przy użyciu metody Western Blot wskazały na silne zahamowanie ekspresji PSAT1 w komórkach transdukowanych wektorami z sekwencją shRNA A i, w przypadku nowotworów płuc, zróżnicowanym poziomem inhibicji przy użyciu shRNA D. Wyniki te wskazują, że zastosowanie shRNA do hamowania biosyntezy seryny jest skuteczne. Dalsze badania z wykorzystaniem linii komórkowych z wyciszoną ekspresją PSAT1 pozwolą na określenie roli ścieżki biosyntezy seryny we wzroście i przeżywaniu komórek nowotworowych.Cancer cells are characterized by different abilities from normal cells such as avoidance of apoptosis or unlimited mitotic potential. Particularly important trait of cancer cells is reprogramming cell’s metabolism. One of metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is increased biosynthesis of serine. This path is related with glycolysis and it is executed by three enzymes: phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT1) and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH). Expression inhibition of any of those enzymes would allow to examine influence of serine biosynthesis on cancer development. In this study was tested inhibition of PSAT1 at the transcriptional and translational level using breast (MDA-MB-468) and lung (H1792, H1944 and H1299) cancer lines after transduction via lentiviral vectors with shRNA (small hairpin RNA) against PSAT1. Analysis of mRNA levels via Real Time PCR and protein levels via Western Blot proved strong inhibition of PSAT1 in cells after transduction via vectors with shRNA A sequence and varied inhibition using shRNA D in lung cancers. Those results shows that using shRNA to inhibit serine biosynthesis is effective. Further research with usage of cell lines with inhibited PSAT1 expression would allow to define role of serine biosynthesis pathway in growth and survival of cancer cells

Introduction to Fourier analysis using IT tools of Laboratory of Technical Aids of Teaching IF UJ

The general aim of this article is to present didactic aspects of familiarizing students with the Fourier analysis. This didactic process issues through the use of IT tools of Laboratory of Technical Aids of Teaching is discussed. There are four separate computer stations, differing in software, where students learn step by step: composing signals from single harmonics, visualization through images of rotating vectors of harmonic signal composition, operation of a virtual generator of a given number of harmonics and elements of the CMA Coach system in the context of signal analysis. The applied didactic methods are aimed at students of biophysics for whom the Fourier analysis is of practical importance