Study of the phase transition in polycrystalline (Ba_{0.90}Pb_{0.10})(Ti_{0.90}Sn_{0.10})O_3

Polycrystalline sample of (Ba_{0.90}Pb_{0.10})(Ti_{0.90}Sn_{0.10})O_3 was obtained by means of a conventional ceramic technology. The dielectric measurements were performed depending on temperature and frequency of electric measuring field. The character of the phase transitions of (Ba_{0.90}Pb_{0.10})(Ti_{0.90}Sn_{0.10})O_3 ceramics strongly depends on the presence of Pb in the sample. The obtained results pointed out the diffused character of phase transition. The temperature dependence of the dielectric properties showed that the phase transition from the paraelectric phase to ferroelectric one takes place at the same temperature (T_{m}=367 K). It does not depend on the frequency of the measuring electric field. A change of the value of the parameter \gamma takes place in the paraelectric phase.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Elevated temperature induced dispersion phenomena in Ba1-xNaxTi1-xNbxO3

Purpose: of this paper was to investigate features of the dispersion of dielectric permittivity induced by elevated temperature (473K-723K) in polycrystalline solid solution of Ba1-xNaxTi1-xNbxO3 (for x=0.3 and x=0.4). Design/methodology/approach: used to perform this purpose was dielectric spectroscopy application to measure dielectric and electric parameters within the frequency range (20Hz-1MHz). Findings: Analysis of temperature and frequency dependences of real (ε’) and imaginary (ε”) parts of dielectric permittivity had pointed out on relaxor type of dielectric behaviour for both investigated samples in paraelectric phase. The thermal activation energy values of ac conductivity (for 100Hz) are similar to those of semiconductors. Values of ε’ for both materials (x=0.3, x=0.4) are consistent with literature quotations. Thus the polarisation behaviour of our materials seems to be similar to those described in the literature. Different behaviour of dielectric energy losses is postulated as originating from differences of samples microstructure. Research limitations/implications: Further investigations should be carried out in the range of low temperatures (down to 100K) and within a broaden frequency range (up to 1.8GHz) in order to establish the influence of chemical structure on ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition. Originality/value: Dielectric properties for two new material prepared from nanopowders of BaTiO3 and NaNbO3 were described

Study of Physical Properties of Ba(Ti 1−2x Fe x Nb x )O 3 Ceramics

Ba(T

Expression of DLK1 and MEG3 genes in porcine tissues during postnatal development

The Drosophila-like homolog 1 (DLK1), a transmembrane signal protein similar to other members of the Notch/Delta/Serrate family, regulates the differentiation process in many types of mammalian cells. Callipyge sheep and DLK1 knockout mice are excellent examples of a fundamental role of the gene encoding DLK1 in muscle growth and fat deposition. DLK1 is located within co-regulated imprinted clusters (the DLK1/DIO3 domain), along with other imprinted genes. Some of these, e.g. the RNA coding MEG3 gene, presumedly interfere with DLK1 transcription. The aim of our study was to analyze DLK1 and MEG3 gene expression in porcine tissues (muscle, liver, kidney, heart, brain stem) during postnatal development. The highest expression of both DLK1 and MEG3 variant 1 (MEG3 var.1) was observed in the brain-stem and muscles, whereas that of MEG3 variant 2 (MEG3var.2) was the most abundant in muscles and the heart. During development (between 60 and 210 days of age) expression of analyzed genes was down-regulated in all the tissues. An exception was the brain- stem, where there was no significant change in MEG3 (both variants) mRNA level, and relatively little decline (2-fold) in that of DLK1 transcription. This may indicate a distinct function of the DLK1 gene in the brain-stem, when compared with other tissues

Tests of multiple molecular markers for the identification of Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers and their hybrids

Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major and D. syriacus) are known to hybridize in nature; however, the extent of this phenomenon is not known due to difficulties in hybrid detection based on plumage analyses. Here, we tested five markers (one mitochondrial and four nuclear) and a set of six microsatellite loci for the identification of these two Woodpeckers and their hybrids. Sequencing of DNA from 26 individuals of both Woodpeckers from different parts of their ranges: one allopatric (D. major; Norway) and two sympatric (Poland and Bulgaria) showed that both species can be clearly separated based on all sequence markers. The highest number of fixed nucleotide sites were found in the mtDNA control region and intron 5 of the transforming growth factor. Analyses of microsatellite data distinguished the two species, but all loci showed a large number of common alleles and their utility in identifying hybrids is therefore doubtful. According to the DNA sequence analyses, 2 out of 18 specimens within the sympatric range in Poland were identified as possible hybrids, most probably paternal backcrosses. Moreover, both hybrids are from synantropic populations (settled in cities), whereas none of the D. major sampled in forests and in its allopatric range (Norway) showed signs of an intermixed genotype. Further research on hybridization and introgression in woodpeckers is undoubtedly needed and could be useful for understanding ecological and ethological interactions among these species, particularly for D. syriacus, which is relatively rare in Europe

Geographical variation in morphology of Chaetosiphella stipae stipae Hille Ris Lambers, 1947 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Chaitophorinae)

Chaetosiphella stipae stipae is a xerothermophilous aphid, associated with Palaearctic temperate steppe zones or dry mountain valleys, where there are grasses from the genus Stipa. Its geographical distribution shows several populations that are spread from Spain, across Europe and Asia Minor, to Mongolia and China. Geographical variation in chaetotaxy and other morphological features were the basis to consider whether individuals from different populations are still the same species. Moreover, using Ch. stipae stipae and Stipa species occurrences, as well as climatic variables, we predict potential geographical distributions of the aphid and its steppe habitat. Additionally, for Stipa species we projected current climatic conditions under four climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070. While highly variable, our results of morphometric analysis demonstrates that all Ch. stipae stipae populations are one very variable subspecies. And in view of predicted climate change, we expect reduction of Stipa grasslands. The disappearance of these ecosystems could result in stronger separation of the East-European and Asian steppes as well as European ‘warm-stage’ refuges. Therefore, the geographic morphological variability that we see today in the aphid subspecies Ch. stipae stipae may in the future lead to speciation and creation of separate subspecies or species