Laser-induced surface modification of biopolymers - Micro/nanostructuring and functionalization

The medical-grade polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer is a widely used biomaterial in medicine for preparation of high-tech devices because of its remarkable properties. In this paper, we present experimental results on surface modification of PDMS elastomer by using ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ns-laser system and investigation of the chemical composition and the morphological structure inside the treated area in dependence on the processing parameters - wavelength, laser fluence and number of pulses. Remarkable chemical transformations and changes of the morphological structure were observed, resulting in the formation of a highly catalytically active surface, which was successfully functionalized via electroless Ni and Pt deposition by a sensitizing-activation free process. The results obtained are very promising in view of applying the methods of laser-induced micro- and nano-structuring and activation of biopolymers' surface and further electroless metal plating to the preparation of, e.g., multielectrode arrays (MEAs) devices in neural and muscular surface interfacing implantable systems

Metabolic and endocrine profiles and reproductive parameters in dairy cows under grazing conditions: effect of polymorphisms in somatotropic axis genes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The present study hypothesized that GH-AluI and IGF-I-SnabI polymorphisms do change the metabolic/endocrine profiles in Holstein cows during the transition period, which in turn are associated with productive and reproductive parameters.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Holstein cows (Farm 1, primiparous cows, n = 110, and Farm 2, multiparous cows, n = 76) under grazing conditions were selected and GH and IGF-I genotypes were determined. Blood samples for metabolic/endocrine determinations were taken during the transition period and early lactation in both farms. Data was analyzed by farm using a repeated measures analyses including GH and IGF-I genotypes, days and interactions as fixed effects, sire and cow as random effects and calving date as covariate.</p> <p>Results and Discussion</p> <p>Frequencies of GH and IGF-I alleles were L:0.84, V:0.16 and A:0.60, B:0.40, respectively. The GH genotype was not associated with productive or reproductive variables, but interaction with days affected FCM yield in multiparous (farm 2) cows (LL yielded more than LV cows) in early lactation. The GH genotype affected NEFA and IGF-I concentrations in farm 1 (LV had higher NEFA and lower IGF-I than LL cows) suggesting a better energy status of LL cows.</p> <p>There was no effect of IGF-I genotype on productive variables, but a trend was found for FCM in farm 2 (AB cows yielded more than AA cows). IGF-I genotype affected calving first service interval in farm 1, and the interaction with days tended to affect FCM yield (AB cows had a shorter interval and yielded more FCM than BB cows). IGF-I genotype affected BHB, NEFA, and insulin concentrations in farm 1: primiparous BB cows had lower NEFA and BHB and higher insulin concentrations. In farm 2, there was no effect of IGF-I genotype, but there was an interaction with days on IGF-I concentration, suggesting a greater uncoupling somatropic axis in AB and BB than AA cows, being in accordance with greater FCM yield in AB cows.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The GH and IGF-I genotypes had no substantial effect on productive parameters, although IGF-I genotype affected calving-first service interval in primiparous cows. Besides, these genotypes may modify the endocrine/metabolic profiles of the transition dairy cow under grazing conditions.</p

Heterogeneous clinical phenotypes and cerebral malformations reflected by rotatin cellular dynamics

Recessive mutations in RTTN, encoding the protein rotatin, were originally identified as cause of polymicrogyria, a cortical malformation. With time, a wide variety of other brain malformations has been ascribed to RTTN mutations, including primary microcephaly. Rotatin is a centrosomal protein possibly involved in centriolar elongation and ciliogenesis. However, the function of rotatin in brain development is largely unknown and the molecular disease mechanism underlying cortical malformations has not yet been elucidated. We performed both clinical and cell biological studies, aimed at clarifying rotatin function and pathogenesis. Review of the 23 published and five unpublished clinical cases and genomic mutations, including the effect of novel deep intronic pathogenic mutations on RTTN transcripts, allowed us to extrapolate the core phenotype, consisting of intellectual disability, short stature, microcephaly, lissencephaly, periventricular heterotopia, polymicrogyria and other malformations. We show that the severity of the phenotype is related to residual function of the protein, not only the level of mRNA expression. Skin fibroblasts from eight affected individuals were studied by high resolution immunomicroscopy and flow cytometry, in parallel with in vitro expression of RTTN in HEK293T cells. We demonstrate that rotatin regulates different phases of the cell cycle and is mislocalized in affected individuals. Mutant cells showed consistent and severe mitotic failure with centrosome amplification and multipolar spindle formation, leading to aneuploidy and apoptosis, which could relate to depletion of neuronal progenitors often observed in microcephaly. We confirmed the role of rotatin in functional and structural maintenance of primary cilia and determined that the protein localized not only to the basal body, but also to the axoneme, proving the functional interconnectivity between ciliogenesis and cell cycle progression. Proteomics analysis of both native and exogenous rotatin uncovered that rotatin interacts with the neuronal (non-muscle) myosin heavy chain subunits, motors of nucleokinesis during neuronal migration, and in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived bipolar mature neurons rotatin localizes at the centrosome in the leading edge. This illustrates the role of rotatin in neuronal migration. These different functions of rotatin explain why RTTN mutations can lead to heterogeneous cerebral malformations, both related to proliferation and migration defects.Genetics of disease, diagnosis and treatmen

A research device to control ignition and injection parameters for a spark - ignition engine

This paper describes the possibility of controlling injection and ignition parameters of a spark-ignition engine performed with the author's controller. The modification of output signals according to given parameters of the interface is shown in this article. Simulations, supported by oscilloscope graphs, were performed using the controller designed to work with four-cylinder spark-ignition engine. This device allows modifying the ignition and injection parameters depending on the values entered in the author's interface on the PC. This interface enables a serial transmission through a RS 232 serial port and sending data to the microcontroller. The controller allows for a measurement of the values of the sensors and a generation of output signals for the actuators. The simulation done in this work involves the modification of injection and ignition angle parameters: ignition angle of advance (KWZ), injection angle of advance (KWW) and time parameters: time of injection (KW), time of ignition (KZ). Also shown in this article are possibilities of adapting the controller of the spark-ignition engine to a simultaneous, batched and sequential injection mode

Ograniczenia w procesie zmian paradygmatów rozwoju rolnictwa w UE

The purpose of this article is to assess the changes in proclaimed paradigms regarding development of the agricultural sector in the EU with particular focus on barriers to these changes. The theoretical part highlights the types of changes in the public policies, the main models of paradigm developments and the impact of institutional factors, including structures of policy networks on their changes. In the next part the CAP proclaimed paradigms are shown against the effects of the current policy. At the same time, these elements of policy network structure which contribute to the replication of the existing patterns of development are indicated. The summary contains refl ections on the possibility of institutional change in the development of the CAP. It was found that only further reduction of the agricultural budget after 2020 can become a source of conflict between the actors (stakeholders) around available resources and may change the balance of power in the decision-making process in the CAP.Celem artykułu jest ocena zmian zachodzących w głoszonych paradygmatach dotyczących rozwoju sektora rolnego w UE, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem barier hamujących te zmiany. Część teoretyczna naświetla rodzaje zmian w politykach publicznych, główne modele rozwoju paradygmatów oraz wpływ czynników instytucjonalnych, w tym struktur współpracy sieciowej (policy networks) na ich zmiany. W kolejnej części głoszone paradygmaty WPR są ukazane na tle dotychczasowych efektów funkcjonowania polityki. Równocześnie wskazane są te elementy w strukturach współpracy sieciowej, które przyczyniają się do powielania dotychczasowych wzorców rozwojowych. W zakończeniu podjęto refl eksję na temat możliwości zmiany instytucjonalnej w procesie kształtowania WPR. Stwierdzono, że dopiero kolejna redukcja budżetu rolnego po 2020 r. może stać się zarzewiem konfliktu między aktorami (grupami interesów) wokół dostępnych zasobów i zmienić układ sił w procesie podejmowania decyzji w zakresie WPR

Agricultural policies in the context of regional and global food security concerns - the case of the Asian region

The paper discusses the effects of changes in Asian agricultural policies on regional and global food security. It also takes account of the consequences of the “rise of Asia” for the European Union food sector. The Asian region is vitally important for future world food security. On the one hand, it suffers from volatility of agricultural commodity prices; on the other hand, individual countries introduce export barriers reducing supply in the global market as was the case during the 2007-08 food crisis. Therefore, the key question arises as to whether regional integration agreements like ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) or ASEAN+China can shape agricultural policies of these countries and their food self-sufficiency status. Despite ASEAN’s intention to establish an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, there was a lack of solidarity during the 2006-08 crisis to ensure food security in the region. Yet, given increasing demands from economic, demographic and climatic pressures, more intense regional cooperation can be expected in the near future. Thus, it is of interest to explore possible common solutions for food security policy in the region as well as their impact on national, regional and global food policies. It is still uncertain whether the Asian countries will adopt outward- or inward-looking policy strategies. There were some initiatives set up, however, due to many controversies between net rice exporters and importers, they failed. Therefore, in what direction will agricultural policies in Asian countries be heading in the foreseeable future? Will Asian countries further develop market mechanisms supporting agricultural prices like export quotas and bans, or will they shift to more “green” and trade-neutral policy instruments consistent with the World Trade Organization’s requirements

The tomb-chapel of Samson Woller’s family in Leśna near Lubań– the work of Carl Lüdecke

Leśna (niem. Marklissa) to niewielkie miasteczko malowniczo położone na Przedgórzu Izerskim, nieopodal Lubania. W XIX w. rozwinął się tu przemysł włókienniczy. Właścicielem największych zakładów, przekształconych w 1888 r. w spółkę akcyjną „Concordia”, był Samson Woller, przemysłowiec pochodzenia żydowskiego. W 1883 r. wybudował on w Leśnej kaplicę grobową według projektu znanego wrocławskiego architekta Carla Lüdeckego. Plany te zachowały się w zbiorach Technische Universität Berlin. Budowla należy do najciekawszych przykładów kaplic grobowych wzniesionych w XIX w. na Dolnym Śląsku. Założona jest na planie centralnym, ze środkowym kwadratem zwieńczonym kopułą. Prezentuje formy klasyczno-renesansowe. Wyróżnia się położeniem na obrzeżu miasta, na zboczu wzgórza opadającego ku jezioru. Jest to najciekawsze dzieło spośród kilku innych kaplic grobowych, jakie ma w swoim dorobku Lüdecke. Współczesny stan obiektu, wpisanego w 2013 r. do rejestru zabytków, jest bardzo zły. W artykule przedstawiono historię powstania kaplicy Samsona Wollera w Leśnej oraz dokonano analizy jej wartości architektonicznych na tle innych obiektów tego typu powstałych na Śląsku w tym samym okresie. Odrębnym wątkiem są związki Samsona Wollera z ziemiami polskimi – pod koniec XIX w. nabył on majątki Dłoń i Smolice w południowej Wielkopolsce, w pobliżu Krotoszyna. Jako wiano otrzymały je jego córki: Helena i Maria Otylia.Leśna (German Marklissa) is a small town picturesquely situated in Izerskie Foothills, nearby Lubań. In the 19th century a textile industry was developed here. The owner of the biggest production plants, converted in 1888 into the joint stock company “Concordia”, was Samson Woller, a manufacturer of Jewish descent. In 1883 he built in Leśna a tomb-chapel according to a design of well known Breslau’s architect Carl Lüdecke. Its plans survived in the collection of Technische Universität in Berlin. The building belongs to the most interesting examples of tomb-chapels erected in the 19th century in Lower Silesia. The tomb-chapel is built on a central plan with a center square crowned by a cupola. It presents the classic-Renaissance style. The building is distinguished by an unusual location – outside the city, on a hillside that slopes towards a lake. It is the most interesting architectural work from among other tomb-chapels designed by Carl Lüdecke. Current condition of the object, which in 2013 was entered into the register of historical monuments, is very bad. The article presents history of Samson Woller’s tomb-chapel in Leśna. It also contains analysis of chapel's architectural value comparing it to other objects of its type built in the same periods in Silesia. A separate thread are Samson Woller’s connections to Polish lands – at the end of the 19th century he acquired estates in Dłoń and Smolice in the south of Wielkopolska, nearby Krotoszyn. They were given as a dowry to his daughters: Helen and Maria Otylia

Wplyw sztucznego napowietrzania z destratyfikacja na zmiennosc wybranych wskaznikow zawartosci materii organicznej w wodach jeziora Dlugiego

Zbadano wpływ sztucznego napowietrzania z destratyfikacją na zmienność wskaźników materii organicznej, takich jak całkowity (TOC), cząsteczkowy (POC) i rozpuszczony (DOC) węgiel organiczny oraz całkowity azot (TON) i fosfor (TOP) organiczny w wodach Jeziora Długiego w Olsztynie. Likwidacja gradientu termicznego wpłynęła na wzrost sedymentacji materii organicznej, szczególnie frakcji cząsteczkowej. Potwierdziła to prawie dwukrotnie wyższa wartość POC:DOC w wodach naddennych w czasie sztucznej destratyfikacji oraz zwiększenie stosunku TOC:TON w wodach hypolimnionu po wyłączeniu sprężarek, kiedy założyło się wyraźne uwarstwienie polegające na spadku stężeń badanych parametrów wraz z głębokością. Po przerwaniu napowietrzania średnia zawartość TOC i TON w wodach jeziora nie uległa istotnemu zwiększeniu. Średnia wartość TOC:TON poniżej 17 wskazywała, że w wodach jeziora przeważała autochtoniczna materia organiczna. W czasie napowietrzania zawartość TOP była mniejsza niż po wyłączeniu sprężarek, zwłaszcza w wodach naddennych, ponieważ w warunkach podwyższonej temperatury i natlenienia wód głębiej położonych rozkład materii organicznej przebiegał szybciej. Umożliwiło to także obniżenie ilości materii organicznej łatwo rozkładalnej (BZT₅) i opornego na rozkład biologiczny DOC oraz POC pochodzącego z produkcji pierwotnej.The effect of artificial aeration with destratification on the variability of organic matter indicators such like total organic carbon (TOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organie carbon (DOC), total organie nitrogen (TON), and total organic phosphorus (TOP) was examined in the waters of Lake Długie in Olsztyn. Elimination of the thermal gradient resulted in an increased settlement of organic matter, especially the molecule fraction. It was confirmed by almost twice higher POC:DOC ratio in the near-bottom waters during the artificial destratification and by an increased TOC:TON ratio in the hypolimnion after the air-compressors were switched off and stratification occurred, displayed by the decrease in the examined parameter concentrations as the depth increased. When aeration was terminated the mean content of TOC and TON in the lake waters did not increase considerably. The mean value of the TOC:TON ratio below 17 indicated the dominance of autochthonous organic matter in the lake waters. During aeration, the TOP content was lower than after the air-compressors were switched off, particularly in the near-bottom waters, as the elevated temperature and oxygenation of the deep waters accelerated the degradation of organic matter. It also allowed the reduction of the quantity of easily degradable organic matter (BOD₅), DOC resistant to biological degradation, and POC originated from the primary production

Concentration of heavy metals - iron, manganese, zinc and copper in mosses

The iron content in gametophytes of Aulacomnium palustre. Climacium dendroides, Catharinea undulata is 5—10 times higher than in vascular plants. The manganese, zine and copper content is 2-3 times higher than in vascular plants. The content of these elements in sporophytes of Catharinea undulata is approximately the same as in vascular plants. The accumulation of the investigated metals takes place mainly in the protoplasts of the chlorophyll cells of gametophyte leaves. A weakly acid pH of the medium favors accumulation. No distinct difference was found between the Fe2O3 content in mosses and the soil