Structure and function of biological soil crusts from Antarctica with a special respect to their microtopography and UV-B sensitivity

Although an extensive professional literature exists on biological soil crusts (BSCs), especially on the species composition of hetero- and autotrophs forming the micro-biological comunity, micromorphological information on BSCs is extremely scarce. In our study, we focused on microstructure of the BSCs from the James Ross Island (Antarctica). We combined the approach of digital microscopy to study surface roughness of the BSCs with taxonomy of BSC-forming autotrophs and chlorophyll fluorescence study focused on the photosynthetic functioning of BSCs when exposed to controlled UV-B stress. Microprofiling of BSCs resulted in the finding that the examined BSCs might be classified as fine-grained surface with roughness characteristics: Ra (37.9 μm) and Rz (136.9 μm). The BSCs were rich in microautotrophs, both algae and cyanobacteria, however, Microcoleus sp. was found dominating species. It formed multifilament ropes on and inside the BSCs. Under UV-B stress, Microcoleus- and Nostoc-dominated BSC parts showed similar sensitivity and acclimatory response so long-term UV-B treatment, however, Microcoleus seemed to be slightly more sensitive to UV-B. Microcoleus-dominated parts of BSCs showed less pronounced acclimation to UV-B treatment than Nostoc-dominated parts. It was reflected in lower values of maximum (FV/FM) and effective (FPSII) quantum yields recorded after 6 d exposition

The Vegetation of Antartica through Geological Time.

David.J. Cantrill and Imogene PooleCambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2012. ISBN 978−0−521−85598−3, 480 pages

Vizualizace a reprezentace sociálně kulturního prostředí brazilských slumů - favel

Tato bakalářská práce se zabývá analýzou brazilských favel z teoretického i empirického hlediska. V první části nastiňuje vznik a vývoj favel, přičemž zmiňuje i současnou politiku vedenou vůči nim. Stěžejní částí práce je empirický výzkum zaměřený na vizualizaci kultury dětmi z favel. Sběr dat byl založen na metodologii vizuální antropologie, analýza kreseb pak vychází z teorie sociální sémiotiky. V rámci výzkumu byl sebrán soubor kreseb dětí z favel v São Paulu na téma kultura. Kresby byly rozřazeny vzhledem k jejich zobrazovanému motivu do několika kategorií, se kterými pak autorka pracuje. Většina z nich zachycuje motivy brazilské kultury, přičemž jen několik z nich má přímý vztah ke kultuře favel. Na základě těchto výsledků je pak spekulováno, které kulturní prvky děti vnímají v rámci jejich kultury jako nejsilnější a které naopak, i přes jejich silné sepětí s Brazílií, opomenuly. Klíčová slova: favela, vizualizace kultury, dětská kresba, kultura, BrazílieThis thesis focuses on theoretical and empirical analysis of Brazilian favelas. In the first part the origin and development of favelas is outlined, including the contemporary public policy towards them. The main part of this thesis represents an empirical research focusing on visualization of culture by the children living in favelas. The data collection was based on the methodology of visual anthropology and the analysis of the drawings on social semiotic theory. Drawings made by the children from favelas in São Paulo with culture as their subject matter were collected during the fieldwork. On the basis of the kind of represented motif the drawings were classified into several categories which the author works with afterwards. Most of them depict motifs related to Brazilian culture and only few of them are directly linked to favela's culture. Based on these results, it is considered cultural elements perceived strongly by the children and components which in spite of their close connection to Brazil were omitted. Keywords: favela, visualization of culture, children's drawing, culture, BrazilInstitute of EthnologyÚstav etnologieFilozofická fakultaFaculty of Art

Biodiversity of freshwater algae and cyanobacteria on deglaciated northern part of James Ross Island, Antarctica. A preliminary study.

Freshwater algae and cyanobacteria have been studied at the James Ross Island (Ant- arctica) since the first Czech expedition to the James Ross Island area in austral summer of 2004. Main emphasis, however, has been devoted to cyanobacteria and diatoms. Therefore, recent knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater species of green algae is fragmentary. The main aim of presented study was to contribute to species list of green algae and cyanobacteria from James Ross Island. To evaluate species richness of algae and cyanobacteria, samples of water/mats from 6 different lakes, shallow ponds, and seepages located in northern deglaciated part of the James Ross Island were collected in austral summers 2012 and 2013, respectively. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy approach after transport to Czech laboratories. Algal and cyanobacterial taxa were determined according to morphological characteristics. Frequencies of individual taxa occurrence in samples were evaluated. Species richness differences between sampling sites was found. Dominating taxa differed between collection sites as well. Altogether, 41 algal and cyanobacterial taxa were found. Some species and genera: Cosmarium sp., Actinotaenium curtum, Staurastrum punctulatum and Chlorobotrys regularis are reported for James Ross Island for the first time. In some samples, there were some species that remained undetermined due to limitations of light microscopy and morphological approach.Byly studovány sladkovodní řasy a sinice ostrova Jamese Rosse, Antarktida. Výsledky analýzy biodiverzity jsou uvedeny podle charakteru stanoviště.Freshwater algae and cyanobacteria have been studied at the James Ross Island (Ant- arctica) since the first Czech expedition to the James Ross Island area in austral summer of 2004. Main emphasis, however, has been devoted to cyanobacteria and diatoms. Therefore, recent knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater species of green algae is fragmentary. The main aim of presented study was to contribute to species list of green algae and cyanobacteria from James Ross Island. To evaluate species richness of algae and cyanobacteria, samples of water/mats from 6 different lakes, shallow ponds, and seepages located in northern deglaciated part of the James Ross Island were collected in austral summers 2012 and 2013, respectively. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy approach after transport to Czech laboratories. Algal and cyanobacterial taxa were determined according to morphological characteristics. Frequencies of individual taxa occurrence in samples were evaluated. Species richness differences between sampling sites was found. Dominating taxa differed between collection sites as well. Altogether, 41 algal and cyanobacterial taxa were found. Some species and genera: Cosmarium sp., Actinotaenium curtum, Staurastrum punctulatum and Chlorobotrys regularis are reported for James Ross Island for the first time. In some samples, there were some species that remained undetermined due to limitations of light microscopy and morphological approach

Biodiversity of freshwater algae and cyanobacteria on deglaciated northern part of James Ross Island, Antarctica. A preliminary study.

Freshwater algae and cyanobacteria have been studied at the James Ross Island (Ant-arctica) since the first Czech expedition to the James Ross Island area in austral summer of 2004. Main emphasis, however, has been devoted to cyanobacteria and diatoms. Therefore, recent knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater species of green algae is fragmentary. The main aim of presented study was to contribute to species list of green algae and cyanobacteria from James Ross Island. To evaluate species richness of algae and cyanobacteria, samples of water/mats from 6 different lakes, shallow ponds, and seepages located in northern deglaciated part of the James Ross Island were collected in austral summers 2012 and 2013, respectively. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy approach after transport to Czech laboratories. Algal and cyanobacterial taxa were determined according to morphological characteristics. Frequencies of individual taxa occurrence in samples were evaluated. Species richness differences between sampling sites was found. Dominating taxa differed between collection sites as well. Altogether, 41 algal and cyanobacterial taxa were found. Some species and genera: Cosmarium sp., Actinotaenium curtum, Staurastrum punctulatum and Chlorobotrys regularis are reported for James Ross Island for the first time. In some samples, there were some species that remained undetermined due to limitations of light microscopy and morphological approach. We plan to sample those locations of the James Ross Island that have never been investigated before for future studie

Photosynthetic characteristics of lichens of genus Umbilicaria from SW Greenland (Nuuk area) in reponse to thallus dehydration.

Thalli of foliose epilithic lichens Umbilicaria arctica and U.hyperborea were collected on the rocks at several locations in the neighbourhood of Nuuk, and transported to the Czech Republic where kept in dry state in dark at 5 oC before experiments. After 48 h rehydration, simultaneous measurements of (1)effective quantum yield (YieldPSII) of photosystem II, (2)photochemical reflectance index (PRI), (3)normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), (4)chlorophyll fluorescence fast kinetics (OJIP) were made in response to gradual thallus dehydration expressed as water potential (WP). Dehydration-response curves of YieldPSII showed S-curve relationship. In both species, the first signs of inhibition of photosynthetic processes appeared at WP of about -10 MPa. Further dehydration led to a decrease in YieldPSII and, finally, full inhibition of PSII photochemical photosynthetic processes. Critical point for PSII processes was found at WP of about -25 MPa, similarly to other epilithic lichens investigated by this methodVyl studován vztah mezi fůznými fotosyntetickými charakteristikami lišejníků Umbilicaria arctica a Umbilicaria Hyperboera ve vztahu k vyschnutí stélky.Thalli of foliose epilithic lichens Umbilicaria arctica and U.hyperborea were collected on the rocks at several locations in the neighbourhood of Nuuk, and transported to the Czech Republic where kept in dry state in dark at 5 oC before experiments. After 48 h rehydration, simultaneous measurements of (1)effective quantum yield (YieldPSII) of photosystem II, (2)photochemical reflectance index (PRI), (3)normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), (4)chlorophyll fluorescence fast kinetics (OJIP) were made in response to gradual thallus dehydration expressed as water potential (WP). Dehydration-response curves of YieldPSII showed S-curve relationship. In both species, the first signs of inhibition of photosynthetic processes appeared at WP of about -10 MPa. Further dehydration led to a decrease in YieldPSII and, finally, full inhibition of PSII photochemical photosynthetic processes. Critical point for PSII processes was found at WP of about -25 MPa, similarly to other epilihic lichens investigated by this metho

Nitrate and ammonium ions contents in field minibioreactors with Antarctic freshwater autotrophs

The content of nitrate and ammonium ions in aquatic environment is an important factor in the development of microorganisms colonies especially in low-nutrient environment. In this study, field experiments using small-volume minibioreactors were performed directly on the James Ross Island in Antarctica in order to describe changes in nitrate and ammonium ions contents in the Antarctic environment The ion concentrations in minibioreactors with local freshwater autotrophs was monitored for increased eutro-phication conditions. The content of nitrogen forms was determined in water samples taken from the minibioreactors regularly. Samples were taken to the laboratory of the Johann Gregor Mendel station where nitrogen content was evaluated using ion-selective electrodes. Furthermore, the freshwater autotrophs was subjected to basic taxonomic study. Closed system of the minibioreactors allowed the monitoring of nitrogen speciation changes which take place in the environment. These changes can be attributed to both the biological activity of microorganisms and external conditions. Increased eutrophication of water did not induce a rapid development of the freshwater autotrophs

The role of cytochromes P450 and aldo-keto reductases in prognosis of breast carcinoma patients

Metabolism of anticancer drugs affects their antitumor effects. This study has investigated the associations of gene expression of enzymes metabolizing anticancer drugs with therapy response and survival of breast carcinoma patients.Gene expression of 13 aldo-keto reductases (AKRs), carbonyl reductase 1, and 10 cytochromes P450 (CYPs) was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in tumors and paired adjacent nonneoplastic tissues from 68 posttreatment breast carcinoma patients. Eleven candidate genes were then evaluated in an independent series of 50 pretreatment patients. Protein expression of the most significant genes was confirmed by immunoblotting.AKR1A1 was significantly overexpressed and AKR1C1-4, KCNAB1, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 downregulated in tumors compared with control nonneoplastic tissues after correction for multiple testing. Significant association of CYP2B6 transcript levels in tumors with expression of hormonal receptors was found in the posttreatment set and replicated in the pretreatment set of patients. Significantly higher intratumoral levels of AKR1C1, AKR1C2, or CYP2W1 were found in responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared with nonresponders. Patients with high AKR7A3 or CYP2B6 levels in the pretreatment set had significantly longer disease-free survival than patients with low levels. Protein products of AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR7A3, CYP3A4, and carbonyl reductase (CBR1) were found in tumors and those of AKR1C1, AKR7A3, and CBR1 correlated with their transcript levels. Small interfering RNA-directed knockdown of AKR1C2 or vector-mediated upregulation of CYP3A4 in MDA-MB-231 model cell line had no effect on cell proliferation after paclitaxel treatment in vitro.Prognostic and predictive roles of drug-metabolizing enzymes strikingly differ between posttreatment and pretreatment breast carcinoma patients. Mechanisms of action of AKR1C2, AKR7A3, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, and CBR1 should continue to be further followed in breast carcinoma patients and models.13-25222J, GACR, Czech Science FoundationCzech Science Foundation [13-25222J]; Internal Grant Agency of the Czech Ministry of Health [NT/14055-3

The hotel breakfast from the perspective of clients with specific dietary requirements

Cílem mé bakalářské práce je vytvořit plán obměny složení hotelových snídaní takovým způsobem, aby nabídka vyhovovala širší klientele, než je tomu v současné době. Jedná se především o osoby s alergií nebo nesnášenlivostí lepku či laktózy, vegetariány a vegany. V teoretické části práce jsou popsány zdravotní a alternativní důvody přechodu lidí k dietní stravě. Dále je popsána problematika veřejného stravování pro zákazníky se specifickými stravovacími požadavky. Závěrem teoretické části jsou nové trendy ve stravovacích návycích běžné populace. Pro praktickou část jsou využity dvě výzkumné metody, kterými jsou dotazníkového šetření a průzkum nabídek hotelových snídaní. Mezera na trhu s poskytováním specifických stravovacích služeb v České republice je v práci demonstrována porovnáním reálných potřeb hostů, které byly získány z dotazníkového šetření, a současné nabídky hotelových snídaní prezentovaných na webových stránkách vybraných hotelů. Využitelnost výsledků praktické části je prezentována na ukázce ubytovacího zařízení, které zkoumanou teorii již několik let praktikuje v praxi.My bachelor thesis aims to find a variation of the hotel breakfast that would suit a wider range of clients than at the present. It especially concerns people with food allergies and food intolerance to gluten or lactose, vegetarians, and vegans. The theoretical part describes health and alternative reasons for the transition of people to diet food. In addition, the paper describes the issue of public catering for people with the specific dietary requirement. In conclusion of the theoretical part are described new trends in dietary patterns of the general population. The practical part uses two research methodology, which are a questionnaire and a survey of offers of hotel breakfasts. The gap in the market of special dietary services in the Czech Republic is demonstrated in the paper by comparison of the real needs of customers, which were obtained from the questionnaire, and the current offer of breakfast, that was presented on the websites of selected hotels. The usability of the results of the practical part is presented on the example of accommodation facility, which has been using the theory studied in this thesis for several years in practice

Information and Internet Literacy in the Czech Republic

The topic of the bachelor’s thesis is information and Internet literacy in the Czech Republic. The aim of the theoretical part is unification of terminology of individual types of literacies. To be Internet literate does not mean just to be able to look up information using the Internet but also to behave safely on it. The thesis also looks into chosen queries from information ethics e.g. the information and disinformation on the Internet.The goal of the research was to find out what the level of information and Internet literacy in the Czech Republic in the population aged 40 years and more is. Apart from the research questions five hypotheses were determined. The research data were gathered using a survey and verified by a knowledge test. The survey and test were both created in a way so that it would be possible to prove or disprove given hypotheses.Tématem bakalářské práce je informační a internetová gramotnost v České republice. Cílem teoretické části je sjednocení názvosloví jednotlivých typů gramotností. Být internetově gramotný neznamená jen umět vyhledat informace pomocí internetu, ale také se na něm bezpečně chovat. Práce se dále věnuje vybraným otázkám informační etiky, například informacím a dezinformacím na internetu. Výzkumným cílem bylo zjistit, jaká je úroveň informační a internetové gramotnosti v České republice u populace ve věku 40 let a více. Vedle výzkumných otázek bylo stanoveno pět hypotéz. Výzkumná data jsme získávali pomocí dotazníkového šetření a ověřovali vědomostním testem. Dotazník a test byly sestaveny tak, aby z nich bylo možné potvrdit či vyvrátit stanovené hypotézy