Sugars are one of the major metabolites and are essential for nucleic acid synthesis and energy production.In addition,sugars can act as signaling molecules.To study sugar signaling at the systemic level,there is an u...Sugars are one of the major metabolites and are essential for nucleic acid synthesis and energy production.In addition,sugars can act as signaling molecules.To study sugar signaling at the systemic level,there is an urgent need to systematically identify sugar-sensing proteins and nucleic acids.I propose the terms“swodkoreceptor”and“swodkocrine signaling,”derived from the Polish word“slodki”meaning“sweet,”to comprise all sugar-sensing proteins and signaling events,respectively,regardless of their cellular location and signaling domains.This proposal is intended to facilitate the inclusion of proteins such as the Escherichia coli Lac I repressor as an allolactose receptor,human glucokinase regulatory protein(GCKR)as a fructose receptor,and other sugar-binding based allosterically regulated enzymes and transcription factors as sugar-sensing receptors.In addition,enzyme-interacting proteins whose interaction state is regulated by sugar binding have also been proposed as sugar receptors.The systemic study of protein-and nucleic-acid-based swodkoreceptors may help to identify organelle-specific swodkoreceptors and to also address receptor duality.The study of intra-and inter-organism swodkocrine signaling and its crosstalk with gasocrine signaling may help to understand the etiology of diseases due to dysregulation in sugar homeostasis and signaling.展开更多
This study represents a pioneering effort to analyze the impact of avalanches descending into Morskie Oko from Marchwiczny Gully,the most active avalanche path around the lake.It focuses on catastrophic avalanches tha...This study represents a pioneering effort to analyze the impact of avalanches descending into Morskie Oko from Marchwiczny Gully,the most active avalanche path around the lake.It focuses on catastrophic avalanches that descended from the analyzed gully,as reported in the literature from the 1900s until now.However,only the data collected in recent years,our field studies,combined with modern LIDAR data and GIS-based modeling,allowed us to perform a detailed analysis.The GIS-based approach effectively uses spatial data to address snow avalanche modeling challenges.Although the study area lies within Tatra National Park,no official services carry out systematic avalanche monitoring or measurements.The impact of hazardous events,such as snow avalanches,on the most famous Polish mountain lake,Morskie Oko,has been poorly described in the literature and has yet to be discovered.Therefore,to analyze the selected avalanche parameters,we mainly used our ground and additional aerial photographs taken by local mountain services and related field measurements.Our analysis resulted in figurative estimates of the extent and volume of avalanche snow and its weight,both on the surface of the ice sheet and the part of the avalanche that did not reach the lake's shore and remained on the slope of Marchwiczny Gully.For example,the values for the mighty avalanche on February 3,2023,are 23,500 m~3 and 4,700 tons on the ice surface and 20,000 m~3 and 4,000 tons on the slope.It was determined that avalanches that descend onto the studied lake's surface result in its shallowing.This process occurs because of sedimentation of slope material carried by avalanches,especially during the final phase of ice cover melting.When openings appear in the solid ice cover in spring,floating ice can migrate,driven by wind pressure,and deposit avalanche material in various parts of the lake bottom.Thus,avalanches contributed to the gradual disappearance of the lake.展开更多
Meniscus injuries are widespread and the available treatments do not offer enough healing potential.Here,we provide critical support for using pigs as a biological model for meniscal degeneration and the development o...Meniscus injuries are widespread and the available treatments do not offer enough healing potential.Here,we provide critical support for using pigs as a biological model for meniscal degeneration and the development of cutting-edge therapies in orthopedics.We present a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the meniscus,consisting of cell clusters corresponding to four major cell types:chondrocytes,endothelial cells,smooth muscle cells,and immune cells.Five distinct chondrocyte subclusters(CH0–CH4)were annotated,of which only one was widespread in both the red and white zones,indicating a major difference in the cellular makeup of the zones.Subclusters distinct to the white zone appear responsible for cartilage-specific matrix deposition and protection against adverse microenvironmental factors,while those in the red zone exhibit characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are more likely to proliferate and migrate.Additionally,they induce remodeling actions in other chondrocyte subclusters and promote the proliferation and maturation of endothelial cells,inducing healing and vascularization processes.Considering that they have substantial remodeling capabilities,these subclusters should be of great interest for tissue engineering studies.We also show that the cellular makeup of the pig meniscus is comparable to that of humans,which supports the use of pigs as a model in orthopedic therapy development.展开更多
Functional superhydrophobic coatings have attracted considerable attention because of their potential for a wide range of applications.In this study,a novel cyclotetrasiloxane-based hybrid superhydrophobic modifier(F-...Functional superhydrophobic coatings have attracted considerable attention because of their potential for a wide range of applications.In this study,a novel cyclotetrasiloxane-based hybrid superhydrophobic modifier(F-D_(4))was prepared for the first time using a mild thiolene click reaction of 2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(Vi-D_(4))with perfluorohexylethanethiol(PFOT)and mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane(MPTMS)as the raw materials.Then,F-D_(4) was introduced into the fabric via a sol-gel process,resulting in a superhydrophobic fabric(F-D_(4)-Fabric).The surface characteristics of the modified fabric were determined using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and water contact angle(WCA).The coated fabrics have outstanding mechanical,physical,and chemical stability,and exhibit excellent self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties.Owing to its superhydrophobicity,FD_(4)-Fabric could efficiently separate a range of oil/water mixtures with a separation efficiency of up to 99.99%.The study showed that the modification strategy used in the dip-coating process greatly affected the superhydrophobicity of the cotton fabric,which is useful for oil/water separation and self-cleaning applications.展开更多
Emphasis on future environmental changes grows due to climate change,with simulations predicting rising river temperatures globally.For Poland,which has a long history of thermal studies of rivers,such an approach has...Emphasis on future environmental changes grows due to climate change,with simulations predicting rising river temperatures globally.For Poland,which has a long history of thermal studies of rivers,such an approach has not been implemented to date.This study used 9 Global Climate Models and tested three machine-learning techniques to predict river temperature changes.Random Forest performed best,with R^(2)=0.88 and lowest error(RMSE:2.25,MAE:1.72).The range of future water temperature changes by the end of the 21st century was based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5.It was determined that by the end of the 21st century,the average temperature will increase by 2.1°C(SSP2-4.5)and 3.7°C(SSP5-8.5).A more detailed analysis,divided by two major basins Vistula and Odra,covered about 90%of Poland's territory.The average temperature increase,according to scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 for the Odra basin rivers,is 1.6°C and 3.2°C and for the Vistula basin rivers 2.3°C and 3.8°C,respectively.The Vistula basin's higher warming is due to less groundwater input and continental climate influence.These findings provide a crucial basis for water management to mitigate warming effects in Poland.展开更多
The short neuropeptide F(sNPF)family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects.They have been found in a broad spectrum of species...The short neuropeptide F(sNPF)family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects.They have been found in a broad spectrum of species,but the number of isoforms in the precursor molecule varies from one to four.The receptor for sNPF(sNPFR),which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family,has been characterized in various insect orders and was shown to be an ortholog of the mammalian prolactin-releasing peptide receptor(PrPR).The sNPF signaling pathway interacts with other neurohormones such as insulin-like peptides,SIFamide,and pigment-dispersing factors(PDFs)to regulate various processes.The main physiological function of sNPF seems to be involved in the regulation of feeding,but the observed effects are species-specific.sNPF is also connected with the regulation of foraging behavior and the olfactory system.The influence of sNPF on feeding and thus energy metabolism may also indirectly affect other vital processes,such as reproduction and development.In addition,these neurohormones are involved in the regulation of locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in insects.This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the sNPF system in insects.展开更多
Environmental conditions change constantly either by anthropogenic perturbation or naturally across space and time.Often,a change in behavior is the frst response to changing conditions.Behavioral fexibility can poten...Environmental conditions change constantly either by anthropogenic perturbation or naturally across space and time.Often,a change in behavior is the frst response to changing conditions.Behavioral fexibility can potentially improve an organism’s chances to survive and reproduce.Currently,we lack an understanding on the time-scale such behavioral adjustments need,how they actually affect reproduction and survival and whether behavioral adjustments are suffcient in keeping up with changing conditions.We used house mice(Mus musculus)to test whether personality and life-history traits can adjust to an experimentally induced food-switch fexibly in adulthood or by intergenerational plasticity,that is,adjustments only becoming visible in the offspring generation.Mice lived in 6 experimental populations of semi-natural environments either on high or standard quality food for 4 generations.We showed previously that high-quality food induced better conditions and a less risk-prone personality.Here,we tested whether the speed and/or magnitude of adjustment shows condition-dependency and whether adjustments incur ftness effects.Life-history but not personality traits reacted fexibly to a food-switch,primarily by a direct reduction of reproduction and sloweddown growth.Offspring whose parents received a food-switch developed a more active stress-coping personality and gained weight at a slower rate compared with their respective controls.Furthermore,the modulation of most traits was condition-dependent,with animals previously fed with high-quality food showing stronger responses.Our study highlights that life-history and personality traits adjust at different speed toward environmental change,thus,highlighting the importance of the environment and the mode of response for evolutionary models.展开更多
Various sectors of the industry are searching for new materials with specific requirements,providing improved properties.The study presents novel composite materials based on polylactide that have been modified with t...Various sectors of the industry are searching for new materials with specific requirements,providing improved properties.The study presents novel composite materials based on polylactide that have been modified with the organosilicon compound,(3-thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane(SSQ-SH).The SSQ-SH compound is a mixture of cage structures and not fully condensed random structures.The composite materials were obtained through injection moulding.The study includes a comprehensive characterization of the new materials that analyze their functional properties,such as rheology(MFR),mechanical strength(tensile strength,Charpy impact strength),and thermal properties.SEM microscopic photos were also taken to analyze the microstructure of the samples.The addition of a 5%by-weight organosilicon compound to polylactide resulted in a significant increase in MFR by 73.8%compared to the neat polymer.The greatest improvement in impact strength was achieved for the 5%SSQ-SH/PLA composite,increasing it by 32.0 kJ/m^(2)compared to PLA,which represents an increase of up to 187%.The conducted research confirms the possibility of modifying the properties of the polymer by employing organosilicon compounds.展开更多
The current restrictive criteria for gasotransmitters exclude oxygen(O_(2))as a gasotransmitter in vertebrates.In this manuscript,I propose a revision of gasotransmitter criteria to include O_(2) per se as a signaling...The current restrictive criteria for gasotransmitters exclude oxygen(O_(2))as a gasotransmitter in vertebrates.In this manuscript,I propose a revision of gasotransmitter criteria to include O_(2) per se as a signaling molecule and'essential gasotransmitter'for vertebrates.This revision would enable us to search for protein-based O_(2)-binding sensors(gasoreceptors)in all cells in the brain or other tissues rather than specialized tissues such as the carotid body or gills.If microorganisms have protein-based O_(2)-binding sensors or gasoreceptors such as DosP or FixL or FNR with diverse signaling domains,then eukaryotic cells must also have O_(2)-binding sensors or gasoreceptors.Just as there are proteinbased receptor(s)for nitric oxide(GUCY1A,GUCY1B,CLOCK,NR1D2)in cells of diverse tissues,it is reasonable to consider that there are protein-based receptors for O_(2) in cells of diverse tissues as well.In mammals,O_(2) must be acting as a gasotransmitter or gaseous signaling molecule via protein-based gasoreceptors such as androglobin that very likely mediate acute sensing of O_(2).Accepting O_(2) as an essential gasotransmitter will enable us to search for gasoreceptors not only for O_(2) but also for other nonessential gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide,ammonia,methane,and ethylene.It will also allow us to investigate the role of environment-derived metal ions in acute gas(or solute)sensing within and between organisms.Finally,accepting O_(2) per se as a signaling molecule acting via gasoreceptors will open up the field of gasocrinology.展开更多
The Anthropocene as a prospective new,ongoing series/epoch must be defensible against all relevant concerns.We address the seven,still-relevant challenges posed to the Anthropocene Working Group by the Chair,Internati...The Anthropocene as a prospective new,ongoing series/epoch must be defensible against all relevant concerns.We address the seven,still-relevant challenges posed to the Anthropocene Working Group by the Chair,International Commission on Stratigraphy(ICS),in 2014.(1)Concept or reality?The Anthropocene possesses a substantial,sharply distinctive stratigraphic record recognisable through many proxy signals from the mid-20th century onwards;(2)GSSP or GSSA?The Anthropocene can be defined by a GSSP and correlated globally;(3)Past or future?The Anthropocene unquestionably represents geological time,its transformations having already moved the Earth System beyond Holocene norms towards an irreversible future trajectory;(4)Utility?The Anthropocene’s distinctive material content allows useful delineation on geological sections/maps;(5)Indelibility?Many of the Anthropocene’s transformative effects cannot be subsequently effaced or overprinted;(6)Fit within the Geological Time Scale(GTS)?The Anthropocene represents a unique,youngest,interval in Earth history and strata of profound significance;(7)What is its value?The chronostratigraphic Anthropocene has conceptual usefulness even informally,but would then lack the clarity,stability and recognition that formalization provides.Without its formalization,the GTS would no longer accurately reflect Earth history,diminishing the relevance of geological science for analysis of ongoing planetary change.展开更多
AIM:To assess the prevalence of human papilloma virus(HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) in the south-eastern region of Poland.METHODS:The study population consisted of 56 ESCC patients and 35 controls.T...AIM:To assess the prevalence of human papilloma virus(HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) in the south-eastern region of Poland.METHODS:The study population consisted of 56 ESCC patients and 35 controls.The controls were patients referred to our department due to other nonesophageal and non-oncological disorders with no gross or microscopic esophageal pathology as confirmed by endoscopy and histopathology.In the ESCC patients,samples were taken from normal mucosa(56 mucosa samples) and from the tumor(56 tumor samples).Tissue samples from the controls were taken from normal mucosa of the middle esophagus(35 control samples).Quantitative determination of DNA was carried out using a spectrophotometric method.Genomic DNA was isolated using the QIAamp DNA Midi Kit.HPV infection was identified following PCR amplification of the HPV gene sequence,using primers MY09 and MY11 complementary to the genome sequence of at least 33 types of HPV.The sequencing results were computationally analyzed using the basic local alignment search tool database.RESULTS:In tumor samples,HPV DNA was identified in 28 of 56 patients(50%).High risk HPV phenotypes(16 or/and 18) were found in 5 of 56 patients(8.9%),low risk in 19 of 56 patients(33.9%) and other types of HPV(37,81,97,CP6108) in 4 of 56 patients(7.1%).In mucosa samples,HPV DNA was isolated in 21 of 56 patients(37.5%).High risk HPV DNA was confirmed in 3 of 56 patients(5.3%),low risk HPV DNA in 12 of 56 patients(21.4%),and other types of HPV in 6 of 56 patients(10.7%).In control samples,HPV DNA was identified in 4 of 35 patients(11.4%) with no high risk HPV.The occurrence of HPV in ESCC patients was significantly higher than in the controls [28 of 56(50%) vs 4 of 35(11.4%),P < 0.001].In esophageal cancer patients,both in tumor and mucosa samples,the predominant HPV phenotypes were low risk HPV,isolated 4 times more frequently than high risk phenotypes [19 of 56(33.9%) vs 5 of 56(8.9%),P < 0.001].A higher prevalence of HPV was identified in female patients(71.4% vs 46.9%).Accordingly,the high risk phenotypes were isolated more frequently in female patients and this difference reached statistical significance [3 of 7(42.9%) vs 2 of 49(4.1%),P < 0.05].Of the pathological characteristics,only an infiltrative pattern of macroscopic tumor type significantly correlated with the presence of HPV DNA in ESCC samples [20 of 27(74.1%) vs 8 of 29(27.6%) for ulcerative or protruding macroscopic type,P < 0.05].The occurrence of total HPV DNA and both HPV high or low risk phenotypes did not significantly differ with regard to particular grades of cellular differentiation,phases in depth of tumor infiltration,grades of nodal involvement and stages of tumor progression.CONCLUSION:Low risk HPV phenotypes could be one of the co-activators or/and co-carcinogens in complex,progressive,multifactorial and multistep esophageal carcinogenesis.展开更多
A simple co-precipitation approach taking place between Ln3＋, Sr2＋ cations and F anions, led to the formation of nanocrystalline Eu3＋ doped Sr2LnF7 （Ln-La and Gd） complex fluorides. The reaction was carried out i...A simple co-precipitation approach taking place between Ln3＋, Sr2＋ cations and F anions, led to the formation of nanocrystalline Eu3＋ doped Sr2LnF7 （Ln-La and Gd） complex fluorides. The reaction was carried out in the presence of polyeth- ylene glycol, PEG 6000 as a surfactant/surface modifier, providing small size and homogeneity of the products. The synthesized compounds were composed of small nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm. All obtained Eu3＋ doped compounds exhibited an intensive red luminescence. In the case of gadolinium based compounds, the energy transfer phenomena could be observed from Gd3＋ ions to Eu3＋ ions. In order to study the structure and morphology of the synthesized fluorides, powder X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） measurements were performed. Also FT-IR spectra of the products were re- corded, revealing the presence of PEG molecules on the nanoparticles suN＇ace. A spectrofluorometry technique was applied to examine optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescence decay curves were measured and analysed. The performed analysis revealed a red luminescence, typical for the Eu3＋ ion situated in the inorganic, highly symmetric matrix. Concentration quenching phenomena and lifetimes shortening, together with an increasing of the Eu3＋ doping level, were observed and discussed. Judd-Ofelt analysis was also performed for all doped samples, in order to support the registered spectroscopic data and examine in details structural and optoelectronic properties of the synthesized nanomaterials.展开更多
In order to determine the genesis and the factors that control the low-porosity and low- permeability sandstone reservoirs in the eastern Sulige Gas Field in the Ordos Basin, systematic studies on the sedimentary faci...In order to determine the genesis and the factors that control the low-porosity and low- permeability sandstone reservoirs in the eastern Sulige Gas Field in the Ordos Basin, systematic studies on the sedimentary facies and diagenesis were conducted by means of analysis of cores, thin sections, fluid inclusions, X-ray diffraction, cathode luminescence and scanning electron microscope. It was found that the sand bodies of the major gas reservoirs in the Shan1 section （P1S1） and the He8 section （P2H8） were formed during the Permian as sedimentary facies such as braided-channel bars, braided-river channels and point bars of a meandering river. Four types of diagenetic facies developed subsequently： in order from the best to the poorest properties these are type A （weak compaction, early calcite cement-chlorite film facies）, type B （moderate compaction, quartz overgrowth-feldspar corrosion-kaolinite filling facies）, type C （strong compaction, late calcite cement-quartz corrosion facies） and type D （matrix filling and strong compaction facies）. This diagenesis is undoubtedly the main reason for the poor reservoir properties of sandstone reservoirs, but the sedimentary facies are the underlying factors that greatly affect the diagenesis and thus the reservoir performance. Favorable diagenetic facies developed mainly in relatively small lithofacies such as braided-river channels, channel bars and point bars. The vertical distribution of the physical properties and the diagenetic facies of the reservoirs are related to the stratigraphic succession. Most of the sandstones between mudstones and thin beds of sandstone are unfavorable diagenetic facies. Analyses indicate that siliceous cementation can hardly be stopped by hydrocarbon filling. Authigenic chlorite could hardly protect the primary porosity. It not only occupies pore space, but also blocks pathways through sandstone reservoirs, so that it has significant influence on the permeability. Authigenic chlorite cannot be used as a marker for a specific sedimentary facies because it can be formed in different sedimentary facies, but it indicates high hydrodynamic conditions and presence of favorable reservoirs.展开更多
GdF3：Eu^3＋ and GdF3：Eu^3＋ nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method in the presence of the chelating agent, citric acid. The structural properties of the products were characterized by X-ray diffrac...GdF3：Eu^3＋ and GdF3：Eu^3＋ nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method in the presence of the chelating agent, citric acid. The structural properties of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The average crystallite size was estimated from the full-width at half-maximum （FWHM） of the diffraction peaks by the Scherrer equation. The sizes of the nanoparticles were 12 nm for LaF3：Eu3＋ and 17 nm for GdF3：Eu^3＋. The luminescent properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by excitation and emission spectra. Energy transfer from Gd3＋ to Eu3＋ was observed.展开更多
Several paleoseismic events are recorded in the Neogene Linqu Group, exposed in the Linqu area, Shandong Province, China. The events were interpreted on the basis of fleldwork and laboratory analysis, which showed the...Several paleoseismic events are recorded in the Neogene Linqu Group, exposed in the Linqu area, Shandong Province, China. The events were interpreted on the basis of fleldwork and laboratory analysis, which showed the presence of seismites with plastically deformed soft-sediment deformation structures in the Shanwang Formation, and of seismic volcanic rocks in the Yaoshan Formation which show brittle deformation. The earthquake-triggered soft-sediment deformations in the seismites include load structures, ball-and-pillow structures, flame structures, piUow-like beds, boudinage structures, slump folds, syn-depositional faults, veins of liquefied sand, and dikes of liquefied sandy lime-mud. The seismic activity is also reflected in what might be called ＇brittle seismites＇; these originated when, under the influence of seismic vibrations, semi-consolidated conglomerate was shattered. Moreover, volcanic activity is related to intense earthquakes that affected basalts intercalated with sand layers; these successions are known as ＇seismic volcanic rocks＇, which are characterized by veins of liquefied sand intruding the basalts. AH above traces of paleoseismic activity were left from one single time span of 4 Ma with active seismicity that took place 14-10 Ma. This time span is known as ＇the Linqu Neogene Paleoseismic Active Period＇, which is divided into four paleoseismic episodes, which were responses to tectonic extension and basin rifting in this area. It even includes the activity of the Yishu Fault Zone during the Miocene and the Neogene. The ratios of trace elements in the seismites, w（La）/w（Sc） and w （La）/w（Th） are higher than the average value of the upper crust, but w（Th）/w（Sc） is lower; this is geochemical evidence for the basin rifting that resulted in a high sedimentation rate. The intense and frequent paleo-earthquakes are held responsible for the rapid burial of the Shanwang Biota. Secondary earthquake-induced processes （e.g. slumping of a lake shore and the strongly increased lacustrine sedimentation rate） contributed to the rapid burial of the biota.展开更多
基金supported by the National Science Centre grants,Grant/Award Number:SONATA-BIS 2020/38/E/NZ3/00090 and SONATA 2021/43/D/NZ3/01798。
文摘Sugars are one of the major metabolites and are essential for nucleic acid synthesis and energy production.In addition,sugars can act as signaling molecules.To study sugar signaling at the systemic level,there is an urgent need to systematically identify sugar-sensing proteins and nucleic acids.I propose the terms“swodkoreceptor”and“swodkocrine signaling,”derived from the Polish word“slodki”meaning“sweet,”to comprise all sugar-sensing proteins and signaling events,respectively,regardless of their cellular location and signaling domains.This proposal is intended to facilitate the inclusion of proteins such as the Escherichia coli Lac I repressor as an allolactose receptor,human glucokinase regulatory protein(GCKR)as a fructose receptor,and other sugar-binding based allosterically regulated enzymes and transcription factors as sugar-sensing receptors.In addition,enzyme-interacting proteins whose interaction state is regulated by sugar binding have also been proposed as sugar receptors.The systemic study of protein-and nucleic-acid-based swodkoreceptors may help to identify organelle-specific swodkoreceptors and to also address receptor duality.The study of intra-and inter-organism swodkocrine signaling and its crosstalk with gasocrine signaling may help to understand the etiology of diseases due to dysregulation in sugar homeostasis and signaling.
文摘This study represents a pioneering effort to analyze the impact of avalanches descending into Morskie Oko from Marchwiczny Gully,the most active avalanche path around the lake.It focuses on catastrophic avalanches that descended from the analyzed gully,as reported in the literature from the 1900s until now.However,only the data collected in recent years,our field studies,combined with modern LIDAR data and GIS-based modeling,allowed us to perform a detailed analysis.The GIS-based approach effectively uses spatial data to address snow avalanche modeling challenges.Although the study area lies within Tatra National Park,no official services carry out systematic avalanche monitoring or measurements.The impact of hazardous events,such as snow avalanches,on the most famous Polish mountain lake,Morskie Oko,has been poorly described in the literature and has yet to be discovered.Therefore,to analyze the selected avalanche parameters,we mainly used our ground and additional aerial photographs taken by local mountain services and related field measurements.Our analysis resulted in figurative estimates of the extent and volume of avalanche snow and its weight,both on the surface of the ice sheet and the part of the avalanche that did not reach the lake's shore and remained on the slope of Marchwiczny Gully.For example,the values for the mighty avalanche on February 3,2023,are 23,500 m~3 and 4,700 tons on the ice surface and 20,000 m~3 and 4,000 tons on the slope.It was determined that avalanches that descend onto the studied lake's surface result in its shallowing.This process occurs because of sedimentation of slope material carried by avalanches,especially during the final phase of ice cover melting.When openings appear in the solid ice cover in spring,floating ice can migrate,driven by wind pressure,and deposit avalanche material in various parts of the lake bottom.Thus,avalanches contributed to the gradual disappearance of the lake.
基金supported by the National Centre for Research and Development TECHMATSTRATEG-Ⅲ/0027/2019,POWR.03.02.00-00-I006/17the IDUB UAM。
文摘Meniscus injuries are widespread and the available treatments do not offer enough healing potential.Here,we provide critical support for using pigs as a biological model for meniscal degeneration and the development of cutting-edge therapies in orthopedics.We present a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the meniscus,consisting of cell clusters corresponding to four major cell types:chondrocytes,endothelial cells,smooth muscle cells,and immune cells.Five distinct chondrocyte subclusters(CH0–CH4)were annotated,of which only one was widespread in both the red and white zones,indicating a major difference in the cellular makeup of the zones.Subclusters distinct to the white zone appear responsible for cartilage-specific matrix deposition and protection against adverse microenvironmental factors,while those in the red zone exhibit characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are more likely to proliferate and migrate.Additionally,they induce remodeling actions in other chondrocyte subclusters and promote the proliferation and maturation of endothelial cells,inducing healing and vascularization processes.Considering that they have substantial remodeling capabilities,these subclusters should be of great interest for tissue engineering studies.We also show that the cellular makeup of the pig meniscus is comparable to that of humans,which supports the use of pigs as a model in orthopedic therapy development.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFE0197000)。
文摘Functional superhydrophobic coatings have attracted considerable attention because of their potential for a wide range of applications.In this study,a novel cyclotetrasiloxane-based hybrid superhydrophobic modifier(F-D_(4))was prepared for the first time using a mild thiolene click reaction of 2,4,6,8-tetravinyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(Vi-D_(4))with perfluorohexylethanethiol(PFOT)and mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane(MPTMS)as the raw materials.Then,F-D_(4) was introduced into the fabric via a sol-gel process,resulting in a superhydrophobic fabric(F-D_(4)-Fabric).The surface characteristics of the modified fabric were determined using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and water contact angle(WCA).The coated fabrics have outstanding mechanical,physical,and chemical stability,and exhibit excellent self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties.Owing to its superhydrophobicity,FD_(4)-Fabric could efficiently separate a range of oil/water mixtures with a separation efficiency of up to 99.99%.The study showed that the modification strategy used in the dip-coating process greatly affected the superhydrophobicity of the cotton fabric,which is useful for oil/water separation and self-cleaning applications.
文摘Emphasis on future environmental changes grows due to climate change,with simulations predicting rising river temperatures globally.For Poland,which has a long history of thermal studies of rivers,such an approach has not been implemented to date.This study used 9 Global Climate Models and tested three machine-learning techniques to predict river temperature changes.Random Forest performed best,with R^(2)=0.88 and lowest error(RMSE:2.25,MAE:1.72).The range of future water temperature changes by the end of the 21st century was based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5.It was determined that by the end of the 21st century,the average temperature will increase by 2.1°C(SSP2-4.5)and 3.7°C(SSP5-8.5).A more detailed analysis,divided by two major basins Vistula and Odra,covered about 90%of Poland's territory.The average temperature increase,according to scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 for the Odra basin rivers,is 1.6°C and 3.2°C and for the Vistula basin rivers 2.3°C and 3.8°C,respectively.The Vistula basin's higher warming is due to less groundwater input and continental climate influence.These findings provide a crucial basis for water management to mitigate warming effects in Poland.
基金supported by the Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology,Adam Mickiewicz University,Poznan,Poland(No.4102020104/604/5060000/BN002024)。
文摘The short neuropeptide F(sNPF)family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects.They have been found in a broad spectrum of species,but the number of isoforms in the precursor molecule varies from one to four.The receptor for sNPF(sNPFR),which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family,has been characterized in various insect orders and was shown to be an ortholog of the mammalian prolactin-releasing peptide receptor(PrPR).The sNPF signaling pathway interacts with other neurohormones such as insulin-like peptides,SIFamide,and pigment-dispersing factors(PDFs)to regulate various processes.The main physiological function of sNPF seems to be involved in the regulation of feeding,but the observed effects are species-specific.sNPF is also connected with the regulation of foraging behavior and the olfactory system.The influence of sNPF on feeding and thus energy metabolism may also indirectly affect other vital processes,such as reproduction and development.In addition,these neurohormones are involved in the regulation of locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in insects.This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the sNPF system in insects.
文摘Environmental conditions change constantly either by anthropogenic perturbation or naturally across space and time.Often,a change in behavior is the frst response to changing conditions.Behavioral fexibility can potentially improve an organism’s chances to survive and reproduce.Currently,we lack an understanding on the time-scale such behavioral adjustments need,how they actually affect reproduction and survival and whether behavioral adjustments are suffcient in keeping up with changing conditions.We used house mice(Mus musculus)to test whether personality and life-history traits can adjust to an experimentally induced food-switch fexibly in adulthood or by intergenerational plasticity,that is,adjustments only becoming visible in the offspring generation.Mice lived in 6 experimental populations of semi-natural environments either on high or standard quality food for 4 generations.We showed previously that high-quality food induced better conditions and a less risk-prone personality.Here,we tested whether the speed and/or magnitude of adjustment shows condition-dependency and whether adjustments incur ftness effects.Life-history but not personality traits reacted fexibly to a food-switch,primarily by a direct reduction of reproduction and sloweddown growth.Offspring whose parents received a food-switch developed a more active stress-coping personality and gained weight at a slower rate compared with their respective controls.Furthermore,the modulation of most traits was condition-dependent,with animals previously fed with high-quality food showing stronger responses.Our study highlights that life-history and personality traits adjust at different speed toward environmental change,thus,highlighting the importance of the environment and the mode of response for evolutionary models.
基金supported by the Smart Growth Operational Programme(No.POIR.04.02.00-00-D003/20-00)European Funds(No.RPWP.01.01.00-30-0004/18)Ministry of Science and Higher Education(No.21/529535/SPUB/SP/2022).
文摘Various sectors of the industry are searching for new materials with specific requirements,providing improved properties.The study presents novel composite materials based on polylactide that have been modified with the organosilicon compound,(3-thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane(SSQ-SH).The SSQ-SH compound is a mixture of cage structures and not fully condensed random structures.The composite materials were obtained through injection moulding.The study includes a comprehensive characterization of the new materials that analyze their functional properties,such as rheology(MFR),mechanical strength(tensile strength,Charpy impact strength),and thermal properties.SEM microscopic photos were also taken to analyze the microstructure of the samples.The addition of a 5%by-weight organosilicon compound to polylactide resulted in a significant increase in MFR by 73.8%compared to the neat polymer.The greatest improvement in impact strength was achieved for the 5%SSQ-SH/PLA composite,increasing it by 32.0 kJ/m^(2)compared to PLA,which represents an increase of up to 187%.The conducted research confirms the possibility of modifying the properties of the polymer by employing organosilicon compounds.
基金supported by grants from the National Science Centre(SONATA-BIS 2020/38/E/NZ3/00090 and SONATA 2021/43/D/NZ3/01798)the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and the Faculty of Biology at the Adam Mickiewicz University,Poznańfor their unconditional support。
文摘The current restrictive criteria for gasotransmitters exclude oxygen(O_(2))as a gasotransmitter in vertebrates.In this manuscript,I propose a revision of gasotransmitter criteria to include O_(2) per se as a signaling molecule and'essential gasotransmitter'for vertebrates.This revision would enable us to search for protein-based O_(2)-binding sensors(gasoreceptors)in all cells in the brain or other tissues rather than specialized tissues such as the carotid body or gills.If microorganisms have protein-based O_(2)-binding sensors or gasoreceptors such as DosP or FixL or FNR with diverse signaling domains,then eukaryotic cells must also have O_(2)-binding sensors or gasoreceptors.Just as there are proteinbased receptor(s)for nitric oxide(GUCY1A,GUCY1B,CLOCK,NR1D2)in cells of diverse tissues,it is reasonable to consider that there are protein-based receptors for O_(2) in cells of diverse tissues as well.In mammals,O_(2) must be acting as a gasotransmitter or gaseous signaling molecule via protein-based gasoreceptors such as androglobin that very likely mediate acute sensing of O_(2).Accepting O_(2) as an essential gasotransmitter will enable us to search for gasoreceptors not only for O_(2) but also for other nonessential gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide,ammonia,methane,and ethylene.It will also allow us to investigate the role of environment-derived metal ions in acute gas(or solute)sensing within and between organisms.Finally,accepting O_(2) per se as a signaling molecule acting via gasoreceptors will open up the field of gasocrinology.
文摘The Anthropocene as a prospective new,ongoing series/epoch must be defensible against all relevant concerns.We address the seven,still-relevant challenges posed to the Anthropocene Working Group by the Chair,International Commission on Stratigraphy(ICS),in 2014.(1)Concept or reality?The Anthropocene possesses a substantial,sharply distinctive stratigraphic record recognisable through many proxy signals from the mid-20th century onwards;(2)GSSP or GSSA?The Anthropocene can be defined by a GSSP and correlated globally;(3)Past or future?The Anthropocene unquestionably represents geological time,its transformations having already moved the Earth System beyond Holocene norms towards an irreversible future trajectory;(4)Utility?The Anthropocene’s distinctive material content allows useful delineation on geological sections/maps;(5)Indelibility?Many of the Anthropocene’s transformative effects cannot be subsequently effaced or overprinted;(6)Fit within the Geological Time Scale(GTS)?The Anthropocene represents a unique,youngest,interval in Earth history and strata of profound significance;(7)What is its value?The chronostratigraphic Anthropocene has conceptual usefulness even informally,but would then lack the clarity,stability and recognition that formalization provides.Without its formalization,the GTS would no longer accurately reflect Earth history,diminishing the relevance of geological science for analysis of ongoing planetary change.
基金Supported by Medical University of Lublin,Scientific Research Grant
文摘AIM:To assess the prevalence of human papilloma virus(HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) in the south-eastern region of Poland.METHODS:The study population consisted of 56 ESCC patients and 35 controls.The controls were patients referred to our department due to other nonesophageal and non-oncological disorders with no gross or microscopic esophageal pathology as confirmed by endoscopy and histopathology.In the ESCC patients,samples were taken from normal mucosa(56 mucosa samples) and from the tumor(56 tumor samples).Tissue samples from the controls were taken from normal mucosa of the middle esophagus(35 control samples).Quantitative determination of DNA was carried out using a spectrophotometric method.Genomic DNA was isolated using the QIAamp DNA Midi Kit.HPV infection was identified following PCR amplification of the HPV gene sequence,using primers MY09 and MY11 complementary to the genome sequence of at least 33 types of HPV.The sequencing results were computationally analyzed using the basic local alignment search tool database.RESULTS:In tumor samples,HPV DNA was identified in 28 of 56 patients(50%).High risk HPV phenotypes(16 or/and 18) were found in 5 of 56 patients(8.9%),low risk in 19 of 56 patients(33.9%) and other types of HPV(37,81,97,CP6108) in 4 of 56 patients(7.1%).In mucosa samples,HPV DNA was isolated in 21 of 56 patients(37.5%).High risk HPV DNA was confirmed in 3 of 56 patients(5.3%),low risk HPV DNA in 12 of 56 patients(21.4%),and other types of HPV in 6 of 56 patients(10.7%).In control samples,HPV DNA was identified in 4 of 35 patients(11.4%) with no high risk HPV.The occurrence of HPV in ESCC patients was significantly higher than in the controls [28 of 56(50%) vs 4 of 35(11.4%),P < 0.001].In esophageal cancer patients,both in tumor and mucosa samples,the predominant HPV phenotypes were low risk HPV,isolated 4 times more frequently than high risk phenotypes [19 of 56(33.9%) vs 5 of 56(8.9%),P < 0.001].A higher prevalence of HPV was identified in female patients(71.4% vs 46.9%).Accordingly,the high risk phenotypes were isolated more frequently in female patients and this difference reached statistical significance [3 of 7(42.9%) vs 2 of 49(4.1%),P < 0.05].Of the pathological characteristics,only an infiltrative pattern of macroscopic tumor type significantly correlated with the presence of HPV DNA in ESCC samples [20 of 27(74.1%) vs 8 of 29(27.6%) for ulcerative or protruding macroscopic type,P < 0.05].The occurrence of total HPV DNA and both HPV high or low risk phenotypes did not significantly differ with regard to particular grades of cellular differentiation,phases in depth of tumor infiltration,grades of nodal involvement and stages of tumor progression.CONCLUSION:Low risk HPV phenotypes could be one of the co-activators or/and co-carcinogens in complex,progressive,multifactorial and multistep esophageal carcinogenesis.
基金Project supported by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education(Diamond Grant"Nr DI2011 011441)
文摘A simple co-precipitation approach taking place between Ln3＋, Sr2＋ cations and F anions, led to the formation of nanocrystalline Eu3＋ doped Sr2LnF7 （Ln-La and Gd） complex fluorides. The reaction was carried out in the presence of polyeth- ylene glycol, PEG 6000 as a surfactant/surface modifier, providing small size and homogeneity of the products. The synthesized compounds were composed of small nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm. All obtained Eu3＋ doped compounds exhibited an intensive red luminescence. In the case of gadolinium based compounds, the energy transfer phenomena could be observed from Gd3＋ ions to Eu3＋ ions. In order to study the structure and morphology of the synthesized fluorides, powder X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） measurements were performed. Also FT-IR spectra of the products were re- corded, revealing the presence of PEG molecules on the nanoparticles suN＇ace. A spectrofluorometry technique was applied to examine optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescence decay curves were measured and analysed. The performed analysis revealed a red luminescence, typical for the Eu3＋ ion situated in the inorganic, highly symmetric matrix. Concentration quenching phenomena and lifetimes shortening, together with an increasing of the Eu3＋ doping level, were observed and discussed. Judd-Ofelt analysis was also performed for all doped samples, in order to support the registered spectroscopic data and examine in details structural and optoelectronic properties of the synthesized nanomaterials.
基金supported by the major national special projects for technology:Enrichment Regularity and Distribution Prediction for Hydrocarbon of Key Clastic Rocks in Central and Western Regions (Approval No.: 2011ZX05002-006)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Approval No.: 41372135 and 41402120)Research and Innovation Team Plan Fund of Shandong University of Science and Technology (Approval No.: 2010KYTD103)
文摘In order to determine the genesis and the factors that control the low-porosity and low- permeability sandstone reservoirs in the eastern Sulige Gas Field in the Ordos Basin, systematic studies on the sedimentary facies and diagenesis were conducted by means of analysis of cores, thin sections, fluid inclusions, X-ray diffraction, cathode luminescence and scanning electron microscope. It was found that the sand bodies of the major gas reservoirs in the Shan1 section （P1S1） and the He8 section （P2H8） were formed during the Permian as sedimentary facies such as braided-channel bars, braided-river channels and point bars of a meandering river. Four types of diagenetic facies developed subsequently： in order from the best to the poorest properties these are type A （weak compaction, early calcite cement-chlorite film facies）, type B （moderate compaction, quartz overgrowth-feldspar corrosion-kaolinite filling facies）, type C （strong compaction, late calcite cement-quartz corrosion facies） and type D （matrix filling and strong compaction facies）. This diagenesis is undoubtedly the main reason for the poor reservoir properties of sandstone reservoirs, but the sedimentary facies are the underlying factors that greatly affect the diagenesis and thus the reservoir performance. Favorable diagenetic facies developed mainly in relatively small lithofacies such as braided-river channels, channel bars and point bars. The vertical distribution of the physical properties and the diagenetic facies of the reservoirs are related to the stratigraphic succession. Most of the sandstones between mudstones and thin beds of sandstone are unfavorable diagenetic facies. Analyses indicate that siliceous cementation can hardly be stopped by hydrocarbon filling. Authigenic chlorite could hardly protect the primary porosity. It not only occupies pore space, but also blocks pathways through sandstone reservoirs, so that it has significant influence on the permeability. Authigenic chlorite cannot be used as a marker for a specific sedimentary facies because it can be formed in different sedimentary facies, but it indicates high hydrodynamic conditions and presence of favorable reservoirs.
基金support from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher EducationGrant N N204 329736
文摘GdF3：Eu^3＋ and GdF3：Eu^3＋ nanoparticles were prepared by a co-precipitation method in the presence of the chelating agent, citric acid. The structural properties of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The average crystallite size was estimated from the full-width at half-maximum （FWHM） of the diffraction peaks by the Scherrer equation. The sizes of the nanoparticles were 12 nm for LaF3：Eu3＋ and 17 nm for GdF3：Eu^3＋. The luminescent properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by excitation and emission spectra. Energy transfer from Gd3＋ to Eu3＋ was observed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC-41272066)the Program for Changjiang Scholars & Innovative Research Team of the University of China (IRT-13075)
文摘Several paleoseismic events are recorded in the Neogene Linqu Group, exposed in the Linqu area, Shandong Province, China. The events were interpreted on the basis of fleldwork and laboratory analysis, which showed the presence of seismites with plastically deformed soft-sediment deformation structures in the Shanwang Formation, and of seismic volcanic rocks in the Yaoshan Formation which show brittle deformation. The earthquake-triggered soft-sediment deformations in the seismites include load structures, ball-and-pillow structures, flame structures, piUow-like beds, boudinage structures, slump folds, syn-depositional faults, veins of liquefied sand, and dikes of liquefied sandy lime-mud. The seismic activity is also reflected in what might be called ＇brittle seismites＇; these originated when, under the influence of seismic vibrations, semi-consolidated conglomerate was shattered. Moreover, volcanic activity is related to intense earthquakes that affected basalts intercalated with sand layers; these successions are known as ＇seismic volcanic rocks＇, which are characterized by veins of liquefied sand intruding the basalts. AH above traces of paleoseismic activity were left from one single time span of 4 Ma with active seismicity that took place 14-10 Ma. This time span is known as ＇the Linqu Neogene Paleoseismic Active Period＇, which is divided into four paleoseismic episodes, which were responses to tectonic extension and basin rifting in this area. It even includes the activity of the Yishu Fault Zone during the Miocene and the Neogene. The ratios of trace elements in the seismites, w（La）/w（Sc） and w （La）/w（Th） are higher than the average value of the upper crust, but w（Th）/w（Sc） is lower; this is geochemical evidence for the basin rifting that resulted in a high sedimentation rate. The intense and frequent paleo-earthquakes are held responsible for the rapid burial of the Shanwang Biota. Secondary earthquake-induced processes （e.g. slumping of a lake shore and the strongly increased lacustrine sedimentation rate） contributed to the rapid burial of the biota.
