The absolute gravity measurements are an important tool for reliable monitoring geodynamic phenomena. Based on the experience with the absolute gravimeter FG5#215 (gravimeter of the Center for Earth Dynamics Research), the accuracy of FG5 absolute gravimeters is presented in this study. The instrumental reproducibility of this meter is characterized by the value of 0.7 μGal. Discussed are important environmental effects on gravity measurements, such as atmospheric and hydrological effects, understanding of which is necessary for correct and reliable interpretation of the repeated absolute gravity measurements in geodynamics., Vojtech Pálinkáš, Jakub Kostelecký and Jaroslav Šimek., and Obsahuje bibliografii
We present the results of the first study on the karyotypes of four European species of Roncus: Roncus alpinus L. Koch, 1873, Roncus lubricus L. Koch, 1873, Roncus transsilvanicus Beier, 1928 and Roncus sp. The diploid number was 2n = 23 in Roncus sp., 2n = 43 in R. alpinus and R. transsilvanicus and 2n = 45 in R. lubricus. Telocentric autosomes predominate in species with a high chromosome number and metacentric autosomes in Roncus sp. We assume that the ancestral situation for this genus is a high number of chromosomes. A low number of chromosomes is very likely a consequence of centric fusions, which have possibly played a very important role in karyotype evolution in the genus Roncus. All the species analyzed have the X0 sex chromosome system. The X chromosome is metacentric and is the smallest element in the karyotypes of all the species analyzed., František Šťáhlavský, Jana Christophoryova, Hans Henderickx., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The Northern pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pinivora (Treitschke, 1834) shows a highly scattered distribution with fragmented populations across Europe. A previous study exploring the postglacial history of T. pinivora defined it as a cold-tolerant relict species and concluded that a progressive reduction of suitable habitats after the postglacial expansion from refugia in the southern Iberian peninsula best explained the distribution and genetic structure of populations of this species. However, recent records, both by us and others, challenge this view. Surprisingly, some of the newly found populations from southern Spain use black pine, Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold as a host plant despite the fact that the typical host of the species, Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L. occurs in the area. We provide genetic data for one of these recently found southern populations where the larvae feed on P. nigra, and compare this with previously published data on individuals collected on P. sylvestris. This data reveals that populations from different host trees are no more genetically differentiated than populations sharing the same host plant. The findings of a wider diet breadth open the way to widen the search for the still unidentified glacial refugium of T. pinivora, and as such may contribute to a better understanding about how the species has spread across Europe., José A. Hódar, Anna Cassel-Lundhagen, Andrea Battisti, Stig Larsson., and Obsahuje bibliografii
In Czech and Polish underground hard coal mines of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin high-energy seismic phenomena are periodically recorded, the sources of which are located ahead of the longwall. Generally, these types of tremors are rooted in very strong, thick layers of sandstone, which are subject to the deformation border. The consequences are discontinuities and cracks with a range depending on the mechanical properties of destroyed rocks: the mechanical parameters of layers. Forecasting methods, developed in the Central Mining Institute, for stress concentration, seismic energy, fault zone and range, together with methods of rock fracturing using liquid or explosives, ,allow precise identification of suitable locations for controlled fracturing of rock mass with a pre-established direction. The size and range of discontinuities have an impact on mining parameters, dependent on basic exploitation intensity and expressed by the average daily progress of the longwall face. The rockmass is locally weakened because of exploitation or technical measures of discontinuities in the roof-rock on the longwall face. To prevent rockburst, measures are needed to reduce the amount of energy accumulating in the rockmass in the area of the longwall face. Knowledge of where stress is concentrated is extremely important for the development and implementation of effective preventative methods. For many years several research centres have been working on defining the range of these areas. In this paper, basic information is presented on methods developed by Central Mining Institute and used in Polish hard coal mines for forecasting energy concentration and assessing how it can be reduced., Jan Drzewiecki and Janusz Makówka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Uric acid is the final product of human purine metabolism. It was pointed out that this compound acts as an antioxidant and is able to react with reactive oxygen species forming allantoin. Therefore, the measurement of allantoin levels may be used for the determination of oxidative stress in humans. The aim of the study was to clarify the antioxidant effect of uric acid during intense exercise. Whole blood samples were obtained from a group of healthy subjects. Allantoin, uric acid, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma and erythrocytes were measured using a HPLC with UV/Vis detection. Statistical significant differences in allantoin and uric acid levels during short-term intense exercise were found. Immediately after intense exercise, the plasma allantoin levels increased on the average of 200 % in comparison to baseline. Plasma uric acid levels increased slowly, at an average of 20 %. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in plasma malondialdehyde. The results suggest that uric acid, important antioxidant, is probably oxidized by reactive oxygen species to allantoin. Therefore allantoin may be suitable candidate for a marker of acute oxidative stress., R. Kanďár, X. Štramová, P. Drábková, J. Křenková., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Estimating the pre- failure points for rocks during laboratory testing is not a trivial task. In this study, a new approach is introduced that utilizes change in the slope of the load-deformation curves of rock in the loading cycle for marking the onset of failure point during uniaxial test of a given rock. At each step, load-deformation data footprints of the rock under test are inspected and a decision is made whether the failure has started or not. The load-deformation data obtained from different tests of different rocks are examined including; Norite, Granite, Limestone, Sandstone, Siltstone and Marble. The computational results over 154 cored rock samples show that the proposed approach locates the onset of failure point for a given rock with an acceptable degree of accuracy., Deniz Mamurekli., and Obsahuje bibliografii
There is increasing evidence that dietary saturated fatty acids (SAFA) have not only an indirect atherogenic effect due to increasing LDL-cholesterol concentration but also a direct effect by activating the inflammation process. This review summarizes several recent publications in this field. The effect of SAFA on the inflammation process mediated by Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB pathway has been well documented in various in vitro culture studies of macrophages and adipocytes or in their co-culture. In contrast to these in vitro data, in vivo epidemiological studies or clinical experiments in men are less consistent. Well controlled cross-over studies in volunteers might enlighten the differences between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids dietary intake and proatherogenic inflammation effects., R. Poledne., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
A quantitatively new analog-to-digital converter (ADC) module has been developed during 2010, in co-operation with Tedia Ltd. The module has a 28-bit final resolution and uses 32-bit arithmetic. There are two versions, with four and twelve analog inputs. The 4-input module replaces the original 21-bit version, produced until 2009. The 12-input module is intended to be deployed in small-aperture seismic arrays. The whole set consists of four 3-channel detached modules that can be interconnected with the main module using a cable of up to 100 m in length. This design increases signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by placing the A/D part as close to the seismograph as possible in order to transmit digital data for storage. All channels are sampled coherently so that all four sensors are automatically synchronised. It allows the detection of local events even though the sync-signal is absent. In other words, the 12-input module is suitable for ad-hoc field measurements even in places where there is no GPS signal. All arrays operated by the Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics (IRSM) are going to be upgraded to use these modules and some new sites will also be set-up with this innovative equipment (e.g. Lazy in Western Bohemia and Dobrá Voda in Slovakia)., Milan Brož and Jaroslav Štrunc., and Obsahuje bibliografii
A new genus and new species, Angulonotus grisescens, is described from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and its taxonomic placement within the tribe Orthotylini is discussed. Illustrations of male and female genitalia, micrographs of selected characters, photographs of dorsal habitus, hosts and distributional records of this new taxon are provided. Comparisons are made with species of the genus Hyoidea Reuter, 1876., Alexander A. Knyshov, Fedor V. Konstantinov., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The use of phytoseiid species in biological plant protection is widespread. However, the techniques used to release them differ. The possible release of Amblyseius andersoni (Chant, 1959) using a new method was tested. High numbers of this mite overwinter in the ground litter in Hungarian orchards. By transferring such ground litter to plots in young orchards, the population density was found to be significantly increased in the release compared to control plots; A. andersoni became the dominant phytoseiid species in the new orchard. Due to the rate at which it spreads, this species was also recorded in the control plots towards the end of the growing season (Aug., Sept.), at which time there was no significant difference in the numbers of this species in the treated and control plots. In the winter following release, A. andersoni was found in the ground litter of the orchard., Árpád Szabó, Béla Pénzes., and Obsahuje seznam literatury