Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2009"

Simultaneous Estimation of Null Alleles and Inbreeding Coefficients

Abstract: Although microsatellites are a very efficient tool for many population genetics applications, they may occasionally produce "null" alleles, which, when present in high proportion, may affect estimates of key parameters such as inbreeding and relatedness coefficients or measures of genetic differentiation. In order to account for the presence of null alleles, it is first necessary to estimate their frequency within studied populations. However, the commonly used null allele frequency estimators are not of general applicability because they can produce upwardly biased estimates when a population under study experiences some inbreeding. In such a case, 2 formerly described approaches, population inbreeding model and individual inbreeding model, can be applied for simultaneous estimation of null allele frequencies and of the inbreeding coefficient. In this study, we demonstrate the properties and utility of these 2 methods and show that they outperform the commonly used approaches in the estimation of null allele frequencies based on genotypic data. The methods are applied to empirical data from a natural population of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and results are briefly discussed. The methods presented in this paper are implemented in the Windows-based user-friendly INEST computer program (available free of charge at http://genetyka.ukw.edu.pl/INEst10_setup.exe).

Do secondary sexual dimorphism and female intolerance to drought influence the sex ratio and extinction risk of Taxus baccata

Abstract: Sex ratio and sexual dimorphism were studied in the dioecious tree Taxus baccata. We examined five populations of T. baccata in Poland and Ukraine to identify the differences between male and female individuals. The sex of all individuals, height and diameter, needle length and area, specific leaf area (SLA), the number of stomata rows, stomatal density, and content of carbon and nitrogen were measured to identify the differences between male and female individuals. The relationship between sex ratio and climatic conditions, age and population size were analysed using data collected from the field and the literature. Female trees were shorter than males, but needles of females were longer and had larger area. Although there were no differences among sexes in SLA, nitrogen and carbon concentration, we found a positive correlation between nitrogen concentration and SLA among females. The sex ratio changed with tree height within populations, and taller height classes were biased in favour of males. Regardless of population age, the percentage of females within populations was positively correlated with precipitation. Probably high reproductive effort caused female trees to lose in competition with males, and this loss may also be enhanced by lower drought tolerance in females and could contribute to risk of extinction for T. baccata. The continental geographic range of T. baccata may be restricted by limited occurrence of females, which demand higher water resources than males.

Genetic variation of Pinus uncinata (Pinaceae) in the Pyrenees determined with cpSSR markers

Abstract: The genetic variation within and between 13 populations (385 individuals) of Pinus uncinata was analyzed with ten chloroplast microsatellite markers. Both the infinite allele mutation and stepwise mutation model (SMM) have been applied to the analysis of the genetic structure and the geographical distribution of haplotypic variation. High level of genetic diversity and low but significant differentiation among compared population were found. Three marginal populations, Sierra de Cebollera, Margaride Mountains and Sierra de Gudar are strongly differentiated from the rest. Mutations following SMM-like process contributed significantly to the regional differentiation. The pattern of genetic structure observed in mountain pine is common in conifers with a wide distribution range. Lack of significant genetic structuring may be a result of a recent fragmentation of a historically larger population and/or interspecific hybridization and introgression. The southernmost populations from the Sierra Cebollera and the Sierra de Gudar are the most genetically distinct. This suggests a long period of spatial isolation and/or origin from different ancestral populations.

Influence of the filling fluid on frequency-dependent velocity and attenuation in cancellous bones between 0.35 and 2.5 MHz.

Abstract: The paper is focused on experiments on human cancellous bones filled with different fluids with the goal of evaluating their contribution to velocity dispersion, absorption, and scattering mechanisms. The specimens were measured first filled with marrow and subsequently, after marrow removal, with water and alcohol. No significant influence of the fluids was evidenced on the attenuation coefficient. Given the absence of impact of viscosity of the saturating fluid, the authors hypothesized that the source of attenuation is associated with viscoelastic absorption in the solid trabeculae and with scattering. Alteration of scattering obtained by changing the acoustic impedance mismatch between the fluid (alcohol vs water) and the trabeculae was reflected neither in the attenuation nor in its slope. This led the authors to suggest that longitudinal-to-shear scattering together with absorption in the solid phase are candidates as main sources for the attenuation. The differences in velocity values indicate that the elastic properties of the fluid are main determinants of the phase velocity. This finding is particularly significant in the context of /in vivo/ measurements, because it demonstrates that the subject-dependent properties of marrow may partly explain the inter-subject variability of speed of sound values.

The relation between interstellar OH and other simple molecules

Abstract: We discuss the close relation between the column densities of interstellar OH and CH molecules. Our results are obtained on the basis of 10 new sightlines. The OH molecule seems not to be spatially correlated with either CH + or CN simple species.

Isolation-by-distance within naturally established populations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Abstract: In plants, the magnitude of seed and pollen dispersal plays a pivotal role in shaping genetic structure of populations. Restricted dispersal of genes can stimulate the increase of inbreeding as well as spatial clustering of relatives. These phenomena are explained by the theory of isolation-by-distance. Because of its biology, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seems to be susceptible to isolation-by-distance. However, to date fine-scale effects, including biparental inbreeding and a spatial genetic structure are not fully recognized for this species. In this study, two populations of European beech were investigated, both representing a dense beech forest, typical for Central Europe. Using nine microsatellite markers and a recently developed method, we found a significant level of biparental inbreeding in both populations. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that both populations exhibit clustering of related individuals up to 40 m. The observed spatial genetic structure fit well to the log-linear...

The relation between column densities of interstellar OH and CH molecules

Abstract: We present a new, close relation between column densities of OH and CH molecules based on 16 translucent sightlines (six of them new) and confirm the theoretical oscillator strengths of the OH A--X transitions at 3078 and 3082 \AA (0.00105, 0.000648) and CH B--X transitions at 3886 and 3890 \AA, (0.00320, 0.00210), respectively. We also report no difference between observed and previously modelled abundances of the OH molecule.

Enantiomeric conservation of the male-produced sex pheromone facilitates monitoring of threatened European hermit beetles (Osmoderma spp.)

Abstract: Hermit beetles of the genus Osmoderma (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) are known for their fruity odour, which is released in large amounts by males. Two species of the genus occur in Europe, the eastern Osmoderma barnabita (Motschulsky) and the western Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli). Previous studies on Swedish populations of O. eremita showed that the compound responsible for the characteristic scent, γ-decalactone, functions as a sex pheromone for the attraction of conspecific females. Male O. eremita only release the (R)-enantiomer of the lactone, and both sexes are anosmic to the opposite enantiomer. As the distribution areas of the two hermit beetle species partly overlap, it may be expected that they use different enantiomeric compositions of γ-decalactone as pheromones to promote species discrimination. This paper reports on the identification of the sex pheromone of O. barnabita. Surprisingly, males from a Polish population produce only the (R)-enantiomer of γ-decalactone, and conspecific females show equal attraction to the (R)-enantiomer and a racemic mixture of the compound, indicating that O. barnabita is anosmic to the (S)-enantiomer, similarly to what was observed for O. eremita. A mtDNA sequence analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of Polish and Swedish beetles confirmed their taxonomical status as O. barnabita and O. eremita, respectively, with an average sequence divergence of 10.5% between beetles from the two studied areas. Although genetic data suggest that these species diverged several million years ago, they still rely on the same enantiomer of γ-decalactone for mate finding. Thus, the male-produced pheromone in Osmoderma spp. may be regarded as a territorial signal being exploited by females, rather than a cue for determining species identity. Our data show that the same compound can be used to facilitate monitoring of both beetle species, which are considered indicator species of the species-rich fauna of saproxylic insects in Europe.

Interstellar NH molecule in translucent sightlines

Abstract: Abundance relationships between the interstellar NH molecule and other diatomic species are presented based on 10 currently available sightlines (two of them taken from the literature). Spacial correlations between column densities of diatomic molecules suggest that the NH molecule is more closely related to neutral species than it is to CH + .

Minimally invasive methods for the treatment of lymphocele after kidney transplantation.

Abstract: Background One common complication after kidney transplantation is a lymphocele. The aim of our work was an analysis of incidence of lymphocele and the effectiveness of minimal invasive methods in the management of this complication. Materials and Methods The examined group was consisted of 158 patients (68 female and 90 male) with end-stage renal disease who underwent kidney transplantation. Results Twenty-one patients (13%) developed symptoms of lymphocele after transplantation procedure within an average time of 34 weeks. The clinical symptoms included a decrease in 24-hour urine collection, an increase in plasma creatinine concentration, abdominal discomfort, lymphorrhea with a surgical wound dehiscence, voiding problems of urgency or vesical tenesmus, febrile states, or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. The following methods were applied with variable efficacy: aspiration with recurrence 75%; percutaneous drainage with 55%, effectiveness; laparoscopic fenestration with 72% satisfactory outcomes (1 patient presented an excessive bleeding after the procedure), and classic surgery with favorable results. Conclusion Percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasonic imaging should be recommended as the first attempt to cure a lymphocele. Laparoscopy is a feasible, safe technique that should be used after unsuccessful percutaneous drainage. A larger series of patients is required to confirm the superiority of minimal invasive methods to the classical approach.

Observational test of the CH cation oscillator strengths

Abstract: We revise measurements of the positions and oscillator strengths using spectral features in the CH + A - X system, and by using high-resolution, echelle spectra of 36 stars and assuming that its wavelength and oscillator strength as given in the literature for the (0,0) transition, i.e. 4232.548 A and 0.00545 respectively, are correct. The recommended oscillator strengths of the lines at 3957.689, 3745.308, 3579.024, and 3447.077 A are found to be (in units of 10 -5 ) 342, 172, 75, and 40, respectively. The estimated column densities of the CH cation toward the observed targets are also presented.

Time-of-flight repeller circuit application in laser ablation experiment

Abstract: A proposed repeller circuit system of laser ablation apparatus is applied to analyse ions produced at the process of ablation. A repeller pulse gives the possibility of improving the resolution of the detection system based on the TOF spectrometer. Improvement of the system parameters is one of the advantages of the application of programmable logical devices. Moreover, application of such devices in high-resolution counting systems increases the flexibility of the system, increases the degree of the system integration and leads directly to increasing the system reliability.

Some Effects of Corona Plasma Treatment of Polylactide/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Films

Abstract: Influence of the unit energy (Eu) of corona discharge used for modification of pure polylactide (PLA) and polylactide nanocomposite (PLAC) containing 5 wt% of an aluminosilicate nanofiller (Cloisite 30B) on water (ΘW) and diiodomethane (ΘD) contact angles as well as on surface free energy (γs) of these polymers was studied. ΘW and ΘD as advancing contact angles were measured with use of a goniometer while γs was calculated by the Owens–Wendt method. It was found that ΘW increased with the rising Eu while ΘD remained approximately constant. Assuming Eu = const, it could be stated that the increase in γs was much more evident for PLA than for PLAC. This increase resulted practically from the change in the polar component of γs because the dispersive component for the two materials only slightly decreased with increase in Eu.

On a subclass of the family of Darboux functions

Abstract: We investigate functions f : I → R (where I is an open interval) such that for all u, v ∈ I with u < v and f(u) 6= f(v) and each c ∈ (min(f(u), f(v)), max(f(u), f(v))) there is a point w ∈ (u, v) such that f(w) = c and f is approximately continuous at w. Let μ be the Lebesgue measure on R. For a (Lebesgue) measurable set A ⊂ R and a point x we define the upper (resp. lower) density Du(A, x) (resp. Dl(A, x)) of A at x ([1, 6]) as lim sup h→0+ μ(A ∩ [x− h, x+ h]) 2h ,

Classifier Models in Intelligent CAPP Systems

Abstract: The paper presents classifier models in intelligent computer aided process planning (CAPP) systems. The models of simple classifiers and models of multiple classifiers are compared in order to obtain optimal classification. The models are tested on real data from an enterprise. Based on the classification models, the intelligent support system allows to create scenarios for selection of tools to manufacturing operations. Therefore the embedded models improve this selection. We present decision trees as models for classifcation in intelligent CAPP systems. The research was done for selected manufacturing operations: turning, milling and grinding. Models for milling operation were presented in detail.

Conservation and ecology of the hermit beetle Osmoderma eremita s.l. in Poland.

Abstract: Th e hermit beetle Osmoderma eremita is an important fl agship species (or perhaps more likely, a complex of closely related species) for the conser vation of biodiversity connected to environments rich in old, hollow trees. In recent years, studies on ecology and distribution of O. eremita were

Analysis of the Influence of Group Members Arrangement on the Multicast Tree Cost

Abstract: In the paper we introduce a group members arrangement as a new parameter for analyzing multicast routing algorithms finding multicast trees. We also propose a new multicast routing algorithm without constraints. The objective of STA (Switched Trees Algorithm) is to minimize the total cost of the multicast tree using a modification of the classical Prim's algorithm (Pruned Prim's Heuristic) and the SPT (Shortest Path Tree) algorithm that constructs a shortest path tree between a source and each multicast node.

Prototype of minimally invasive hip resurfacing endoprosthesis - bioengineering design and manufacturing.

Abstract: The resurfacing arthroplasty (RA) has become at present the most developed minimally invasive kind of all total arthroplasties, which is a result of the progress in biomaterials engineering, biomechanical design and surgical fixation methods achieved over the past decade. Despite the raising popularity of RA, which undergoes at present its renaissance, it still causes several clinical complications. In this paper, we present the most important result our research project (4T07C05629), finished in February 2008, which is the prototype of original minimally invasive endoprosthesis for total hip resurfacing arthroplasty (THRA). We propose the essential innovation in fixation technique of the RA endoprosthesis components in trabecular bone by means of the multi-spiked connecting scaffold, offering the possibility of totally cementless fixation and the physiological blood supply in trabecular bone of femoral head, which is not possible in contemporary used cemented RA endoprostheses. Moreover, the femoral component is designed to preserve the femoral neck and head blood vessels. The prototype of the new kind of hip resurfacing endoprosthesis was CAD-designed in the frames of the Rogala's international patent general assumptions [1]-[3], optimized on the basis of the preliminary biomechanical tests on the pre-prototypes, and manufactured in the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of both CoCrMo powder and Ti6Al7Nb powder.

Description of anisotropic pore space structure of permeable materials based on Minkowski metric space

Abstract: This paper contains an extended presentation of a new approach to the macroscopic description of anisotropic pore space structure of rigid permeable material, utilizing the concept of Minkowski metric space. The metrics of the Minkowski and Euclidean spaces are used to determine double measures of any line, surface and volume elements, and to define geometrical macro-parameters characterizing anisotropic pore space structure: the volume and surface porosities, and the tortuosity of the pores. It is shown that the metric tensor of the Minkowski space can be interpreted as a tensor of the pore tortuosity, and its inverse as a tensor of the surface porosity. This means that the pore tortuosity has a pure geometrical character and is of fundamental importance for description of anisotropic pore space structure and for all physical processes taking place in the pore space. The approach presented in this paper allows a description of fluid dynamics in the anisotropic pore space in the framework of rational mechanics.

Some effects of multiple injection moulding on selected properties of ABS

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of multiple (up to 10 times) injection moulding of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) on some properties of the obtained moulded pieces. Design/methodology/approach: The investigated samples were obtained during the industrial injection moulding. There were determined the sample mechanical properties (by a tensile test), melt flow rate, temperatures of phase transitions (by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), temperatures of thermal degradation (by thermogravimetric analysis, TGA), as well as storage modulus and damping coefficient (both by dynamic mechanical analysis, DMA). Findings: After the first injection mouldings, minor decreases (ca. 2.0 %) in the tensile strength were observed. After the next injection mouldings, this quantity did not change much. The melt flow rate increased along with the number of injection mouldings. The glass transition temperatures (from DSC) of butadiene and acrylonitrile styrene fractions don’t vary with the number of injection mouldings and are ca. 61 and +104oC, respectively. Research limitations/implications: In order to confirm that degradation process occurs in ABS during injection mouldings, further investigation is necessary, mostly that on variations in the mean molecular weight of ABS. Practical implications: The studies carried out by now indicate that there are no arguments not to subject the ABS technological waste to the management by material recycling. Originality/value: It has been observed that the largest changes in the tensile strength and melt flow rate of ABS occur during its first injection moulding and a melt flow rate increases slightly with the number of injection mouldings. The temperatures of phase transitions and thermal as well as the storage modulus and damping coefficient of ABS do not essentially change after repeated injection mouldings.

On electromechanical phenomena in thin dielectric films

Abstract: A model of electro-magneto-thermo-mechanics for electroconducting polarized non- ferromagnetic medium is proposed which takes into account the local mass displacement in addition to the local electric charge displacement. The corresponding key set of equations is written. Using the isothermal approximation, the model is applied to describe the interface inhomogeneity of a stressed state, the polarization and coupled electric charge in thin dielectric films. An anomalous dependence of the electric capacity on the thickness of a thin dielectric film, observed experimentally by Mead, is also studied and is shown to be well captured by the present approach.

Role of inertia in falling head permeability test

Abstract: This paper discusses the role of macro- and micro-inertial forces in the falling head permeability test. The model of flow including viscous and dynamic interaction forces is formulated. Then, the model is used to perform numerical simulations of the tests for high-permeability soils. The presented results prove the existence of a level of permeability of materials above which macro-and micro-inertial forces are important and that in all cases the latter forces are dominant. The results suggest limited validity of the standard interpretation of the falling head permeability test and possible usefulness of the test to determine both permeability and the parameter characterizing non-linear interactions of fluid and solid skeleton. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pollinating insects (Hymenoptera: Apoidea, Apiformes) as an example of changes in fauna

Abstract: Changes in the Apiformes fauna are discussed on the basis of the fauna of Poland and other European countries, starting from historical times. The presentation of contemporary changes accounts for different trends: (a) population decline or disappearance of some species (shrinking ranges), (b) population increases or expansion of other species. The fauna is described dynamically against the background of environmental change (fluctuation hypothesis). It is postulated that updated comprehensive studies of faunal resources need to be undertaken, concentrating on species diversity and density.

Effect of multiple injection moulding on some properties of polycarbonate

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of multiple (up to 6 times) injection moulding of polycarbonate (PC) on some properties of the obtained moulded pieces. The investigation results are to be used to evaluate the usefulness of the multiple processing of PC and management of the PC technological waste by material recycling. Design/methodology/approach: The investigated samples were obtained during the industrial injection moulding. There were determined the sample mechanical properties (by a tensile test), melt flow rate, temperatures of phase transitions (by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), temperatures of thermal degradation (by thermogravimetric analysis, TGA), as well as storage modulus and damping coefficient (both by dynamic mechanical analysis, DMA). Findings: After the first and second injection mouldings, minor increases (ca. 2.2 wt.% in sum) in the tensile strength of polycarbonate were observed. After the next injection mouldings, this quantity did not change much. The melt flow rate increased along with the number of injection mouldings. The glass temperature was approximately constant while the other phase transition temperatures decreased by ca. 7o C after the first injection moulding and they did not essentially change after each of the next five processing procedures. The storage modulus and damping coefficient of polycarbonate were not noticeably affected by the number of injection mouldings. Research limitations/implications: In order to confirm the claim that degradation processes, occurring in polycarbonate during the first two injection mouldings, cause an increase in the van der Waals interactions between the polymer macromolecules, further investigation is necessary, mostly that on variations in the mean molecular weight of polycarbonate. Practical implications: The studies carried out by now indicate that there are no arguments not to subject the polycarbonate technological waste to the management by material recycling. Originality/value: The method for calculating the fraction of multi-processed plastic in a final product is presented. It has been observed that the largest changes in the examined properties of polycarbonate occur during its first injection moulding. It is stated that a minor degradation of polycarbonate macromolecules increases slightly its tensile strength, caused probably by enhancement of the van der Waals forces.