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We present statistical results for the analysis of 240 Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR) dynamical spectra containing 3,750 short–time AKR bursts each, and recorded on‐board Interball–2 mission (POLRAD and MEMO experiments). Data were collected between December 1996 and February 1998. We found that frequency distribution of short AKR bursts as a function of their Power Spectral Density, shows for intense bursts a powerlaw fall. This is the hallmark of the Self–Organized Criticality (SOC) systems. In our case a simple analytical Logistic Growth SOC model can reproduce increments of Electron Cyclotron Maser instability expected for AKR. Key Points: Frequency distribution of short Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR) bursts versus their Power Spectral Density (PSD) shows a powerlaw fall for high PSDSuch behavior is characteristic for a Self‐Organized Criticality (SOC) systems and points toward a new property of the AKRSimple analytical Logistic Growth SOC model can reproduce increments of Electron Cyclotron Maser instability expected for AKR [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cobalt(II) in [Co(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)2]n are linked by pairs of thiocyanate anions into linear chains. In contrast to a previous structure determination, two crystallographically independent cobalt(II) centers have been found to be present. In the antiferromagnetic state, below the critical temperature (Tc=3.94 K) and critical field (Hc=290 Oe), slow relaxations of the ferromagnetic chains are observed. They originate mainly from defects in the magnetic structure, which has been elucidated by micromagnetic Monte Carlo simulations and ac measurements using pristine and defect samples. The energy barriers of the relaxations are Δτ1=44.9(5) K and Δτ2=26.0(7) K for long and short spin chains, respectively. The spin excitation energy, measured by using frequency‐domain EPR spectroscopy, is 19.1 cm−1 and shifts 0.1 cm−1 due to the magnetic ordering. Ab initio calculations revealed easy‐axis anisotropy for both CoII centers, and also an exchange anisotropy Jxx/Jzz of 0.21. The XXZ anisotropic Heisenberg model (solved by using the density renormalization matrix group technique) was used to reconcile the specific heat, susceptibility, and EPR data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The of ( E, E)-1,3-bis(arylidene)indan-2-one 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with diarylnitrilimines, generated in situ via of the corresponding hydrazonoyl chlorides 2a, 2b, 2c, affords predominantly monospiropyrazolines 3 and 4 as a mixture of diastereoisomers. Also dispiropyrazolines 5 are formed in moderate yields. The structure and stereochemistry of cycloadducts 3, 4, 5 were confirmed by 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 3ba and 5ca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, discontinuous Galerkin method is applied to simulation of incompressible free round turbulent jet using large eddy simulation with eddy viscosity approach. The solution algorithm is based on the classical projection method, but instead of the solution of the Poisson equation, a parabolic equation is advanced in pseudo-time, which provides the pressure field ensuring the proper pressure-velocity coupling. For time and pseudo-time integration, explicit Runge-Kutta method is employed. The computational meshes consist of hexahedral elements with flat faces. Within a given finite element, all flow variables are expressed with modal expansions of the same order (including velocity and pressure). Discretisation of the viscous terms in the Navier-Stokes equations and Laplacian in the Poisson equation is stabilised with mixed finite element approach. The correctness of the solution algorithm is verified in a commonly used test case of laminar flow in 3D lid-driven cavity. The results of computations of the free jet are compared with experimental and numerical reference data, the latter obtained from the high-order pseudospectral code. The statistics of centerline flow velocity - mean velocity and its fluctuations - show satisfactory agreement with the reference data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been previously shown that European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus ( EMARaV), a multipartite, negative-strand RNA plant virus, is pathogenic for European mountain ash ( Sorbus aucuparia L.). However, its transmissibility to and replication in other host species remains poorly understood. In this work, we performed experimental inoculations of seventeen virus-tested species and interspecies hybrids of subfamily Maloideae (family: Rosaceae) with buds from EMARaV-infected S. aucuparia trees. Surprisingly, a majority of the graft-inoculated tree species, for instance Sorbaronia, Aronia and Amelanchier, developed symptoms typical for EMARaV infection. These symptoms included chlorotic spots of various size and shape and mottling on leaves but not on flowers and fruits. The propagation of EMARaV in graft-inoculated tree species was subsequently confirmed by molecular detection tools. Based on these results, we carried out a systematic survey throughout the Czech Republic and identified the presence of EMARaV in wild growing trees in all explored regions, with massive disease infestation in several locations. More importantly, EMARaV infection was newly detected in S. aucuparia subsp. moravica, S. aucuparia × Crataegus sanguinea cv. Granatnaja, ( Sorbus aria × Aronia arbutifolia) × S. aucuparia cv. Burka, cv. Finskaja (a Sorbus hybrid of unknown origin) and Aronia melanocarpa; all these EMARaV-infested trees were grown in production orchards. The sequencing of the nucleocapsid ( NC)-coding gene from several of these EMARaV isolates provided insight into the population structure and phylogenetic relationships of the EMARaV variants occurring in the Czech Republic. Together, our biological and molecular findings extend our knowledge on the host range of EMARaV and provide the first evidence of its natural occurrence in hosts dissimilar to S. aucuparia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of a series of cyclic fused-isoxazolines has been accomplished by and of 3-methylindan-1-one enamines ( 1a, 1b, 1c) and 3-phenylindan-1-one enamines ( 2a, 2b, 2c) to arylnitrile oxides ( 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h). The structure of the cycloadducts was elucidated by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The proposed regio- and stereochemistry of fused-compounds ( 4) and ( 5) has also been corroborated by two single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies carried out on 4-methyl-8b-morpholinyl-3-( p-tolyl)-4 H-3a,8b-dihydroindeno[2,3-d]isoxazoline ( 4be) and 3-( p-anisyl)-4-phenyl-8b-pyrrolidinyl-4 H-3a,8b-dihydroindeno[2,3-d]isoxazoline ( 5af) and by means of density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bursaphelenchus genus ( Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) comprises mostly wood-inhabiting nematodes that feed on various tree-colonizing fungi. One species of the genus, B. xylophilus, has been proven as an agent causing pine wilt disease ( PWD). However, involvement of other Bursaphelenchus species in the PWD remains enigmatic. In the current paper, comparative molecular analysis is performed based on nuclear ribosomal DNA (r DNA) of B. vallesianus, a species that was recently isolated from pine trees ( Pinus sylvestris) exhibiting wilting and declining symptoms in the Czech Republic. Sequencing of the nuclear-encoded ITS1-5·8S- ITS2 r DNA region confirmed previous taxonomic conclusions based on morphology. Evolutionary reconstructions resulted in a phylogenetic tree, where the Czech isolate of B. vallesianus occupied a common clade together with other species belonging to the so-called B. sexdentati group. Unexpectedly, comprehensive analysis of the sequence data revealed a genetic variation distinguishing the Czech isolate of B. vallesianus from all other species of the B. sexdentati group. This dissimilarity consists of the presence of a four nucleotide exchange found in the 5·8S r RNA-coding gene. The newly identified genetic variation appears to affect the 5·8S r RNA folding, as deduced from secondary structure models. Additionally, it is shown that for the first time, to the authors' knowledge, both bursaphelenchid internal transcribed spacers ( ITS1 and ITS2) fold into the multibranched closed loops. While the ITS2 closed loop is formed with help of canonical 5·8 S-28 S r RNA pairing, the ITS1 forms the thermodynamically stable closed loop with no support of flanking r RNA sequences. The current information on bursaphelenchid ITS r DNA sequence diversity and structure is further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under elevated atmospheric CO concentrations, soil carbon (C) inputs are typically enhanced, suggesting larger soil C sequestration potential. However, soil C losses also increase and progressive nitrogen (N) limitation to plant growth may reduce the CO effect on soil C inputs with time. We compiled a data set from 131 manipulation experiments, and used meta-analysis to test the hypotheses that: (1) elevated atmospheric CO stimulates soil C inputs more than C losses, resulting in increasing soil C stocks; and (2) that these responses are modulated by N. Our results confirm that elevated CO induces a C allocation shift towards below-ground biomass compartments. However, the increased soil C inputs were offset by increased heterotrophic respiration (Rh), such that soil C content was not affected by elevated CO. Soil N concentration strongly interacted with CO fumigation: the effect of elevated CO on fine root biomass and -production and on microbial activity increased with increasing soil N concentration, while the effect on soil C content decreased with increasing soil N concentration. These results suggest that both plant growth and microbial activity responses to elevated CO are modulated by N availability, and that it is essential to account for soil N concentration in C cycling analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the determination and computer-assisted characterization of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence data were performed to improve classification and diagnostics of nematodes of the genus Ditylenchus. Dot-plot analyses of the ITS1-5·8S-ITS2 segments revealed the presence of short repeated DNA motifs localized in the ITS1 region of D.  destructor, whilst no similar DNA repeats were identified in other members of the genus. Additionally, three-domain secondary structure models were inferred for ITS2 transcripts, providing a valuable resource for complex phylogenetic studies. Finally, alignment of the ITS-rDNA sequence data and subsequent oligonucleotide combinations trials led to the development of taxon-specific amplified regions. Together, this is the first report in which the three most common taxa of crop-parasitic nematodes of the genus Ditylenchus, namely D.  dipsaci sensu stricto, Ditylenchus sp. B and D.  destructor, have been simultaneously detected using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach. This novel DNA technology is particularly valuable for the precise molecular diagnostics applicable to phytosanitary control and marker-assisted selection (MAS)-based plant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to verify a model of relations between motivation, quality of product of attraction, benefits, satisfaction and behavioural intentions of visiting people. The data for the analysis were collected from 1770 visitors in four tourist attractions of the Wielkopolska and Kujawy regions. It was noted that the effect of performance of service provider on behavioural intentions takes the route through benefits gained by the visitors. Benefits have a stronger total effect on behavioural intentions than visitors' satisfaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meaningful sharing and combining of clinical results from different centers in the world performing boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) requires improved precision in dose specification between programs. To this end absorbed dose normalizations were performed for the European clinical centers at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Petten (The Netherlands), Nuclear Research Institute, Rez (Czech Republic), VTT, Espoo (Finland), and Studsvik, Nyköping (Sweden). Each European group prepared a treatment plan calculation that was benchmarked against Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dosimetry performed in a large, water-filled phantom to uniformly evaluate dose specifications with an estimated precision of ±2%–3%. These normalizations were compared with those derived from an earlier exchange between Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and MIT in the USA. Neglecting the uncertainties related to biological weighting factors, large variations between calculated and measured dose are apparent that depend upon the 10B uptake in tissue. Assuming a boron concentration of 15 μg g-1 in normal tissue, differences in the evaluated maximum dose to brain for the same nominal specification of 10 Gy(w) at the different facilities range between 7.6 and 13.2 Gy(w) in the trials using boronophenylalanine (BPA) as the boron delivery compound and between 8.9 and 11.1 Gy(w) in the two boron sulfhydryl (BSH) studies. Most notably, the value for the same specified dose of 10 Gy(w) determined at the different participating centers using BPA is significantly higher than at BNL by 32% (MIT), 43% (VTT), 49% (JRC), and 74% (Studsvik). Conversion of dose specification is now possible between all active participants and should be incorporated into future multi-center patient analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A vector for preparation of mouse polyomavirus capsid-like particles for transfer of foreign peptides or proteins into cells was constructed. Model pseudocapsids carrying EGFP fused with the C-terminal part of the VP3 minor protein (EGFP-VLPs) have been prepared and analysed for their ability to be internalised and processed by mouse cells and to activate mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) in vitro. EGFP-VLPs entered mouse epithelial cells, fibroblasts and human and mouse DC efficiently and were processed by both, lysosomes and proteasomes. Surprisingly, they did not induce upregulation of DC co-stimulation molecules or maturation markers in vitro; however, they did induce interleukin 12 secretion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and aim: asymptomatic relatives of patients with familial dilated cardiomyopathy who have left ventricular enlargement [LVE] are at risk for progression to dilated cardiomyopathy. A novel index of the fractal correlation properties of heart rate variability (HRV), the short-term scaling component (∝1) in detrended fluctuation analysis, is a promising prognostic tool in left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare values of ∝1 and conventional HRV indices in LVE relatives with dilated cardiomyopathy patients and normal controls. Methods: time-domain and spectral HRV measures, and the short-term scaling component (∝1) were assessed from 24-h Holter recordings from 22 LVE relatives (left ventricular end-diastolic dimension >112% predicted, normal fractional shortening), 24 dilated cardiomyopathy patients and 14 controls. Results: the time domain index SDNN was lower in dilated cardiomyopathy patients [101.8(±44.0)] than in LVE relatives [161.7(±53.9)] or controls [152.9(±51.4)], P=0.01. Similarly, triangular index and spectral measures were reduced in dilated cardiomyopathy patients but not in LVE relatives or controls. In contrast, the short term scaling component (∝1) in detrended fluctuation analysis was reduced in both dilated cardiomyopathy patients [1.06(±0.33)] and in LVE relatives [1.15 (±0.20)], compared with controls [1.32(±0.16)], P=0.01. Among DCM patients the short-term scaling component (∝1) was significantly associated with echocardiographic deterioration during follow-up (3.7±2.1 year) (P=0.004). Conclusion: the short-term scaling component (∝1) is reduced in asymptomatic relatives of dilated cardiomyopathy patients who have LVE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the coalitional stability of multi-party systems in Poland. Use of electoral law and voter preferences as models for function form game; Impact of voter preference on party stability; Implication of results for opportunities of political parties.

Net absorption rates for SCFA, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and water were measured in the temporarily isolated and washed reticulorumen of sheep. The animals were either fed hay ad lib. plus concentrates once daily or were deprived of food for two days. Food deprivation led to decreased net absorption of all the substances tested. Comparing the solutes, the relative decreases varied between 43% (butyrate) and 56% (acetate). The decrease in solute absorption was accompanied by diminshed water absorption. It is concluded that the reduction in absorption may be beneficial for the animal in that energy consumption is diminished and the reservoir function of the forestomach will be maintained longer. However, the reduced absorptive capacity may lead to a deficiency of magnesium, which is thought to be absorbed mainly by the forestomachs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover artwork depicts an artistic view of Co SP II sp spins in a 1D coordination polymer that are flipped by impulses of synchrotron radiation during an EPR experiment. B The magnetic properties of single-chain magnets b investigated by sophisticated THz EPR spectroscopy are reported in this work. The cover artwork depicts an artistic view of Co SP II sp spins in a 1D coordination polymer that are flipped by impulses of synchrotron radiation during an EPR experiment. [Extracted from the article]