537 research outputs found
Actor Profile of Jan Vondracek
No full textDivided into seven chapters, the work treats seven roles of the Czech actor Jan Vondracek (born in 1966) in Divadlo v Dlouhe Theatre from 1997-2008. The author starts from the analysis of Vondracek's performances and describes the specifics of his
showmanship and generalizes the personality traits of his characters. She also ponders the meaning of Czech dramatic art based on
typical characters in the context of contemporary Czech theatre
Toxicity of smokeless tobacco in human oral epithelium with emphasis on carcinogen metabolism and regulation of programmed cell death
No full textThe oral mucosa is globally a common site for cancer development. Primary risk factors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption whereas the contribution from usage of smokeless tobacco remains debated. The susceptibility of the human oral epithelium to carcinogens in tobacco likely depends on the presence of biotransformation enzymes, capable of metabolically activating or detoxifying these agents as well opposing influences from oxidative stress. Induction of programmed cell death (PCD), including function of tumor suppressor p53, may also modulate smokeless tobacco toxicity. On this basis, the purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of biotransformation enzymes as well as the roles of PCD and p53 in smokeless tobacco toxicity in oral epithelium.Various qualitative and quantitative analyses of oral tissue specimens and normal, immortalized and malignant oral keratinocytes indicated presence of multiple biotransformation enzymes. Several cytochrome P450 (CYP) transcripts were demonstrated including ]AL 1A2, 2C, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4/7 and 3A5. 'typical CYP substrates, including ethoxyresorutin, methoxyresorufin and chlorzoxazone, were delectably oxidized in vitro and metabolism of the tobacco-specific N-nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)1- (3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) resulted in covalently bound adducts. Moreover, normal keratinocytes and SV40T antigen-immortalized keratinocytes (SVpgC2a) were shown to express enzymes catalyzing conjugation reactions and detoxification of reactive oxygen. Notably, SVpgC2a showed higher expression levels than normal keratinocytes of some enzymes, e.g. CYP1B1, By RT-PCR, the CYPs where generally shown to be expressed at levels 1000 molecules, using 106 molecules of beta-actin as reference. Microarray analysis confirmed expression of these enzymes at levels >300 molecules per 1 06 molecules of beta-actin. The results indicated presence of several biotransformation enzymes in oral buccal mucosa in vivo and in vitro, indicating the usefulness of oral keratinocyte cell lines for studies of both single agents and complex mixtures in human oral epithelium.Studies of smokeless tobacco toxicity involved cultured oral keratinocyte cell lines and oral tissue specimens obtained from healthy controls, snuff users (SDL) and patients diagnosed for lichen planus (OLP). Assessments of net growth rates. apoptosis, necrosis and terminal differentiation in vitro showed that aqueous smokeless tobacco extract prepared from "Ettans snus" (STE) primarily caused necrotic death without substantial involvement of PCD. Carcinoma cells (SqCC/Y1) were more resistant to necrosis from STE as compared to normal cells. Extract prepared from "Kentucky standard reference tobacco" caused similar toxicity as STE. The latter extract induced increases in p53 content that did not associate to increased apoptosis, whereas in contrast. the DNA damaging agent mitomycin C (MMC) increased both p53-content and apoptosis. STE and nicotine separately. significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by various regimens. Slight increases in bcl-2 transcripts in STE-exposed keratinocytes indicated the involvement of this gene. Analysis of Jurkat cells implied that reactive smokeless tobacco chemicals might also block apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activity. Oral tissue analysis agreed with the concept that smokeless tobacco may inhibit apoptosis, i.e. increased mitosis in SDL (relative to normal controls) was not associated with increased apoptosis, whereas OLP exhibited increases in both mitosis and apoptosis. Finally, expression of the p53 and Bcl-2 proteins was noted in SDL whereas OLP expressed p53 but not bcl-2.In summary, the analysis of the expression of biotransformation enzymes and smokeless tobacco toxicity generally demonstrated similar results in tissue and cultured cell lines implying the usefulness of cell culture technology in the investigation of mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis and other oral disease processes. Thus. keratinocytes actively expressing multiple biotransformation enzymes were susceptible to smokeless tobacco toxicity. The toxicity mechanism of smokeless tobacco likely involves metabolism of carcinogenic agents, including N-nitrosamines. and inhibition of p53-mediated apoptosis. Thus, this study suggests several mechanisms whereby smokeless tobacco usage may contribute to adverse health effects including those associated with cancer development in the oral epithelium.List of scientific papersI. Vondracek M, Xi Z, Larsson P, Baker V, Mace K, Pfeifer A, Tjalve H, Donato MT, Gomez-Lechon MJ, Grafstrom RC (2001). "Cytochrome P450 expression and related metabolism in human buccal mucosa. " Carcinogenesis 22(3): 481-8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11238190II. Crawford EL, Peters GJ, Noordhuis P, Rots MG, Vondracek M, Grafstrom RC, Lieuallen K, Lennon G, Zahorchak RJ, Georgeson MJ, Wali A, Lechner JF, Fan PS, Kahaleh MB, Khuder SA, Warner KA, Weaver DA, Willey JC (2001). "Reproducible gene expression measurement among multiple laboratories obtained in a blinded study using standardized RT (StaRT)-PCR. " Mol Diagn 6(4): 217-25 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11774186III. Vondracek M, Weaver DA, Sarang Z, Hedberg JJ, Willey JC, Warngard L, Grafstrom RC (2002). "Transcript profiling of enzymes involved in detoxification of xenobiotics and reactive oxygen in human normal and simian virus 40 T antigen-immortalized oral keratinocytes. " Int J Cancer 99(6): 776-82 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12115477IV. Vondracek M, Hansson A, Zheng X, Sand L, Noren U, Hirsch JM, Lindholm J, Grafstrom RC (2002). "Smokeless tobacco toxicity and influences on programmed cell death in human oral mucosa in vivo and in vitro." (Manuscript)V. Vondracek M, Zheng X, Noren U, Elfwing A, Grafstrom RC (2002). "Influences of smokeless tobacco extract on growth and apoptosis in cultured human normal and malignant buccal keratinocytes." (Manuscript)</p
Patterns of ancestry and genetic diversity in reintroduced populations of the slimy sculpin: implications for conservation
No full textReintroductions are a common approach for
preserving intraspecific biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
However, they may exacerbate the reduction in
genetic diversity initially caused by population fragmentation
because the effective population size of reintroduced
populations is often smaller and reintroduced populations
also tend to be more geographically isolated than native
populations. Mixing genetically divergent sources for
reintroduction purposes is a practice intended to increase
genetic diversity. We documented the outcome of reintroductions
from three mixed sources on the ancestral composition
and genetic variation of a North American fish, the
slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). We used microsatellite
markers to evaluate allelic richness and heterozygosity in
the reintroduced populations relative to computer simulated
expectations. Sculpins in reintroduced populations
exhibited higher levels of heterozygosity and allelic richness
than any single source, but only slightly higher than
the single most genetically diverse source population.
Simulations intended to mimic an ideal scenario for maximizing
genetic variation in the reintroduced populations
also predicted increases, but they were only moderately
greater than the most variable source population. We found
that a single source contributed more than the other two
sources at most reintroduction sites. We urge caution when
choosing whether to mix source populations in reintroduction
programs. Genetic characteristics of candidate
source populations should be evaluated prior to reintroduction
if feasible. When combined with knowledge of the
degree of genetic distinction among sources, simulations
may allow the genetic diversity benefits of mixing populations
to be weighed against the risks of outbreeding
depression in reintroduced and nearby populations.Huff, David, D.; Miller, Loren, M.; Vondracek, Bruce. (2010). Patterns of ancestry and genetic diversity in reintroduced populations of the slimy sculpin: implications for conservation. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/183583
Electronic properties of GaAsBi(001) alloys at low Bi content
No full textWe present an in-depth investigation of structural and electronic properties of GaAsBi epilayers. High (001) crystalline order is achieved using careful molecular beam epitaxy and surface preparation procedures. High surface order allows us to use x-ray, ultraviolet, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy at variable photon energies and to disentangle electronic effects of an atomically thin Bi-rich surface layer with (2 x 3) symmetry from those of Bi atoms incorporated in the GaAs bulk matrix. The influence of bulk-integrated Bi concentrations on the GaAs band structure becomes visible in angle-resolved photoemission after removing Bi-rich surface layers by a brief and mild ion bombardment and subsequent annealing treatment. Experimental observations are supported by density functional theory simulations of the valence band structure of bulk and surface-reconstructed GaAs with and without Bi. Bi-induced energy shifts in the dispersion of GaAs heavy and light hole bulk bands are evident both in experiment and theory, which are relevant for modulations in the optical band gap and thus optoelectronic applications
Calophyinae Vondracek 1957
No full textSubfamily * Calophyinae Vondráček, 1957 Microceropsyllini Bekker-Migdisova, 1973: 104. Strogylocephalidae Li, 2011: 1257. Comments The subfamily was diagnosed by Burckhardt & Ouvrard (2012). Included genera * Calophya Löw, 1879 (syn. Calophya (Neocalophya), Holotrioza, Microceropsylla, Paracalophya, Pelmatobrachia); Pseudoglycaspis Brown & Hodkinson, 1988; * Strogylocephala Crawford, 1917 (syn. Synaphalara).Published as part of Burckhardt, Daniel, Ouvrard, David & Percy, Diana M., 2021, An updated classification of the jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) integrating molecular and morphological evidence, pp. 137-182 in European Journal of Taxonomy 736 on page 147, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1257, http://zenodo.org/record/459433
1961 Jay-Cee-An BJC -- Page 66
No full textPhotographs of BJC sophomoresBruce Riedman Joe Vondracek Michael Michalenko Bill Kleven
B. RIEDMAN - Bismarck; Pre-Law; Pep Band 1; Bagpipe Band; LSA 1.2; Circle K 1.
2. 1. VONDRACEK - Bismarck; Liberal Arts; Pep Band 1.2. M. MICHALENKO -
Bismarck; Liberal Arts. B. KLEVEN - Bismarck; LSA 2; Liberal Arts; International
Relations Club 2. A. HOLMEN - Livingston, Montana; Pre-Nursing.
Arlene Holmen
RELAXATIO
INSPIRATION
6
Calophyidae Vondracek 1957
No full textFamily * Calophyidae Vondráček, 1957 Comments Burckhardt & Ouvrard (2012) admitted the artificial nature of their Calophyidae comprising five subfamilies. Two of these, Calophyinae and Mastigimatinae were included in the molecular analyses of Percy et al. (2018) and Cho et al. (2019), which both confirmed nonmonophyly of Calophyidae. The Mastigimatinae is removed here from Calophyidae and raised to family status. The other four subfamilies lack all metabasitarsal spurs. In addition, Atmetocraniinae Becker-Migdisova, 1973, Calophyinae and Metapsyllinae Kwon, 1983 bear an internal comb of apical metatibial spurs suggesting they may be closely related. Atmetocraniinae and Calophyinae share also the one-segmented asymmetric antennal flagellum in immatures (Burckhardt& Mifsud 2003; Burckhardt & Ouvrard 2012). With this, admittedly weak, evidence we keep the four subfamilies in the Calophyidae awaiting evidence to the contrary.Published as part of Burckhardt, Daniel, Ouvrard, David & Percy, Diana M., 2021, An updated classification of the jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) integrating molecular and morphological evidence, pp. 137-182 in European Journal of Taxonomy 736 on page 147, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1257, http://zenodo.org/record/459433
Rhinocolinae Vondracek 1957
No full textSubfamily * Rhinocolinae Vondráček, 1957 Anomalopsyllinae Vondráček, 1963: 263. Apsyllini Bekker-Migdisova, 1973: 107. Comments The Rhinocolinae is strongly supported as a monophylum in both mtg trees, morphologically (Burckhardt & Lauterer 1989; Burckhardt & Basset 2000; Burckhardt & Queiroz 2017) and, to a certain extent, by the pattern of sperm formation (Labina et al. 2014). It corresponds to the concept of Burckhardt & Ouvrard (2012). The phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily have been analysed by Burckhardt & Lauterer (1989), Burckhardt & Basset (2000), and Ouvrard et al. (2010). Included genera Agonoscena Enderlein, 1914; Ameroscena Burckhardt & Lauterer, 1989; Anomalopsylla Tuthill, 1952; * Apsylla Crawford, 1912; Cerationotum Burckhardt & Lauterer, 1989; Crucianus Burckhardt & Lauterer, 1989; Leurolophus Tuthill, 1942; Lisronia Loginova, 1976 (syn. Pseudotingidiforma Heslop- Harrison, 1952 nomen nudum [no type designated] syn. nov., Rhachistoneura); Megagonoscena Burckhardt & Lauterer, 1989; Moraniella Loginova, 1972; Notophyllura Hodkinson, 1986; Protoscena † Klimaszewski, 1997; * Rhinocola Foerster, 1848; Rhusaphalara Park & Lee, 1982 (syn. Koreaphalara); Tainarys Brèthes, 1920 (syn. Vicinilura †).Published as part of Burckhardt, Daniel, Ouvrard, David & Percy, Diana M., 2021, An updated classification of the jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) integrating molecular and morphological evidence, pp. 137-182 in European Journal of Taxonomy 736 on page 145, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1257, http://zenodo.org/record/459433
Computational evolution of beta-2-microglubulin binding peptides for nanopatterned surface sensors
No full textThe bottom-up design of smart nanodevices largely depends on the accuracy by which each of the inherent nanometric components can be functionally designed with predictive methods. Here, we present a rationally designed, self-assembled nanochip capable of capturing a target protein by means of pre-selected binding sites. The sensing elements comprise computationally evolved peptides, designed to target an arbitrarily selected binding site on the surface of beta-2-microglubulin (β2m), a globular protein that lacks well-defined pockets. The nanopatterned surface was generated by an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based, tip force-driven nanolithography technique termed nanografting to construct laterally confined self-assembled nanopatches of single stranded (ss)DNA. These were subsequently associated with an ssDNA-peptide conjugate by means of DNA-directed immobilization, therefore allowing control of the peptide’s spatial orientation. We characterized the sensitivity of such peptide-containing systems against β2m in solution by means of AFM-based differential topographic imaging and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Our results show that the confined peptides are capable of specifically capturing β2m from the surface-liquid interface with micromolar affinity, hence providing a viable proof-of-concept for our approach to peptide design
Diaphorininae Vondracek 1951
No full text<p> Subfamily * <b>Diaphorininae</b> Vondráček, 1951</p> Comments <p> The AN tree (but not the CC tree) shows reasonably strong support for a sister group relationship of <i>Diaphorina</i> to the remainder of Psyllidae, and, as noted earlier, reduced taxon nuclear genome and combined data analyses by Percy <i>et al</i>. (2018) place <i>Diaphorina</i> outside Psyllidae and sister to Triozidae. Increased taxon sampling and more analyses are required to robustly resolve this ambiguity, and therefore erection of a separate family is currently rejected in favour of inclusion in Psyllidae at this time. Based on the morphology of head, forewings and male terminalia we consider <i>Parapsylla</i> the sister group of <i>Diaphorina</i> and include it in the Diaphorininae.</p> Included genera <p> * <i>Diaphorina</i> Löw, 1880 (replacement name for <i>Diaphora</i> Löw nec Stephens, syn. <i>Brachypsylla</i>, <i>Gonanoplicus</i>, <i>Pennavena</i>, <i>Eudiaphorina</i>); <i>Parapsylla</i> Heslop-Harrison, 1961 (syn. <i>Agmapsylla</i>).</p>Published as part of <i>Burckhardt, Daniel, Ouvrard, David & Percy, Diana M., 2021, An updated classification of the jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) integrating molecular and morphological evidence, pp. 137-182 in European Journal of Taxonomy 736</i> on page 161, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.736.1257, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/4594332">http://zenodo.org/record/4594332</a>
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