A cyclic lipopeptide from Fusarium graminearum targets plant membranes to promote virulence.

Microbial plant pathogens deploy amphipathic cyclic lipopeptides to reduce surface tension in their environment. While plants can detect these molecules to activate cellular stress responses, the role of these lipopeptides or associated host responses in pathogenesis are not fully clear. The gramillin cyclic lipopeptide is produced by the Fusarium graminearum fungus and is a virulence factor and toxin in maize.

INFLUENCE OF AIRWAY GEOMETRY ON RADON RISK ASSESSMENT IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN (MICRODOSIMETRIC APPROACH).

The aim of this work was to use the microdosimetric threshold energy model to study the effects of alpha-emitting 222Rn progeny on the probability of developing lung cancer. The results suggest that the radiation risk may increase by several times as the thickness of the surface layer decreases. The thicker the protective mucus layer and the deeper the sensitive target cells are located in the tissue, the less radiation damage the same dose produces.

RADON MONITORING IN SELECTED KINDERGARTENS IN SLOVAKIA.

In 17 kindergartens in Slovakia indoor radon survey was performed over a period of 1 y. In selected kindergartens also continuous monitoring of indoor radon activity concentration was conducted for ~2 weeks, as well as soil radon measurements. Annual average of indoor radon concentration, measured using track detectors, ranged between 75 and 1810 Bq m-3.

RADON-PRONE AREAS IN SLOVAKIA PREDICTED BY RESCALED RADON POTENTIAL MAPS.

Several scientific studies have shown that high content of radon in the soil environment can be a precursor of increased indoor radon levels. Inhabited areas where elevated indoor radon concentration appears for natural (geogenic) reasons are commonly referred to as radon-prone areas. In this study, radon-prone areas in the Slovak Republic were predicted on the basis of radon potential maps after its specific rescaling.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOIL MOISTURE AND GRAIN SIZE ON RADON EMANATION FROM SOIL USING AN ADVANCED MULTIGRAIN MODEL.

Among the most important factors that influence radon emanation from soil particles is the soil moisture and grain size. Both components, in its own way, modify the length of a trajectory that radon atom pass through in a volume of the soil pores. To better understand their impact on an emanation, we have developed our own computer program that can simulate the 222Rn emanation process in the soil environment, using an idea of a multigrain model.