Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Candidate Gene Studies on Cardiovascular Traits

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major cause of death and disability in Western countries and a growing health problem in the developing world. The genetic component of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic stroke events has been established in twin studies, and the traits predisposing to CVD, such as hypertension, dyslipidemias, obesity, diabetes, and smoking behavior, are all partly hereditary. This thesis aimed to clarify the genetic background of CVD at a population level using large Nordic population cohorts and a candidate gene approach. The first study concentrated on the allelic diversity of the thrombomodulin (THBD) gene in two Finnish cohorts, FINRISK-92 and FINRISK-97. The results from this study implied that THBD variants do not substantially contribute to CVD risk. In the second study, three other candidate genes were added to the analyses. The study investigated the epistatic effects of coagulation factor V (F5), intercellular adhesion molecuce -1 (ICAM1), protein C (PROC), and THBD in the same FINRISK cohorts. The results were encouraging; we were able to identify several single SNPs and SNP combinations associating with CVD and mortality. Interestingly, THBD variants appeared in the associating SNP combinations despite the negative results from Study I, suggesting that THBD contributes to CVD through gene-gene interactions. In the third study, upstream transcription factor -1 (USF1) was analyzed in a cohort of Swedish men. USF1 was associated with metabolic syndrome, characterized by accumulation of different CVD risk factors. A putative protective and a putative risk variant were identified. A direct association with CVD was not observed. The longitudinal nature of the study also clarified the effect of USF1 variants on CVD risk factors followed in four examinations throughout adulthood. The three studies provided valuable information on the study of complex traits, highlighting the use of large study samples, the importance of replication, and the full coverage of the major allelic variants of the target genes to assure reliable findings.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for two seed yield component traits in an oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cross

With 1 figure and 6 tables Abstract Seed yield per plant is one of the most important traits of rapeseed, and it is determined by three yield component traits viz. siliques per plant, seeds per silique (SS) and seed weight (SW). In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for SS and SW was conducted in doubled haploid and immortalized F2 populations of the cross ‘Quantum’ × ‘No.2127 17’. The correlation analysis showed that SS had a significant negative correlation with SW. Using data from three natural field trials, 4 and 11 QTL for SS and SW were detected, respectively. Three QTL for SS were colocalized to QTL involved in SW. For both traits, the favourable alleles existed in both parents. The results could contribute to rapeseed yield improvement and provide useful information for marker-assisted selection.
Birds of New Guinea

This book is the first definitive ornithological field guide to New Guinea, the world's second largest island and one of the richest tropical environments in the Old World. Because of its isolation, New Guinea's biota includes spectacular radiations of unusual plants and animals (of which the birds of paradise are perhaps best known). The region has long attracted naturalists, ecologists, and anthropologists. This book treats all of the more than 700 species of birds recorded from the region, illustrating more than 600 of them in forty-seven fine color plates and eight black-and-white halftone plates. The text contains species accounts treating identification, distribution, ecology, vocalizations, and behavior. This is preceded by a detailed introduction to the region, with sections on climate, biogeography, rainforest ecology, and conservation. A chief contribution of the book is the wealth of information on the habits of many of the region's little-known species. Included is an ornithological gazetteer, along with four maps showing natural features and important ornithological localities.
Role of soil properties in water retention characteristics of main Hungarian soil types

Relationship between easily available soil properties and soil water retention at given matric potentials were analysed on brown forest soils, chernozems and meadow soils of Hungarian Detailed Soil Hydrophysical Database (Hungarian acronym: MARTHA). We studied the influence of soil properties displayed on the 1:10000 scale Hungarian soil maps on soil water retention at -0.1, -33, -1500 and -150000 kPa. Continuous (particle size distribution, organic matter content, calcium carbonate content and pH) and category type (ordinal: soil texture, ordinal type information on organic matter content, calcium carbonate content and pH; nominal: soil subtype classes) variables were used in the analyses. The relationships was analysed with random forest method based on conditional inference trees (cforest). Water retention of different soil types was characterized. Importance of soil properties in the prediction of soil water content varies according to soil type and matric potentials.
Effect of Electromagnetic Bandgap Structures on Performance of Planar Textile Antenna

The paper introduces a comparative analysis of a wearable, metamaterial based 2.4 GHz microstrip patchantenna using three variants of Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) ground planes. A 1.8 mm thick wearable fabric (Velcro)having relative permittivity of 1.34 and tangent loss of 0.006 is used as a substrate material in the design of theconventional antenna and EBG ground planes. Three types of unit cells, namely, mushroom, slotted cross and slotted Iare proposed to design the EBG ground planes. The antenna using slotted cross shape EBG as a ground plane is morecompact (having 16 % reduced size) as compared to the rest of the three. The conventional antenna without EBGground plane is relatively least efficient (77.53 %) with a gain of 8.14 dB. The same antenna if backed by a mushroomtype EBG, radiate efficiently (80.92 %) with a gain of 9.63 dB in the boresight direction. The wearable antenna andEBG ground planes are designed, characterized and numerically analyzed using the Finite Integration Technique(FIT). These antennas can be used in sports, military, medical, security and rescue applications.
Understanding Why Students Take Industry-Based Credentialing Examinations: Instrument Development and Pilot Study

Educational credentialing is complicated for students with the addition of industry-based credentialing (IBC) in traditional academic and career and technical fields (Bahr, 2015; Lumina Foundation, 2015; Xu & Ran, 2015). Human Capital Theory and Cognitive Engagement Theory framed this study which looked at IBC training from the student point of view (Grisham, 2013; Saldana, 2016; Walters, 2004). The body of literature on credential training is sparse and largely focused on institutional policy rather than student perception and participation (Bahr, 2015; Xu & Ran, 2015). There is evidence that salaries are positively correlated with IBCs and studies show that employers pay more for additional credentials (Bahr, 2015; Jacobson & LaLonde, 2013; Matheny, Chan, & Wang, 2015; Xu & Ran, 2015). Increasing IBC exam participation is an important issue for colleges because IBC completion is now being considered as part of the completion rate for institutions (Kansas BoR, 2014; Louisiana BoR, 2017; NCSL, 2015; Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges; 2017). An increase in credential completions leads to institutional funding through performance funding models (Kansas BoR, 2014; Louisiana BoR, 2017; NCSL, 2015; Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges; 2017). A survey instrument was developed through a Delphi to measure why students choose to take IBC examinations. Three themes were developed— Student Services Impact, Academic Instructional Impact, and Intrinsic Motivational Impact. Using the findings from the study, colleges can positively iv influence a student’s decision to take an IBC exam. The study results demonstrated three areas that connect back to the literature demonstrating where colleges can have a direct effect on a student’s decision. The instrument should be used to measure a wider group of students to determine if the themes developed in this study are applicable across all student groups, programs, and institutions.
Mapping the Neural Mechanisms by which Leptin Regulates Distinct Physiological Functions.

xii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: CENTRAL LEPTIN ACTION IN ENERGY HOMEOSTASIS AND OTHER NEUROENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS 1 FIGURES 26 CHAPTER TWO DIRECT INNERVATION AND CONTROL OF OREXIN NEURONS BY LATERAL HYPOTHALAMIC LEPR-B NEURONS 32 FIGURES 55 CHAPTER THREE MAPPING THE NEURAL PATHWAYS THAT LINK ENERGY BALANCE AND REPRODUCTION 64 FIGURES 81 CHAPTER FOUR SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE OF LEPTIN’S REGULATION OF PHYSIOLOGY 89 FIGURES 99 REFERENCES 100
Dark and Pale: Taxonomic Status of the Barbastelle (Barbastella: Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) from Central Asia

Barbastelles from the Central Asian republics, traditionally included in Barbastella darjelingensis, were compared with other Barbastella species on the basis of cranial and dental morphometrics, fur coloration and sequences of mtDNA. All these factors indicate that individuals from Central Asia should not be treated as a part of B. darjelingensis. They belong to a separate species, closely related to the Egyptian B. leucomelas, but morphologically distinct. On the basis of geographical proximity, it seems likely these are representatives of the same taxon as Transcaucasian animals, and therefore the name B. caspica Satunin, 1908 appears to be appropriate for this species. Evidence is provided, based on genetic differences, that there may be additional species of Barbastella in eastern Asia.
Fate of tropical reef fish juveniles that settle to a temperate habitat

Every year, various species of juvenile reef fishes from tropical and warm temperate populations are carried by currents to the temperate northern coast of Kyushu, southwestern Japan. There, they settle on to rocky reefs but usually fail to survive cold sea temperatures brought on by winter. The purpose of this study was to determine the species composition of tropical and warm temperate fishes that settled annually at Tsuyazaki, Fukuoka Prefecture (33•‹ 47'N, 130•‹ 29'E) and to determine their pattern of occurrence in 19 of 37 years between 1964-2000. The total number of species recorded ranged between 7-19 species annually. Among these, seven species were recorded each year while 1-12 species occurred sporadically. The largest number of species, 12, was recorded in the
Evaluation of Relative Fluoride Toxicity and Its Impact on Growth, Economic Characters and Fecundity of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

A detailed evaluation of relative toxicity of fluoride to die 5th instar larvae of PM and NBD races of silkworm and the effects of lethal, sublethal and prevailing levels of fluoride in groundwater on the growth, economic characters and fecundity of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) were studied. The feeding of mulberry, Morus alba leaves treated with lethal and sublethal doses of fluoride to PM and NBD races of silkworms from the beginning of the 5th instar to the end of the feeding period resulted in significant reduction in growth, single cocoon weight, single shell weight, silk index, average filament length, and fecundity when compared to controls. These manges were more pronounced on exposure to lethal dose than sublethal dose and in general, the changes induced by fluoride were more striking in NBD than PM, indicating the greater resistance of PM to higher fluoride levels. Groundwater quality in sericulturally important villages of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh States has been studied with special reference to the presence of fluoride. On exposure to dose of prevailing levels in the waters of sericulturally important areas, die changes observed on growth, economic characters and fecundity were slightly lower when compared to controls and the decrease was found to be insignificant (P0.05). It was concluded that, though minute dose (4.0 ppm) of fluoride did not have any toxic impact, it is toxic at higher concentrations to silkworms.
Do Oil Price Shocks Matter for Competition: A Vector Error Correction Approach to Russian Labor Market

In this article we test the hypothesis about the impact of oil prices shocks on the competition in the labor market on the example of oil-exporting country. According to the hypothesis of the study, positive (negative) oil price shock leads to an increase (fall) in the demand for labor, which, in turn, leads to growth (slowdown in growth) of wages adjusted for inflation given wages inelasticity in the short term. Based on data for 1990-2016 we study a case of Russia, using vector error correction model. In the result we come to conclusion that a positive oil price shock leads to an increase of the aggregate level of wages in the economy and employment growth. A negative oil price shock leads to a slowdown in the growth of the aggregate level of wages and to an increase in the average level of unemployment
Influence of surface sterilization and cold treatment on germination of AM spores.

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal(VAM) fungi are a unique group of ubiquitous soil microorganism known to form symbiotic association with roots of economically important crop plants. AM propagules such as isolated spores, sheared mycorrhizal roots are virtually able to initiate AM symbiosis and establish the pre-symbiotic phase with the transformed root. The spores were sterilized with 96 % ethyl alcohol and treated for 30, 60 and 90 seconds. Surface sterilization of AM spore viz., Glomus mosseae, G. intrardices and G. caledonium with 96 per cent ethyl alcohol for 60 sec exhibited higher germination per cent without affecting the viability of spores. Further cold treatment of spores at 4 C for a period of 30 days improved the spore germination to 90 % and 56.5 % in Glomus intraradices and Glomus caledonium, respectively, whereas Glomus mosseae, recorded maximum with 20 days of cold treatment. Though germination was observed higher with 30 days and cold treatment, stratification at 4C for a perod of 16-20 days resulted better germination of spores. Asian Journal of Bio Science (April, 2010) Vol. 5 Issue 1 : 58-62
Amino acid metabolism in Chinese hamster ovary cell culture

The present thesis focuses on amino acids (a.a.) and their metabolism by Chinese hamster ovary cells, the workhorse of the multibillion dollar biopharmaceutical industry. The aim of the research was to explore a.a. transport and metabolism and define optimal operating conditions during fed-batch culture, which is the most common process mode used industrially. A fast and reliable way to calculate a.a. concentration ranges in media and feeds is of vital importance, as a.a. are the monomers of proteins, which account for 70% of dry cell weight. The desired recombinant product of bioprocesses is typically also a protein. The transport of a.a. into the cells was studied at the mRNA level of a.a. transporters for the first time in a bioprocessing context. The presented results demonstrate that a.a. transport is not the limiting step for recombinant protein formation. Also, the study allowed for a staged feeding strategy to be designed, where a.a. were not fed altogether. Following linear projection of an integral of viable cell concentration target and using the specific a.a. consumption rates during batch culture, six feeds were formulated containing a.a. and glucose. Three designs were based on the results of the a.a. transport study; however, they underperformed in comparison to the other feeds. In the latter, all nutrients were fed at the same time, resulting in cell culture performance comparable to that obtained with a commercial feed that was tested in parallel. This renders the presented method the first to define a traceable quantitative way to calculate amount of nutrients in the feeds. Flux balance analysis, a powerful technique that allows for investigation of intracellular dynamics, was used to analyse the metabolic data. An enhanced intracellular network was created by coupling two pre-existing in the literature that also for the first time included the glycosylation of the host proteins in the biomass equation. Finally, a novel methodology was developed and coded in R to calculate specific rates of consumption/production of various metabolites in cell culture. The methodology couples mass balances for fed-batch culture operation with constructed vectors of the sampling and feeding schemes. This can be further developed to a bioprocess relevant software platform for analysing cell culture data.
A key to the Oscillatoriaceae in northwest European saltmarshes

A key and short description are given of eleven species of Oscillatoriaceae distinguished during an investigation of saltmarsh algal communities in Northwest Europe. The deviations from and agreements with the two main classification systems for Oscillatoriaceae, one by Geitler (1932), the other by Drouet (1968), are indicated.
Review of methodology for Patient dose from Cone Beam CT procedures in Radiotherapy

University of Wollongong Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorise you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. You are reminded of the following: This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this work may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of the author. Copyright owners are entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. A reproduction of material that is protected by copyright may be a copyright infringement. A court may impose penalties and award damages in relation to offences and infringements relating to copyright material. Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form. Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.
Portraying the expression landscapes of cancer subtypes

Self-organizing maps (SOM) portray molecular phenotypes with individual resolution. We present an analysis pipeline based on SOM machine learning which allows the comprehensive study of large scale clinical data. The potency of the method is demonstrated in selected applications studying the diversity of gene expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and prostate cancer progression. Our method characterizes relationships between the samples, disentangles the expression patterns into well separated groups of co-regulated genes, extracts their functional contexts using enrichment techniques, and enables the detection of contaminations and outliers in the samples. We found that the four GBM subtypes can be divided into two “localized” and two “intermediate” ones. The localized subtypes are characterized by the antagonistic activation of processes related to immune response and cell division, commonly observed also in other cancers. In contrast, each of the “intermediate” subtypes forms a heterogeneous continuum of expression states linking the “localized” subtypes. Both “intermediate” subtypes are characterized by distinct expression patterns related to translational activity and innate immunity as well as nervous tissue and cell function. We show that SOM portraits provide a comprehensive framework for the description of the diversity of expression landscapes using concepts of molecular function.
Diversity of flower-visiting bees in cereal fields: effects of farming system, landscape composition and regional context

1. Agri-environment schemes promote organic farming in an attempt to reduce the negative effects of agricultural intensification on farmland biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination. Farming system, landscape context and regional differences may all influence biodiversity, but their relative impact and possible interactions have been little explored. 2. The study was performed in three regions (150 km apart, 400-500 km(2) per region) differing in land use intensity. Within each region, seven pairs of conventionally and organically cultivated wheat fields (mean size 4 ha, 42 study fields) were selected to encompass a gradient from heterogeneous to homogeneous landscapes within a 1-km radius around each field. 3. Farming system had the greatest influence on biodiversity. Higher bee diversity, flower cover and diversity of flowering plants were recorded in organic compared with conventional fields. Bee diversity was related both to flower cover and diversity of flowering plants, suggesting plant-mediated effects of the farming system. 4. Differences in bee diversity between organic and conventional fields increased with the proportion of arable crops in the surrounding landscape, indicating that processes at the landscape level modified the effectiveness of organic farming in promoting biodiversity. Similar patterns for flower cover and diversity of flowering plants suggested that landscape effects on bee diversity were mainly resource-mediated. After statistically removing the variance explained by flower parameters, residual bee diversity increased with increasing landscape heterogeneity. 5. Bee diversity differed between the three regions, but the effects of farming systems and landscape context were independent of regional differences. 6. Synthesis and applications. Bee diversity in wheat fields was mainly influenced by farming system, but an understanding of local bee diversity needs to incorporate both landscape and regional perspectives. The consistency of the results in three regions provides a reliable basis for management decisions. Agri-environment schemes that promote organic farming in homogeneous landscapes where there are few remaining flower-rich habitats could have the highest relative impact. However, while organic farming could help to sustain pollination services by generalist bees in agricultural landscapes, other measures are required to conserve more specialized bee species in semi-natural habitats.
Turtle humeral microanatomy and its relationship to lifestyle

Among living turtles, highly terrestrial or highly aquatic modes of life are likely to have developed from a plesiomorphic semi-aquatic one. A taxonomically comprehensive data set of turtle humeri was examined to ascertain if adaptation to an aquatic or a terrestrial lifestyle affects the general internal bone structure. Three-dimensional and virtual cross-sections were obtained from computed microtomography to compare humeral changes among the various lifestyles – terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic – focusing on the degree of resorption of periosteal bone. Regardless of lifestyle, the humeri of the 52 turtles examined lacked a large open medullary cavity, and only one or a few small cavity(ies) or intertrabecular spaces were found near the growth centre. Semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles display the highest and lowest median values of humeral compactness, respectively, suggesting that limb-bone lightening is acquired both in highly terrestrial and in highly aquatic turtles. The broad overlap in compactness values between the lifestyles and the lack of tubular structure in all turtles, however, suggest that selection pressure of skeletal lightening in terrestrial turtles is not high enough to cause a tubular structure, possibly because of the rather passive mode of locomotion in terrestrial turtles. This overlap also suggests that the humeral compactness could not be used alone to provide an indication of lifestyle in turtles. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 112, 719–734.