Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultivar and plant density influence on weediness in spring barely crops.

The influence of plant density on weed suppression was investigated in the crops of spring barley cultivars ‘Aura DS’, ‘Barke’ and ‘Gustav’ in the field trials conducted at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture in 2008 and 2009 in Central Lithuania (55o23′50′′N and 23o51′40′′E). The soil of the experimental site is Endocalcari-Endohypogleyic Cambisol (CMg-n-w-can), neutrally acid light loam, rich in phosphorus and potassium. Seed rates were adjusted for seed weights and germination rate to give a population density of 200, 400 or 600 plants per m2. Strong and significant effects of crop density on weed growth were established. Weed biomass decreased with an increasing sowing density of spring barley. Crop density was a more reliable factor compared with cultivar selection for enhanced crop competitiveness against weeds. Spring barley plant height was a relevant indicator defining competitive ability against weeds. The augmentation of spring barley seed rate from 2 to 4 million viable seeds per hectar was found to be adequate for satisfactory suppression of broad-leaved weed infestations for tall spring barley cultivars ‘Aura’ and ‘Barke’. For short cultivars (‘Gustav’) the seed rate could be higher.
Characterisation of dormancy cycling responses to environmental signals in contrasting Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes

Seed dormancy is an important trait refined by evolution, to aid survival in adverse environments and to time germination and thereby select the correct habitat and climate space for subsequent plant growth and reproduction. Depth of dormancy changes continuously in response to the environment surrounding the seed and is therefore a relative rather than an absolute condition. In nature, these changes are triggered by seasonally characteristic environmental signals that are integrated by the seed over time to select the optimum conditions for germination. The mechanisms by which environmental signals influence this dormancy cycling have been studied in the present work using a combination of eco-physiology and molecular biology. Two contrasting Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes Cape Verdi Isle (Cvi) and Burren (Bur) have been compared. They are adapted to a hot dry (Cvi) and a cool damp (Bur) climate and exhibit winter and summer annual phenotypes respectively. Experimental work in the laboratory, controlled environment and field has focussed on the effect of temperature, light and nitrate during seed maturation and subsequent imbibition. The work was also extended to studying other life cycle events such as the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, flowering and seed maturity. This work has extended our understanding of the responses of life cycle traits to environmental signals. However, climates are changing and further data was collected in a series of experiments in a unique thermal gradient tunnel to provide insight into the impact of predicted global warming scenarios on these traits. The results presented indicate the plasticity of the plant life cycle and the extent to which global warming might affect this in Arabidopsis, and how increased temperature is likely to affect different annual phenotypes.
Comparison Nokia, Samsung and Sony mobile phones in the specific absorption rate of head induced to electric field

The use of mobile phones has expanded in recent decades. Despite the extensive studies in this field, less attention has been paid to the biological effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by the mobile phones. Therefore, in this study there has been an attempt to compare the electric field, the specific absorption rate caused by exposure to mobile phones from samsung, nokia and sony to be followed. The electric field of Samsung mobile phones (8 Brands), Nokia (9 Brands) and Sony (4 Brands) at intervals of 2, 25 and 50 cm in case of ringing, vibration and silent modes by HI-3603 equipment to measure and compare. The electric field amplitude Brand Samsung 0.06 to 1.5 v/m in Nokia brand 0.06 to 10.9 v/m, 0.05 to 2.8 v/m in the Sony brand. Specific absorption rate respectively in different modes Samsung brand; vibration
Effects of Exercise and Elevated Fatty Acid Availability on Muscle Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity.

We previously reported that a single exercise session protects against fatty acid (FA)induced insulin resistance, perhaps in part through augmented intramyocellular triacylglycerol (IMTG) synthesis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of elevated FA availability after exercise on factors regulating IMTG metabolism. After exercise (90min, 65% VO2peak), 7 healthy women (body mass index: 23±1 kg/m) were infused overnight (16h) with either a lipid and heparin solution (LIPID; 0.11 g fat/kg/h) or saline (SALINE). We measured resting FA oxidation (indirect calorimetry) and obtained a skeletal muscle biopsy sample the next morning. The 4-fold increase in overnight plasma FA concentration during LIPID increased IMTG by ~30% during LIPID vs. SALINE (49±3 vs. 38±3 μmol/g dw; P=0.04). This was accompanied by ~25% greater membrane-associated abundance of the FA transporter FAT/CD36 (P<0.01), and ~8% increase in the activity of the IMTG synthesis enzyme glycerol-3phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT; P<0.01). In contrast, resting FA oxidation was not affected. We also found no difference in the protein abundance of GPAT1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), DGAT activity, or the abundance of the lipid droplet coat proteins (perilipins 2, 3, 4, 5) between treatments. Our findings suggest augmented capacity for FA flux into muscle (i.e., via membrane-associated FAT/CD36), perhaps together with a slight, yet significant increase in activity of a key IMTG synthesis enzyme (GPAT) may enhance IMTG storage when FA availability is high after exercise. The importance of the absence of a change in perilipin protein abundance despite increased muscle lipid storage remains to be determined.
Phylogenetic signal in the evolution of body colour and spicule skeleton in calcareous sponges

Some of the morphological characters used in Porifera taxonomy have often been shown to be inconsistent. In the present study, we tested the phylogenetic coherence of currently used taxonomic characters of the calcarean genus Clathrina. For this, 20 species of Clathrina and three other calcinean genera (Ascandra, Guancha, and Leucetta) were sequenced for the ITS and D2 region of the 28S ribosomal DNA. Maximum-likelihood and maximum- parsimony algorithms were used to reconstruct phylogenetic trees. Deep divergences were observed in our tree and Clathrina was shown to be paraphyletic. The major split in our topology showed a clear-cut distinction between sponges with and without tetractine spicules. Moreover, a group of yellow-coloured Clathrina was clearly separated from the remaining white-coloured species. Our results show that the presence of diactines, water-collecting tubes, the degree of cormus anastomosis, and actine shapes do not correlate with the major clades of the calcinean phylogeny. On the other hand, the presence of tripods, the absence of tetractines, and the presence of spines in the apical actine of tetractines seem to be good synapomorphies for clades in our tree. Our results demonstrate that skeleton characters can be reliably used in higher level taxonomy in Clathrinida.
Effect of heat stress on survival and reproduction of the olive fruit fly Bactocera (Dacus) oleae

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera (Dacus) oleae Gmelin is a major olive pest in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. Its population density and respective olive infestation is usually low in many areas of northern Greece during summer months. To some extent, this may be due to the prevailing high temperature and low relative humidity conditions. In the present work the effects of short term exposure to high temperatures on the survival and egg production of B. oleae pre‐imaginal stages and adults were studied under laboratory conditions. Different larval instars within infested green olive fruits, adults and pupae and were exposed for 2 h to a series of different high constant temperatures ranging from 34 to 42°C. Subsequently, survival percentages of pre‐imaginal stages and adults as well as the number of eggs laid by females previously exposed to high temperatures were determined. At temperatures up to 38°C high survival percentages of larvae and adults were observed, whereas pupae displayed a relatively increased heat tolerance up to 40°C. Female longevity and egg production were substantially reduced after heat stress. Prior acclimation at 33°C for 1 and 3 days resulted in increased adult survival following heat stress. We discuss the results with respect to the ability of the fly to survive and reproduce under high summer temperatures.
Evaluation of Chaotic Demodulator for EBPSK Signals

Based on the theory of Duffing oscillator weak signal detection and the technology of extended binary phase shift keying (EBPSK) modulation, the chaotic demodulator using the Duffing oscillator for EBPSK signals was proposed. The proposed demodulator could avoid the problem of demodulation filters design, and shows the excellent anti-noise capability of chaotic oscillator detection. Numerical and experimental tests were taken to investigate the impact of modulation parameters τ and θ on bit error performance of the proposed method, and the performance limits were gotten. The results show that the proposed chaotic demodulator works well under a very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions, and gets SNR gains about 20 dB to 30 dB from the impulse filter.
Phylogeny and zoogeography of Laemonema (Pisces; Gadiformes; Moridae)

approved: Douglas F. Markle The systematics of the "Laemonema" subgroup plus Paralaemonema, was conducted based on 480 juvenile and adult specimens from around the world. A cladistic analysis supported recognition of two genera, Laemonema with 12 species, and Guttiqadus with eight species, including two of uncertain status. Two new species of Laemonema are described from the Indian Ocean and western Atlantic. Juvenile stages, previously assigned to Svetovidovia Cohen, are described for L. barbatulum, L. melanurum and the new western Atlantic form. These juveniles have as many as eleven pelvic fin rays, whereas adults have only two, indicating ontogenetic resorption of inner pelvic fins rays. Momonatira Paulin and Paralaemonema Trunov are considered junior synonym of Guttiqadus. Four species previously assigned to Laemonema, are reassigned to Guttigadus, G. qlobiceps, G. latifrons, G. konqi, and G. Redacted for Privacy nana. One species, G. nana, representing the earliest Glade in Guttigadus is a dwarfed, pelagic, paedomorphic species. The known juveniles stages of Guttigadus have numerous vertical bars on body not found in Laemonema. Laemonema and Guttigadus are largely allopatric. Laemonema is primarily in tropical waters between 60° N and 40° S, being more abundant at approximately 200-600 m depth, and absent in the northeastern Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. Four terminal species pairs of Laemonema are allopatric, each showing east-west segregation. One Atlantic pair may also show depth segregation, with L. barbatulum found to depths of 1620 m and L. varrelli to 550 m. Guttigadus is primarily in the Southern Ocean, between 25° and 59° S, and is most abundant at approximately 600-1600 m depth. Two species of Guttigadus range into the Northern Hemisphere, G. nana in the western North Pacific and G. latifrons in the eastern North Atlantic. Segregation of the sympatric sister taxa, G. konqi and G. qlobosus, may have been partly bathymetric, the former most abundant at 500-800 m and the latter living at 1175-1600 m. Phylogeny and Zoogeography of Laemonema (Pisces; Gadiformes;
Dissecting the Hermes Transposase: Residues Important for Target DNA Binding and Phosphorylation

Author(s): Knapp, Joshua Allen | Advisor(s): Atkinson, Peter W | Abstract: The developing fields of gene therapy and genetic transformation are constantly searching for new autonomously replicating transposable elements with the ability to stably integrate into the genome of a wide range of diverse hosts. The Hermes transposase has become a particularly attractive element because of its ability to transform a wide range of hosts, the diverse distribution of hAT elements in nature, and the extensive genetic, molecular, and biochemical data available. In order to develop Hermes as an efficient molecular biology tool this dissertation explored (1) how the transposase chooses it's target DNA for integration and (2) regulatory mechanisms which may effect transposition activity. The work presented in this dissertation identifies, for the first time, residues in Hermes that are important for target DNA binding. These residues are part of a model that I call the "rim of the wheel" based on the Hermes crystal structure. Data collected from a comprehensive analysis designed to tease apart different steps of transposition suggests that these residues may contribute to a bi-functional domain responsible for both excising the transposon and binding to target DNA. The work presented here adds to our understanding of transposase integration biochemistry and can serve as a model for other elements. In order for Hermes to be used as a biological tool for gene therapy or genetic studies in medically and agriculturally important insects it is important that Hermes has its greatest chance for successful integration into its host. The second project presented here goal of explored whether Hermes was subject to phosphorylation and if so whether this affected transposition. Here I report for the first time, direct evidence of phosphorylation of a eukaryotic class II transposase. Indirectly two other residues in Hermes were found to be important for transposition, as mutating them to residues with different chemistries decreased Hermes transposition frequency. This work has expanded our still growing understanding of essential residues that are functionally important for Hermes transposition.
The space-time continuum of ras signal transduction pathway

Anchal Chandra Dissertation 60 3.1 Abstract Palmitoylation machinery, which includes the palmitoyl-acyl transferases (PATs) and the deacylation enzymes, are responsible for maintaining proper spatial organization of several signaling proteins. Although various palmitoylatable substrates are known, a consensus motif or region where palmitoylation occurs cannot be identified (Linder and Deschenes, 2007). Therefore, it was hypothesized that the DHHC PATs activity does not recognize a specific sequence in the substrate proteins. Ras proteins are wellcharacterized palmitoyl susbtrates, which were used in this study to delineate the specificity of DHHC PATs towards its substrates. Furthermore in an attempt to demonstrate the broad specificity of PATs, human Hras was ectopically expressed in Dictyostelium. The spatial organization and temporal kinetics of human Hras in Dictyostelium was reminiscent of mammalian cells, corroborating that there are no specific PATs for Ras proteins. From these studies it is clear that the DHHC PATs recognize and modify a broad spectrum of substrates, thereby regulating palmitoylated proteins at a global level.
New fossils from China elucidating the phylogeny of Praesiricidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

A new subfamily of Praesiricidae (Pamphilioidea), Decorisiricinae subfam.n. , is erected based on three new genera: Decorisiricius gen.n. , Limbisiricius gen.n. and Brevisiricius gen.n. Two new species – Decorisiricius patulus gen. et sp.n. and D. longus sp.n. – from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation and three species –Limbisiricius aequalis gen. et sp.n. , Limbisiricius complanatus sp.n. and Brevisiricius partialis gen. et sp.n. – from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation, are described. Based on these well‐preserved new fossil specimens and previously published data, the nonmonophyly of Praesiricidae is confirmed and the phylogenetic relationships of species of Praesiricidae are analysed for the first time. Two main clades within Praesiricidae are recognized from the cladistic analysis: Decorisiricinae subfam.n. forms a monophyletic lineage, with the remaining members of Praesiricidae plus Megalodontes (Megalodontesidae) forming its sister group. The two subfamilies Archoxyelydinae and Praesiricinae are discarded with no strong supported synapomorphic characters based on phylogenetic research. A key to all genera of Praesiricidae is provided.
Magnetic skyrmions in proximity to an s-wave superconductor

In this Thesis we present a new method of theoretical studies of magnetic materials. The method is based on the Fourier expansion of the magnetisation and then using this expansion in order to minimise the free energy functional of a magnetic material, hence obtain the optimal configuration of the system for a certain set of parameters. We also employ Lagrange multiplier technique in order to satisfy the constraint of ∣∣∣ ~ M ∣∣∣2 = 1 required by micromagnetics. We have mainly applied this method to a system that obeys a skyrmionic order. Critical fields corresponding to helical-skyrmion and skyrmion-ferromagnetic phase transitions were found exactly. Also, new shapes of skyrmion lattice that have never been observed before were obtained via our method. The method proved itself to be universal, i.e. applicable for any micromagnetic system. As an example of an extended magnetic system, we considered a bilayer of a magnet and a superconductor and used our method along with Brandt’s approach to a superconductor, that we used as a guide for our method, in order to describe the combined system and study the magnetic states obtained.
NOT SUFFERING FOOLS GLADLY: CRAFTING PROSOCIAL COMMUNITY IN ONLINE MULTIPLAYER MINECRAFT

Over 700 million people worldwide are socializing and spending time, sometimes significant amounts, in online multiplayer games, and these social spaces can be important sites of community. Unfortunately, levels of civility, aggression, and mutual helping can vary significantly between game spaces. Given their ubiquity and importance in so many people’s lives, it is critical to understand how a prosocial community can be created and maintained over time in these spaces for those who want them. This research uses virtual ethnography and interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine how moderation and community development strategies, game design elements, and player behaviours are experienced and can be influenced by players in prosocially-oriented online multiplayer Minecraft servers. It is clear that it is the prosocial orientation of players and the commitment, social skill, and integrity of server moderators that is most key to creating and maintaining a prosocial gaming environment and that although game design can support prosociality, game design factors appear to be much less important overall. Attracting the right players—and refusing entry to the wrong ones—is the most important concern.
The Diversity of Fishes: Biology, Evolution, and Ecology

Preface. Part I Introduction . 1 The science of ichthyology. 2 Systematic procedures. Part II Form, Function, and Ontogeny . 3 Skeleton, skin, and scales. 4 Soft anatomy. 5 Oxygen, metabolism, and energetics. 6 Sensory Systems. 7 Homeostasis. 8 Functional morphology of locomotion and feeding. 9 Early life history. 10 Juveniles, adults, age, and growth. Part III Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Evolution . 11 A history of fishes. 12 Chondrichthyes: Sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras. 13 Living representatives of primitive fishes. 14 Teleosts at last I: bonytongues through anglerfishes. 15 Teleosts at last II: spiny-rayed fishes. Part IV Zoogeography, Habitats, and Adaptations . 16 Zoogeography. 17 Fish genetics. 18 Special habitats and special adaptations. Part V Behavior and Ecology . 19 Fishes as predators. 20 Fishes as prey. 21 Fishes as social animals: reproduction. 22 Fishes as social animals: aggregation, aggression, and cooperation. 23 Cycles of activity and behavior. 24 Individuals, populations, and assemblages. 25 Communities, ecosystems, and the functional role ofn fishes. Part VI The Future of Fishes. 26 Conservation. References. Index
Photosynthetic activation of the dark-acclimated diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii upon light exposure

: The photoresponse of chlorophyll a (Chl a ) ﬂuorescence and xanthophyll pigments to light was studied in the diatom Thalassiosira weissﬂogii with respect to various durations of dark storage. The light-limited slope ( α ) ob tained from the electron transport rate (ETR) versus the irradiance curve remained steady, whereas the light-saturated rate (ETR max ) decreased gradually during dark storage. Consequently the light-saturation index (E k = ETR max / α ) de creased with time, suggesting that cells acclimate to dark conditions. Dark-acclimated cells were exposed to light-dark conditions with varied silicate availability. The maximum quantum yield of PSII ( F v / F m ), as well as the changes in the α and the ETR max , increased immediately to the maximum on the ﬁrst day and decreased for the second half of the light exposure period. The ratio of diatoxanthin (DT) to the xanthophyll pigment diadinoxanthin (DD) and DT (DT/ [DD + DT]) represents thermal dissipation behavior through non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). This study indicates that F v / F m and E k are a good index to follow photoacclimation during a transition from continuous dark conditions to the L-D cycle of saturated light. This study also indicates that dark-acclimated T. weissﬂogii can acclimate to the growth irradiance by the enhancement of photosynthetic activity with changes in xanthophyll pigments, in relation to the dark duration and silicate availability. Such a response to light suggests that the vegetative cells of T. weissﬂogii could possibly proliferate at ports in the coastal zone on a global scale after ejection into high light environments from the darkness of a ship ʼ s ballast water tank.
Phylogeographical patterns in chloroplast DNA variation within the Acacia acuminata (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) complex in Western Australia

Abstract The Acacia acuminata complex includes three taxa, A. acuminata ssp. acuminata, A. acuminata ssp. burkittii and A. oldfieldii, along with several informal variants of A. acuminata. It is widespread throughout southern Australia with the centre of diversity in south‐west Western Australia. Phylogeographical patterns in the complex were investigated using a nested clade analysis of cpDNA RFLPs from 25 populations in Western Australia. Except for A. oldfieldii that was clearly identified as a distinct entity, haplotypes were not restricted to sub‐specific taxa or variants within A. acuminata. There was significant association between phylogenetic position of many haplotypes and their geographical distribution. The fine‐scale phylogeographical patterns were complex but at deeper levels in the phylogeny there was evidence of divergence between two lineages. The pattern of shared haplotypes between lineages suggests retention of ancestral polymorphism as a result of incomplete lineage sorting. The divergence of these lineages is consistent with fragmentation caused by climatic instability during the Pleistocene.