Faculty of Natural Sciences

Sukurta: 05 September 2013

gmf 21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03103 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 00, fax 239 82 04
E-mail:
www http://www.gf.vu.lt

Dean – Prof. Habil. Dr. Osvaldas Rukšėnas

STAFF

113 teachers (24 habilitated doctors and 78 doctors), 39 research fellows (4 habilitated doctors and 28 doctors), 69 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND GENETICS
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY
THE CENTRE OF CARTOGRAPHY
CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS OF THE FACULTY

Genomics, biomolecules and biotechnologies: fundamental and applied research
Geographical differentiation of Lithuania’s territory in terms of state development and territorial planning
Ecosystems and climate changes, preservation of environment and use of natural resources
Investigation of nervous system and behaviour

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2012

A. Zinkevičienė. Yeast in atopic dermatitis etiology.

P. Starkevič. Taxonomic and phylogenetic review of the subgenus Tipula (Vestiplex) Bezzi, 1924 (Diptera, Tipulidae).

R. Motiejūnaitė. Role of pericytes and autotaxin/lysophosphatidic acid signalling in vascular regression.

J. Daubarienė. The funcional division of Lithuanian lakes.

L. Balakauskas. Development of the Late Glacial and Holocene forest vegetation in Lithuania, according to LRA (Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm) modelling data.

R. Čepulytė-Rakauskienė. Potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida, and their chemoecological interactions with the host plant.

M. Raulinaitis. Effects of hydromechanical lake remediation on distribution of metals and metalloids in Bottom Sediments.

M. Žakevičius Sleep and the sense of rest: relation between sleep fragmentation and subjective sleep quality.

R. Buišas. The gain of spinal cord motoneurons and its modification.

R. Sabaliauskaitė. Investigation of molecular markers of human prostate cancer.

A. Ščėsnaitė-Jerdiakova. DNA methylation markers of lung and head-neck tumours.

CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ORGANIZED IN 2012

28th Anual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology

International conference Planning in Rural Aareas

Biochemistry and Biophysics at Vilnius University

Lecture – seminar: Myths and Facts about Magmatic Melts and Fluids

Lecture – seminar: Fossilized Traces of Continental Sediments

Lecture – seminar: Practical Experience with and Essential Aspects of Geologic Isolation of Radioactive and Other Dangerous Waste

XXV Baltic conference on the History of Science

Annual PhD students’ conferenceSince the Earth Crust till Quaternary in Lithuania

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel./fax 239 8231
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Edita Sužiedėlienė

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. B. Juodka, Dr. J. Kadziauskas, Dr. V. Kirvelienė, Dr. E. Sužiedėlienė, Dr. K. Sužiedėlis (part-time), Dr. A. Žvirblienė (part-time).
Docents: Dr. E. Bakienė, Dr., Dr. A. Markuckas, Dr. S. Sasnauskienė, Dr. S. Serva, Dr. V. Šeputienė (part-time), Dr. A. Zimkus.
Lecturers: Dr. D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. V. Jonušienė.
Chief research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonienė, Dr. V. Bendikienė, Dr. K. Sužiedėlis (part-time).
Senior research fellows:, Dr. D. Labeikytė, Dr. V. Šeputienė (part-time).
Affiliated researcher: Dr. A. Četkauskaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. J. Armalytė, Dr. J. Bražėnaitė, Dr. D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. V. Jonušienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. A. Zimkus.
Junior research fellows: V. Kiriliauskaitė, J. Povilonis.
Doctoral students: L. Juška, V. Kiriliauskaitė, J. Povilonis, M. Rudgalvytė, D. Šinkūnienė, N. Vėželytė, V. Gėgžna.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Genomic DNA-protein complexes
Biochemical mechanisms of cellular response to photooxidation and cytotoxic treatment
Mechanisms and clinical relevance of cellular response to environmental factors
Membrane barrier and sensor functions, mechanisms of penetration of bacteriophages
Analysis of the mechanisms of toxicity of environmental pollutants

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

General Programme:

Structure, Functions and Transformations of Biomolecules in Model and Live Systems. Prof. Habil. Dr. B. Juodka. 2011–2016.

Structure, Stability and Functions of Protein Complexes with Nucleic Acids or Carriers. Dr. L. Bagdonienė. 2011–2016.

The tightly bound to DNA proteins (TBPs) distribution along Amy32b and Bmy1 genes encoding α-amylase A and β-amylase correspondingly using oligonucleotide DNA arrays evaluated specific changes in both barley genes in different phases of seed development. In the Amy32b gene transition from watery ripe to the milky ripeness stage of seed development was followed by the decrease of TBP binding along the whole gene.
In the lipolytic enzymes-catalysed biotechnologically important process fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were produced from variuos free fatty acids, and triglycerides (oils). A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze the influence of the three process variables, namely, oil to methanol (wt./vol.) ratio, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time, on the FAMEs conversionof fatty acids esterification.

Barrier Properties of Biological Membranes. Doc. E. Bakienė. 2006–2012.

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is based on the use of a photosensitizer (PS), activated by visible light with generation of reactive oxygen species toxic to cells. However, membrane-localized bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR) pumps expel certain PS out of bacterial cells thus reducing the efficiency of PACT. No data currently exists regarding the ability of phenazine PSs to act as substrates of efflux pumps.
The influence of MDR pumps on photobactericidal and membranotoxic efficiency of phenazine dye safranine O on Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli was investigated. It was found, that inhibitor of RND pumps phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) strengthens safranine O phototoxic effects. E. coli mutant with inactive protein AcrA of efflux system is more sensitive to photokilling compared to the wild type cells. We also investigated influence of physiologic state of bacteria on photobactericidal efficiency of safranine O. Bacterial cells spread on a rich nutrient medium prior to exposure to PS become more resistant to photobactericidal action, but PAβN reduces this effect. This suggests that the PS safranine O is one of the MDR pumps’ substrateinE. coli cells.

Biochemical Mechanisms of Cell Death. Prof. V. Kirvelienė. 2006–2015.

Photodynamic treatment targeted to mitochondria, lysosomes, and cellular endomembranes in human epidermoid cell carcinoma A-431 increases the expression of cytokines VEGF-A and IL-1 at RNA level. Photodynamic treatment, single or in combination with Doxorubicin or Taxotere, stimulates secretion of VEGF and IL-1 from treated A-431 cells.

Investigation of Clinical Significance of the Molecular Components of Cellular Response to Environmental Factors. Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2009–2013.

Antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is important nosocomial pathogen worldwide. The toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems of this bacterium have been investigated by means of bioinformatic (identification of putative TA systems) and functional analysis (TA gene cloning and expression). A. baumannii possess several functional Type II TA systems, some of which are located on bacterial plasmids, which also harbour antibiotic resistance genes. Such TA systems might be important for plasmid maintenance. Functional analysis of cloned A. baumannii toxin genes showed that expression of most of them inhibits translation.

Development of the Integrated Biotest System for the Determination of the Toxicity of the Environmental Pollutants. Doc. Dr. A. Četkauskaitė. 2010–2014.
Hydrophobic anthropogenic and natural toxicants are bioaccumulated in sediments as mixtures. The toxicity of binary mixtures of such hydrophobic compounds, - AROCLOR 1248, A, oleic acid, OA, and elemental octahedral sulfur, S80, to Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence in vivo and in vitro was evaluated using full factorial experiment design and multiple linear regression analysis. Regression equations indicated different toxicodynamic effects in vivo changing with binary mixture composition. OA and S80 showed additive effect with antagonistic interaction (5 and 30 min exposure). Toxicodynamic character of A mixtures with OA or S80 depended on exposure time. In vitro (30 min exposure) data indicated three different toxicodynamic effects depending on binary mixture composition. Mixtures of A with S80, and OA with S80 both showed additive effects; however, without significant and with synergistic interaction, respectively. The toxic effect of A and OA mixture was antagonistic.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Detection of Food-born Pathogens by Molecular Techniques (MODETT). Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2012–2015.

International Science Programmes and Projects

COST TD0803: Detecting Evolutionary Hot Spots of Antibiotic Resistances in Europe (DARE). Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2008–2013.

EU Structural Funds

Biotechnology and Biopharmacy: fundamental and applied research (BIOTEFA A). Declarant, Vilnius university; Coordinators of research groups at Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology dr. V. Bendikienė, prof. V. Kirvelienė, prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2012–2015.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Monographs, Studies

A. Bumblauskas, S. Jegelevičius, B. Juodka, A. Jakubčionis, M. Jučas, L. Jovaiša, A. Kulakauskas, S. Kaubrys, R. Plečkaitis, A. Pacevičius, E. Raila, B. Riauba, V. Pšibilskis, E. Ulčinaitė, I. Leonavičiūtė. Alma Mater Vilnensis: Vilniaus universiteto istorijos bruožai : kolektyvinė monografija : antras pataisytas ir papildytas leidimas / vaizdinę medžiagą parengė Inga Leonavičiūtė. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 1060 p.

Articles

V. Kiriliauskaitė, V. Bendikienė, B. Juodka. Environment-friendly biodiesel production by transesterification of rapeseed oil: effect of reaction parameters // Journal of environmental engineering and landscape management / Vilniaus Gedimino technikos universitetas. Vilnius : Technika. 2012, vol. , no. p. [1-10].

N. Lachej-Mikerovienė, J. Didžiapetrienė, B. Kazbarienė, D. Kanopienė, V. Jonušienė. Association between Notch signaling pathway and cancer // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 4, p. 427-437.

R. Firantienė, R. Ėmužytė, S. Sasnauskienė, V. Urbonas, O. Kinčinienė, D. Kalibatienė. Magnio stokos organizme klinikiniai aspektai // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.1, p. 352-358.

B. Juodka. Amžininkų prisiminimais // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 8-9.

A. Vaitkuvienė, V. Gėgžna, R. Kurtinaitienė, J. Vaitkus. Cervical Smear Photodiagnosis by Fluorescence // Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. New Rochelle : Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers. 2012, Vol. 30, no. 5, p. 268-274.

D. Klionsky, A. Sasnauskienė. Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy / Daniel J. Klionsky and 1269 others [from Lithuania Aušra Sasnauskienė] // Autophagy. Austin : Landes Bioscience. 2012, vol. 8, no. 4, p. 445-544.

V. Šeputienė, J. Povilonis, E. Sužiedėlienė. Novel variants of AbaR resistance islands with a common backbone in acinetobacter baumannii isolates of European clone II // Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. Washington : American Society for Microbiology. 2012, vol. 56, no. 4, p. 1969-1973.

K. Bielskienė, D. Labeikytė, N. Sjakste, L. Bagdonienė, B. Juodka. Phosphatase activity in barley proteins tightly bound to DNA and its development dependent changes // Biochemistry. Moscow : Maik Nauka/Interperiodica/Springer. 2012, vol. 77, no. 6, p. 679-688.

J. Povilonis, V. Šeputienė, R. Krasauskas, R. Juškaitė, M. Miškinytė, K. Sužiedėlis, E. Sužiedėlienė. Spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii carrying a plasmid with two genes encoding OXA-72 carbapenemase in Lithuanian hospitals // Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol. no, p.

S. Sasnauskienė, R. Firantienė, V. Jablonskienė. Chromatografijos metodai ir jų taikymas // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 33-39.

K. Dapšys, I. Griškova-Bulanova, R. Kaukėnas, A. Šiurkutė, V. Mačiulis. Elektros impulsų terapijos poveikis klausos sukeltajam potencialui P300 nuotaikos sutrikimų ir šizofrenijos spektro sutrikimų atveju // Sveikatos mokslai / Sveikatos apsaugos ministerija. Vilnius : Sveikata. 2012, vol. 22, nr. 1, p. 82-88.

R. Firantienė, J. Račkus, S. Sasnauskienė, R. Ėmužytė, D. Kalibatienė, V. Jablonskienė. Seleno apykaitos organizmuose ypatumai // Laboratorinė medicina. Vilnius : Lietuvos laboratorinės medicinos draugija. 2012, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 48-56.

V. Šeputienė, A. Bogdaitė, M. Ružauskas, E. Sužiedėlienė. Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis from diseased farm animals: pigs, cattle and poultry // Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences. Olsztyn-Kortowo II : Polska Akademia Nauk. 2012, Vol. 15, no. 3, p. 431-438.

J. Armalytė, M. Jurėnaitė, G. Beinoravičiūtė, J. Teišerskas, E. Sužiedėlienė. Characterization of Escherichia coli dinJ-yafQ Toxin-Antitoxin System Using Insights from Mutagenesis Data // Journal of bacteriology. Washington : American Society for Microbiology. 2012, vol. 194, iss. 6, p. 1523-1532.

J. Aranda, R. Motiejūnaitė, E. Im, A. Kazlauskas. Diabetes disrupts the response of retinal endothelial cells to the angiomodulator lysophosphatidic acid // Diabetes. Alexandria : American Diabetes Association. 2012, vol. 61, no 5, p. 1225-1233.

J. Savickienė, G. Treigytė, V. Jonušienė, R. Bružaitė, V. Borutinskaitė, R. Navakauskienė. Epigenetic changes by zebularine leading to enhanced differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia NB4 and KG1 cells // Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. New York : Springer New York LLC. 2012, Vol. 359, iss. 1-2, p. 245-261.

L. Jakutytė, R. Lurz, C. Baptista, R. Carballido-Lopez, C. Sao-Jose, P. Tavares, R. Daugelavičius. First steps of bacteriophage SPP1 entry into Bacillus subtilis // Virology. Maryland Heights : Academic Press. 2012, Vol. 422, iss. 2, p. 425-434.

R. Buišas, R. Guzulaitis, O. Rukšėnas, A. Alaburda. Gain of spinal motoneurons measured from square and ramp current pulses // Brain research. Amsterdam : Elsevier Science BV. 2012, Vol. 1450, p. 33-39.

R. Guzulaitis, J. Hounsgaard, A. Alaburda. Inhibition of motoneurons during the cutaneous silent period in the spinal cord of the turtle // Experimental brain research. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, Vol. 220, no. 1, p. 23-28.

D. Dabkevičienė, A. Sasnauskienė, E. Leman, R. Kvietkauskaitė, N. Daugelavičienė, V. Stankevičius, V. Jurgelevičius, B. Juodka, V. Kirvelienė. mTHPC-mediated photodynamic treatment up-regulates the cytokines VEGF and IL-1alpha // Photochemistry and photobiology. Hoboken : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. 2012, vol. 88, no 2, p. 432-439.

P. Norvaišas, E. Kisdi. Revisiting Santa Rosalia to Unfold a Degeneracy of Classic Models of Speciation // The American Naturalist. Chicago : University of Chicago Press. 2012, Vol. 180, no. 3, p. 388-393.

N. Sjakste, K. Bielskienė, L. Bagdonienė, D. Labeikytė, A. Gutcaits, Y. Vassetzky, T. Sjakste. Tightly bound to DNA proteins: possible universal substrates for intranuclear processes // Gene. Amsterdam : Elsevier BV. 2012, vol. 492, no 1, p. 54-64.

E. Auksorius, Y. Bromberg, R. Motiejūnaitė, A. Pieretti, L. Liu, E. Coron, J. Aranda, A. Goldstein, B. Bouma, A. Kazlauskas, G. Tearney. Dual-modality fluorescence and full-field optical coherence microscopy for biomedical imaging applications // Biomedical Optics Express. Washington : Optical Society of America. 2012, vol. 3, no 3, p. 661-666.

Materials of conferences

K. Kasačiūnaitė, A. Kubilis, E. Bakienė. Salmonella enterica daugiavaisčio atsparumo siurblių ir porfirinų klasės fotosensibilizatorių sąveika // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 179-.

H. Geissler, V. Vanagas, A. Švėgžda, R. Bliumas, R. Stanikūnas, P. Vaitkevičius. Real-time gating of cyclic brain activity: evidence from modulations of binoculr rivalry induced by rapid stimulus interruptions // Fechner day 2012 : proceedings of the 28th annual meeting of the internatuional society for psychophysics, Ottawa, October 18-21, 2012 / Editors : Leth-Steensen, C. Schoenherr, J. R. Ottawa : The International Society of Psychophysics, 2012, p. 97-112.

I. Zaikova, A. Pleskačiauskas. Akių judesių analizė stebint dviprasmes figūras // Virtualūs instrumentai biomedicinoje 2012 = Virtual instruments in biomedicine : tarptautinės mokslinės-praktinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga. Klaipėda : Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2012, p. 8-12.

I. Lapeikaitė, V. Kisnierienė, V. Sakalauskas. Glutamo rūgšties poveikio menturdumblių elektrofiziologinėms savybėms tyrimas // Virtualūs instrumentai biomedicinoje 2012 = Virtual instruments in biomedicine : tarptautinės mokslinės-praktinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga. Klaipėda : Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2012, p. 47-50.

D. Kurmanavičiūtė, A. Alaburda. M-tipo K+ srovės įtaka motonuronų perdavimo funkcijai // Virtualūs instrumentai biomedicinoje 2012 = Virtual instruments in biomedicine : tarptautinės mokslinės-praktinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga. Klaipėda : Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2012, p. 43-46.

R. Sokolova, B. Burle, O. Rukšėnas. Reakcijos laikas į stimulo atsiradimą ir išnykimą: psichofizikiniai atsakai // Virtualūs instrumentai biomedicinoje 2012 = Virtual instruments in biomedicine : tarptautinės mokslinės-praktinės konferencijos pranešimų medžiaga. Klaipėda : Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2012, p. 67-70.

COOPERATION

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Jouy-en-Josas Research Centre, Paris University of Pierre and Marie Currie (France),
University of Latvia, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (Latvia)
Oslo University (Norway)
Linkoeping University (Sweden)
Lund University (Sweden)
Karolinska Institute (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. B. Juodka –

member of the European Academy of Sciences;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences;
editorial board member of the journal Biology.

Doc. J. Bražėnaitė –

member of the International Society of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (SECOTOX).

Doc. A. Četkauskaitė –

member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry;
member of the Society of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.

Prof. J. Kadziauskas –

expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
council member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society.

Prof. V. Kirvelienė–

expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
member of Council of Institute of Oncology.

Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė –

member of the Society of Microbiology of USA;
member of management committee of COST action TD0803.

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND GENETICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8263
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Jonas R. Naujalis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Jarmalaitė, Dr. E. Kutorga, Habil. Dr. J. Lazutka (part-time), Dr. A. Lubys (part-time, from 2012 09 01), Habil. Dr. J. R. Naujalis, Habil. Dr. V. Rančelis, Dr. G. Slapšytė (part-time), Habil. Dr. I. Pašakinskienė (part-time), Dr. D. Žvingila.
Docents: Dr. T. Česnienė, Dr. J. Kostkevičienė, Dr. A. Lubys (part-time, till 2012 08 31), Dr. V. Morkūnas (part-time), Dr. I. Prigodina Lukošienė (from 2012 09 01), Dr. J. Rukšėnienė, Dr. J. Tupčiauskaitė, Dr. G. Žvirblis (part-time).
Lecturers: S. Juzėnas, Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, Dr. I. Prigodina Lukošienė (part-time, till 2012 08 31), M. Rasimavičius (part-time).
Chief research fellow: Dr. G. Slapšytė (part-time).
Senior research fellows: Dr. V. Dedonytė, Dr. V. Kleizaitė, Dr. J. Mierauskienė, Dr. V. Morkūnas (part-time, till 2012 08 31), Dr. V. Vaitkūnienė.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Morkūnas (part-time, from 2012 09 01), Dr. J. Patamsytė, Dr. I. Prigodina Lukošienė (part-time, till 2012 08 31).
Junior research fellows: K. Daniūnaitė (from 2012 09 01), A. Stapulionytė (till 2012 08 31), M. Rasimavičius (part-time).
Doctoral students: K. Daniūnaitė (since October 01, 2012), R. Demidenko (since October 01, 2012), T. Iznova, G. Kundrotas, J. Makavičiūtė (since October 01, 2012), V. Naumavičius (till October 02, 2012), M. Rasimavičius, R. Rimgailaitė (since October 01, 2012), R. Spalinskas (till September 30, 2012), R. Šiukšta, I. Špakaitė (till September 30, 2012), J. Tverkuvienė (till October 01, 2012), V. Tunaitienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Research interests of botanists and mycologists:

Investigation of fungi, algae, lichen and plant biodiversity
Research of composition, structure and dynamics of lichen and plant populations
Studies of structure and interactions of fungal, lichen and plant communities
Studies of historical fungal, algae, lichen and plant collections, maintained in the Herbarium of Vilnius University Research of ornamental plant biology

Research interests of geneticists:

Search and application of the most effective biomarkers for genetic monitoring of human, animal and plant populations
Investigations of mutagenic and aneugenic effects of chemical compounds and physical factors in human cells in vitro and experimental animal model systems in vivo
Analysis of epigenetic changes in human malignancies
Studies of genome rearrangements in plant hybrids
Studies of DNA polymorphism in plant populations

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

The Structure, Interactions, Functioning and Conservation of Vegetation, Algobiota and Mycobiota in Ecosystems of Lithuania. Prof. J. R. Naujalis, Prof. E. Kutorga. 2011–2015.

The results of 1) distribution and habitats of rarely in Lithuania fern species Polypodium vulgare L.; 2) frequency of vascular plants in Beržupys gravel and sand pit (Varėna disrtict); 3) taxonomy of Nostoc species and strains (Cyanobacteria); 4) pyrenomycetes and loculoascomycetes (Ascomycota) of alluvial forests; 5) three new to Lithuania ascomycete species were identified. Research on biology and ecology of endangered and protected in Lithuania ascomycete species (Sarcosoma globosum, Gyromitra sphaerospora) was carried on. Analysis of wildfire and post-fire management effects on discomycetes and other fungi in Pinus mugo plantations located in Curonian Spit was completed. Taxonomic revision of herbarium specimens of genus Diphasiastrum in BILAS was completed. Phytoindicative research of biotic and abiotic factors in forests of Ost-Easth Lithuania was completed.

Genotoxicity Assessment and Mechanisms of Genotoxic Action of Anthropogenic and Natural Factors on Man, Animals and Plants. Prof. J. R. Lazutka, Prof. G. Slapšytė. 2009–2013.

For DNA methylation analysis quantitative methods were adapted and the levels of DNA methylation were analysed in malignant and nonmalignant tissues. Genotoxic potential of cobalt (Co3O4) and iron (Fe3O4) oxide nanoparticles was evaluated using cytogenetic (micronucleus, chromosome aberration, sister chromatid exchange) and single-cell electrophoresis assays in human lymphocytes. It was shown that nanoparticles induced significant increase in chromosome and primary DNA damage in a clear dose-dependent manner. The strongest impact of irradiation wavelength on induced DNA damage in murine bone marrow cells was revealed when genotoxic effects of UV laser irradiation with different parameters (wavelength, pulse duration and repetition rate) were compared. cpDNA studies highlighted the complexity of genome re-diploidiztion in Lolium and Festuca hybrids. trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF sequences were useful in tracing the species identity, while rpS12 - rpL20 and matK revealed individual differences between the genotypes.

Plant Polymorphism, Genome Stability and its Changing Factors. Prof. V. Rančelis, Prof. D. Žvingila. 2011–2015.

Permanent genotoxic action of soil contamination in the closed military territories was revealed with especially sensitive Tradescantia clone 4430 by SHM, MCN and morphose methods. It was also determined that really an adaptation to the chronic action of soil contamination absent in sensitive genotype. However, genotype significance for the genotoxic effects was shown on the different barley cultivars and revertants according DNA polymorphism induction by Al revealed with RAPD and ISSR methods. Effects of the several inhibitors of plant hormones were conferred on barley homeotic hybrids and meristematic cultures. Several selected hybrids between homeotic mutants Hooded and tw have ornamental significance and may be used for dry bunches. Significant polymorphism of hybrids was revealed by the growth intensity differences of meristematic tissue cultures. That observation was compared with the growth intensity and phenotype of the whole hybrid plants.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Project: Change of Bioactive Compounds in Underutilised Berry Species Depending on Genotype and Environment. Reg. No. SVE-04/2011. Prof. G. Slapšytė (VU part of project). 2011–2014. (Programme: Healthy and Safe Food).

Project: Development of Complex Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Clinical Significance of Prostate Cancer. Reg. No. LIG-14. Prof. J. R. Lazutka. 2012–2014. (Programme: Chronic Non-Infectiuos Diseases).

Project: Epigenomic Analysis of Polyphenism Phenomenon. Reg No. MIP-031. Prof. J.R. Lazutka. 2012–2014.

Project: Epigenetic Mechanisms of Cell Differentiation. Reg. No. MIP-12131. Prof. S. Jarmalaitė. 2012–2014.

Project: Colony of the Great Cormorants in Forest Ecosystem – Hypertrophication Impact and Rate of Dynamics (KOREKO). Reg. No. LEK-12001. Dr. J. Motiejūnaitė. 2012–2014 (participants of project dr. E. Kutorga, T. Iznova).

Colony of the Great Cormorans in Forest Ecosystem – Impact of Hypertrofication and Dynamics Rates (KOREKO). Reg. No. LEK-12001. Dr. J. Motiejūnaitė. 2012–2014. (participants dr. E. Kutorga, T. Iznova).

International Science Programmes, Projects and Contracts

European Social Fund under National Integrated Programme Biotechnology & Biopharmacy. Grant VP1-3.1-SMM- 08-K01-005, subaction 111.2 Noncoding RNA for diagnostics of cancer. Prof. S. Jarmalaite. 2012–2014.

Polish Academy of Sciences. Institute of Nature Conservation. Diversity of Freshwater Rhodophyta of Chosen Water Ecosystems in Poland with Molecular Studies of the Relationships within Some European Populations, N304 285937.Doc. J. Kostkevičienė. 2009–2012.

Scientific Cooperation with Enterprices

Optimization of Algae Culturing Conditions and Lipids Extraction. CJSC “Beatila” No. BS-140000-1910; 2010–2013.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

J. Tupčiauskaitė. Botanikos mokomoji lauko praktika : stuomeninių augalų mokomųjų ekskursijų konspektai, užduotys ir kontroliniai klausimai: mokomoji knyga. Vilnius, 2012. 146 p.

L. Prigodina. Kerpių ekologijos pagrindai : paskaitų konspektas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. 80 p.

R. Mikitiejeva, A. Kulbis, S. Juzėnas, G. Orintienė, N. Zableckis, Š. Gerulaitis, M. Simanavičienė. Pamokos gamtoje : teminės edukacinės programos / sudarė Ramunė Mikitiejeva ; programas rengė Almantas Kulbis, Sigitas Juzėnas, Ginta Orintienė, Nerijus Zableckis, Šarūnas Gerulaitis, Miglė Simanavičienė. Kaunas : Lututė, 2010. 119 p.

Articles

D. Žvingila, V. Vaitkūnienė, J. Patamsytė, A. Leistrumaitė, M. Staniūtė, L. Balčiūnienė, T. Čėsnienė, V. Kleizaitė, R. Šiukšta, V. Rančelis. DNA polymorphism and agronomic traits of revertants from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant tw // Žemdirbystė = Agriculture. Dotnuva : Lietuvos žemdirbystės institutas. 2012, t. 99, no. 2, p. 139-148.

E. Kutorga, G. Adamonytė, R. Iršėnaitė, J. Kasparavičius, S. Markovskaja, J. Motiejūnaitė, A. Treigienė. A checklist of mycobiota recorded in burnt and unburnt pinus mugo plantations in the Curonian spit (Lithuania) // Botanica Lithuanica / Botanikos institutas. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 66-79.

T. Iznova, J. Rukšėnienė. Ascomycete species new to Lithuania // Botanica Lithuanica / Botanikos institutas. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 18, nr. 1, p. 35-39.

I. Rudnickaitė, J. Naujalis, S. Juzėnas. Distribution and habitats of Polypodium vulgare L. in Lithuania // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 4, p. 179-188.

J. Motiejūnaitė, T. Berglund, P. Czarnota, D. Himelbrant, F. Hognabba, L. Konoreva, E. Korchikov, D. Kubiak, M. Kukwa, E. Kuznetsova, E. Leppik, P. Lohmus, L. Prigodina, J. Pykala, D. Stončius, I. Stepanchikova, A. Suija, A. Thell, A. Tsurykau, M. Westberg. Lichens, lichenicolous and allied fungi found in Asveja regional park (Lithuania)/ // Botanica Lithuanica / Botanikos institutas. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 85-100.

J. Tupčiauskaitė, T. Žemgulytė. Preliminary Data on Distribution and Identification of Diphasiastrum Ć— Zeilleri (Rouy) Holub in Lithuania // Botanica Lithuanica / Botanikos institutas. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 18, nr. 2, p. 147-153.

V. Naumavičius, J. Naujalis. Lietuvos fitoterapinė patirits: į vaistinių augalų sąvadus retai įtraukiamų induočių augalų rūšys // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 660-664.

V. Naumavičius, J. Naujalis. Lietuvos fitoterapinė patirtis: į vaistinių augalų sąvadus retai įtraukiamų induočių augalų rūšys // Medicinos teorija ir praktika. Vilnius : Medicinos mintis. 2012, t. 18, nr. 4.2, p. 660-664.

G. Kundrotas. Surface markers distinguishing mesenchymal stem cells from fibroblasts // Acta medica Lituanica. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija. 2012, vol. 19, nr. 2, p. 75-79.

J. Naujalis. Prof. L. Vailionio biologinė pasaulėjauta // Liudas Vailionis : monografija. Kaunas : VDU leidykla, 2011, p. 304-309.

R. Šiukšta, V. Vaitkūnienė, V. Rančelis, D. Žvingila, T. Čėsnienė, V. Kleizaitė, J. Žukauskaitė, L. Balčiūnienė. Barley homeotic mutants and their hybrids for ornamental purposes // Acta Horticulturae. Leuven : International Society Horticultural Science. 2012, Vol. 953 : Ornamental Breeding Worlwide : Proceedings of the 24th International EUCARPIA Symposium - Section Ornamentals, September 2-5, 2012, Warsaw, Poland. p. 337-343.

R. Sabaliauskaitė, S. Jarmalaitė, D. Petroška, D. Dasevičius, A. Laurinavičius, F. Jankevičius, J. Lazutka. Combined analysis of TMPRSS2-ERG and TERT for improved prognosis of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer // Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer. Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2012, Vol. 51, iss. 8, p. 781-791.

R. Cortese, A. Kwan, E. Lalonde, O. Bryzgunova, A. Bondar, Y. Wu, J. Gordevičius, M. Park, G. Oh, Z. Kaminsky, J. Tverkuvienė, A. Laurinavičius, F. Jankevičius, D. Sendorek, S. Haider, S. Wang, S. Jarmalaitė, P. Laktionov, P. Boutros, A. Petronis. Epigenetic markers of prostate cancer in plasma circulating DNA // Human molecular genetics. Oxford : Oxford university press. 2012, vol, p.

A. Laurinavičius, A. Laurinavičienė, V. Ostapenko, D. Dasevičius, S. Jarmalaitė, J. Lazutka. Immunohistochemistry profiles of breast ductal carcinoma: factor analysis of digital image analysis data // Diagnostic pathology. London : BioMed Central. 2012, vol. 7, p. art. no 27. DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-7-27.

V. Rančelis, T. Čėsnienė, V. Kleizaitė, D. Žvingila, L. Balčiūnienė. Influence of cobalt uptake by Vicia faba seeds on chlorophyll morphosis induction, SOD polymorphism, and DNA methylation // Environmental toxicology. Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2012, vol. 27, iss.1, p. 32-41.

R. Spalinskas, d. Van, d. Van, A. Milcamps. LT-RADE: An Efficient User-Friendly Genome Walking Method Applied to the Molecular Characterization of the Insertion Site of Genetically Modified Maize MON810 and Rice LLRICE62 // Food Analytical Methods. New York : Springer New York LLC. 2012, Vol. p.

A. Ščėsnaitė, S. Jarmalaitė, P. Mutanen, S. Anttila, F. Nyberg, S. Benhamou, P. Boffetta, K. Husgafvel-Pursiainen. Similar DNA methylation pattern in lung tumours from smokers and never-smokers with second-hand tobacco smoke exposure // Mutagenesis. Oxford : Oxford University Press. 2012, vol, p. [1-7].

E. Kutorga, G. Adamonytė, R. Iršėnaitė, S. Juzėnas, J. Kasparavičius, S. Markovskaja, J. Motiejūnaitė, A. Treigienė. Wildfire and post-fire management effects on early fungal succession in Pinus mugo plantations, located in Curonian Spit (Lithuania) // Geoderma. Elsevier BV. 2012, vol.n ,o, p.

J. Proscevičius, V. Rančelienė, V. Kleizaitė. Application of Mixed Incongruous Pollen for Interspecific Crosses of Lilies // Floriculture and Ornamental Biotechnology. Middlesex : Global Science Books, Ltd. 2012, Vol. 6, spec.iss. 2, p. 89-93.

Materials of conferences

G. Slapšytė, B. Gricienė, J. Mierauskienė. Darbo aplinkoje mažomis jonizuojančiosios spinduliuotės dozėmis veikiamų asmens sveikatos priežiūros įstaigų ir atominės elektrinės darbuotojų citogenetiniai tyrimai // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 104-113.

S. Jarmalaitė. Epigenetika XXI amžiuje // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 11-22.

E. Meškauskaitė, J. Naujalis. Saugomų induočių augalų tyrimai Lietuvoje: būklė ir kryptys // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 71-81.

V. Tunaitienė, J. Patamsytė, T. Čėsnienė, V. Kleizaitė, D. Naugžemys, V. Rančelis, D. Žvingila. Comparison of genetic diversity in two alien plant species // Tagungsband 25. Deutsche Arbeitsbesprechung uber Fragen der Unkrautbiologie und -bekampfung = 25th German Conference on Weed Biology and Weed Control, 13-15 March 2012, Germany : proceedings. Vol. 2. - Ser.: Julius Kuhn Archiv. 434. Braunschweig : Technische Universitat Braunschweig, 2012, p. 679-685

COOPERATION

Nature Research Centre, Institutes of Botany and Ecology, Vilnius (Lithuania)
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK)
Botanical Garden of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany)
State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (Lithuania)
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Finland)
Institute of Biology, University of Latvia (Latvia)
Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Institute of Hygiene (Lithuania)
Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Lithuania)
Moscow State University (Russia)
National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Ecosystem Study (ISE)
Telemark University College and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway)
Ohio University, Department of Environmental and Plant Biology (USA)
Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Nature Conservation (Poland)
Belarussian State University (Belorussia)
V.F.Kuprevich Institute of Experimental Botany of the NAS of Belarus (Belorussia)
University of Białystok (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Kutorga –

editor of the journal Botanica Lithuanica;
editorial board member of the journal Folia Cryptogamica Estonica;
editorial board member of the journal Acta Mycologica;
editorial board member of multivolume edition Lietuvos grybai (Mycota Lithuaniae);
head of Council of Mycologists Society of Lithuania.

Prof. J. R. Lazutka –

vice-editor of the journal Biologija (Biology);
editor of the Central European Journal of Biology;
member of the Council of the Lithuanian Society of Geneticists and Breeders.

Prof. J. R. Naujalis –

editorial board member of the journal Botanica Lithuanica;
editorial board member of the journal Ekologija;
editorial board member of the journal Scripta Horti Botanici Universitatis Vytauti Magni;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of Lithuanian Red Book Committee.

Prof. V. Rančelis –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
editorial board member of of the Lithuanian General Encyclopoedia;
editorial board member Ecological Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences);
editorial board member of Supervision Committee of Plant Genetical Resources.

Prof. G. Slapšytė -

expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Plants.

Prof. D. Žvingila –

expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Plants;
member of Lithuanian Biotechnology Association.

Doc. J. Kostkevičienė –

member of the Hydrobiological Society of Lithuania;
expert of Bonus program;
head of Council of Algologists Society of Lithuania.

Doc. J. Rukšėnienė –

curator of the Herbarium of Vilnius University (WI);
member of Mycological Society of Lithuania.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8288; 239 8286
E-mail:

Head – Doc. Dr. Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. P. Kavaliauskas, Dr. Dovilė Krupickaitė, Habil. Dr. A. Česnulevičius (part-time).
Docents: Dr. M. Dumbliauskienė, Dr. F. Kavoliutė, Dr. D. Krupickaitė, Dr. J. Mačiulytė, Dr. R. Prapiestienė, Dr. D. Veteikis, Dr. I. Bražukienė (part-time), Dr. D. Burneika (part-time), Dr. V. Daugirdas (part-time), Dr. M. Jankauskaitė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Skorupskas, Dr. J. Volungevičius, Dr. R. Šimanauskienė, R. Tučas, V. Bezaras (part-time).
Doctoral students: G. Bevainienė, V. Gregorauskienė, D. Ovodas, K. Papšys, J.Raudonytė, V. Valatka, V. Valiūnaitė, L. Zuzo, L. Jukna, I. Ročiūtė, A.Bagočiūtė, A.Balčiūnas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Spatial analysis of landscape and natural geosystems
Spatial analysis of political, social and economical units
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of environmental processes
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of political, social and economical processes
Prognoses of landscape changes
Prognoses of spatial changes of society
Optimization of land management and strategic planning
Geographical groundings of regional policy
Visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Territorial Differentiation of Lithuanian Landscape Structure in Terms of Environment Protection and Planning Concepts. Doc. D. Veteikis. 2011–2015.

Research involved analysis of landscape structure changes in Lithuanian territory using CORINE data bases of 1995, 2000, and 2006 and aerial photograph of 1995–1999, 2005–2006, and 2009–2010. Changes of spontaneous forest growth (re-forestation) in landscape were investigated using sample methodology. Investigation of land use plot distribution in different landscape types was conducted. Methodology of assessing landscape structure optimality for different landscape functional priority zones and natural types was developed and offered for landscape planning purposes. Cultural diversity and geographical distribution of cemeteries in landscape as representatives of cultural identities were analysed through cartographic material and field studies. Peculiarities and significance of stony landscapes were investigated. Problem of classification of anthropogenic soils was being developed. Urban greeneries ecological significance was investigated in different cities of Lithuania.

Political, Cultural, Social, and Economical Geographical Differentiation of Lithuanian Territory in Terms of State Development Policy. Prof. P. Kavaliauskas. 2011–2015.

Research continued integrated socio-economic analysis of the main indices of political, cultural, social and economic differences in the development of the Lithuanian Republic. Some methodological prerequisites of the analysis were made and pilot investigations were completed. The main attempts were made in the sphere of urban development problems, first of all in functional zoning of the territory and population changes. Another significance research was concerned with migration processes, especially emigration tendences. The third exploration was in the sphere of Lithuanian industry development and its territorial spreading. Also, important analysis presents the preparation of the methodics for social microregionalization of Lithuanian territory by official statistic data with differing the special units –sociomorphotopes. Current and future socio-economical development of agricultural territories was investigated.

Research Project Funded by Deutche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Project: Between Gentrification and a Downward Spiral: Socio-spatial Change and Persistence in Residential Neighbourhoods of Selected CEE Urban Regions. Doc. D. Krupickaitė, V. Valatka (doctoral student). 2007–2011.

Research Project Funded by National Science Centre of Poland

Project: Socio-Economic Development and the Pattern of Growth and Stagnation Areas. Prof. D. Krupickaite, doc. D. Burneika, E. Mineikaitė (master student). 2011–2013.

Research Projects funded by the Research Counsil of Lithuania

Project: Socio-Linguistic Map of Lithuania: Cities and Towns. Prof. D. Krupickaite (under leadership of VU Dept. of Lithuanian Studies).

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

D. Veteikis. Kraštovaizdžio antropogeninės struktūros : mokomoji knyga. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 163 p.

F. Kavoliutė. Lietuvos gamtinis pamatas. D. 1: Gelmės ir paviršius : paskaitų konspektas [Elektroninis išteklius]. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 90 p. :.

J. Volungevičius, P. Kavaliauskas. Lietuvos dirvožemiai : (žemėlapio aprašas) : mokomoji priemonė. Vilnius, 2012. 22 p. :.

R. Prapiestienė. Želdynų kūrimo, naudojimo, tvarkymo ir apsaugos reglamentavimas . D. 1 : mokymo priemonė [Elektroninis išteklius]. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 385 p.

Other Books

D. Krupickaitė, A. Poviliūnas. Social impact of emigration and rural-urban migration in Central and Eastern Europe: Lithuania : final country report. , 95 p.

Parts of the Books

J. Mačiulytė. Antanas Panava. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė. Antanas Petrikonis. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė. Jonas Volungevičius. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė, E. Koustova. Le quotidien. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė, A. Blum. Les lieux de la deportation. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė, A. Blum. Les territoires de la deportation. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė. Rimgaudas Ruzgys. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

J. Mačiulytė. Une Ć¢me de paysan. Deportes en URSS : Recits d'Europeens au goulag (1CD audio) / Dirige par Marta Craveri et Valerie Nivelon Alain Blum. Paris : CNRS-EHESS, 2012, p. 251-266.

J. Mačiulytė. Vincas Krušas. Memoires europeennes DU GOULAG. Paris : L'Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales, 2011.

Articles

J. Taminskas, M. Pileckas, R. Šimanauskienė, R. Linkevičienė. Wetland classification and inventory in Lithuania // Baltica. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, vol. 25, no. 1, p. 33-44.

K. Papšys. Ekstremalių įvykių rizikos kompleksinio vertinimo kartografinis metodas // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 145-153.

M. Dumbliauskienė, S. Jarmalavičienė. Gyvenimo kokybės kompleksinio vertinimo metodologinės problemos // Geografijos metraštis. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, t. 45, p. 3-16.

J. Juozulynas, R. Prapiestienė, R. Stukas, A. Jurgelėnas. Radiologų sveikatos ir darbo sąlygų tyrimai // Gerontologija / Lietuvos gerontologų ir geriatrų draugija. Vilnius : Gilija. 2011, t. 12, nr. 3, p. 172-176.

P. Kavaliauskas, A. Jasinavičiūtė. Rekreacinių regioninių parkų problema Lietuvoje // Geografijos metraštis. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, t. 45, p. 29-44.

A. Balevičiūtė, D. Veteikis. Renatūralizacijos pokyčiai Lietuvos kraštovaizdyje 1995-2010 metais // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 132-144.

R. Tučas, L. Tamulynas. Skaitmeninis Lietuvos archeologinių vietų ir radimviečių žemėlapis // Lietuvos archeologija. Vilnius : Lietuvos istorijos institutas. 2012 t. 38, p. 339-356.

P. Kavaliauskas, J. Prunskytė. Valstybingumo teritorinės raiškos optimizavimo problema (tautų apsisprendimo teisės kontekste) // Geografijos metraštis. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, t. 45, p. 45-65.

M. Dumbliauskienė, S. Jarmalavičienė. Gyvenimo kokybės kompleksinio vertinimo metodologinės problemos // Geografijos metraštis. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, t. 45, p. 3-16.

P. Kavaliauskas, A. Jasinavičiūtė. Rekreacinių regioninių parkų problema Lietuvoje // Geografijos metraštis. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, t. 45, p. 29-44.

R. Tučas, L. Tamulynas. Skaitmeninis Lietuvos archeologinių vietų ir radimviečių žemėlapis // Lietuvos archeologija. Vilnius : Lietuvos istorijos institutas. 2012 t. 38, p. 339-356.

A. Česnulevičius. Mykolas Mikalajūnas (1936 12 15-2012 10 19) // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 158-159.

F. Kavoliutė. Krajobraz rolniczy Litwy i tendencje jego zmian // Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Administratio Locorum. Olsztyn : Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warminsko-Mazurskiego. 2012, Vol. 11, no. 3, p. 127-135.

J. Mačiulytė, D. Veteikis, S. Šabanovas. Recomposition of rural space in Lithuania since the restoration of independence // Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Administratio Locorum. Olsztyn : Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warminsko-Mazurskiego. 2012, Vol. 11, no. 3, p. 167-183.

Materials of conferences

F. Kavoliutė. Atminties kraštovaizdžio paieškos // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 129-140.

S. Šabanovas, P. Kavaliauskas. Poly-functional zoning as a factor of urban sustainability // WSF 2012 : the 2nd World Sustainability Forum, Basel, Switzerland, 1-30 November, 2012 [e-conference]. Basel : MDPI, 2012, p. [1-9].

L. Zuzo. Stan obecny i perspektywy prac w ramach reformy rolnej na wsi litewskiej // Planowanie rozwoju przestrzeni wiejskiej : XXVIII międzynarodowe seminarium geograficzno-rolnicze i obszarow wiejskich. Pelplin : Bernardinum Sp.z o.o. 2012, p. 243-255.

J. Mačiulytė, M. Dedeire. Communautes rurales et initiatives locales en Lituanie // Comptes Rendus de l'Academie d'Agriculture de France. Paris : Academie d'Agriculture de France. 2012, Vol. 98, no. 1, p. 31-32.

COOPERATION

Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
State Service for Protected Area (Lithuania)
Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)
Montpellier III University (France)
French University of Social Sciences (France)
Munich University (Germany)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University College London (Great Britain)
Oulu University (Finland)
Jagelonian University, Cracow (Poland)
Warsaw University (Poland)
Torun University (Poland)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)
Kiev University (Ukraine)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Centre of Natural and Cultural Heritage (Russia)
Catholic University of Valencia (Spain)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. P. Kavaliauskas –

expert of the Asahi Glass Foundation, http://af-info.or.jp;
representative of Lithuania for European Landscape Convention;
editorial advisory board member of the Central European Journal of Geosciences (CEJG);
international advisory board member of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), www.geo.lt/metrastis.htm.

Prof. A. Česnulevičius –

editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography), www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo/;
editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography, www.vtu.lt/leidiniai;
President of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society, www.gf.vu.lt/kc/lkd.

Doc. D. Burneika –

editor-in-chief of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), www.geo.lt/metrastis.htm;

Doc. D. Veteikis –

editorial board member of the journal Annales Geographicae (The Geographical Yearbook), http://www.geo.lt/geo/index.php?id=706.

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

21/27 M.K.Čiurlionio, LT-03101, Vilnius
Tel. 239 8278, 239 8280, fax.239 8283
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. R.Mokrik, Dr. K. Dundulis.
Docents: Dr. S. Gadeikis, Dr. P. Klizas, Dr. R. K. Jokšas, Dr. R. Šečkus.
Lecturers: Dr. G. Žaržojus, Dr. S. Gadeikytė (part time), I. Vėjelytė, Dr., V. Račkauskas, Dr. G. Žaržojus.
Research fellow: D. Gribulis.
Doctoral students: A. Štuopis, D. Urbaitis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

In Engineering geology:

Seismic cone penetration tests of geotechnical properties of the soils
Geomechanical properties of the rocks and its formation
Engineering geological conditions of urbanized areas and technogenic loading influence to the geo-environment

In Hydrogeology:

Assessment of groundwater resources of the Quaternary aquifer system in eastern Lithuanian region
Isotopes and geochemistry of the groundwater

In Geology of crystalline basement:

Lithuanian Deformation zones petrography and U/Pb geochronology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Influence of Post-Glacial Processes to Formation of Groundwater and Soil Properties. Prof. R. Mokrik. 2011–2015.

For the steady-state flow model of eastern Lithuania Quaternary aquifer system was compiled. Considering main particularities of this multi-layered system 11 layers were distinguished in this model, including 3 interglacial/interstadial aquifers. This distinction into separate modeled layers is based by analyzed hydraulic, hydrochemical and tritium isotope data criteria. A conceptual model of the Quaternary aquifer system was developed using numerical code MODFLOW. The analysis includes the varying groundwater tritium composition estimated on the cross-section from the research area to discharge area and their data set into simulated flow model. Two main scientific approaches are discussed in the article: schematization principles of multilayered Quaternary deposits with respect to its aquifer system strata; calibration of mathematical model with respect to vertical and horizontal groundwater flows and distribution of their velocities as well as adequacy of water balance according to revising mathematical model of tritium data. Hydrochemistry and isotopic techniques is as additional information for build up the conceptual model of regional groundwater flow. Hydrochemical criteria were used in order to prove similarity of hydrochemical facies composition in aquifers. Results obtained after analysis of groundwater chemical composition shows up that described intermorainic layers in the greater part of the modeled territory are still rather well isolated from each other, thus their distinction as separate modeled layers in mathematical model is motivated according to these hydrochemical facies criteria. The data of groundwater residence time according to volume activity of tritium (3H) was used for verifying the flow model.
The derivation of dynamic geotechnical parameters of soil are of primary importance in designing specific structures. The correlation between the seismic wave velocities and cone resistance was derived from seismic cone penetration tasting (SCPT) of Quaternary glacial sandy soils. The derived regression equation could be reasonably used in assessing dynamic geotechnical and seismic parameters in Lithuania.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

S. Gadeikis, K. Dundulis, G. Žaržojus, S. Gadeikytė, D. Urbaitis, D. Gribulis, S. Šliaupa. Correlation of shear-wave velocities and cone resistance of quaternary glacial sandy soils defined by Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPT) // Journal of vibroengineering. 2012, vol. 14, iss. 2, p. 715-722.

A. Štuopis, V. Juodkazis, R. Mokrik. Quaternary aquifer system flow modelling using chemical and tritium isotope data: the case of south-east Lithuania // Baltica. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, vol. 25, no. 2, p. 91-98.

V. Juodkazis, A. Klimas. Apie profesinę hidrogeologų kalbą ir terminiją // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 3, p. 48-50.

V. Juodkazis. Hidrogeologiniai tyrimai ir idėjos // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 230-242.

Materials of conferences

S. Gadeikis, K. Dundulis, G. Žaržojus, S. Gadeikytė, P. Klizas, D. Urbaitis, D. Gribulis. Inžinerinių barjerų izoliacinių molio gruntų sluoksnių geotechniniai tyrimai // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 117-128.

R. Mokrik, V. Juodkazis, A. Štuopis, A. Marcinonis. A regional steady state groundwater flow modeling of the Quaternary deposits using isotope-hydrogeochemical data, eastern part of Lithuania // SGEM 2012 : 12th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference : conference proceedings, 17-23 June, Bulgaria. 2012. Vol. 2, p. 9-16.

COOPERATION

Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)
University of Lund (Sweden)
Stockholm University (Sweden)
Tallinn Technical University (Estonia)
Warsaw University (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Mokrik –

member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology) and ISI Web of Science Baltica.

Prof. K. Dundulis –

editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology);
national representative of International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment.

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292, fax 239 8292
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Arūnas Bukantis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Bukantis, Habil. Dr. K. Kilkus, Dr. E. Rimkus.
Docents: Dr. G. Stankūnavičius, Dr. G. Valiuškevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Kažys, Dr. D. Pupienis, Dr. E. Stonevičius, Dr. J. Liukaitytė, Dr. R. Linkevičienė.
Doctoral students: J. Daubarienė, D. Valiukas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Climate change, quantitative and qualitative fluctuations of Lithuanian water resources
Indices of climate change in Lithuania and the response of hydrosphere (lakes water levels and sediments, rivers discharges, the Baltic Sea water levels, temperature and salinity, coastline and coast sediment budget) to the long-term climate fluctuations
Extreme climatic phenomena, climatic resources dynamics and forecasting
Regional anthropogenic climate changes, climate change impact on environment and economy
Applied and road meteorology, human biometeorology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Climate Change and Quantitative and Qualitative Fluctuations of Lithuanian Water Resources. Prof. A. Bukantis. 2009–2013.

Identification of the tendencies of the regional climate change and the hydrological processes, assessment of the climate change impact on the Baltic Sea coasts, analysis of the measures to facilitate adequate adaptation strategies, verification of numerical weather prediction outputs under different atmospheric circulation background were realised.

International Science Programmes and Projects

Project: Baltic Sea Region programme 2007-2013 Climate Change: Impacts, Costs and Adaptation in the Baltic Sea Region (BaltCICA). Doc. Dr. E. Rimkus. 2009–2011. http://www.baltcica.org/

Project: Management of the Niemen River basin with account of adaptation to climate change in the programme of pilot projects on adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins under the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention). Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus, Dr. E. Stonevičius. 2011–2012.
http://www1.unece.org/ehlm/platform/display/ClimateChange/Neman

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Textbooks, Manuals

G. Valiuškevičius. Hidrometrija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 344 p.

K. Kilkus, E. Stonevičius. Lietuvos vandenų geografija : vadovėlis. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 184 p.

Other Books

J. Arustienė, A. Bukantis, A. Damušytė, D. Jarmalavičius, J. Kažys, J. Kriukaitė, V. Ramanauskienė, E. Rimkus, E. Stonevičius, G. Valiuškevičius, J. Satkūnas, E. Taločkaitė, G. Žilinskas. Klimato kaita Klaipėdos mieste ir rajone : poveikis, kaina ir prisitaikymas / autorių kolektyvas; redaktorius Justas Kažys. Vilnius : Vilniaus universitetas, 2012. 120 p.

J. Kažys, G. Kizevičienė, D. Liutikas, A. Narbutas, D. Valiukas. Prisitaikymas prie klimato kaitos žemės ūkyje : projekto "BalticClimate" pamokos / redaktorius Darius Liutikas; teksto autoriai : Justas Kažys, Giedrė Kizevičienė, Darius Liutikas, Aurelijus Narbutas, Donatas Valiukas. Vilnius : Aplinkos vertinimo projektai, 2012. 112 p. :.

Articles

D. Pupienis, G. Žilinskas, D. Jarmalavičius, J. Satkūnas. Dynamics of the Nemunas River delta front during the period 1910-2005 // Baltica. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, vol. 25, no. 1, p. 45-56.

E. Rimkus, D. Valiukas, J. Kažys, E. Stonevičius. Dryness dynamics of the Baltic Sea region // Baltica. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija. 2012, Vol. 25, no. 2, p. 129-142.

J. Ivanauskaitė, A. Bukantis, G. Stankūnavičius. The application of AgroMetShell model for the analysis and prediction of spring barley productivity in Lithuania // Žemdirbystė = Agriculture. Dotnuva : Lietuvos žemdirbystės institutas. 2012, t. 99, no. 2, p. 213-220.

E. Ramanenko, G. Stankūnavičius. Atmosferos stabilumo tyrimas anticikloninės cirkuliacijos dariniuose // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 77-85.

A. Bajerčiūtė, D. Pupienis. Baltijos jūros hidrologinį režimą formuojančių hidrometeorologinių veiksnių analizė 1960-2009 m // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 1, p. 11-20.

E. Stonevičius, S. Jonuškaitė. HEC-HMS modelių sistemos taikymo Jūros upės šiltojo laikotarpio poplūdžių modeliavimui vertinimas // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 1, p. 21-30.

J. Valauskaitė, G. Stankūnavičius. Integruoto vandens garų kiekio virš Baltijos regiono klimatiniai rodikliai // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 108-118.

T. Glavickas, E. Stonevičius. Ledo sangrūdų paplitimo Lietuvos upėse ir jų poveikio upių vandens lygiui vertinimas // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 119-131.

J. Daubarienė, G. Valiuškevičius. Lietuvos ežerų funcinio panaudojimo klasifikacija // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 1, p. 44-54.

L. Šidlauskaitė, J. Kažys. Lietuvos kelių orų sąlygų (KOS) stotelių duomenų taikymas erdvinio temperatūros lauko analizei // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 86-96.

A. Bajerčiūtė, D. Pupienis. Tolimųjų klimatodaros ryšių poveikis Baltijos jūros vandens temperatūrai ir druskingumui // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 1, p. 1-10.

S. Strolytė, E. Rimkus. Vėjo krypties ir greičio kaita Lietuvoje 1971-2010 metais // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 97-107.

G. Valiuškevičius, J. Daubarienė. Plaukiojimo priemonių naudojimo galimybės Lietuvos saugomų teritorijų ežeruose // Aplinkos apsaugos inžinerija : 13-osios Lietuvos jaunųjų mokslininkų "Mokslas - Lietuvos ateitis" straipsnių rinkinys (2010 m. kovo 25 d.). Vilnius : Technika, 2010, p. 80-85.

A. Bukantis. Kęstutis Kaušyla (1922 01 06-2012 11 07) // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 154-155.

A. Bukantis. Valentina Matulevičienė-Judickytė (1929 08 29-2012 09 28) // Geografija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 48, nr. 2, p. 156-157.

G. Stankūnavičius, D. Basharin, D. Pupienis. Relationship between Eurasian large-scale patterns and regional climate variability over the Black and Baltic seas // Boreal environment research. Helsinki : Suomen Ymparistokeskus. 2012, vol. 17, no. 5, p.327-346.

Materials of conferences

J. Kažys. Searching for the best index characterizing human thermal conditions in Lithuania // Bioclimate 2012 : Bioclimatology of ecosystems : proceedings of international scientific conference, Ausgust 29th-31st, Chech Republic. Praha : Chech university of life sciences Prague, 2012, p. 38-39.

D. Valiukas. Droughts analysis in Lithuania using SPI and HTC indexes // BALWOIS 2012: conference on water observation and information system for decision support, 28 May-June 2, 2012, Ohrid [Elektroninis išteklius]. Ohrid, 2012, p. [1-9].

D. Pupienis, D. Jarmalavičius, G. Žilinskas. Baltijos jūros kranto linijos dinamikos tendencijos 1910-2012 metais // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 141-152.

COOPERATION

Daugavpils University (Latvia)
Temple University (USA)
European Metreorological Society
Company “Lietuvos draudimas” (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipėda University (Lithuania)
Institute of Physics (Lithuania)
Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (Lithuania)
Marine Research Centre (Lithuania)
Environmental Protection Agency (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)
Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Lithuania)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
Global Water Partnership presence in Central and Eastern Europe

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Bukantis –

national expert for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, http://unfccc.int/2860.php;
member of National Climate Change Committee, http://www.am.lt/;
member of Climate Broadcasters Network – Europe, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/networks/index_en.htm;
editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, http://www.vgtu.lt/leidiniai/?id=29.

Prof. K. Kilkus –

editor-in-chief of the journal Geografija (Geography), http://www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo;
editorial board member of the Polish journal Limnological Review, http://www.ksiegarnia.uni.torun.pl/a_index.html;
editorial board member of the journal Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, http://www.apini.l;
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, http://lma.lt/index.php?lang=lt;
member of the Nordic Hydrological Association, www.nhf-hydrology.org;
member of the Polish Limnological Society, www.pth.home.pl/portal/;
member of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, http://www.iugg.org/associations/iahs.php.

Prof. E. Rimkus –

editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography), http://www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo/.

Doc. G. Valiuškevičius –

editorial board member of the journal Annales Geographicae, http://www.geo.lt/geo/index.php;
member of the Nordic Hydrological Association, www.nhf-hydrology.org;

Doc. G. Stankūnavičius –

national technical expert of the European Flood Alert System (EFAS), http://efas.jrc.it;
integrated Drought Management Task Force expert “IDMP TF Expert”, http://www.gwp.org/gwp-in-action/Central-and-Eastern-Europe/.

E. Stonevičius –

secretary of editorial board of the journal Geografija (Geography), http://www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo/.

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

21/27 M.K.Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel: 239 8205, 239 8206
www. http://mikrob.gf.vu.lt/lt/

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Lilija Kalėdienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Čitavičius, Dr. L. Kalėdienė, Dr. G. Biziulevičienė, Dr. A. Meškauskas, Dr. R. Meškys.
Docents: Dr. N. Kuisienė, Dr. J. Raugalas, Dr. G. Giedraitytė, Dr. M. Jodinskienė, Dr. I. Girkontaitė, Dr. I. Pumputienė.
Lecturers: R. Puzirauskas, Dr. E. Lastauskienė.
Assistants: J. Lekavičiūtė, V. Norkūnas.
Doctoral students: V. Norkūnas, S. Sakalauskas, V. Černyšiov, R. Kananavičiūtė, J. Paškovska, A.Jasilionis, R. Petkauskaitė, from 2012 10 01 A.Gegeckas, R. Gudiukaitė, R. Pranckutė.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Genomics and biotechnologies: fundamental and applied research
Structure, functions and mutations of biomolecules in model and live systems

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prokaryotes Biodiversity and Biotechnological Potential in Molecular Microbiology Aspect. Dr. N. Kuisienė 201–2015.

Evaluation of prokaryotic biodiversity and their biotechnological potential, the applying of the molecular microbiology research strategy - molecular taxonomy and new, biotechnologically important enzymes in terms of analysis of gene and protein level. The assessment of Gram-positive thermophilic bacteria growth with intention to evaluate their possibility to synthesize the important polysaccharides and proteins deteriorating enzymes.

Engineering of Microorganisms Cellular and Extracellular Proteins. Prof. D. Čitavičius. 2011–2015.

The evaluation of genetic and environmental factors that influence the micro-cellular enzymes functionality and specificity. The analysis of cyclic AMP metabolism genes that control the influence of protein prion structure formation. The comparison of the enantioselectivic primary structure of Yeast and bacterial enzymes according to data bases.

Selection and Analysis of Microorganisms for Inovative Biotechnology Development. Prof. L. Kalėdienė. 2011–2015.

Selection of microorganisms in order to create the active producers for environmental biotechnology development. The research of important microorganism and their products for environmental biotechnological processes and the analysis of their metabolic products

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

K. Verižnikovienė, I. Pumputienė, V. Kasiulevičius, V. Kvedarienė. Ankstyva vaikų vakcinacija ir jų sergamumas infekcinėmis kvėpavimo takų ligomis bei atopiniu dermatitu pirmaisiais dviem gyvenimo metais // Vaikų pulmonologija ir alergologija / Lietuvos vaikų pulmonologų draugija. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2011, t. 14, nr. 1, p. 4995-5000.

A. Zinkevičienė, V. Norkūnas, D. Čitavičius. Atypical non-lipid-dependent strains of Malassezia furfur // Central European journal of biology. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, vol. 7, no. 2, p. 241-249.

J. Gerasimova, N. Kuisienė. Characterization of the novel xylanase from the thermophilic geobacillus thermodenitrificans JK1 // Microbiology. Moscow : M A I K Nauka - Interperiodica. 2012, vol. 81, no 4, p. 418-424.

L. Jenner, S. Melnikov, d. Garreau, A. Ben-Shem, M. Iskakova, A. Urzhumtsev, A. Meškauskas, J. Dinman, G. Yusupova, M. Yusupov. Crystal structure of the 80S yeast ribosome // Current Opinion in Structural Biology. London : Elsevier Ltd. * Current Opinion Journals. 2012, Vol. 22, iss. 6, p. 759-767.

A. Jasilionis, A. Kaupinis, M. Ger, M. Valius, D. Čitavičius, N. Kuisienė. Gene expression and activity analysis of the first thermophilic U32 peptidase // Central European Journal of Biology. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, Vol. 7, no. 4, p. 587-595.

G. Giedraitytė, L. Kalėdienė. 3,4 - Dihydrocoumarin Hydrolase from Thermophilic Geobacillus sp. Strain // Romanian biotechnological letters. Bucharest : University of Bucharest. 2012, Vol. 17, no. 2, p. 7104-7113.

Materials of conferences

R. Petkauskaitė. Screening of thermophilic polysaccharide-degrading enzymes using metaproteomics approach and mass spectrometry // Biocat2012 : 6th International Congress on Biocatalysis, September 2-6, 2012, Hamburg, Germany : book of abstracts. Hamburg : Hamburg University of Technology, 2012, p. 38.

A. Jasilionis, N. Kuisienė. Kolagenolizinės peptidazės iš Geobacillus thermoleovorans DSM 15325 // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 48-59.

R. Petkauskaitė, N. Kuisienė. Termostabilius pektiną degraduojančius fermentus sintetinančių mikroorganizmų paieška ir pirminis apibūdinimas // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 82-94.

COOPERATION

Institute of Biochemistry (Lithuania)
Institute of Botany (Lithuania)
St Petersburg State University (Russia)
Milano University (Italy)
Maryland University (USA)
Kaunas Technological University (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Čitavičius –

editorial board member of the journal Biologija (Biology).

Prof. L. Kalėdienė-

member of Lithuania GMO Expert Committee;
president of Lithuanian Microbiologists Society.

DEPARTMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8200, Fax: 2398216
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Osvaldas Rukšėnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Kirvelis, Dr. O. Rukšėnas.
Docents: Dr. A. Alaburda, Dr. V. Bukelskiene (part-time), Dr. O. Gurčinienė, Dr. A. Pleskačiauskas, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. G. Svirskis (part-time), Dr. A. Šoliūnas.
Lecturers: K. Beitas, R. Buišas, A. Daktariūnas, Dr. R. Grikšienė, Dr. V. Kisnierienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. O. Gurčinienė, Dr. A. Pleskačiauskas, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. A. Šoliūnas.
Research fellows: Dr. R. Grikšienė, Dr. V. Kisnierienė.
Junior research fellows: A. Daktariūnas, R. Guzulaitis, L. Mačiukaitė, A. Vaičeliūnaitė.
Doctoral students: I. Antonova, D. Dankin, R. Guzulaitis, A. Jarmalavičiūtė, Ž. Lukošius, L. Mačiukaitė, S. Petrošiūtė, R. Rudys, O. Sevriukova, R. Sokolova, A. Šlėktaitė, V. Valiulis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Neurophysiology and psychophysics of visual information coding and processing mechanisms
Functional organization and realization of information coding/processing and decision making in human and animal nervous system

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Theoretical, Electrophysiological and Psychophysical Investigation of Information Coding and Processing. Prof. O. Rukšėnas. 2011–2015.

Psychophysical investigation revealed that the background of positive and negative emotional sounds differently influences the short-term and working memories: positive and negative emotions enhance response time in the short-term memory task, and negative emotions enhance response accuracy in the working memory task. Gender factor was more significant in the working memory task: for women, emotions had more influence on the task performance accuracy; for men, emotions more influenced the reaction time.
The scratch reflex in integrated preparation from adult turtle can be induced in a protractive way by electrical stimulation of sensory nerve. This is used as a model for temporal summation. We found no sustained depolarization no increase in excitability of spinal motoneurons during protracted initiation of scratch. However, sensory inputs to motoneurons gradually increase during temporal summation. Most likely premotor interneurons are involved in “storing” information during temporal summation.
The evolving system for image encoding–decoding including two genetic algorithms was investigated. The first genetic algorithm was used to form sets of basic functions for image encodig, the second for calculating of coefficients for images restoring. Other digital coefficients calculating methods for decoding were used too. The system was implemented as program to work on network cluster.
Experiments investigating influence of individual cognitive characteristics on eye movement performance while watching ambiguous figures and in symmetry detection task were performed. It was also investigated the relation of functional asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres and eye movement characteristics.
The universality of the International Affective Picture System: ratings from a Lithuanian sample. The study included 100 participants. We assessed how pictures of different attractiveness were evaluated by Lithuanian subjects. Sixty pictures were evaluated by valence, arousal and dominance aspects. We compared results with normative group estimates. Pleasant pictures were rated by Lithuanian subjects with lower valence and arousal scores. Unpleasant pictures were rated with higher valence and lower arousal in Lithuania sample. Neutral pictures and dominance aspect were rated similar to normative group.
Impact of abiotic stress on the electrical properties of the cell membrane of characea Nitellopsis obtusa were examined by measuring intracellular biopotentials and employing voltage clamp method. Abiotic stress was induced by rapid cooling of the cell (temperature stress) as well as changes in salinity (osmotic stress). Study of electrophysiological parameters and the analysis of membrane ionic currents at a fixed membrane potential at -80 mV level, it was found that the cells at 20°C in the standard solution (APW) Cl-current is -16.3±2.8 µA/cm2. Rapid cooling of standard solution to 4°C (Δt =10°C/s), the current is reduced to Cl -12.1±1 µA/cm2 (Δ 4.2 µA/cm2). The trend of linear decrease of Cl-current was observed at all levels of fixation of the membrane potential form -60 mV to 60 mV. Osmotic stress was caused by a change in the solution of a standard solution of 0.5 M NaCl and 0.5 M sorbitol solution. Stress in all cells led to a very significant change in membrane potential. For 0.5 M NaCl value of the membrane potential is rapidly approaching zero, the repolarization process hardly occurs. This effect was irreversible. Under the influence of 0.5 M sorbitol changes in membrane potential are very similar to the generation of action potentials which acquires M-shape. Furthermore, in this case the membrane potential of cells can be restored to the original value.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Investigation of Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Reflex Activation. Doc. A. Alaburda. 2011–2012.

Context and Parallel Analyses Principles in the Recognition of Simultaneously Presented Objects. Doc. A. Šoliūnas. 2011–2013.

EU Structural Funds

Establishment and Renewal of Infrastructure for Research and Education in Biotechnology and Biopharmacy (BIOTEFA C/D). Project Co-ordinator Prof. O. Rukšėnas.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

I. Griškova-Bulanova, O. Rukšėnas, K. Dapšys, V. Mačiulis, S. Arnfred. P50 potential-associated gamma band activity: modulation by distraction // Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis. Warsaw : Polska Akademia Nauk. 2012, vol. 72, no. 1, p. 102-109.

V. Kisnierienė, T. Ditchenko, A. Kudryashov, V. Sakalauskas, V. Yurin, O. Rukšėnas. The effect of acetylcholine on Characeae K+ channels at rest and during action potential generation // Central European Journal of Biology. Warsaw : Versita. 2012, Vol. 7, no. 6, p. 1066-1075.

Materials of conferences

Ž. Lukošius, A. Stankus, O. Rukšėnas, A. Livens. Measurement of carotid pulse waveform and its relation to heart rate and arterial pressure // Biomedical engineering - 2012 : proceedings of international conference / Kaunas University of Technology. Kaunas : Technologija, 2012, p. 124-129.

COOPERATION

Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital (Lithuania)
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
University of Helsinki, University of Kuopio (Finland)
University of Tuebingen (Germany)
Oslo University (Norway)
University of Houston (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Doc. A. Alaburda –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Dr. R. Buišas –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Doc. I. Griškova-Bulanova –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Dr. R. Grikšienė –

secretary of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. D. Kirvelis –

member of the Parliamentary Commission for National Development of Knowledge Society;
member of International Scientific Committee for Computing Anticipatory Systems.

Dr. V. Kisnierienė –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Doc. A. Pleskačiauskas –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. O. Rukšėnas –

member of the Senate of Vilnius University;
President of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences;
Council member of the Baltic Laboratory Animal Science Association (Balt-LASA);
vice-president of the Lithuanian Laboratory Animal Science Association (Lith-LASA);
editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine).

Doc. A. Šoliūnas –

member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8272, 239 8277, fax 239 8272
E-mail ,

Head – Prof. Dr. Petras Šinkūnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevičius, Dr. P. Šinkūnas, Habil. Dr. S. Šliaupa (part-time), emeritus Habil. Dr. M. Kabailienė.
Docents: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. J. Lazauskienė (part-time).
Lecturers: G. Bičkauskas, Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), Ž. Dėnas (part-time), Dr. R. Guobytė (part-time), Dr. A. Kleišmantas (part-time), J. Kličius (part time), Dr. D. Michelevičius (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius, Dr. D. Kisielienė (part time), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time) (since 2012-09-01), A.Spiridonov.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time) (since 2012-10-01), Dr. G. Vaikutienė.
Doctoral students: P. Černakauskas, L. Balakauskas (till 2012-06-01), M. Budraitis (till 2012-10-01), S. Saarmann, A. Spiridonov, I. Janutytė, E.Šinkūnė, A. Ekleris (since 2012-10-01), E. Rudnickaitė (since 2012-10-01).
In research projects: A. Baliukevičius (part-time), M. Budraitis (part-time), Dr. A.Brazauskas (part-time), Dr. G.Motuza Matuzevičius (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius (part-time), A.Spiridonov (part-time), Habil. Dr. S. Šliaupa (part-time), Dr. A. Venckutė-Aleksienė (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement
Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust

Palaeontology and stratigraphy
Ordovician graptolite and brachiopod, Silurian graptolite, conodonts, vertebrata and brachiopod taxonomy and early Paleozoic stratigraphy
Late Glacial and Holocene diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, climatic and Baltic Sea level change
Lithostratigraphy of Quaternary tills based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data

Glacial sedimentology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Event Stratigraphy in Silurian Sedimentary Basin of Lithuania. Doc. A. Brazauskas. 2011–2015.

The main aim of this project is in - Lithuanian Silurian stratigraphical sections to determine the regional events. Perform the correlation with global events and to analyze their biotic and abiotic causes.
The main goals of this year were: on the basis of the stabile izotopes, graptolites and conodonts faunas researche to determine the regional stratigraphical events in the sections of the Vidukle 61 and Milaičiai 105 borehols and to prepare 1 scientific article.
In 2012, the pecularities of the Ireviken and Mulde bioevents (Wenlockian series) were analysed. The sequence of the extinction of the graptolite fauna during the above bioevents was determined in the core Vidukle 61, and the alternation of the reguliarity of the conodonts communities were established in the Ledai 179, Geluva 99, Sutkai 87 Tverečius 336 wells. On the basis of the research results 3 scientific reports were made, and 2 articles submitted for publication.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits. Dr. G. Vaikutienė. 2011–2015.

Palaeobotanical (palynological and diatom) and carbonate analyses were applied to investigate Late Glacial and Holocene sediments in the maritime region of Lithuania. Palaeoenvironmental conditions were reconstructed in Klaipėda Strait area and the results were presented at the conference (Vaikutienė G., Rudnickaitė E., Grigienė A. Paleoecological situation of the Klaipėda Strait area in the Late Glacial and Holocene (western Lithuania). Geomorphology and paleogeography of Polar Regions: proceeding of the joint international conference, St.Petersburg, September 9–17, 2012. p. 470–471.). Palaeogeographical environment of the Late Glacial was described on the basis of paleontological (bioturbations) and carbonates analyses data and radiocarbon and TL dating results for sediments from northern Lithuania. Results presented in the conference (Rudnickaitė E., Fedorowicz S, Kaminskas D, Melešytė M, Geochronological sequence of paleogeographical variation in northern Lithuania based on Dengtiltis outcrop (Dubysa river valley) studies. Geomorphology and paleogeography of Polar Regions: proceeding of the joint international conference, Saint-Petersburg, September 9–17, 2012. p. 463–465.). Reconstruction of the Late Glacial and Holocene vegetation according to pollen data was made for the Lithuanian territory. Chronological alteration of forest composition was reconstructed after the last glaciation and results presented in the doctoral thesis by L.Balakauskas (Development of the Late Glacial and Holocene forest vegetation in Lithuania, according to LRS (Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm Modelling Data).

Dctoral dissertationdefended byBalakauskas Lauras: Development of the Late Glacial and Holocene Forest Vegetation in Lithuania, according to LRA (Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm) Modelling Data. Physical Sciences, Geology (05P)

Regional Context of the Structure and Evolution of the Crystalline Crust in Lithuania. Prof. Dr. G. Motuza. 2009–2012.

The supracrustal association of the Mid-Lithuanian Sutur Zone has been explored, focusing on metavolcanic rocks of andesitic-dacitic and basalt-diabase protholith. Mineralogy of rocks was investigated using SEM and microprobe, while geochemical methods were applied for the assesment of tectonic setting. The publication is under preparation.

Projects, Programmes, Issues funded by Grants of the Research Council of Lithuania

The Early to Middle Paleozoic Revolution (MIP-34/2012). Dr. S. Radzevičius. 2012–2014.

This Project is executed as part of international program IGCP 591, which is supported by UNESCO and IUGS (International Union of Geological Sciences). The Late Ordovician to Early Devonian interval contains several of the most severe paleoclimate and paleobiological events in Earth history including paleobiodiversity events and perturbations to the global carbon cycle near the base of the Katian, Ordovician-Silurian boundary, Landovery-Wenlock boundary, middle Homerian, middle Ludfordian, and Silurian-Devonian boundary, among others. This interval of Earth history also contains the acme and amelioration of the Early Paleozoic Ice Age, which provides an important historical analogue for researchers of modern climate change. Additionally, the Late Ordovician-Early Devonian interval contains the roots of the invasion of life onto land. The Earth did not go quietly into the Middle Paleozoic and the primary research objective of this project is to investigate this dynamic and important interval in the history and evolution of life and our planet. Late Ordovician to Early Devonian strata are of global economic and environmental significance as source rocks, host rocks, targets, aquifers, and potential sites of sequestration and containment. Improved understanding of the temporal, geospatial, and ultimately causal relationships between these resources and Late Ordovician-Early Devonian global planetary change has direct economic and environmental significance, and additionally, is critical to understanding the Early to Middle Paleozoic Revolution. Specifically, this project will investigate the biological, chemical and physical evolution of the ocean-atmosphere-biosphere system during this dynamic interval of Earth history by addressing in detail the relationships between climate, sea level, tectonics, biology, oceanography, volcanism, and the stratigraphic record of Early to Middle Paleozoic global planetary change.
The results of the first year research on the project are: we distinguished lundgreni (upper part), parvus, nassa, praedeubeli, deubeli, ludensis and nilssoni (lower part ) biozones in Upper Homerian of Lithuanian wells.
The bigest graptolite extinction event was found at the end of lundgreni Bizone in Lithuania part of Silurian Baltic basin. Graptolites lost almost 95 % of species diversity.
The graptolites of Pristiograptus dubius type successfully survived after lundgreni crisis and later they spurred great evolutionary radiations of new species and even genera.
Considering all of the geochemical and mineralogical data, we propose that the Geniai Tuff originated from a volcanic eruption which occured 438 Ma. The high content of REE, Sr and P suggest carbonatite source magma, but the strontium isotope ratio contradicts this conclusion. So the question what is the source of magma (?) for the Geniai Tuff remains under discussion. A volcanic ash bed of such an anomalous composition forms a perfect marker horizon for stratigraphic correlation and division of strata.
Identified anomalies of percentage ratio values of conical and complex conodonts enable us to use them as new stratigraphic levels performing regional scale correlation procedures between strata which formed in different environments.
It was found that during Mulde biotic event 7 to 11 out of 19 Wenlockian species of conodonts analized using quantitative stratigraphic techniques vent extinct. Numerical reconstructions show that those extinctions were relatively synchronous. Reconstructions revealed that conodont species went extinct slightly later than graptolite species. This pattern of timing may show that species which belong to the different clades and/or trophic groups had different levels of sussceptibility toward factors which were involved during analized extinction event.

International Science Programmes and Projects

VISBY project: Precambrian Rock Provinces and Active Tectonic Boundaries in Lithuania and in Adjacent Areas. Prof. G. Motuza. 2011–2012.

The crystalline crust of the East European Craton has been formed in the course of Svecofennian orogeny. Particular crustal domains are distinguished, different in the composition and structure. The inhomogeneities of the crust are influencing peculiarities of the structure of the sedimentary cover. The project is devoted to study relations between deep structure of the crust peculiarities of the sedimentary cover and recent geological processes. To study this topic in Lithuana particularly favuorable possibilities exist: geophysical data, particularly deep seismic sounding experiments, good characteristic of the crust with the drilling material and thick sedimentary cover (up to 2300 m), representing the history of all Phanerozoic systems.
The purpose of the project is:
- To characterize the principal domains of the crust, their boundaries and internal structural elements (faults, blocks), tectonic origin, evolution and correlation with adjacent areas;
- To characterize deep crustal structure based on geophysical data, particularly seismic experiments EUROBRIDGE, POLONAISE, PASSEQ
- To reveal essential lineaments and lateral gradient zones in the sedimentary cover;
- To reveal the relation of structural elements in the crystalline basement and sedimentary cover and recent surface.

European Pollen Database (EPD). Prof. M. Kabailienė, G. Vaikutienė. 1990–2012.

European Pollen Monitoring Programme – EPMP. Prof. M. Kabailienė, L. Balakauskas. 1996–2012.

Activities of the Deep Geology Research Centre
Deep Geology Research Centre (DGRC) is a division at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy with the Statute approved by the Senate of Vilnius University. The main purpose of the DGRC is to initiate and organize scientific research of fundamentals and particularly that of applied character in cooperation with other scientific institutions and enterprises.
The main activities in 2012 were: research and studies by the staff and students including PhD students of the Department of Geology and Mineralogy and Erasmus/Socrates foreign students supported providing processing and interpretation of seismic and other geophysical and geological data using Promax and GeoGraphics software.
Geographix geological and geophysical database was revised and updated. Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. D. Michelevičius.

Activity of the Museum of Geology of Vilnius University (Eugenija Rudnickaitė)The main goals of the Museum of Geology at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy of Vilnius University are: to collect the geological objects of scientific and tutorial value and contribute to scientific activity, teaching and promoting the geology among students, pupils and wider society.

Exhibitions
Posters exhibition The Nnewest Rresearch Rresults of Rresearchers from Geology and Mineralogy department - 2012

Exhibition Scientific inheritance of Prof. habil. dr. Algis Egidijus TRIMONIS (June 10, 1939– August 03, 2011) In memoriam, March–April, 2012

Exibition of postage stamps Geology in Postage Stamps, philately collection of Prof. G. Motuza Matuzevičias.
Fotoexhibitions from various expeditions and field practices (Poland, Estonia, Norway, Finland, etc.) prepared by students, PhD students et al.

Lectures
Lantern lectures in grammar, secondary schools of Lithuania (about 10).
Lantern lectures in Marijampolė “Can a person notice as the Earth is changing the ‘face’?”, Geological “Museum” of School Surroundings: to Help Teachers”, “Geology as Science” for school, grammar schools and community of Marijampolė district teachers of natural science. November 2012.
Mobile minerals and rocks exhibition in Kelmė with 3 lantern lectures “Can a person notice as the Earth is changing the ‘face’?”, Geological “Museum” of School Surroundings: to Help Teachers”, “Geology as Science” for school, grammar schools and community of Kelmė district teachers of natural science. November 2012.
Participation in the exhibition at the National Museum of Lithuania 150 year of Vilnius Antiquity Museum. The fragments of over 200 years old mineralogical collection of Vilnius University where demonstrated.
Maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibition of the Geological Museums, and guiding public excursions.

Presentation by Rudnickaitė Eugenija Geological “Museum” of School Surroundings: to Help Teachers Gamtamokslinis ugdymas bendrojo lavinimo mokykloje - 2012 = Natural science education at a secondary school - 2012: 18th national conference, April 27-29, 2012, Plungė.

Special events
International European Night of Museums, May 19, 2012.
Cultural event Let There Be Night! June 16–17, 2012.
Science festival Spaceship Earth, Vilnius, September 11, 2012.
The project funded by the European Union Researchers’ Night 2012: You may also be a researcher, September 28, 2012:
Lecture Geological Significance of the Development of Society.
Excursion Historical and Geological Time Concept.
Consultants in Gemology, Paleontology, Petrology.
Georadar operation was demonstrated in the yard of the Faculty.
Open Doors Day of the Faculty of Natural Sciences was arranged twice a year.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

J. Paškevičius, V. Klimantavičius, S. Radzevičius. Lithostratigraphy, graptolites and brachiopods communities of the Ludlow (Silurian) of the Eastern slope of the Baltic Syneclise // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 20121, Vol. 54, no. 3, p. 75-88.

S. Šliaupa, A. Baliukevičius, Ž. Dėnas, R. Šliaupienė. Reflection of the Palaeoproterozoic Mid-Lithuanian Suture Zone in the overlying sedimentary cover // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 20121, Vol. 54, no. 2, p. 53-73.

R. Šliaupienė, S. Šliaupa. Risk factors of CO2 geological storage in the Baltic sedimentary basin // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 20121, Vol. 54, no. 3, p. 100-123.

R. Šliaupienė, S. Šliaupa. Risk factors of CO2 geological storage in the baltic sedimentary basin // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, Vol. 54, no. 3, p. 100-123.

J. Lazauskienė, A. Pačėsa, J. Satkūnas. Seismotectonic and seismic hazard maps of Lithuania - recent implications of intracratonic seismicity in the Eastern Baltic Region // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 20121, Vol. 54, no. 1, p. 1-9.

S. Šliaupa, A. Kreivis. Tectonic control on karst processes in Pasvalys Area, North Lithuania // Geologija / Vilniaus universitetas. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 20121, Vol. 54, no. 1, p. 11-26.

J. Paškevičius. Geologijos lietuviškoje terminologijoje plėtotė // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 3/4, p. 43-47.

E. Rudnickaitė. Geologijos "muziejus" mokyklos aplinkoje: į pagalbą mokytojui // Gamtamokslinis ugdymas. Šiauliai : Mokslinis metodinis centras "Scientia Educologica". 2012, nr. 2, p. 36-42.

A. Spiridonov. Paleontologija, evoliucija ir paleobiologinė revoliucija // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 2, p. 15-23.

D. Michelevičius, S. Sarcevičius. Šiuolaikinių geofizikinių, geologinių ir kartografinių metodų taikymas Vilniaus Kreivosios pilies beieškant // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 1/2, p. 7-14.

A. Grigelis. Epilogas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 581-584.

J. Paškevičius. Geologiniai tyrimai ir atradimai // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 183-210.

A. Gaigalas. Įvadas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 13-15.

V. Skuodis. Kauno valstybiniame universitete ir Kauno politechnikos institute 1948-1968 metais KTU archyvas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 464-476.

A. Gaigalas. Kvartero geologija ir geomorfologija // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 211-220.

V. Skuodis. Lietuvos ir Vytauto Didžiojo universitete 1922-1940 metais KTU archyvas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 314-337.

V. Skuodis. Lietuvos ir Vytauto Didžiojo universitete 1922-1940 metais VUB archyvas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 338-395.

A. Grigelis. Mykolo Kaveckio portretai // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 84-85.

A. Gaigalas. Mineraloginiai rinkiniai // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 248-250.

V. Skuodis. Mokslinė veikla Lietuvos ir Vytauto Didžiojo universitete 1922-1940 metais VUB archyvas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 396-439.

A. Gaigalas, J. Paškevičius. Pedagogas, mokslininkas, kūrėjas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 157-170.

V. Skuodis. Pedagoginė, mokslinė ir organizacinė veikla iš dokumentų // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 311-313.

A. Grigelis. Pirmasis dešimtmetis Lietuvoje: siekiai ir darbai // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 134-156.

P. Šinkūnas. Pratarmė // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 10-12.

A. Grigelis. Profesoriaus plaktukas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 500-502.

A. Gaigalas. Svarbiausios gyvenimo ir veiklos datos // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 35-43.

V. Skuodis. Vilniaus universitete 1940-1944 metais LCVA ir VUB archyvai // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 440-448.

V. Skuodis. Vilniaus universitete 1944-1960 metais VUB archyvas // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 449-463.

E. Rudnickaitė. Vilniaus universiteto Geologijos ir mineralogijos muziejaus istorija // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 278-293.

E. Rudnickaitė. Vilniaus universiteto Geologijos ir mineralogijos muziejaus meteoritų kolekcija // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 294-310.

V. Skuodis. Visada jautė savo vertę // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 509-515.

A. Grigelis. Apie autorius / sudarė A. Grigelis // Profesorius Mykolas Kaveckis - inžinierius, mineralogas, geochemikas / Vilniaus universitetas; sudarytojas ir mokslinis redaktorius A. Grigelis; sudarytojas Algirdas Gaigalas. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2012. p. 603-605.

S. Radzevičius. Europos geomokslų sąjungos generalinės asamblėjos atgarsiai // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 3/4, p. 53.

B. Tumakovaitė. XXIX Lietuvos geologo diena // Geologijos akiračiai / Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga. 2012, nr. 2, p. 62-63.

D. Kisielienė, I. Masiulienė, L. Daugnora, M. Stančikaitė, J. Mažeika, G. Vaikutienė, R. Petrošius. History of the environment and population of the old town of Klaipėda, western Lithuania: multidisciplinary approach to the last millennium // Radiocarbon. Tucson : University of Arizona. 2012, vol.54, no 3-4, 1003-1015.

G. Piličiauskas, J. Mažeika, A. Gaidamavičius, G. Vaikutienė, A. Bitinas, Ž. Skuratovič, M. Stančikaitė. New archaeological, paleoenvironmental, and 14C data from the Šventoji neolithic sites, NW Lithuania // Radiocarbon. Tucson : University of Arizona. 2012, vol.54, no 3-4, 1017-1031.

D. Kaljo, T. Martma, A. Grytsenko, A. Brazauskas, D. Kaminskas. PÅ™ĆdolĆ carbon isotope trend and upper Silurian to lowermost Devonian chemostratigraphy based on sections in Podolia (Ukraine) and the East Baltic area // Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences. Tallinn : Estonian Academy Publishers. 2012, vol. 61, no. 3, p. 162-180.

A. Urbanek, S. Radzevičius, A. Kozlowska, L. Teller. Phyletic evolution and iterative speciation in the persistent Pristiograptus dubius lineage // Acta palaeontologica Polonica. Warszaw : Instytut Paleobiologii PAN. 2012, vol. 57 no. 3, p. 589-611.

T. Kiipli, S. Radzevičius, T. Kallaste, E. Kiipli, S. Siir, A. Soesoo, M. Voolma. The Geniai Tuff in the southern East Baltic area - a new correlation tool near the Aeronian/Telychian stage boundary, Llandovery, Silurian // Bulletin of Geosciences. Prague : Ceska Geologicka Sluzba. 2012, Vol. 87, no. 4, p. 695-704.

O. Zdanavičiūtė, J. Lazauskienė, A. Khoubldikov, M. Dakhnova, T. Zheglova. The middle cambrian succession in the central Baltic basin: geochemistry of oils and sandstone reservoir characteristics // Journal of petroleum geology. Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2012, vol. 35, no. 3, p. 237-254

Materials of conferences

S. Radzevičius, J. Paškevičius, A. Kojelė. Geluvskij regionalnyj jarus v silurijskom Baltijskom bassejne // Paleozoj Rossii: regionalnaja stratigrafija, poleontologija, geo- i biosobytija : materialy III vserossijskogo soveščanija, 24-28 sentiabria 2012 g. Sankt-Peterburg. Sankt-Peterburg : VSEGEI, 2012, p. 189-191.

E. Rudnickaitė, S. Fedorowicz, D. Kaminskas, M. Melešytė. Geochronological sequence of paleographical variation in northern Lithuania based on Dengtiltis outcrop (Dubysa river valley) studies // Geomorphology and paleogeography of polar regions : proceeding of the joint international conference, Saint-Petersburg, 9-17 September, 2012. Saint-Petersburg : Saint-Petersburg State University, 2012, p. 463-465.

A. Spiridonov. Količestvennaja biostratigrafija venloka (silur) Litvy po konodontam // Paleozoj Rossii: regionalnaja stratigrafija, poleontologija, geo- i biosobytija : materialy III vserossijskogo soveščanija, 24-28 sentiabria 2012 g. Sankt-Peterburg. Sankt-Peterburg : VSEGEI, 2012, p. 211-213.

A. Brazauskas. Osobennosti rosprostranenija venlokskich (silur) konodontonov v razrezach Litvy // Paleozoj Rossii: regionalnaja stratigrafija, poleontologija, geo- i biosobytija : materialy III vserossijskogo soveščanija, 24-28 sentiabria 2012 g. Sankt-Peterburg. Sankt-Peterburg : VSEGEI, 2012, p. 45-46.

G. Vaikutienė, E. Rudnickaitė, A. Grigienė. Paleoecological situation of the Klaipėda strait area in the late glacial and holocene (western Lithuania) // Geomorphology and paleogeography of polar regions : proceeding of the joint international conference, Saint-Petersburg, 9-17 September, 2012. Saint-Petersburg : Saint-Petersburg State University, 2012, p. 470-471.

O. Pustelnikovas, M. Melešytė, E. Rudnickaitė, S. Saarmann. Zmiany klimatu w požnym plejstocenie i holocenie w obrazie zmiennosci wybranych pierwiastkow w warstwach organicznych Litwy // Geologia i geomorfologia Pobrzeža i poludniowego Baltyku : X konferencja, Slupsk, 4-5 czerwca, 2012. Slupsk, 2012, p. 39-41.

COOPERATION

St. Petersburg State University (Russia)
Institute of Geological Sciences of National Academy of Sciences (Belarus)
Silesian University of Technology (Poland)
University of Wroclaw (Poland)
University of Gdansk (Poland)
Aarhus University (Denmark)
University of Durham (UK)
Warsaw University (Poland)
Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad (Russia)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Geological Survey of Estonia (Estonia)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)
Centre of Research of the Lithuanian Castles (Lithuania)
Oulu University (Finland)
Helsinki University (Finland)
Lund University (Sweden)
Uppsala University (Sweden)
Polish Institute of Geology (Poland)
Geological Survey of Lithuanian
Lithuanian institute of History (Lithuania)
JSC Geonafta (Lithuania)
JSC Minijos nafta (Lithuania)
The Vaclovas Intas Unique Stones Museum in Mosėdis (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. Motuza Matuzevičius –

honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
foreign member of the Polish Academy of Art and Sciences;
member of the European Geoscience Union;
member of the Lithuanian Geothermal Association;
editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology).

Doc. Dr. A. Brazauskas –

member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
member of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy.

Prof. emeritus M. Kabailienė –

expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
national representative of the project European Pollen Data Base;
chairwoman of the Lithuanian Palynological Commission;
associated member of the Russian Palynological Commission;
national chief of the Palynological Comission;
editorial board member of the edition History of Lakes (Russia);
member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
national representative of project EPMP etc.

Doc. D. Kaminskas –

secretary and reviewer of the journal Geologija (Geology);
webmaster of VU FNS Geology and Mineralogy Department;
director of Deep Geology Research Centre at VU;
member of the Geological Society of Lithuania.

Doc. J. Lazauskienė –

expert evaluator of the environmental research panel projects for the European Commission 6th, 7th Framework Programs;
expert consultant for the Lithuanian Science and Encyclopoedia Publishing;
expert consultant for the Lithuanian National Geography.

Dr. S. Radzevičius –

member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
secretary of the Lithuanian Stratigraphy Commission;
member of the Lithuanian National Geological Committee;
consulting editor of the Geological Quarterly Journal (Poland);
participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Project 503;
member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

Prof. Dr. P. Šinkūnas -

chairman of the Lithuanian National INQUA Committee;
chairman of Lithuanian National Committee of Geologists (IUGS);
member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology);
editorial board member of the journal Baltica;
editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai.

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8269, 239 8264, fax 239 8204
E-mail: .

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Rakauskas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Podėnas, Habil. Dr. R. Rakauskas.
Docents: Dr. K. Arbačiauskas (part-time), Dr. E. Budrys (part-time), Dr. R. Petkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. R. R. Budrys (part-time), Dr. E. Bukelskis, Dr. J. Turčinavičienė (part-time), Dr. R. Aukštikalnienė, Dr. V. Podėnienė, Dr. R. Bernotienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. A. Kaupinis (part-time), Dr. G. Skujienė, Dr. A. Petrašiūnas, Dr. M. Biteniekytė, S. Skuja (part-time), E. Tijušas (part-time), V. Rakauskas (part-time).
Junior research fellow: Dr. J. Bašilova-Havelka.
Doctoral students: P. Starkevič, I. Kibildienė, V. Kuznecova, V. Grajevskaja, R. Radzevičiūtė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecosystems and global change
Mapping and catalogization of the Lithuanian fauna
Rare and endangered species both in terrestrial and limnic systems Biosystematic studies in insects (Hemiptera, Sternorrhycha: Aphididae and Diptera: Tipulomorpha), snails and slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Animal Biodiversity and Ecology. Prof. R. Rakauskas. 2012–2017.

Research activities in 2012: Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biodiversity studiesin regional parks of Vilnius started. Analysis of the biodiversity of spiders and dipterous insects of Lithuania continued. Studies on the bionomics and ecology of molluscs in Biržai forest were terminated. Monitoring of black storks, birds of prey and owls in forests of eastern and southern Lithuania continued. Distribution of helminthoses in populations of big game species in eastern Lithuania evaluated.

Projects Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Impact of the Invazive Species on the Local Cosortium of Plum Aphid Species (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Prof. R. Rakauskas. 2012–2014.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

J. Bašilova, R. Rakauskas. The first record of aphid Melanaphis pyraria (Passerini) in Lithuania // Žemdirbystė = Agriculture. Dotnuva : Lietuvos žemdirbystės institutas. 2012, t. 99, no. 2, p. 209-212.

R. Radzevičiūtė, A. Budrienė, E. Budrys, S. Orlovskytė, J. Turčinavičienė. A panel of microsatellite markers developed for solitary trap-nesting wasp Ancistrocerus trifasciatus (Muller, 1776) by cross-species amplification // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 58, nr. 1, p. 1-7.

V. Podėnienė, J. Rimšaitė, S. Podėnas. Crane and winter flies (Diptera: Limoniidae, Pediciidae, Trichoceridae) associated with fungi in Lithuania // Acta zoologica Lituanica : parasitologia, ornithologia, entomologia. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademija Ekologijos institutas. 2010, vol. 20, no. 3, p. 232-241.

A. Petrašiūnas, R. Bernotienė. Robber flies of the genera Laphria and Asilus in Lithuania (Diptera: Asilidae) - the insect of the year 2012: campain review and results // Naujos ir retos Lietuvos vabzdžių rūšys = New and rare for Lithuania insect species. Vilnius : Lietuvos entomologų draugija. 2012, t. 24, p. 43-48.

M. Biteniekytė, V. Rėlys. The checklist of Lithuanian spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) // Biologija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, vol. 57, nr. 4, p. 148-158.
M. Soroka, G. Skujienė. Species identification of slugs of genus Arion Ferussac, 1819 (Mollusca, Pulmonata) on the basis of genetics studies // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 2, p. 63-73.

J. Bašilova, R. Rakauskas. Morphological separation of aphid species Cryptomyzus leonuri Bozhko, 1961 and Cryptomyzus alboapicalis (Theobald, 1916) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) // Biologia. Bratislava : Versita, co-published with Springer Verlag. 2012, Vol. 67, no. 5, p. 953-958.

J. Bašilova, J. Havelka, R. Rakauskas, P. Stary, J. Turčinavičienė. New information on the invasive to Europe aphid species Brachycaudus divaricatae Shaposhnikov, 1956 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) // Biologia. Bratislava : Versita, co-published with Springer Verlag. 2012, Vol. 67, no. 5, p. 959-965.

J. Bašilova, R. Rakauskas. Phylogenetic relationships of Dysaphis pyri (Boyer de Fonscolombe) and Dysaphis reaumuri (Mordvilko) (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae): COI and EF-1Ī± evidence // Organisms Diversity & Evolution. Berlin : Gesellschaft fur Biologische Systematik (GfBS) and the Elsevier GmbH. 2012, Vol. 12, no. 2, p. 197-204.

V. Podėnienė, J. Gelhaus. The last instar larvae and pupae of Mongolian Limnophilinae crane flies from genera Eloeophila, Limnophila and Phylidorea (Diptera, Limoniidae) // Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Philadelphia : Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 2010, vol. 159, no. 1, p. 185-204.

R. Butkus, E. Šidagytė, K. Arbačiauskas. Two morphotypes of the New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (J.E. Gray, 1843) (Mollusca: Hydrobiidae) invade Lithuanian lakes // Aquatic invasions. Helsinki : Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre. 2012, vol. 7, no 2, p. 211-218.

S. Buga, N. Voronova, R. Rakauskas. Aphid species of genus Macrosiphum Passerini, 1860 (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) inhabiting Knautia L. in Belarus // Zoology and ecology. London : Taylor & Francis. 2012, vol. 22, no 1, p. 51-56.

V. Podėnienė. Lithuanian Chioneinae (Limoniidae, Diptera): larval habitat preferences and problems of identification, with description of last instar larvae of Molophilus (Molophilus) crassipygus de Meijere, 1918 M. (M.) griseus (Meigen, 1804), M. (M.) ochraceus (Meigen, 1818), M. (M.) propinquus (Egger, 1863) // Lauterbornia: Zeitschrift fuer Faunistik und Floristik des Suesswassers. Dinkelscherben : Erik Mauch Verlag. 2009, Vol. 68, p. 135-145.

V. Kuznecova, G. Skujienė. Rare terrestrial molluscs' species of Kaunas and Kaišiadoriai districts' reserves // Acta Biologica universitatis Daugavpiliensis. Daugavpils : University of Daugavpils. 2012, vol. 12, no 1, p. 73-87.

Materials of conferences

G. Skujienė, A. Petrašiūnas. Kiek dar paslapčių slepia Vilniaus universiteto Zoologijos muziejaus istorija? // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : šeštosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2010 m. spalio22 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, 2010, p. 94-108.

J. Bašilova. Sistematikos reikšmė tiriant gyvūnų rūšinę ivairovę // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 25-32.

COOPERATION

Institute of Ecology (Lithuania)
Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences (Lithuania)
Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Silesian University, Katowice (Poland)
Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic)
University of Leon (Spain)
Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
National History Museum, Paris (France)
National History Museum, London (UK)
State University of Belarus, Minsk (Belarus)
Zoological Museum, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg (Russia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Doc. E. Bukelskis –

member of the National Council for the Fishing Management.

Prof. S. Podėnas –

assoc. researcher of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA (USA).

Prof. R. Rakauskas –

editorial board member of the journal Aphids and Other Hemipterous Insects;
expert of the National Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education.

Doc. R. R. Budrys –

member of the Lithuanian Council of Animals’ Common Welfare;
member of the Russian Group of Gees Research (RGG);
member of the European Group for Crane Research.

Doc. J. Turčinavičienė –

expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Organisms;
editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species;
member of the Lithuanian Entomological Society.

Doc. R. Aukštikalnienė –

member of the Lithuanian Morphological Sodiety.

Dr. G. Skujienė –

curator of the Museum of Zoology of Vilnius University;
member of the Lithuanian Entomological Society;
external expert of Molluscs of the Commission of the Lithuanian Language;
member of the Council of the Invasive Species of Lithuania;
member of ETHOS, Lithuanian Ethical Culture Society;
member of Bioethics Society;
member of Family Planning and Sexual Health Association.

Dr. A. Petrašiūnas –

president of the Lithuanian Entomological Sodiety;
editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species.

THE CENTRE OF CARTOGRAPHY

27/21 M. K. Čiurlionio str., LT-03101, Vilnius
Tel. 239 8296, fax 239 8296

E-mail

Head – Doc. Dr. Albinas Algirdas Pilipaitis

STAFF

Professor: Dr. G. Beconytė.
Docents: Dr. A. A. Pilipaitis, Dr. A. Bautrėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. L. Bevainis, Dr. J. Vaitkevičienė.
Cartographers and specialists: R. Bugorevičienė, L. Kavaliauskienė, V. Krikščiūnienė, N. Mačiulevičiūtė–Turlienė, R. Svilienė.
Doctoral students: K. Papšys, I. Žalalienė, A. Balčiūnas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Cartosemiotics
Cartographic information management
Geographic visualization
Thematic mapping
Photogrammetric recording
Remote sensing data

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Distribution of Lithuanian Geographic Information for Development of Information Society. Doc. A. Pilipaitis. 2009–2013.

Research was concentrated on investigation of social and natural phenomena of Lithuania.
Mathematical–statistical methods were used to create cartographical models of the investigated
phenomena. The new results were devoted for development and extension of information in Lithuania.

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Articles

G. Beconytė, A. Eismontaitė, D. Romanovas. Analytical mapping of registered criminal activities in Vilnius city // Geodesy and cartography. Abingdon : Taylor & Francis Ltd. 2012, vol. 28, no 4, p. 134-140.

Materials of conferences

J. Vaitkevičienė, J. Kumetaitienė. Asvejos regioninio parko kraštovaizdžio vizualinių išteklių stebėjimas // Mokslas Gamtos mokslų fakultete : septintosios mokslinės konferencijos, vykusios 2012 m. spalio 5 d. pranešimai. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. 2012, T. 7, p. 153-169.

COOPERATION

National Land Service (Lithuania)
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences (Lithuania)
Kaunas College (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Association of the Blind and Visually Handicapped (Lithuania)
National Centre of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics “GIS-Centras” (Lithuania)
Pedagogical-psychological Service of Kretinga District (Lithuania)
Dresden University of Technology (Germany)
Commission for Cartography and Children, International Cartographic Association

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Doc. A. Bautrėnas –

board member of the Training and Education Centre “Žinija”.

Doc. G. Beconytė –

member of the International Cartographic Association, Commission of Theoretical Cartography;
corresponding member of the International Cartographic Association, working group on uncertainty;
executive secretary of the Lithuanian Society for Cartography.

Doc. A. A. Pilipaitis –

head of the theoretic cartography working group of the Lithuanian Society for Cartography.

CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel/ fax 239 8299
E–mail

Head – Doc. Dr. Stanislovas Sinkevičius

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Būda, Habil. Dr. E. Lekevičius.
Docents: Dr. G. Ignatavičius, Dr. S. Sinkevičius, Dr. V. Oškinis, Dr. A. Ulevičius, Dr. J. Satkūnas (part–time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Kalcienė, G. Trakimas, D. Augutis (part–time).
Doctoral students: A. Čepukienė, E. Ratkelytė, A. Ložytė, J. Launikonienė, A. Samas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Organisms’ interaction with secondary metabolisms
Identification of the toxic effect of the binary mixture of anthropogenic pollutant (Arcolor 1248) and natural compounds (oleic acid and sulphur) on bioluminescence of V. Fisheri in vivo and in vitro
Modelling of climate change impact to Lithuania’s forests
Patterns of wetland habitat formation in the restored ecosystems
Functional relationships of ecosystems key species in natural and anthropogenic habitats
Invasive species and their impact to habitats
Research measures of effectiveness of inland water anthropogenic and environmental conditions
Preservation of grassland conservation value in active farming meadows
Improving the prevention of large mammals collision in the roads
Research of the acidity and heavy metals distribution in the soil layer near train rails

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2012

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research in Complex Anthropogenic and Biogenic Impact on the Ecosystems Structures and Their Development. Prof. V. Būda, Prof. E. Lekevičius, Dr. A. Ulevičius. 2011–2015.

Effects of alpha-solanin on potato cyst nematodes.
Analysis of toxicodynamic effects of environmental pollutants. The task for 2012 years: to evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants (AROCLOR 1248 as a mixture of polichlorinated biphenyls, oleic acid and elemental sulphur) on the state of Vibrio fischeri oxidoreductive enzyme systems.
The studies on the interactions between environmental infrastructure and alien/invasive species.
Evaluation of the environments cytogenetic influence on some animal population. Evaluation on the structures of recovering habitats in the renovation ecosystem.
The research of surface water contamination with heavy metals. The studies of active farming impact on meadows and preparation of recommendations for environmental situation improving.

Projects Supported by Lithuanian Academy of Sciences

Participation in a project led by Vytautas Magnus University (A. Ulevičius, A. Samas) Invazion, Genomic Changes and Adaptation of Alien Mammals in of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecotons.

Implication of Project Development and Up-dating of Infrastructure of R&D Technologies and Use of Biological and Land Resources (BIOGEONAUDA- (In part A- C- D) of state projects funded according to the measure VP2-1.1-ŠMM-04-V Strengthening of the general infrastructure of research and studies of priority 1 ‘R&D intended for the growth of business competitiveness and economy’ of the Program of Economic Growth for 2007–2013” of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania

MAIN PUBLICATIONS

Parts of the Books

S. Sinkevičius, V. Būda. Kaip pastebėti pirmuosius ekosistemų negalavimus?. Jaunojo tyrėjo vadovas. D. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokinių informavimo ir techninės kūrybos centras, 2011, p. 181-205.

Articles

E. Lekevičius. A review of and some comments on the attempts to construct an overarching theory of ecosystems plasticity // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 4, p. 137-153.

M. Raulinaitis, G. Ignatavičius, S. Sinkevičius, V. Oškinis. Assessment of heavy metal contamination and spatial distribution in surface and subsurface sediment layers in the northern part of Lake Babrukas // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 58, nr. 1, p. 33-43.

T. Kazlauskas, V. Apšegaitė, V. Būda. Comparative analysis of monoterpene composition in four pine species with regard to suitability for needle consumer Diprion pini L // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 4, p. 163-172.

M. Valentukevičienė, G. Ignatavičius. Presence and fate of manganese substances in drinking water supply systems // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 58, nr. 1, p. 23-31.

V. Oškinis. Relationship between the butterfly Phengaris rebeli and its larval host plant Gentiana cruciata in Lithuanian population // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2012, t. 58, nr. 3, p. 369-373.

S. Sinkevičius. Romualdas Kazimieras Lekevičius // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 2, p. i-ii.

A. Čepukienė, M. Jasiulionis. Small mammal community changes during forest succession (Pakruojis district, north Lithuania) // Zoology and ecology. London : Taylor & Francis. 2012, Vol. 22, no. 3-4, p. 144-149.

A. Jakimavičius, V. Būda. Jubiliejiniams metams - penkių dešimtmečių tyrimų suvestinės (dirvožemio ekologijos raida Lietuvoje) // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 4, p. i-vi.

V. Kalcienė. Recent doctoral theses (ecology and environmental sciences) in Lithuania // Ekologija / Lietuvos mokslų akademija. Vilnius : Lietuvos mokslų akademijos leidykla. 2011, t. 57, nr. 4, p. vii-xi.

D. Jarmalavičius, J. Satkūnas, G. Žilinskas, D. Pupienis. Dynamics of beaches of the Lithuanian coast (the Baltic Sea) for the period 1993-2008 based on morphometric indicators // Environmental Earth Sciences. Heidelberg : Springer. 2012, p.

V. Skrodenytė-Arbačiauskienė, S. Radžiūtė, V. Stunžėnas, V. Būda. Erwinia typographi sp. nov., isolated from bark beetle (Ips typographus) gut // International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology. 2012, vol. 62, p. 942-948.

V. Skrodenytė-Arbačiauskienė, S. Radžiūtė, V. Stunžėnas, V. Būda. Erwinia typographi sp. nov., isolated from bark beetle (Ips typographus) gutl // International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology. 2012, vol. 62, no. 4, p. 942-948.

R. Lamsodis, A. Ulevičius. Geomorphological effects of beaver activities in lowland drainage ditches // Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie. Stuttgart : Gebr. Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung,. 2012, vol. 6, no. 4, p. 435-458.

R. Mozūraitis, V. Būda, J. Kutra, A. Borg-Karlson. p- and m-Cresols emitted from estrous urine are reliable volatile chemical markers of ovulation in mares // Animal reproduction science. Amsterdam : Elsevier BV. 2012, vol. 130, no 1-2, p. 51-56.

V. Būda, R. Mozūraitis, J. Kutra, A. Borg-Karlson. p-Cresol: a sex pheromone component identified from the estrous urine of mares // Journal of chemical ecology. New York : Springer New York LLC. 2012, vol. 38, no 7, p. 811-813.

V. Būda, R. Čepulytė-Rakauskienė. The effect of linalool on second-stage juveniles of the potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida // Journal of nematology. Marceline : Society of Nematologists. 2012, vol. 43, no 3-4, p. 149-151.

D. Jarmalavičius, J. Satkūnas, G. Žilinskas, D. Pupienis. The influence of coastal morphology on wind dynamics // Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences. Tallinn : Estonian Academy Publishers. 2012, vol. 61, no. 2, p. 120-130.

L. Blažytė-Čereškienė, V. Būda, E. Bagdonaitė. Three wild Lithuanian strawberry species and their pollinators // Plant systematics and evolution. Wien : Springer. 2012, vol. 298, no 4, p. 819-826.

COOPERATION

Nature Research Centre, State Scientific Research Institute (Lithuania)
Centre for Biological Resources NAS of Belarus, Minsk (Belarus)
University of Vytautas Magnus, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuania)
Military Academy of the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuania)
Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Environmental Protection Agency (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. V. Būda –

editorial board member of the journal Ekologija (Ecology);
member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
member of the Research Council of Lithuania,
member of Lithuanian Foundation for Press, Radio and TV.

Doc. S. Sinkevičius –

expert of the National Centre for Quality Assesment in Higher Education;
Council member of the Lithuanian Fund for Nature.