Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Turbine passage survival estimation for chinook salmon smolts (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at a large dam on the Columbia River

The short-term survival rate of hatchery-reared fall yearling chinook salmon smolts (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) introduced at 3.1 m below the turbine intake ceiling (N = 350) at a large Columbia River hydroelectric dam relative to the survival rate of controls (released in the discharge) was estimated at 93.0% (90% profile CI = 90.1-95.5%); among those introduced at 9.3 m depth (N = 250) the survival rate was 94.7% (90% CI = 91.9-97.0%). Differences were not significant, and the pooled estimate of 93.9% (90% CI = 91.9-95.7%) is higher than is generally assumed or reported (70- 89%) for salmonids. Unlike the prevailing models based on recovery ratios of alive fish only, our likelihood model included the capture probabilities of both the alive and dead fish for estimation of parameters and their standard errors. Survival rates reported herein refer to the direct effects of turbine passage; those reported in the literature, however, do not make a clear distinction between direct (immediately upon turbine passage) and indirect effects that may occur over time. The types of fatal injuries observed suggested that a reduction or elimination of gaps between the hub and runner blades may enhance fish survival. Resume : On a estime a 93,0% (profil a 90% : IC = 90,1-95,5%) le taux de survie a court terme de smolts de saumons quinnats d'automne (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) eleves en pisciculture, introduits a 3,1 m sous la partie superieure d'une prise d'eau de turbine (N = 350) d'un important barrage hydro-electrique du fleuve Columbia, par rapport a celui de temoins (liberes dans le deversoir); chez les smolts introduits a une profondeur de 9,3 m (N = 250), le taux de survie etait de 94,7% (profil a 90% : IC = 91,9-97,0%). Les differences n'etaient pas significatives, et la valeur estimee combinee, de 93,9% (profil a 90 % : IC = 91,9-95,7%), est superieure a celles qui sont generalement supposees ou signalees (70-89%) pour les salmonides. A la difference des modeles les plus courants bases sur les rapports de recuperation des poissons vivants seulement, notre modele de vraisemblance prevoit les probabilites de prise des poissons vivants ou morts pour l'evaluation des parametres et de leur ecart-type. Les taux de survie signales ici correspondent aux effets directs du passage dans la turbine; toutefois, ceux qui sont indiques dans la litterature ne font pas une distinction tres nette entre les effets directs (immediatement apres le passage dans la turbine) et les effets indirects qui surviennent plus tard. Les types de blessures mortelles observes laissent croire que la reduction (ou l'elimination) des espaces vides entre l'axe et les pales mobiles pourrait ameliorer les chances de survie des poissons. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Design and Fabrication of 3-D Printed Inline Coaxial Filters With Improved Stopband

This article presents a new class of filters, conceived for the fabrication with additive manufacturing technologies, with a wide stopband. The resonators are made of a coaxial line where supports are the coupling elements between them. The wide stopband is obtained using two different solutions. The first is the use of stepped-impedance resonators, whereas the second is the use of quarter wavelength resonators. Several prototypes have been built, and the experimental results show the validity of the solution.
Vocalization Observed in Starving White-Tailed Deer Neonates

Abstract We observed loud, frequent vocalizations by 5 Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) neonates that ultimately died of starvation due to abandonment. We did not observe this behavior by other neonates, regardless of survival or cause of mortality. Thus, we believe that neonate vocalization could serve as a useful field indicator of abandonment. Additionally, estimates of predation rates may be inflated because they are masking high rates of undetected abandonment.
Constructing Daily Equity Momentum Portfolios Using Corporate Bond Data

Do corporate bond return dynamics contain information that is not already fully reflected in equity prices despite the lower liquidity of credit markets? Using a comprehensive dataset of US corporate bond pricing and analytics, the authors show that daily bond returns can be used to construct a high-frequency equity momentum strategy. A long–short portfolio formed by ranking stocks on past daily excess returns of bonds issued by the same firms generated annual returns of 18% on average since 2001 with an information ratio of over 1.8. The performance was consistent over time and across economic states and different geographies and remained significant after controlling for commonly used equity factors. Momentum and mean-reversion strategies applied to the same universe of companies but instead using daily equity data did not generate similar results. TOPICS: Portfolio theory, portfolio construction, equity portfolio management Key Findings • Daily corporate bond pricing data can be used in constructing a high-frequency equity momentum strategy. • A daily trading strategy that buys stocks whose bonds outperformed relative to peers and shorts stocks whose bonds underperformed relative to peers generates an improved risk–return profile compared with a similar trend strategy based on daily equity price dynamics. • The strategy is attractive both in isolation and in combination with other strategies, delivering significant risk-adjusted alpha.
Reproductive biology of the skate, Rioraja agassizii (Müller and Henle, 1841), off Puerto Quequén, Argentina

Summary A total of 230 specimens of the skate, Rioraja agassizii, was collected from the commercial bottom trawl fishery of Puerto Quequen, Argentina. During the warmer seasons greater proportions of females were sampled. The largest male and female sampled were 629 and 698 mm total length (TL), respectively. Sexual dimorphism was detected in the relationship between weight (W)−TL and disc width (DW)−TL, in that females were heavier and wider than males. The smallest mature male and female were 485 and 530 mm TL, respectively. TL at 50% maturity (TL50%) was estimated at 504 and 570 mm for males and females, respectively. Females exhibited heavier livers than males throughout their lifetimes. Seasonal variations in the gonadosomatic (GSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices, and in the width of the left oviducal gland (OG), along with the greater number of pregnant females sampled during spring, suggested that the peak of the egg laying season could be during this season. The egg cases presented a mean length of 69.01 ± 5.53 mm, mean width of 43.40 ± 1.86 mm and mean weight of 17.00 ± 4.59 g. According to these results specimens from Puerto Quequen and southern Brazil appeared to differ in size, the peak of the egg-laying season and in egg dimensions.
Gender Difference in the Association Between Metabolic Factors and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Background A gender difference in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that men have higher incidence than women has long been noted and can be explained by the cross-talk between sex hormones and hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus (HBV/HCV). Whether metabolic factors yield similar sexual difference in non-HBV/HCV-HCC remains elusive. Methods There were 74 782 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)/antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) negative residents who participated in the Keelung Community-Based Integrated Screening program and were followed in 2000-2007. Incident HCC was identified by linkage to the Taiwan Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between metabolic factors and HCC stratified by sex. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results With 320 829 follow-up person-years, 99 residents developed HCC. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were 2.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 4.13) and 3.71 (95% CI = 2.01 to 6.86) for prediabetes and diabetes, respectively, in men. The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios were 1.16 (95% CI = 0.48 to 2.83) and 1.47 (95% CI = 0.65 to 3.34) in women. Compared with normal weight (body mass index [BMI] = 23-25), underweight (BMI < 21, HR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.18 to 10.8) and overweight (BMI = 25 to <27.3, HR = 3.81, 95% CI = 1.43 to 10.2) were associated with an elevated risk in men. The statistically significant gradient relationship per advanced BMI category was noted in women (aHR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.87). The HCC–fasting glucose (P = .046) and HCC-BMI (P = .03) associations were statistically significantly modified by sex. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet index and fibrosis index, and habitual alcohol consumption were related to HCC only in men, whereas increased alanine aminotransferase and lower platelet levels predicted HCC risk in women. Conclusions We found that BMI-HCC associations were U-shape for men and linear for women, and the elevated HCC risk began from glucose impairment in men only. Whether good glycemic and weight control can reduce HCC risk warrants further investigation.
A New Genus of Terrestrial-Breeding Frogs (Holoadeninae, Strabomantidae, Terrarana) from Southern Peru

We propose to erect a new genus of terrestrial-breeding frogs of the Terrarana clade to accommodate three species from the Province La Convención, Department of Cusco, Peru previously assigned to Bryophryne: B. flammiventris, B. gymnotis, and B. mancoinca. We examined types and specimens of most species, reviewed morphological and bioacoustic characteristics, and performed molecular analyses on the largest phylogeny of Bryophryne species to date. We performed phylogenetic analysis of a dataset of concatenated sequences from fragments of the 16S rRNA and 12S rRNA genes, the protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), the nuclear protein-coding gene recombination-activating protein 1 (RAG1), and the tyrosinase precursor (Tyr). The three species are immediately distinguishable from all other species of Bryophryne by the presence of a tympanic membrane and annulus, and by males having median subgular vocal sacs and emitting advertisement calls. Our molecular phylogeny confirms that the three species belong to a new, distinct clade, which we name Qosqophryne, and that they are reciprocally monophyletic with species of Microkayla. These two genera (Qosqophryne and Microkayla) are more closely related to species of Noblella and Psychrophrynella than to species of Bryophryne. Although there are no known morphological synapomorphies for either Microkayla or Qosqophryne, the high endemism of their species, and the disjoint geographic distribution of the two genera, with a gap region of ~310 km by airline where both genera are absent, provide further support for Qosqophryne having long diverged from Microkayla. The exploration of high elevation moss and leaf litter habitats in the tropical Andes will contribute to increase knowledge of the diversity and phylogenetic relationships within Terrarana.
Synchronizer-Free Digital Link Controller

This work presents a producer-consumer link between two independent clock domains. The link allows for metastability-free, low-latency, high-throughput communication by slight adjustments to the clock frequencies of the producer and consumer domains steered by a controller circuit. Any such controller cannot deterministically avoid, detect, nor resolve metastability. Typically, this is addressed by synchronizers, incurring a larger dead time in the control loop. We follow the approach of Friedrichs et al. (TC 2018) who proposed metastability-containing circuits. The result is a simple control circuit that may become metastable, yet deterministically avoids buffer underrun or overflow. More specifically, the controller output may become metastable, but this may only affect oscillator speeds within specific bounds. In contrast, communication is guaranteed to remain metastability-free. We formally prove correctness of the producer-consumer link and a possible implementation that has only small overhead. With SPICE simulations of the proposed implementation we further substantiate our claims. The simulation uses 65nm process running at roughly 2GHz.
Entitlements in the crosshairs: how sovereign credit ratings judge the welfare state in advanced market economies

Abstract How do credit rating agencies (CRAs) judge welfare policies in advanced market economies (AMEs)? Scholars worry that market pressures constrain AMEs’ ability to retain their welfare arrangements, but the role of ratings in generating such pressures remains unstudied, despite their well-known influence on governments’ funding costs. CRAs’ communications indicate that CRAs assign lower ratings to countries with large spending commitments that are difficult to promptly change in response to adverse economic shocks, as insurance against drastic negative corrections (‘rating failures’). Therefore, we hypothesize that famously inflexible entitlement programs trigger rating penalties, but welfare spending that is easier to adjust does not. Our panel analysis of ratings from Standard&Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch awarded to 23 AMEs between 1995 and 2014 demonstrates that entitlement spending systematically incurs lower ratings, but discretionary spending on public employment and social services does not. In contrast, bond-spreads are not affected by entitlement spending, once the effect of ratings is controlled for. We conclude that CRAs’ desire to avoid ‘rating failures’ is an important factor in generating negative market reactions against entitlements.
Distribution of α2C‐adrenergic receptor‐like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

The distribution of α2C‐adrenergic receptors (ARs) in rat brain and spinal cord was examined immunohistochemically by using an affinity purified polyclonal antibody. The antibody was directed against a recombinant fusion protein consisting of a 70‐amino‐acid polypeptide portion of the third intracellular loop of the α2C‐AR fused to glutathione‐S‐transferase. Selectivity and subtype specificity of the antibody were demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of [125I]‐photoaffinity‐labeled α2‐AR and by immunohistochemical labeling of COS cells expressing the individual rat α2‐AR subtypes. In both cases the antibody recognized only the α2C‐AR subtype, and immunoreactivity was eliminated by preadsorption of the antibody with excess antigen. In rat brain, α2C‐AR‐like immunoreactivity (α2C‐AR‐LI) was found primarily in neuronal perikarya, with some labeling of proximal dendrites; analysis by confocal microscopy revealed the intracellular localization of some of the immunoreactivity. Areas of dense immunoreactivity include anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex, septum, diagonal band, pallidum, preoptic areas, supraoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, amygdala, hippocampus (CA1 and dentate gyrus), substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, raphe (pontine and medullary), motor trigeminal nucleus, facial nucleus, vestibular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and hypoglossal nucleus. Labeling was found in specific laminae throughout the cortex, and a sparse distribution of very darkly labeled cells was observed in the striatum. At all levels of the spinal cord there were small numbers of large, darkly labeled cells in layer IX and much smaller cells in layer X. In general, the pattern of α2C‐LI throughout the neuraxis is consistent with previously published reports of the distribution of receptor mRNA detected by hybridization histochemistry. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicity of some insecticides to Apanteles plutellae a parasite of the diamond back moth

Abstract The susceptibility of adults and cocooned stages of Apanteles plutellae Kurdj. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) to four synthetic pyrethroid insecticides and five other chemical insecticides was tested. The chemicals, formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, were decamethrin (0.0014%), permethrin (0.01%), fenvalerate (0.01%), cypermethrin (0.005%), dichlorvos (0.05%), monocrotophos (0.05%), endosulfan (0.05%), phosalone (0.05%) and quinalphos (0.05%). Adults were exposed for 6 h to filter paper impregnated with insecticide solution and were then transferred to untreated vials for observation. Cocoons were sprayed with the chemicals by means of a glass atomiser and held for adult emergence. The pyrethroid formulations and phosalone had little or no harmful effect on the adults and cocooned stages of A. plutellae but quinalphos was highly toxic to all stages tested. Dichlorvos, monocrotophos and endosulfan were highly toxic to adults but relatively safe for the cocooned stages.
Embryogenic Cell Culture, Protoplast Regeneration, Cryopreservation, Biolistic Gene Transfer and Plant Regeneration in Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)

Somatic embryogenesis in Cryptomeria japonica was initiated at a relatively high frequency from immature seeds collected from the end of June to mid-July. Induction of embryogenic cultures was possible on media with or without plant growth regulators, and the initiation frequency varied from 5 to 16%. Embryogenic cell lines have been maintained and proliferated for more than 2 years in solid and liquid media. For long-term storage embryogenic cells were cryopreserved using a simple freezing method. Cotyledonary embryos were obtained mostly on maturation media containing abscisic acid (ABA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as osmotic agent, however, the plant conversion rate was still low. Plants regenerated from somatic embryos continued growing in a greenhouse. Furthermore, a procedure for the individual culture of protoplasts isolates from embryonal masses, and an approach for microprojectile bombardment-mediated transformation using pIPT and pMAT vectors was also described.
Osteoimmunomodulatory effects of biomaterial modification strategies on macrophage polarization and bone regeneration

Abstract Biomaterials as bone substitutes are always considered as foreign bodies that can trigger host immune responses. Traditional designing principles have been always aimed at minimizing the immune reactions by fabricating inert biomaterials. However, clinical evidence revealed that those methods still have limitations and many of which were only feasible in the laboratory. Currently, osteoimmunology, the very pioneering concept is drawing more and more attention—it does not simply regard the immune response as an obstacle during bone healing but emphasizes the intimate relationship of the immune and skeletal system, which includes diverse cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways. Properties of biomaterials like topography, wettability, surface charge, the release of cytokines, mediators, ions and other bioactive molecules can impose effects on immune responses to interfere with the skeletal system. Based on the bone formation mechanisms, the designing methods of the biomaterials change from immune evasive to immune reprogramming. Here, we discuss the osteoimmunomodulatory effects of the new modification strategies—adjusting properties of bone biomaterials to induce a favorable osteoimmune environment. Such strategies showed potential to benefit the development of bone materials and lay a solid foundation for the future clinical application.
Does microhabitat structure affect foliar mite assemblages?

1. Habitat structure is an important factor influencing population dynamics and trophic organisation of terrestrial invertebrates. The phylloplane zone on vascular plant leaves is topographically complex, containing a multitude of microhabitats such as leaf hairs, lesions, and structural refugia such as domatia, which may modify interactions between resident invertebrate communities, colonisers, and subsequent trophic relationships. Leaf domatia are small indentations on the underside of leaves and are often inhabited by potentially beneficial mites and other arthropods.
EVALUATION OF TEACHERS’ COMPETENCY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE OF EVALUATION BY STUDENTS IN ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY, ETHIOPIA

This study aims to investigate the teachers’ competency as evaluated by students in Arba Minch University. To this effect, the study identified four main categories to measure teachers‘ competencies; subject matter knowledge, professional skill, ethical quality, and time management. Descriptive survey type of mixed-method design was used. Institute of Technology and the College of Business and Economics were selected from two institutes, five colleges, and four schools in the university through stratified sampling. Stratification was made based on natural and social science fields. A two-stage simple random sampling technique was used to select 947 undergraduate students with their respective 32 teachers from the selected Institute and College. Data were gathered through the harmonized instructor’s performance evaluation scale, which was developed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the country. For the analysis of data; mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, and bar graph were employed. The analysis has shown that the results of teachers as evaluated by students were moderate in subject matter knowledge, professional skill, and time management competencies. Whereas, in ethical quality it was found to be high. Technology Institute teachers’ competency was comparatively higher than the competency of teachers from the College of Business and Economics. Further, it was found that the competency of teachers from the Institute of Technology significantly differs from the competency of teachers from College of Business and Economics with respect to subject matter knowledge, professional skills, and ethical quality. However, the mean score of time management for teachers of the Institute was (3.59±1.18), while for the College teachers it was (3.63±1.17) but this difference was statistically not significant (t= -.538, p=.59). The result has also shown that the major students' feedbacks related to the strength and issues to be improved by teachers in line with the four areas of competencies. Therefore, teachers who evaluated as below average and average levels should use this input to improve their teaching practice and the university should give special emphasis to improve teachers’ average levels of competencies through instructional skill and higher diploma program trainings. Article visualizations:
Wheat-bug damage in New Zealand wheats: The feeding mechanism of nysius huttoni and its effect on the morphological and physiological development of wheat

Adult Nysius huttoni White were placed in separate cages containing cultivars Rongotea and Karamu at the late anthesis, watery ripe and milky ripe stages of development. Between 84 and 99 % of the matured kernels were injured with the characteristic visible markings of bug-damaged wheat. All the samples contained strong wheat-bug proteinase activity as shown by the incubated SDS-sedimentation test and the disappearance of HMW glutenin subunits from electrophoretograms. Grain infested at late anthesis was most severely affected with shrivelled kernels, high screenings, protein, free amino acids and α-amylase, and low kernel weight, germination capacity and carbohydrate content. Grain infested at the watery ripe and milky ripe stages had values for the above properties closer to uninfested control wheat values. It was suggested that N huttoni sucked sap from lateral sieve tubes in the wheat ovary at late anthesis causing severe disruption to physiological development of the grain. Two commercial lines of wheat showed some characteristics of this effect.