Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colour-assortative mating among populations of Tropheus moorii, a cichlid fish from Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

The species flocks of cichlid fishes in the East African Lakes Tanganyika, Malawi and Victoria are prime examples of adaptive radiation and explosive speciation. Several hundreds of endemic species have evolved in each of the lakes over the past several thousands to a few millions years. Sexual selection via colour-assortative mating has often been proposed as a probable causal factor for initiating and maintaining reproductive isolation. Here, we report the consequences of human-mediated admixis among differentially coloured populations of the endemic cichlid fish Tropheus moorii from several localities that have accidentally been put in sympatry in a small harbour bay in the very south of Lake Tanganyika. We analysed the phenotypes (coloration) and genotypes (mitochondrial control region and five microsatellite loci) of almost 500 individuals, sampled over 3 consecutive years. Maximum-likelihood-based parenthood analyses and Bayesian inference of population structure revealed that significantly more juveniles are the product of within-colour-morph matings than could be expected under the assumption of random mating. Our results clearly indicate a marked degree of assortative mating with respect to the different colour morphs. Therefore, we postulate that sexual selection based on social interactions and female mate choice has played an important role in the formation and maintenance of the different colour morphs in Tropheus, and is probably common in other maternally mouthbrooding cichlids as well.
Reputation reform strategies in local government: investigating Denmark and Norway

ABSTRACT This article investigates reputation reform in Norwegian and Danish local government and whether they have the same strategy content depending on the degree of administrative involvement and municipality size. Political and administrative actors are likely to cultivate different types of reputation strategies (place or organisational reputation), which explicitly embrace the potentially diverging interests cultivated by the two types of actors. We use a comparative design and quantitative method with an empirical ambition to explore local government reputation strategies in two national contexts. We find that local government responses to reputation reform depend on the size of the municipality and the type of actors involved; the larger the municipality, the more the administration is involved. And the more that administrative actors are involved, the more the strategies target organisational reputation. The country-specific factors do not appear to be the most important determinants for reputation reform strategies.
Far-Field Pattern Evaluation From Data Acquired on a Spherical Surface by an Inaccurately Positioned Probe

This letter concerns the experimental validation of two effective techniques allowing the compensation of known positioning errors in a nonredundant spherical near-field-far-field (NF-FF) transformation, using an oblate ellipsoid to shape quasi-planar antennas. The former uses the singular value decomposition method to evaluate the NF data at the points fixed by the nonredundant sampling representation from the irregularly distributed ones, and can be applied when the nonuniformly spaced samples lie on nonuniform parallels. The latter, adopting an iterative technique, can be used even if such a hypothesis does not hold, but requires the existence of a biunique correspondence associating at each uniform sampling point the nearest nonuniform one. Once the uniform samples have been retrieved, those needed by the classical spherical NF-FF transformation are efficiently evaluated via an optimal sampling interpolation algorithm.
Technical ability of force application as a determinant factor of sprint performance.

PURPOSE We transposed the concept of effectiveness of force application used in pedaling mechanics to calculate the ratio of forces (RF) during sprint running and tested the hypothesis that field sprint performance was related to the technical ability to produce high amounts of net positive horizontal force. This ability represents how effectively the total force developed by the lower limbs is applied onto the ground, despite increasing speed during the acceleration phase. METHODS Twelve physically active male subjects (including two sprinters) performed 8-s sprints on a recently validated instrumented treadmill, and a 100-m sprint on an athletics track. Mean vertical (FV), net horizontal (FH), and total (FTot) ground reaction forces measured at each step during the acceleration allowed computation of the RF as FH/FTot and an index of force application technique (DRF) as the slope of the RF-speed linear relationship from the start until top speed. Correlations were tested between these mechanical variables and field sprint performance variables measured by radar: mean and top 100-m speeds and 4-s distance. RESULTS Significant (r > 0.731; P < 0.01) correlations were obtained between DRF and 100-m performance (mean and top speeds; 4-s distance). Further, FH was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) to field sprint performance, but FTot and FV were not. CONCLUSIONS Force application technique is a determinant factor of field 100-m sprint performance, which is not the case for the amount of total force subjects are able to apply onto the ground. It seems that the orientation of the total force applied onto the supporting ground during sprint acceleration is more important to performance than its amount.
Multiple-output DC-DC converters with the shared leg structure: Basic topologies, ZVS analysis and experimental results

A family of multiple-output converters with the shared leg structure is analyzed, summarized and generalized in this paper. Since the full bridge (FB) and half bridge (HB) converters include the same bridge-leg structure, one of these legs can be shared by the appropriate design. With the shared leg, many benefits can be obtained: the structure is compact; all the outputs are still tightly regulated; moreover, the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) range in the shared legs is extended naturally. The basic shared leg topologies, including the FB-AHB (asymmetrical half bridge), FB-RHB (resonant half bridge) and FB-FB topologies are discussed in this paper. Three types of ZVS characteristics in the shared leg are extracted from these basic shared leg topologies. The experiment results are also given to verify the validity of the analysis.
Systemic sclerosis prevalence and mortality in Sydney 1974-88.

BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis prevalence and mortality estimates have demonstrated wide variability. The sole Australian study published to date demonstrated high prevalence rates when compared to overseas estimates. The prevalence and mortality findings reported in this paper derive from a larger study which addressed the distribution and determinants of systemic sclerosis within Sydney. AIMS To determine systemic sclerosis prevalence and mortality rates within Sydney over 15 years, 1974-88. METHODS Cases were ascertained from multiple sources including death certificates, hospitals, physicians, vascular surgeons' and dermatologists' private practices, a systemic sclerosis self-help group and private medical laboratories. RESULTS Overall, 715 cases were identified. Females comprised 77% (95% CI: 74-80) of cases. Disease of the limited subtype accounted for 79% (95% CI: 76-82) of all systemic sclerosis, being relatively more frequent in living than deceased cases, and in females than males. Crude prevalence estimates appeared to rise between 1975 (4.52/100,000 95% CI:3.75-5.29/100,000) and 1988 (8.62/100,000 95% CI:7.64-9.60/100,000) as did estimates of diffuse disease. However, diffuse disease prevalence, when expressed as a proportion of total disease prevalence, showed no significant temporal change. Although crude mortality rates also showed apparent temporal increases (0.24/100,000 in 1975 to 0.80/100,000 in 1988) standardised mortality rates showed less convincing trends (0.41/100,000 in 1976 and 0.40/100,000 in 1988). Death certificate-derived mortality rates provided relatively large underestimates of total mortality. However, these underestimates were relatively constant over time. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated systemic sclerosis prevalence and mortality rates comparable to overseas estimates, consistently higher prevalence and mortality rates in females than males, proportionally higher rates of diffuse disease in males than females and in deceased cases than living cases, a diffuse: limited disease ratio apparently stable over time, apparently increasing temporal prevalence and mortality rates and, by implication, rising incidence rates. The observed temporal rise in diffuse disease prevalence and the absence of a convincing fall in diffuse disease mortality suggests a rising temporal incidence rate of diffuse disease. Standardised mortality rates demonstrated less consistent trends than did crude mortality rates and failed to demonstrate convincing declines in mortality subsequent to the introduction of ACE inhibitors for management of systemic sclerosis renal disease. Death certificate-derived systemic sclerosis mortality rates considerably and consistently underestimated systemic sclerosis-all cause mortality.
Negative expiratory pressure: a new tool.

The term expiratory flow limitation is used to indicate that maximal expiratory flow is achieved during tidal breathing and is characteristic of intra-thoracic airflow obstruction. Despite the severe consequences of expiratory flow limitation, the prevalence and clinical significance of this phenomenon have not been adequately studied in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and patients with other pulmonary and non-pulmonary disease. This is due to the fact that the conventional method to detect expiratory flow limitation, i.e. the one proposed by Hyatt based on comparison of maximal to tidal expiratory flow-volume curve, has several methodological and theoretical deficiencies. Therefore, its use is no longer recommended. In order to overcome these difficulties, a better technique, namely the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) method has been introduced. It essentially consists in applying negative pressure (-3 to -5 cmH2O) at the mouth during tidal expiration. The NEP technique has been applied and validated in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients by concomitant determination of iso-volume flow-pressure relationships. With this method the volume and time history of the control and test tidal expiration are the same. The NEP method is based on the principle that in the absence of pre-existing flow limitation, the increase in pressure gradient between the alveoli and the airway opening caused by NEP should result in increased expiratory flow. By contrast, in flow-limited subjects application of NEP should not change the expiratory flow. Application of NEP is not associated with any unpleasant sensation, cough, or other side effects. This method does not require patient collaboration, performance of forced vital capacity (FVC) manoeuvres or use of a body plethysmograph. It can be used, apart from in spontaneously breathing subjects in any body position, during exercise, and in the ICU setting. This new tool may provide new insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of several diseases and the symptom of dyspnea.
Survival of Mycobacterium avium, Legionella pneumophila, Escherichia coli, and Caliciviruses in Drinking Water-Associated Biofilms Grown under High-Shear Turbulent Flow

ABSTRACT Most of the bacteria in drinking water distribution systems are associated with biofilms. In biofilms, their nutrient supply is better than in water, and biofilms can provide shelter against disinfection. We used a Propella biofilm reactor for studying the survival of Mycobacterium avium, Legionella pneumophila, Escherichia coli, and canine calicivirus (CaCV) (as a surrogate for human norovirus) in drinking water biofilms grown under high-shear turbulent-flow conditions. The numbers of M. avium and L. pneumophila were analyzed with both culture methods and with peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods. Even though the numbers of pathogens in biofilms decreased during the experiments, M. avium and L. pneumophila survived in biofilms for more than 2 to 4 weeks in culturable forms. CaCV was detectable with a reverse transcription-PCR method in biofilms for more than 3 weeks. E. coli was detectable by culture for only 4 days in biofilms and 8 days in water, suggesting that it is a poor indicator of the presence of certain waterborne pathogens. With L. pneumophila and M. avium, culture methods underestimated the numbers of bacteria present compared to the FISH results. This study clearly proved that pathogenic bacteria entering water distribution systems can survive in biofilms for at least several weeks, even under conditions of high-shear turbulent flow, and may be a risk to water consumers. Also, considering the low number of virus particles needed to result in an infection, their extended survival in biofilms must be taken into account as a risk for the consumer.
Study on electric energy consumed in intermittent series–parallel elastic actuators (iSPEA)

On compliant actuators, intermittent series–parallel elastic actuators (iSPEA) can reduce motor load by variable load cancellation through recruitment of parallel springs by a single motor. However, the potential to reduce electric energy consumed, compared to a traditional stiff driven joint has not yet been evaluated thoroughly both in simulations and experiments. We have developed a 1DOF MACCEPA-based iSPEA test bench with a self-closing intermittent mechanism. An iSPEA driven warehouse robot is used as a case study in simulation. A method to compare iSPEA and traditional actuators is proposed. This paper shows a match between our simulations and experimental results regarding electric energy consumed. Although the chosen gear ratio shows to be detrimental for both the stiff actuator and the iSPEA, the electric energy consumed by the iSPEA is about 25% to 67% of the stiff actuator, for a warehouse robot placing 3 objects on a shelf.
Two 5′-Regions Are Required for Nutritional and Insulin Regulation of the Fatty-acid Synthase Promoter in Transgenic Mice*

We previously reported that 2.1 kilobase pairs of the 5′-flanking sequence are sufficient for tissue-specific and hormonal/metabolic regulation of the fatty-acid synthase (FAS) gene in transgenic mice. We also demonstrated that the −65 E-box is required for insulin regulation of the FAS promoter using 3T3-L1 adipocytes in culture. To further define sequences required for FAS gene expression, we generated transgenic mice carrying from −644, −444, −278, and −131 to +67 base pairs of the rat FAS 5′-flanking sequence fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. Similar to the expression observed with −2100-FAS-CAT transgenic mice, transgenic mice harboring −644-FAS-CAT and −444-FAS-CAT expressed high levels of CAT mRNA only in lipogenic tissues (liver and adipose tissue) in a manner identical to the endogenous FAS mRNA. In contrast, −278-FAS-CAT and −131-FAS-CAT transgenic mice did not show appreciable CAT expression in any of the tissues examined. When previously fasted mice were refed a high carbohydrate, fat-free diet, CAT mRNA expression in transgenic mice harboring −644-FAS-CAT and −444-FAS-CAT was induced dramatically in liver and adipose tissue. The induction was virtually identical to that observed in −2100-FAS-CAT transgenic mice and to the endogenous FAS mRNA. In contrast, −278-FAS-CAT transgenic mice showed induction by feeding, but at a much lower magnitude in both liver and adipose tissue. The −131-FAS-CAT transgenic mice did not show any CAT expression either when fasted or refed a high carbohydrate diet. To study further the effect of insulin, we made these transgenic mice insulin-deficient by streptozotocin treatment. Insulin administration to the streptozotocin-diabetic mice increased CAT mRNA levels driven by the −644 FAS and −444 FAS promoters in liver and adipose tissue, paralleling the endogenous FAS mRNA levels. In the case of −278-FAS-CAT, the induction observed was at a much lower magnitude, and deletion to −131 base pairs did not show any increase in CAT expression by insulin. This study demonstrates that the sequence requirement for FAS gene regulation employing an in vitroculture system does not reflect the in vivo situation and that two 5′-flanking regions are required for proper nutritional and insulin regulation of the FAS gene. Cotransfection of the upstream stimulatory factor and various FAS promoter-luciferase constructs as well as in vitro binding studies suggest a function for the upstream stimulatory factor at both the −65 and −332 E-box sequences.
27.1 GHz Millimetre Wave Propagation Measurements for 5G Urban Macro Areas

This paper presents experimental measurements conducted in the Footscray business area and within the Victoria University campus at 27.1 GHz. The results are compared to bestfit models and the urban macro (UMa) non line-of- sight path loss model suggested by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the UMa version of the close-in free space reference distance (CI) model. The result showed that the Alpha- Beta model has the lower RMS error on a bestfit basis due to the extra degree of freedom. The 3GPP model has the lowest modelling error (σ = 6.7dB for Footscray) when measuring "peak" power at the optimum angle of arrival for measurement zones with a consistent parameter set (building height, street width etc). The CI model is competitive when "omni" power measurements are used and when the measurement zone consists of regions with vastly different parameter sets.
Impact evaluation of logic blocks configuration on FPGA's soft error rate estimation

The Soft Error Rate (SER) of an electronic system depends on its sensitivity to the transient faults on its internal elements. Therefore, the SER is commonly estimated by injecting faults into these elements, using a uniform fault distribution. Although this approach can adequately support a feasibility or a compliance analysis, a more accurate estimation would offer a suitable parameter for classifying and choosing an optimum system design. The SER estimation accuracy could be improved by using the fault probability of each internal element. This approach would be especially interesting for FPGAs, which have Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) implementing different functions with distinct fault probabilities. In this context, this work evaluates how the CLB configuration impacts the SER estimation of two circuits implemented on a ProASIC3E FPGA. A difference of 14% is observed between the SER estimation considering the CLBs individual fault probabilities and the SER estimation with uniformly distributed faults. Additionally, the SER considering the CLB configuration is closer to the estimation obtained from a transistor-level fault injection. This result shows the influence of the CLB configuration on the SER estimation and indicates that a more accurate value can be obtained by taking this factor into account.
Psychological factors affecting memorable tourism experiences

ABSTRACT This study tries to explore psychological components of memorable tourist experience (MTE) that are most likely to recall tourists’ memories. Urban residents from three representative cities in China were selected as research samples, and totally 301 usable questionnaires were used for data analysis. The results showed that the recollection of MTE was positively affected by novelty, involvement and social interaction. It was also suggested that hedonism and novelty had positive effects on the vividness of MTEs significantly. Additionally, in the context of Chinese culture, two new psychological factors, social interaction and perceived serendipity, resulted in different effects on the MTE.
Molecular detection of persistent Borrelia burgdorferi in the urine of patients with active Lyme disease

Current diagnostic tests for Lyme disease (LD) are dependent upon the host serologic response and are insensitive early in infection and, possibly, following antibiotic therapy. We cloned a library of Borrelia burgdorferi 297 DNA and studied one clone, Ly-1, for its potential in diagnostic and pathogenic studies. Using pulsed-field electrophoresis, we demonstrated that Ly-1 is of chromosomal origin and estimated that the B. burgdorferi chromosome is approximately 1,100 kb in size. The 3.7-kb Ly-1 clone hybridizes with geographically diverse strains of B. burgdorferi. No cross hybridization occurs with DNA from human cells, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, or the closely related B. hermsii. We used a dot blot assay to detect 100 pg of B. burgdorferi DNA. We partially determined the nucleotide sequence of Ly-1 and used it to select and synthesize oligonucleotides for use in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two different primer pairs were found to amplify DNA from nine geographically diverse isolates. We could detect 10 fg (less than 10 molecules) of B. burgdorferi or less than five spirochetes added to human urine. Finally, we were able to use the PCR to detect B. burgdorferi DNA in the urine of four of eight patients with suspected active LD (three with arthritis and one with neurologic manifestations), all of whom responded to antibiotic treatment. In contrast, those patients who were PCR negative either had inactive disease or had been appropriately treated and did not respond to additional antibiotics, and all four control urine specimens were PCR negative. We conclude that B. burgdorferi DNA can be sensitively detected by the PCR with the primers and methods we describe and that the urinary tract is a site of persistent infection in some cases of human LD, an observation of potential diagnostic and pathogenic importance.
Stent implantation is effective treatment of vascular stenosis in young infants with congenital heart disease: Acute implantation and long‐term follow‐up results

Background: Stents implantation in infants has been shown to be feasible, however, there are no published reports examining long‐term outcomes. Concerns exist regarding creation of fixed obstructions secondary to the stent if expansion to larger diameters over time is not possible. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the earliest consecutive series of infants who underwent stent placement at our institution between October 1995 and December 1999. Results: Implantation of 33 stents were attempted in 27 infants, median age = 10 (25–24) months, wt = 8.1 (3.4–14.5) kg. Stents used were as follows: 16 large, 13 medium, and 4 coronary. Acute implant success was 94%. There were three nonprocedure‐related deaths within 30 days of implantation, 1 patient was lost to follow‐up and 1 had acute stent thrombosis. The remaining 22 patients (26 stents) form the long‐term follow‐up study group. Nineteen stents underwent 33 redilations. Following latest redilation, 67.0 (37–113) months postimplantation, minimal luminal diameter increased from 7.0 ± 1.8 mm immediately following implantation to 8.7 ± 2.3 mm (P < 0.001). Seven stents were electively removed/ligated during a planned surgery. All 18 remaining in situ stents are patent without significant obstruction 102 (84–116) months following implantation. There was one late death 51 months after stent implantation. The remaining 21 patients are alive and well. Conclusions: Stent implantation in infants is safe and effective. Serial redilation is possible to keep pace with somatic growth; however, efforts should be made to implant stents with adult diameter potential in children who will not require further cardiac surgery. Implantation of small‐ and medium‐sized stents can provide effective palliation and should be considered in carefully selected infants who will ultimately require future surgery. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.