Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasites of resident arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, and brown trout, Salmo trutta, in two lakes in Iceland.

Arctic charr and brown trout in two dissimilar lakes in Iceland were examined for parasites, altogether 40 fish, 10 of each species in each lake. At least 22 parasite species were found; Protozoa: Spironucleus salmonis, Apiosoma sp. , Capriniana piscium, Trichodina sp. , Dermocystidium branchiale; Myxozoa: Chloromyxum truttae, Myxidium truttae, Myxobolus arcticus, M. cerebralis, M. neurobius, Sphaerospora truttae; Helminths: Apatemon gracilis, Diplostomum sp. , Crepidostomum farionis, Phyllodistomum conostomum, Diphyllobothrium sp. , Eubothrium crassum, E. salvelini, Philonema oncorhynchi, Capillaria salvelini; Crustacea: Salmincola edwardsii and Salmincola (salmonea) sp. Six of the observed species are new records in Icelandic freshwater fish. In general, the total parasite fauna of the two lakes showed a high degree of similarity, both with regards to micro- and macro-parasites. The majority of species were found in both lakes and many in/on both fish species. However, a considerable variability in prevalence and intensity between lakes and/or fish species was evident for certain parasite species. The results of the present study are compared with other similar studies in Iceland as well with the occurrence of the parasite species in neighbouring countries.
Nearly zero temperature trend in the polar summer mesosphere

A series of in‐situ temperature measurements performed by falling spheres at high latitudes in the last ∼10 years is compared with historical temperature data collected by the rocket grenade technique in the mid 1960s. Concentrating on summer (here from mid May to mid August) and on altitudes between 50 and 85 km, where natural variability and instrumental uncertainties are small, the observed trend is very small, if present at all. Taking into account all data from 50 to 85 km the mean trend is −0.024 K/y with a statistical error of ±0.014 K/y, i.e., practically zero. The mean deviation of the grenade temperatures from the falling sphere data is 0.8±6.4 K and the differences are randomly distributed. We have also analyzed various subsets of the entire data set, e.g., in a restricted altitude range where lidars have shown large trends at mid latitudes, namely from 55 to 75 km. The main result remains unchanged: The deviation between ‘old’ and ‘new’ data is practically zero and the temperature trend in the high latitude summer mesosphere is certainly much smaller (if any at all) compared to that observed at mid latitudes.
Automated Techniques for the Qualitative Analysis of Ecological Models: Continuous Models

The mathematics required for a detailed analysis of the behavior of a model can be formidable. In this paper, I demonstrate how various computer packages can aid qualitative analyses by implementing techniques from dynamical systems theory. Because computer software is used to obtain the results, the techniques can be used by nonmathematicians as well as mathematicians. In−depth analyses of complicated models that were previously very difficult to study can now be done. Because the paper is intended as an introduction to applying the techniques to ecological models, I have included an appendix describing some of the ideas and terminology. A second appendix shows how the techniques can be applied to a fairly simple predator−prey model and establishes the reliability of the computer software. The main body of the paper discusses a ratio−dependent model. The new techniques highlight some limitations of isocline analyses in this three−dimensional setting and show that the model is structurally unstable. Another appendix describes a larger model of a sheep−pasture−hyrax−lynx system. Dynamical systems techniques are compared with a traditional sensitivity analysis and are found to give more information. As a result, an incomplete relationship in the model is highlighted. I also discuss the resilience of these models to both parameter and population perturbations.
13 C and 15 N chemical shift assignments and secondary structure of the B 3 immunoglobulin-binding domain of streptococcal protein G by magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Complete C and N assignments of the B3 IgG-binding domain of protein G (GB3) in the microcrystalline solid phase, obtained using 2D and 3D MAS NMR, are presented. The chemical shifts are used to predict the protein backbone conformation and compared with solution-state shifts.
Survey on damage mechanics models for fatigue life prediction

Engineering methods to predict the fatigue life of structures have been available since the beginning of the 20th century. However, a practical problem arises from complex loading conditions and a significant concern is the accuracy of the methods under variable amplitude loading. This paper provides an overview of existing fatigue damage models with emphasis on relatively new alternative models and computational strategies to predict fatigue life. These models are compared and promising new capabilities are discussed.
Morphological and Genetic Diversity of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a dioecious, wind-pollinated shrub growing in Eurasia including the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan territory). Contrary to the situation in other countries, in Pakistan this species is heavily underutilized. Moreover, a striking diversity of berry colors and shapes in Pakistan raises the question: which varieties might be more suitable for different national and international markets? Therefore, both morphological and genetic diversity of sea buckthorn were studied to characterize and evaluate the present variability, including hypothetically ongoing domestication processes. Overall, 300 sea buckthorn individuals were sampled from eight different populations and classified as wild and supposedly domesticated stands. Dendrometric, fruit and leaf morphometric traits were recorded. Twelve EST-SSRs (expressed sequence tags-simple sequence repeats) markers were used for genotyping. Significant differences in morphological traits were found across populations and between wild and village stands. A significant correlation was found between leaf area and altitude. Twenty-two color shades of berries and 20 dorsal and 15 ventral color shades of leaves were distinguished. Mean genetic diversity was comparatively high (He = 0.699). In total, three distinct genetic clusters were observed that corresponded to the populations’ geographic locations. Considering high allelic richness and genetic diversity, the Gilgit-Baltistan territory seems to be a promising source for selection of improved germplasm in sea buckthorn.
Physical complexity to model morphological changes at a natural channel bend

This study developed a two‐dimensional (2‐D) depth‐averaged model for morphological changes at natural bends by including a secondary flow correction. The model was tested in two laboratory‐scale events. A field study was further adopted to demonstrate the capability of the model in predicting bed deformation at natural bends. Further, a series of scenarios with different setups of sediment‐related parameters were tested to explore the possibility of a 2‐D model to simulate morphological changes at a natural bend, and to investigate how much physical complexity is needed for reliable modeling. The results suggest that a 2‐D depth‐averaged model can reconstruct the hydrodynamic and morphological features at a bend reasonably provided that the model addresses a secondary flow correction, and reasonably parameterize grain‐sizes within a channel in a pragmatic way. The factors, such as sediment transport formula and roughness height, have relatively less significance on the bed change pattern at a bend. The study reveals that the secondary flow effect and grain‐size parameterization should be given a first priority among other parameters when modeling bed deformation at a natural bend using a 2‐D model.
Feature Selection by Singular Value Decomposition for Reinforcement Learning

Linear value function approximation is a standard approach to solving reinforcement learning problems with a large state space. Automatic feature selection is an important research topic since designing good approximation features is difficult. We propose a new method for feature selection, which is based on a low-rank factorization of the transition matrix. Our approach derives features directly from high-dimensional raw inputs, such as image data. The method is easy to implement using SVD, and our experiments show that it is faster and more stable than alternative methods.
Transients in Distribution Systems on Distributed Generation Energization

In the last decade or so electrical systems worldwi de have experienced dramatic configuration changes. D istributed generation (DG) emerged as an option to deal with g rowth in the demand, advances in technology, sensitive loads, an d ew energy policies. In DG systems, alternative energy source s, such as wind turbines, photovoltaics, fuel cells, and other new technologies are integrated to the system near the loads, i.e., at t he distribution level. The option of DG provides grid robustness a nd reliability. The major goals of this work are: (1) study transient effects when the DG is connected to the grid; and, (2) study the interaction of the DG with the distribution system. The Alternative Transients Program version of the Electromagnetic Transients P rogram (EMTP/ATP) has been used as the transient simulatio n tool to accomplish the above goals. This work shows that t he connection of DG always impacts the grid no matter at which voltage level it is connected. However, it is been noted that the im pact is higher at lower voltages levels. Index Terms — Distributed Generation, EMTP/ATP, Transients, Distribution System, Power Quality, Unbalance Voltage, IEEE 13 Node Test Feeders, Interconnection
Prevalence and significance of psychosocial flag signs in patients with compensable occupational upper extremity injuries

1Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 43 Wellesley Street East, Toronto, Ontario M1Y 1H1, Canada 2Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada 3Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada 4Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada 5Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
Prediction intervals for general balanced linear random models

The main interest of prediction intervals lies in the results of a future sample from a previously sampled population. In this article, we develop procedures for the prediction intervals which contain all of a fixed number of future observations for general balanced linear random models. Two methods based on the concept of a generalized pivotal quantity (GPQ) and one based on ANOVA estimators are presented. A simulation study using the balanced one-way random model is conducted to evaluate the proposed methods. It is shown that one of the two GPQ-based and the ANOVA-based methods are computationally more efficient and they also successfully maintain the simulated coverage probabilities close to the nominal confidence level. Hence, they are recommended for practical use. In addition, one example is given to illustrate the applicability of the recommended methods. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The Determinants of the Reproductive Behavior during the Pre-Transitional Period: the Case of the Rural Hinterland of Bologna in XIX Century

This work examines the evolution of the reproductive behaviour in two parishes of the rural hinterland of Bologna during the period between 1818 and 1900. The research studies the effect of the socio-economic transformation on the changing mechanisms of fertility by using micro-level data with a longitudinal approach at the beginning of the demographic transition. The results confirm the hypothesis that the premature death of the last child born reduces the interval between two consecutive childbirths, thus confirming the importance of breast-feeding. From the socioeconomic point of view, the women living in the complex sharecropping households experienced a significant and higher risk of childbirth than the women in the daily wagers’ families. In addition, the reproductive behavior of the sharecroppers seemed to be substantially invariant to the short term solicitations, whereas the laborers’ group experienced a negative price effect. Both the descriptive and the multivariate analysis indicated a slight and gradual decrease of the fertility levels over the period in question.
Pricing Variable Annuity Guarantees in a Local Volatility Framework

In this paper, we study the price of Variable Annuity Guarantees, especially of Guaranteed Annuity Options (GAO) and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB), and this in the settings of a derivative pricing model where the underlying spot (the fund) is locally governed by a geometric Brownian motion with local volatility, while interest rates follow a Hull-White one-factor Gaussian model. Notwithstanding the fact that in this framework, the local volatility depends on a particularly complicated expectation where no closed-form expression exists and it is neither directly related to European call prices or other liquid products, we present in this contribution different methods to calibrate the local volatility model. We further compare Variable Annuity Guarantee prices obtained in three different settings, namely the local volatility, the stochastic volatility and the constant volatility models all combined with stochastic interest rates and show that an appropriate volatility modelling is important for these long-dated derivatives. More precisely, we compare prices of GAO, GMIB Rider and barrier types GAO obtained by using local volatility, stochastic volatility and constant volatility models.
The on-and off-transient phases two V O 2 kinetics during submaximal exercise in old men

We assessed in old healthy male volunteers if the fundamental VO 2 (Φ 2 VO 2 ) to submaximal exercise (ontransient response) and its recovery (offtransient response) show in the VO 2 kinetics (τ 2 , time constant two) on-off symmetry (τ 2On vs. τ 2Off ) characterised from best exponential fitting models previously assessed. Volunteers (n = 9; mean ± SD: 72 ± 4 yrs) completed an initial incremental ramp test (W·min) to volitional fatigue from which the ventilatory threshold (θ) and work rates corresponding to 80%θ (ModRel) and 120%θ (HvyRel) were identified, plus a selected “absolute” work rate of 50 W (ModAbs) (submaximal exercise). On and off step-transitions in work rate were initiated from a baseline (BL) without warning to the subject. Each transition (On, Off) lasted 6 min and 4-6 transitions were performed at each intensity. The VO 2 response was measured breath-by-breath at BL and throughout each transition. On and off data were filtered, interpolated to 1-s intervals and ensemble-averaged to yield a single response profile for each subject and intensity. The averaged response for each subject was fit with a two(2C), and three-component (3C) exponential model by using different fitting windows, and parameter (P) estimates (i.e., τ 2 ) were determined for each component. Our best statistically and/or physiologically fitting models showed symmetry τ 2 values for Mod with 2C, 7P (Mod_Abs and Rel: on = 57 ± 15 and off = 56±14); and for HvyRel (on = 40 ± 9 y off = 39 ± 7) with 3C, 10P. BL (mL·min) Hvyon (744 ± 115) was low compared Hvyoff (982 ± 288). Overall • •
Preclinical imaging of prostate cancer using radiolabeled antibodies

Target-specific molecular imaging with radiolabeled antibodies has experienced a rapid growth over the past 20 years, and is now an essential tool to provide information on disease presence and extent. Despite all efforts to detect and control prostate cancer at an early stage, a number of men are still progressing to develop incurable metastatic disease. Because of this, development of new methods based on target-specific imaging is becoming increasingly important in the assessment and management of prostate cancer. The main purpose of this work was to investigate three target antigens: Ku70/Ku80, free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) and ICAM-1, as potential candidates for imaging of prostate cancer using radiolabeled antibodies. The studies were designed to assess the in vivo and ex vivo tumor targeting potential using animal models of prostate cancer. Preclinical SPECT/CT and PET/CT in vivo imaging modalities, ex vivo multi-radionuclide digital autoradiography, ex vivo activity measurements and immunohistochemistry were used to obtain biokinetics and specific activity uptake. In these studies, we found that radiolabeled INCA-X mAb could efficiently target the Ku70/Ku80 antigen in prostate cancer xenografts in mice that first receive a predose of non-labeled antibody. We also demonstrate that two antibodies specific for fPSA (PSA30 and 5A10) can efficiently target PSA positive prostate cancer xenografts. In that study, we also show that the animal models immune deficiency status can affect the antibody performance. Lastly, we show that 111In-R6.5 mAb outperformed the 177Lu-R6.5 or control IgG mAb and can be used as a complement to clinically used metabolic and proliferative probes. Our ex vivo and in vivo investigations presented in this dissertation should act as support for further studies of the Ku70/Ku80, fPSA and ICAM-1 antigens. Future studies should include therapeutic applications based on dosimetry calculation to evaluate possible therapeutic efficacy. (Less)
A Perspective on the IEEE 802.11e Protocol for the Factory Floor

In recent years, wireless technologies have been identified as a very attractive option for industrial and factory automation. Some of the benefits of these technologies are mobility support, reduced cabling and installation costs, reduced danger of breaking cables and less hassle with connectors. Typical application classes where wireless technologies might be used are closed-loop control involving mobile subsystems, coordination among mobile robots or autonomous vehicles, health monitoring of machines, tracking of parts and many more. Moreover, wireless technologies may be useful in factory automation systems where there is the need to dynamically connect new components to an already deployed wired communication system that cannot be reached (easily and/or reliably) with a cable. On the other hand, wireless solutions and products available today on the market are considered unsuitable for implementing distributed control applications and systems, in particular when real-time and/or reliability constraints are key issues. In fact, wireless networks are influenced by a number of factors that have to be carefully analysed before using them at the device level of factory automation systems. As an example, wireless transmissions are quite sensitive to electro-magnetic noise, obstacles, multi-path fading, etc. Industrial environments are generally very hostile and multiple types of noise may cause transmission errors, that can significantly affect the robustness. Moreover, as the wireless channel is non-deterministic and time-varying, the classical deterministic performance measures such as the worst-case transmission times should be replaced by probabilistic assessments. IEEE 802.11 is the most widely used wireless technology and several research works exist that study its suitability for the industrial environment and try to enhance the support provided to industrial traffic. Moreover, the interest of the industrial community regarding this protocol has noticeably grown since the IEEE 802.11e amendment has been incorporated into the published IEEE 802.11-2007 standard. In fact, such an amendment uses the same IEEE 802.11 physical layer, but provides two novel channel access mechanisms that support Quality of Service (QoS), namely, EDCA and HCCA. This Chapter aims at giving a summary of the many works in literature, to provide a broad overview on the current results regarding the IEEE 802.11e protocol in industrial communication, with a special 9
A New Squeaker Frog (Arthroleptidae: Arthroleptis) from the Mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria

Abstract A new species of squeaker frog (genus Arthroleptis) is described from the northern mountains of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a species-rich region within the West African biodiversity hotspot. This new species is associated with human-altered landscapes, including farms and grasslands, and is known from the highland areas near Bamenda, including Mt. Oku, Cameroon, as well as the Obudu and Mambilla Plateaus of eastern Nigeria. The known distribution suggests that it may eventually also be found throughout the Acha-Tugi Ridge that traverses the Cameroon–Nigeria border. More than 40 years ago, a specimen from one of these populations was recognized as probably representing a new species, but no further work was published on this material. We posit that the taxonomy of this new species has proven problematic because of morphological similarity to Arthroleptis poecilonotus. Although in some ways resembling A. poecilonotus, a molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial gene sequence data demonstrates that the new species is not closely related to A. poecilonotus and, instead, forms a clade with A. krokosua, A. perreti, and A. variabilis. The new species is diagnosable by the combination of medium–small body size (24–29 mm snout–vent length in adult females), the color patterns of the venter and head, and a relatively stout hindlimb with a prominent inner metatarsal tubercle. The description of this new species further highlights these mountains as an important region of endemism within the Cameroon Volcanic Line.
Does Cigarette Smoking Affect Body Weight? Causal Estimates from the Clean Indoor Air Law Discontinuity

This paper examines the causal effect of smoking on body weight in Italy. We take advantage of the discontinuity in smoking habits introduced by the Italian smoking ban in 2005. Our estimates indicate that the ban reduced smoking intensity by half a cigarette per day and smoking participation rate by 2 percentage points. We estimate a significant effect on body weight of about 1 kg. Heterogeneous effects are also found, highlighting a smaller impact on men, employees and overweight and obese people. Most of the weight variations are attributed to quitting smoking, whereas reductions in cigarette consumption are not significant.