Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Natural Balancing Of Ripple Rejection LC-Filter with Modified Phase-Shifted PWM for Single-Leg Five-Level Flying-Capacitor Converters

Multilevel power electronic converters are the converter of choice in medium-voltage applications due to their reduced switch voltage stress, better harmonic performance, and Lower switching losses. Flying-capacitor multilevel converter has a distinct advantage in terms of its ease of capacitor voltage balancing. This paper analyses the natural voltage-balancing characteristic of a flying capacitor multilevel converter when it is operated under the spectrally modified Phase Shifted-pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy. Filter network connection is proposed that significantly improves the natural balancing response of a flying capacitor converter for either PWM strategy. This is most significantly done by simulation. Keywords-Multilevel inverter, Phase shifted-PWM, Single leg five level Flying capacitor converter, self pre-charging.
A second discovery of Lacertopontonia chadi Marin, 2011 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae), with remarks on its systematic position

A second discovery of the cockscomb oyster associated shrimp species Lacertopontonia chadi is recorded from Sabah (Malaysia). The material is compared with the type description and paratypic material. The systematic position of the genus is reevaluated on the basis of morphological and molecular data focusing on the genera Conchodytes and Chernocaris. It is concluded that Lacertopontonia and Chernocaris fall within the present definition of Conchodytes and should be regarded as synonyms of the latter.
College Women's Aggression in Relationships: The Role of Childhood and Adolescent Victimization

Despite growing evidence suggesting that women engage in verbal and physical dating aggression, there is a dearth of research examining the predictors of women's engagement in these behaviors. Utilizing a college sample, the purpose of the current study was to explore women's perpetration of dating aggression within the context of victimization experiences. Women (N = 374) completed surveys at the beginning and end of a 10-week academic quarter for course credit. Results from two retrospective regression analyses (all Time 1 variables) suggested that (1) paternal physical abuse and adolescent/adulthood verbal victimization predicted women's reports of verbal perpetration and (2) childhood sexual abuse, adolescent/adulthood verbal victimization, adolescent/adulthood physical victimization, and adolescent/adulthood verbal perpetration predicted women's reports of physical perpetration. Results from the two prospective, longitudinal regression analyses suggested that (1) verbal perpetration (as measured at Time 1) and verbal victimization over the interim predicted women's reports of verbal perpetration over the interim and (2) physical perpetration (as measured at Time 1), verbal perpetration over the interim, and physical victimization over the interim predicted women's reports of physical perpetration over the interim. These data suggest the importance of considering previous victimization experiences, mutual partner aggression, and a history of aggressive behaviors when examining women's use of aggression in dating relationships.
Asymptomatic Infection of Borrelia burgdorferi in Xinjiang, China

The natural history of asymptomatic infection of Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) and genotype infected population of Xinjiang has been unclear. We report here, on the basis of molecular epidemiological studies on B. burgdorferi in population of Tacheng, the endemic area in Xinjiang China, the outcome of asymptomatic infection of B. burgdorferi and PCR result to B. burgdorferi in participants of a follow-up visit in 2006, based on the sero-epidemiological investigation of B. burgdorferi infection in 2002, and detected the serum anti-B. burgdorferi antibody levels in participants using western blot assay. In addition, urine samples were collected from participants at the time of follow-up and tested by nested PCR for the presence of B. burgdoferi DNA. Eight positive products were sequenced by the Borders Group Inc Company. We show that asymptomatic infection with B. burgdorferi occurred more frequently than clinical cases of Lyme disease. Sequencing analysis of the 5s-23SrRNA spacer region of Eight PCR-positive samples revealed that 7 were of B. garinii and 1 of B. afzelii, these genospecies are identical with those infecting local vectors.
Hazards Affecting Grizzly Bear Survival in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Abstract During the past 2 decades, the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) has increased in numbers and expanded its range. Early efforts to model grizzly bear mortality were principally focused within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone, which currently represents only about 61% of known bear distribution in the GYE. A more recent analysis that explored one spatial covariate that encompassed the entire GYE suggested that grizzly bear survival was highest in Yellowstone National Park, followed by areas in the grizzly bear Recovery Zone outside the park, and lowest outside the Recovery Zone. Although management differences within these areas partially explained differences in grizzly bear survival, these simple spatial covariates did not capture site-specific reasons why bears die at higher rates outside the Recovery Zone. Here, we model annual survival of grizzly bears in the GYE to 1) identify landscape features (i.e., foods, land management policies, or human disturbances factors) that best describe spatial heterogeneity among bear mortalities, 2) spatially depict the differences in grizzly bear survival across the GYE, and 3) demonstrate how our spatially explicit model of survival can be linked with demographic parameters to identify source and sink habitats. We used recent data from radiomarked bears to estimate survival (1983–2003) using the known-fate data type in Program MARK. Our top models suggested that survival of independent (age ≥2 yr) grizzly bears was best explained by the level of human development of the landscape within the home ranges of bears. Survival improved as secure habitat and elevation increased but declined as road density, number of homes, and site developments increased. Bears living in areas open to fall ungulate hunting suffered higher rates of mortality than bears living in areas closed to hunting. Our top model strongly supported previous research that identified roads and developed sites as hazards to grizzly bear survival. We also demonstrated that rural homes and ungulate hunting negatively affected survival, both new findings. We illustrate how our survival model, when linked with estimates of reproduction and survival of dependent young, can be used to identify demographically the source and sink habitats in the GYE. Finally, we discuss how this demographic model constitutes one component of a habitat-based framework for grizzly bear conservation. Such a framework can spatially depict the areas of risk in otherwise good habitat, providing a focus for resource management in the GYE.
Intra‐ and interspecific aggregation among dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) in an Alpine pasture

Spatial distribution of scarabeoid beetles on dung pats was studied in the Argentera Natural Park (south-western Italian Alps) from June to September in 1994 and 1995. Artificial dung pats were distributed evenly within the study area (about 1400 m a.s.l.) and sampled at suitable dung ages (1–13 days). Two experimental tests were carried out. In the first test, experimental pats were covered with metallic nets which prevented the largest species from reaching the dung, whilst in the second test a variable number of individuals of large or relatively large species was added to the experimental pats. The community was dominated by Aphodius species (19 out of 25 species), which usually were also the most abundant in the pats. The densities of most species were relatively low most of the time with average abundances lower than two individuals per pat. Even though some interspecific differences were observed, ecological overlap between species was rather high with regard both to seasonality and succession in the dropping. Manipulative tests suggested that small beetles were not excluded by larger beetles. Patterns of spatial distribution showed some degree of intra- and interspecific aggregation. Proximate mechanisms of aggregation are probably non-specific. The ultimate cause of aggregation might be mate-finding. Alternatively, individuals might aggregate because the very same presence of beetles within a dung pat would modify its chemical status improving its quality. Intraspecific aggregation (measured by means of the J index) was much higher than interspecific aggregation (C index) which suggests, according to the Aggregation Model, that interspecific coexistence might be facilitated. However, the data gave no evidence for intra- and interspecific competition between adult beetles.
Evidence of trace metal limited photosynthesis in eutrophic estuarine and coastal waters

Based on field observations and incubation experiments, this study provides evidence that trace metal limited (e.g., Fe) photosynthesis may function in eutrophic coastal waters. In the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Estuary and the adjacent coastal area, analyses of water samples indicate that phytoplankton photosynthesis is apparently phosphorus limited in the freshwater and upper estuary and nitrogen and/or silica limited in the coastal waters farther offshore. The incubation experiments using in situ water samples show, however, that in both cases photosynthesis can be enhanced by addition of trace elements (e.g., Fe and Cu). This is presumably because exogenous influx of major plant nutrients has skewed the primary production toward trace‐element limitation, which in turn limits the increase in chlorophyll biomass and full consumption of major nutrients in eutrophic coastal waters as compared to the nutrient‐poor oligotrophic open ocean.
Characterization of genetic structure of Podophyllum hexandrum populations, an endangered medicinal herb of Northwestern Himalaya, using ISSR-PCR markers and its relatedness with podophyllotoxin content

To obtain accurate estimates of genetic structure for purpose of conservation planning for wild Indian May apple (Podophyllum hexandrum) in the Northwestern region of Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, genetic diversity among and within 28 populations were analyzed. Eleven microsatellite DNA markers were isolated and used to quantify genetic structure. Out of 68 ISSR loci tested, 88.23% were polymorphic. The genetic diversity was high (percentage of polymorphic bands, PBB = 83.82%; Shannon’s information index, I = 0.4413) at the population level, but low within individual study populations (PBB = 34.22%; Shannon’s information index I = 0.1879). The mean coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) was 0.7484, indicating that 29.44% of the genetic diversity resided within the population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 48% of the genetic diversity among the study populations was attributed to geographical location while 29% was attributed to differences in their habitats. An overall value of mean estimated number of gene flow (Nm = 0.1618) indicated that there was limited gene flow among the sampled populations. We found a clear tendency for higher Gst values and podophyllotoxin levels between the populations with increasing geographical altitude. However, the existing variation in podophyllotoxin content among the populations was proved to be coupled with geographical altitude (r = 0.922) but not with genetic variations (r = - 0.273). Hence we recommend that any further cultivation of this species requires optimization of environmental factors in order to increase the rate of production of podophyllotoxin from any collected population.
Identific ation of QTL that Interact with Myostatin Genotype in C57BL/6 x M16i Mice

Myostatin, or GDF8, regulates skeletal muscle growth and adipose development in mice, cattle and humans. Individuals with non-functional myostatin mutation exhibit excessive muscle growth, decrease fat mass and huge body size. Previous studies indicated that epistatic interaction might play an important role in the myostatin pathway. However, only several loci that have a significant interaction with myostatin genotype have been identified in mice and cattle. In this dissertation work, we performed a QTL mapping study in F2 mice derived from a C57BL/6 myostatin-null mouse line and the M16i obese mouse line. A large number of traits were collected, which included 14 body weight traits, 10 obesity-related traits, 11 body composition traits, three bone strength traits and eight eQTL traits from 1000 F2. A total of 242 SNPs across the genome were genotyped for each mouse by Sequenom. A linkage map was constructed using the marker and pedigree information. Interval mapping was applied to identify main effect QTL for these traits. In addition, additive, dominance and imprinting effects were evaluated for each QTL position. The corresponding variation accounted for by the QTL was computed as well. Comparing different QTL models with QTL effect, myostatin genotype effect and the interaction between QTL and myostatin genotype, comparison-wise P-values were obtained to identify possible epistatic loci that interact with myostatin genotype. A similar approach was utilized to search for loci that have significant interactions with sex or reciprocal cross.
Joint Effects of Parity, Age, and Season of Kidding on Milk and Fat Yields in Dairy Goats

Abstract Dairy Herd Improvement 305-day lactation records of 120 days or more were examined for joint effects of parity, age, and season of kidding on milk and fat yields in Alpine, Saanen, and Toggenburg goats. Parity classifications were first, second, third, and fourth or greater. Seasons of kidding were December through March and April through July. Data were analyzed within geographical regions: 1) western coastal states plus their bordering inland states and 2) northeastern and north central states. There were 6,187 records from 1 covering 1970 to 78 and 4,350 records from 2 covering 1969 to 78. In both regions, parity contrasts across age-season were large, generally significant, and indicated the need to consider parity in addition to age and season in developing age correction factors for dairy goat lactations. Previous lactation experience, seasonal breeding patterns, and onset of estrus may contribute to parity and age relationships with milk and fat yields. Repeatabilities of milk and fat yields were . 45 and . 43 for region 1 and . 48 and . 45 for region 2.
Effects of inoculation with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) on different growth parameters of cold area rice variety, Fakre malakand

The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the rhizosphere of rice grown in cold climate at Swat and to assess their impact on plant growth when used as inoculants. A total of 18 bacterial strains were isolated from roots and rhizosphere of rice. With the exception of 3 strains, all isolates showed IAA production in pure culture. Three bacterial strains (Azospirillum brasilense R1, Azospirillum lipoferum RSWT1 and Pseudomonas Ky1) were used to inoculate rice at two experimental sites in Swat (Agriculture Research Institute (N) Mingora and Udigram). Plant growth promotion was observed in all inoculated treatments over non-inoculated control which was evident from increase in number of tillers, straw and grain yields and total weight of the plants. A. brasilense R1 was more effective in plant growth promotion than other strains. At ARIN Mingora, Swat, inoculation of rice variety Fakre Malakand with A. brasilense R1 increased the straw weight by 16.6%, grain weight by 22.7% over control. Inoculation with A. lipoferum RSWT1 and Pseudomonas Ky1 increased grain weight by 4.8 to 13.5% and 17.3 to 18.5%, respectively. At Udigram, Swat, inoculation with A. brasilense R1 increased the straw weight by 14.2% and grain weight by 22% than the control. Key words: Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, inoculation of rice, effects of inoculation.
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS CONCERNING THE ERGOSTEROL OBTAINING FROM YEASTS

This paper reports on the experimental results for selection of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis CNMN-Y-15 yeast strain with high potential for ergosterol biosynthesis; determination of morpho-cultural and physiologo-biochemical characteristics of this yeast strain; establishment of the effect of low-intensity millimeter waves on ergosterol biosynthesis. Research results contributed to the elaboration of technological flow for obtaining of high yield of ergosterol from yeasts. The significant increasing of ergosterol content is possible due to the utililization of optimized nutritive medium with manganese acetate (0.012 g/L) and glucose (40.0 g/L); the treatment of inoculum with low-intensity millimeter waves for 20-30 minutes.
INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF GLYCINE BETAINE ON GAS EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OF COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.)

is the most limiting factor in cotton production and numerous efforts are being made to improve crop drought tolerance. A field study was conducted with the objectives to determine the effects of different application rates of glycine betaine in field grown cotton at Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan. Four levels of glycine betaine (0.0, 1.0, 3.0 and 6.0 kg ha -1 ) were applied at three physiological growth stages i.e. at squaring, first flower and peak flowering. Cotton cultivar CIM-448 was used as test crop. Results showed that crop sprayed with glycine betaine at the rate of 6.0 kg ha -1 maintained 120.0, 62.1, 69.7 and 35.5 percent higher net CO2 assimilation rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), stomatal resistance (gs) and water use efficiency (PN/E), respectively over that of untreated crop. Crop spayed with glycine betaine at peak flowering stage maintained higher PN, E, gs and PN/E compared to at other stages of growth.
Disturbance across an ecosystem boundary drives cannibalism propensity in a riparian consumer

Biotic and abiotic interactions between adjacent ecosystems are common and can take the form of resource subsidies or spillover effects of disturbance. These cross-ecosystem exchanges may have significant impacts on the recipient ecosystem by altering the occurrence of strong biotic interactions, such as cannibalism. Cannibalism is ubiquitous and has the potential to be a defining feature in many food webs through impacts on population and community structure. However, there is little empirical evidence detailing how environmental gradients in adjacent ecosystems may alter cannibalism propensity of predators that live on the ecosystem boundary. We investigated cannibalism propensity of a riparian spider across a flooding gradient that altered both the magnitude of an allochthonous prey subsidy to the spider (winged aquatic insects) and spider habitat availability (loose riverbank rocks). Spider density was affected by the interaction of prey and habitat availability across the environmental gradient with small-scale spider densities highest at both stable and disturbed rivers and intermediate at others. Stable isotope analysis of spiders and a mesocosm experiment indicated that cannibalism was higher at stable and disturbed rivers. This demonstrates that an environmental gradient in one system can indirectly alter the propensity for strong biotic interactions of a consumer in an adjacent system through interactive effects of allochthonous and in situ resources. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
Precision Teaching in Perspective: An Interview with Ogden R. Lindsley

Is precision teaching different from or the same as behavior modification? • Precision teaching is a new technique in special education. Ogden R. Lindsley shaped and developed the idea in response to the needs of exceptional children as reported to him by the teachers of these special children. In this interview, conducted by Dr. Duncan, Dr. Lindsley described the origins of precision teaching, the difference between behavior modification and precision teaching, and the present and future implications of precision teaching for special and regular education. Ogden R. Lindsley is Professor of Education at the University of Kansas. He was associated with the Kansas Center for Mental Retardation and Human Development and is now at the School of Education, Lawrence, Kansas. o First, let me emphasize that precision teaching came about" because of children in special education classrooms. If it had not been for these students communicating their needs to their teachers and the teachers sharing ideas with us, we could not have developed precision teaching as beautifully and quickly as we did. In 1965, here at the University of Kansas, we decided to see if collecting daily frequency records of students' performance would be useful to classroom teachers. This idea of recording frequency of performance came from learning research. Dr. B. F. Skinner was the person who developed frequency to measure behavior. But Skinner's work was based on laboratory research, and we wanted to see if recording daily frequency would be of any help in monitoring instruction and evaluating curriculum and teaching in special and regular classes. So in 1965 we started having teachers record students' performances. Our first problem was that it was too much work for most teachers to record 2, 3, or 4 different daily frequencies on each child, especially if they had 12 to 30 students. Then about 1968 many of our creative teachers began to involve the students in recording. We found that this was the answer to our economic and time problems-having the students record their own behavior. Now our kindergarten and first grade children are recording and charting their daily classroom performances on Standard Behavior Charts. These records of performance are turning out to be very_useful in curriculum design, behavior change, and handling discipline problems. The thing they have in common is that the first people to use both originally were trained in the same academic discipline--operant conditioning. This was developed by Fred Skinner at Harvard and Fred Keller at Columbia and some of their associates and students. The thing that makes them different is that behavior modification stresses the change procedures that were originally used in laboratory operant conditioning.