Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast DNA Evidence for the Origins of the Monotypic Bensoniella and Conimitella (Saxifragaceae)

The phylogenetic relationships of monotypic genera are often poorly understood. Monotypic genera abound in tribe Saxifrageae (Saxifragaceae), a feature attributed to recent radiation in the Cordillera of western North America. Genera in Saxifrageae are often distinguished by distinctive floral and/or fruit morphologies, reflecting different pollination and seed dispersal mechanisms. We examined restriction site variation in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) using 23 restriction endonucleases in two monotypic genera of Saxifrageae, Bensoniella and Conimitella, and the closely related genus Mitella. Restriction site variation divided North American species of Mitella into two well-differentiated clades that differ from traditional sectional boundaries. These data also suggest that Conimitella williamsii and Mitella stauropetala share a more recent common ancestor than either species does with any other species of Mitella. The phylogenetic affinities of Bensoniella are not as clear. Although cpDNA data suggest that Bensoniella oregona was derived from within Mitella, this species apparently arose very near the major dichotomy that resulted in the two well-differentiated clades of Mitella. It seems likely that other morphologically distinct monotypic genera of Saxifrageae also originated from within related genera.
The Impact of Interactive Smart Boards on Students' Learning in Secondary Schools in Botswana: A Students' Perspective.

This study investigates the impact of the use of SMART boards on students’ learning in schools in Botswana and is guided by the Context Input Process Product (CIPP) Evaluation Model. The study adopts a mixed methods design that employed interviews, observations and a questionnaire to obtain data. The results show that the use of the SMART boards enabled a variety of learning experiences that promoted students’ engagement and interactivity, and increased levels of motivation and improvement in academic achievement. These findings indicate that SMART technologies have the potential to transform educational practices in Botswana, as it endeavors to provide its children with a quality education that matches the best global standards, and simultaneously recasts itself into an innovative, efficient and adaptive economy that can compete in the global world of the 21st century.
Proximate Analysis of Snakehead Fish, Parachanna obscura, (Gunther 1861) of the Cross River, Nigeria

African snakehead, Parachanna obscura is being considered as an emerging aquaculture candidate in Nigeria. The species is very palatable and has a good fillet quality. Study was conducted on the proximate composition of the species from Cross River, Nigeria. Samples of snakehead were analyzed for protein, fat, moisture, crude fibre and ash contents. The protein content of the species ranged from 21.03-22.03 with mean value of 21.5%. The fat content ranged from 17.117. 4% with a mean value of 17.2 %. Moisture content ranged from 51.1-52.0 % with a mean value of 51.7%. Ash and crude fibre contents were very low. The protein content of Parachanna obscura compares favourably with that of other members of the family channidae. The fat content is exceptionally high, making the species a good healing and recuperating agent for post-natal and post-operation patients. We strongly recommend the culture of Parachanna obscura in Nigeria and its meal for growing children. INTRODUCTION There is an increasing demand for fish production through aquaculture in Nigeria. One of the species being screened for aquaculture is African snakehead, Parachanna obscura. Snakeheads are of high commercial value because of the good taste and high quality flesh. They are valued for their medicinal properties when eaten and the flesh is claimed to be rejuvenating, particularly during recuperation from serious illness and as a post-natal diet (Mat Jais et al 1998). It is also recommended for post-operation patients. Snakeheads are considered to be more nutritive than Carp or Tilapias, in terms of a higher protein-to-fat ratio (Sharma and Simlot, 1971). In the Cross River basin, Parachanna obscura is a highly valued food fish with a high commercial demand, hence it has great potentials for food security and income generation. Work done on the species so far include Victor and Akpocha (1992), on the biology of the species under a cultured condition; Bassey and Ajah (2010) worked on the effects of different feeding regimes on growth of the species under pond condition. Udo and Daniel (2006) worked on some aspects of the biology of the species in Enyong and found out that the species feed mainly on insects, fish and other invertebrates. Adebayo et al (2007) worked on the haematological profile of the species from some rivers in South west Nigeria. No report on the proximate composition of the fillet of snakehead. Such information is also needed to strengthen the quest for this species as a major source of protein and other nutritional requirements for healthy
Response to Reviewers October 10 , 2019

Flash floods are a recurrent hazard for many developing Latin American regions due to their complex mountainous terrain and the rainfall characteristics in the Tropics. These regions often lack the timely and high-quality information needed to assess, in real-time, the threats to the vulnerable communities due to extreme hydrometeorological events. The systematic assessment of past extreme events allows improving our prediction capabilities of flash floods. In May 2015, a flash flood in La Liboriana basin, municipality of Salgar, Colombia, caused more than 100 casualties and significant infrastructure 5 damage. Despite the data scarcity, the climatological aspects, meteorological conditions, and first-order hydrometeorological mechanisms associated with La Liboriana flash flood, including orographic intensification and the spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity relative to the basin’s geomorphological features, are studied using precipitation information obtained using a weather radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) technique, as well as from satellite products, in situ rain gauges from neighboring basins, quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) from an operational Weather Research and Forecasting 10 (WRF) model application, and data from reanalysis products. La Liboriana flash flood took place during a period with negative precipitation anomalies over most of the country as a result of an El Niño event. However, during May 2015, moist easterly flow towards the upper part of La Liboriana caused significant orographic rainfall enhancement. The overall evidence shows an important role of successive precipitation events in a relatively short period, and of orography, in the spatial distribution of rainfall and its intensification as convective cores approached the steepest topography. There were three consecutive events 15 generating significant rainfall within La Liboriana basin, and no single precipitation event was exceptionally large to generate the flash flood, but rather the combined role of precedent rainfall, and :: the : extreme hourly precipitation triggered the event. The results point to key lessons for improving local risk reduction strategies in vulnerable regions with complex terrain.
Sexual Dimorphism and Reproduction in the Microteiid Lizard, Gymnophthalmus multiscutatus

1972. Okologische und ethologische Studien an Iguana iguana L. (Reptilia: Iguanidae) in Kolumbien. Zool. Beitrage 18:109-131. RAND, A. S. , AND W. M. RAND. 1978. Display and dispute settlement in nesting iguanas. In N. Greenberg and P. D. MacLean (eds.), Behavior and Neurology of Lizards: an interdisciplinary colloquium. N.I. M.H. , Rockville, Maryland. pp. 245-251. ROON, D. H. VAN. 1976. Verzorging en voortplanting van de Groene Leguaan Iguana i. iguana (Linnaeus, 1758) in gevangenschap. Lacerta 34:71-77. SHAW, S. E. 1960. Lizards with a hundred-million-year history. Zoonooz. 33:3-5. SOKAL, R. R. , AND F. J. ROHLF. 1969. Biometry. The principles and practice of statistics in biological research. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco. 776 pp. SWANSON, P. L. 1950. The iguana Iguana iguana iguana (L). Herpetologica 6:187-193. VITT, L. J., J. D. CONGDON, AND N. A. DICKSON. 1977. Adaptive strategies and energetics of tail autotomy in lizards. Ecology 58:326-337.
Furanones and Thiophenones in Control of Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Infections

In the past decade, Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged as one of the most frequently isolated pathogens from biofilm on implants and catheters. Since infections associated with biofilms are difficult to treat due to enhanced resistance to antibiotics, there is need of alternative approaches to prevent and to treat biofilm related infections. Quorum sensing is one of the regulatory mechanisms suggested to be involved in coordinating biofilm formation. Many studies have identified furanones as potential inhibitors of biofilm formation and quorum sensing. Here we aimed at investigating and comparing the effect of furanone and thiophenone on biofilm formation and quorum sensing. We show that both furanone and thiophenone are effective in reducing biofilm formation and bacterial communication. Thiophenones may be even more effective than furanones.
Exposure to low concentrations of heavy metals alone and in combination induces histopathological and genotoxic effects in fish (Labeo rohita)

Background: The terrestrial and agro-aquatic ecosystems are continuously at the pity of human's negative impacts. Extensive and indiscriminate application of agrochemicals like heavy metals, industrial wastes, germicides, drug residues and different feed additives has become serious threats to public health. The current experimental trial was executed to investigate genotoxic potential of different heavy metals in fresh water fish ( Labeo rohita ). Methods: A total of 120 active, healthy, free from disease and internal parasites fish having three months of age were procured from local fish breeding center and were kept in glass aquarium having 100 liter water. After two weeks of acclimatization, fish were arbitrarily distributed and placed in different eight groups (A-H). Prior to start of experiment, acute toxicity of various heavy metals alone such as lead, cadmium, chromium and in combination (Pb +Cr) , (Cr+Cd) , (Cd+Pb) and (Pb+Cr+Cd) mixture were determined in-term of 96-h LC 50 and lethal doses for Labeo rohita. After assessment of acute toxicity, all the fish were exposed to three sub-lethal concentrations (5, 7 and 9%) of heavy metals alone and in combinations for a period of 30 days in triplicate experiments. Results: Different clinical ailments like, increased surface breathing, loss of coordination, rapid opercular movement, erratic swimming, air gulping, jerking movement and tremors were noted in fish. Histopathological observations of gills of various fish exhibited severe microscopic alterations. Results on micronucleus assay exhibited increased frequency of formation of micronuclei in red blood cells, while comet assays showed significantly increased DNA damage in peripheral erythrocytes in-term of arbitrary units of comets, average percentile rate of damaged cell and genomic damage index. Conclusion: From the results of our experimental study, it can be concluded that fresh water fish are useful and reliable bio-indicators of heavy metal toxicity. Micronucleus and comet assays showed that heavy metals alone and in combination induced DNA damage in fish. Keywords: Labeo rohita ; Heavy metals; Histopathology ; Erythrocytes; DNA damage
First Occurrence of the Diplocaulid Genus Diploceraspis from the Wellington Formation (Lower Permian) of Northern Oklahoma

Additional field and laboratory investigation of the Midco Member of the middle Wellington Formation, Lower Permian in Noble County, Northern Oklahoma has produced an abundance of vertebrate fossils from a 5 cm thick black silty clay. To date the most notable discovery is bones of the long-horned diplocaulid Diploceraspis which were previously only known from the upper Pennsylvanian and lower Permian of southwest Pennsylvania, southeast Ohio, and northwest West Virginia and the upper Pennsylvanian of southeastern Nebraska. This represents the first reported Permian occurrence of the amphibian Diploceraspis west of the of the Ohio River drainage area of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia and therefore greatly increases the geographical range of the genus. Prior to this discovery, Diplocaulus magnicornis was the only long-horned diplocaulid known from the lower Permian of Oklahoma. The identifiable Diploceraspis material recovered consist of 5 partial tabular bones and one dorsal vertebra.
Plant species-specific response and tolerance to high land-use intensity in temperate grassland ecosystems Running title : Plant-specific response to land-use intensity

Aim: Intensification of land use strongly impacts plant communities by causing shifts in taxonomic and functional composition. Mechanisms of land-use induced biodiversity losses have been described for temperate grasslands, but a quantitative assessment of species-specific occurrence optima and maximum tolerance (niche breadth) to land-use intensity (LUI) in Central European grasslands is still lacking. Location: Temperate, managed permanent grasslands in three regions of Germany. Methods: We combined extensive field work with a null model-randomization approach, defined a ‘habitat niche’ for each plant species based on occurrence and abundance across 150 grassland sites differing in LUI (i.e. amount of fertilizer, mowing/grazing intensity and a compound index of these), and assessed their realized niche breadth (tolerance). Underlying mechanisms driving species’ response to LUI were assessed by relating plant functional traits, Ellenberg indicator values (EIV), Grime’s ecological strategies (CSR) and Briemle utilization numbers. A cc ep te d A rt ic le This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Results: Out of 151 plant species, 34% responded negatively, whereas 10% responded positively to high LUI. This pattern was mainly driven by species’ response to fertilization and mowing frequency; grazing intensity response was less pronounced. Positively reacting species, displaying broader niches, were associated with competition-related functional traits, high EIV for nutrient supply and moisture and high mowing tolerance under spatiotemporally variable conditions. Negatively responding species, displaying relatively narrow niches confined to spatiotemporally homogeneous low LUI sites, were associated with a nutrient-retentive strategy, under nutrient poor, base-rich soil
Relevance of Conscientiousness for Graphic Interface Design

Nowadays technology plays a key role in society. Therefore it is important that technology reach all users offering the best possible user experience. That is not possible using a single, fixed and constant interface since each individual has different experiences and characteristics that accompany the use of an interface. In particular, a construct that models the way they interacts with the world and process their thoughts is personality. In particular, Conscienciousness, one domain of personality, is high important in the organization, persistence and motivation for goal-oriented behavior. Thus, the goal of this work is to verify whether Conscientiousness is relevant for the adaptability of an interface and, if so, if this adaptability could lead to an improved User Experience. Results indicate that Conscientiousness is relevant to the design of an interface, leading to a better user experience only for users with high Conscientiousness, specifically regarding the overall appreciation and usability of the interfaces.
Identification and functional characterization of a sesquiterpene synthase gene from Eleutherococcus trifoliatus

Abstract In the present study, one sesquiterpene synthase gene in Eleutherococcus trifoliatus was identified and characterized. Full-length cDNA was obtained from stems. It contained an open reading frame of 1671 bp (EtCop) with a predicted molecular mass of 64.5 kDa. The amino acid sequence of EtCop contained the common terpene synthase family motifs RR(x)8W, RxR and DDxxD. The recombinant protein from Escherichia coli was incubated with farnesyl diphosphate in order to identify the function of EtCop. The product of EtCop could be identified as an α-copaene by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and comparison with an authentic standard.
Strategic Interaction in the Sex Market

There have been few attempts to empirically explain the pursuit of short term relationships and sex in a formal context. Previous work has lamented the paucity of empirical studies which utilize incentive driven behavior to draw conclusions and recommend policy. We develop a model of social network formation through sexual matching, provide an empirical approach derived from the model and apply it to a population of high interest. Specifically, we apply the approach to a population of sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) in a large metropolitan area and derive qualitative conclusions regarding how individuals behave in the marketplace for sex. ∗ Morrow: AAE Department at UW-Madison, corresponding author, contact morrow1@wisc.edu. Sivan, contact yoav.sivan@iusy.org. Acknowledgement. We would like to thank the following for invaluable comments and discussions Michael Carter, Swati Dhingra, Steven Durlauf, Rebecca Lessem, Ching-Yang Lin, Jack Porter, Laura Schechter and Ken West as well as other students and faculty who have offered several helpful comments. All errors are our own.
Starch and antioxidant compounds release during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion 1 of gluten-free pasta 2 3 4

19 The microstructure produced in cooked gluten-free pasta depends of the ingredients used 20 and it affect the starch hydrolysis, the release of phenolic compounds and their 21 antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the starch hydrolysis and 22 bioaccessibility of antioxidant compounds during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of 23
A Review of Classic Torque Control Techniques for Switched Reluctance Motors

In this chapter, the most relevant electronic torque control methods established in the current literature are addressed. The electronic torque control methods are divided into two technical topologies. The first one aims to control the average torque produced by the switched reluctance machine and is ideal for applications that require wide speed range of operation. The second topology enrolls the instantaneous torque production and is required in low torque ripple applications. Different torque control methods are addressed, for instance, direct average torque control, current profiling through torque sharing functions, direct torque control, and direct instantaneous torque control. Detailed information regarding the working principle and implementation of the methods is presented. Mathematical simulations are conducted in Matlab/Simulink environment to elucidate the methods. Finally, a comparison of all addressed methods regarding the torque ripple minimization capabilities is presented.
Natural regeneration of Sycamore maple in southern Sweden and Lithuania

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a widespread but minor species in many central European countries. In Sweden and Lithuania it is non-native tree species, but natural distribution range is less than 100 km away in neighbouring countries. However here sycamore is able to regenerate and disperse to local forest stands. The aim of the study was to investigate sycamore regeneration in different forest stands and clearcuts adjacent to sycamore seed source stands. The study was conducted in southern Sweden and southwestern Lithuania. 30 sycamore source 48 adjacent stands of spruce, beech, oak, pine and clearcuts were selected for the survey. Results revealed that dominant tree species of adjacent stand and distance from a sycamore seed source were the most sycamore regeneration density influencing factors. The most suitable conditions for naturally regenerated sycamore were in oak stands. Sycamore regeneration was more abundant in the sample plots closer to the source stand and had a tendency to be influenced by prevailing winds. Seedlings in the height group lower than 0,5 m accounted for 98 % of all regeneration. Other investigated stands parameters: basal area, age, height, stand size, groundcover type did not have an influence on regeneration density.
From Navigation to Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Combined Planning in Discrete and Continuous Spaces

This work aims to deal formally and efﬁciently with the complexity of planning that arises at the intersection of Robotics and AI. Planning plays a crucial role as robots are deployed into unstructured environments and are expected to complete sophisticated tasks autonomously. At a fundamental level, planning requires computing discrete actions and continuous motions that enable the robot to accomplish a given task. Due to the complexity of the combined discrete and continuous planning problem, research has either focused on a discrete setting, as in AI, or in a continuous motion-planning context, as in Robotics. In AI, planning is generally reduced to computing a sequence of discrete actions that satisﬁes the task without taking into account robot dynamics, obstacle avoidance, and other physical constraints [Ghallab et al., 2004]. In Robotics, planning has focused on computing collision-free paths to the goal without taking into account sophisticated task speciﬁcations [Choset et al., 2005; LaValle, 2006]. The need for combined discrete and continuous planning, however, rises in many diverse applications ranging from navigation, manipulation, search-and-rescue, to game design, air-trafﬁc control, and surgical procedures, since the tasks often involve abstractions into discrete, logical actions, where each action requires substantial continuous motion planning. Addressing the combined discrete and continuous planning problem is a crucial challenge that promises to advance the research at the intersection of AI and Robotics. The crux of this work is a computationally-efﬁcient and formal treatment of the combined planning problem as search over a hybrid space consisting of discrete and continuous components. In contrast to existing work, the proposed framework will make it possible to take into account:
0.16μm Standard CMOS

This paper presents a precision CMOS temperature-to-digital converter (TDC), which senses the temperature-dependent base-emitter voltage of substrate PNPs. Measurements on 20 samples from one batch show that it achieves an inaccuracy of ±60mK (3σ) from −55◦C to +125◦C, after a single room temperature trim. This state-of-the-art result is mainly due to the extensive use of dynamic error cancellation techniques to generate the PNP’s collector currents, thus minimizing the spread in their base-emitter voltages, together with a digital PTAT trim to correct for the spread in the PNP’s saturation currents. The effect of process variation on the TDC’s inaccuracy was investigated by measuring 80 samples from 3 different batches. With the same calibration parameters, they exhibit a maximum untrimmed inaccuracy of ±2◦C (3σ) from −55◦C to +125◦C. This drops to ±100mK (3σ) after a single point trim. The proposed TDC thus reduces calibration costs by obviating the need for batchspecific calibration parameters, which would otherwise require the multi-point calibration of several samples. The effect of the PNP’s current-gain β was also investigated with the help of a novel βdetection circuit. Implemented in 0. 16μm CMOS, the TDC occupies 0.16mm and draws 4. 6μA from 1.5 to 2V supply voltages. It achieves a resolution FoM of 7.8pJ◦C2, and a state-of-the-art supply sensitivity of 0.01◦C/V.