Function of duck (Anas platyrhynchos) major histocompatibility complex class I (Anpl-MHC I) molecules in binding peptides is through the peptide binding groove (PBG), which is thought to be influenced by the high polymorphism of α1 and α2 domains. However, little is known about the polymorphism of Anpl-MHC I peptide binding domain (PBD), especially in the domestic duck. Here, we analyzed the polymorphism of forty-eight Anpl-MHC I α1 and α2 domains from domestic duck breeds previously reported. All sequences were analyzed through multiple sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The coefficient of variance of the peptide binding domains (PBDs) from WS, CV, JD, and SX duck breeds was estimated based on the Wu-Kabat variability index, followed by the location of the highly variable sites (HVSs) on reported crystal structure models. Analysis of α1 and α2 domains showed common features of classical MHC class I and high polymorphism, especially in α1 domain. The constructed phylogenetic tree showed that PBDs of domestic ducks did not segregate based on breeds and had a close phylogenetic relationship, even with wild ducks. In each breed, HVSs were mostly located in the PBG, suggesting that they might determine peptide-binding characteristics and subsequently influence peptide presentation and recognition. The combined results of sequence data and crystal structure provide novel valuable insights into the polymorphism and diversity of Anpl-MHC I PBDs that will facilitate further studies on disease resistance differences between duck breeds and the development of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope vaccines suited for preventing diseases in domestic ducks.

In order to calibrate the stripe precision of a leveling rod, an automatic laser interferometer and a vision measurement system were designed by Xi’an University of Technology in China. The rod was driven by a closed-loop control and the data were collected at the stop state to ensure precision. The laser interferometer provided not only the long distance data but also a position feedback signal in the automatic control loop. CCD camera and a vision measurement method were used to inspect the stripe edge position and defect. A pixel-equivalent self-calibration method was designed to improve precision. ROI (regions of interest) method and an outline tracing method were designed to quickly extract multiple stripe edges. A combination of the image data with the interferometer data reduces control difficulty and ensures the measurement accuracy. The vision measurement method reached sub-pixel precision and the defective edges were reported. The system can automatically calibrate a stripe leveling rod with a high degree of efficiency and precision.

The uncontrolled rectifier and controlled rectifier which use fixed switching frequency control strategy are applied usually during the working of a high-power high- speed permanent magnet generator (HSPMG). Even for the controlled rectifier, it will generate harmonics. The electromagnetic performance of the HSPMG is also affected by these harmonics. In this paper, the influences of the fixed switching frequency control strategy on a HSPMG were studied. Based on the Fourier theory, the harmonic currents of the generator were analyzed, and the change of harmonic distribution range and current total harmonic distortion (THD) were obtained. By using an indirect field-circuit coupling method, the influences of the fixed switching frequency control strategy on the losses and torque of the generator were analyzed. The relations between the switching frequency and the losses and torque of the generator were obtained, and the change mechanism of the loss was revealed. The obtained conclusions can provide reference for the optimized choice of the switching frequency of the distributed generation system with the HSPMG. It can also provide support for the HSPMG electromagnetic structural optimization and the optimization of the loss and harmonic on the system level.

In this paper, a low kilo-volt-ampere rating zigzag connected autotransformer based 36-pulse rectifier system supplying vector controlled induction motor drives (VCIMD) is designed, modeled and simulated. Detailed design procedure and magnetic rating calculation of the proposed autotransformer and interphase reactor is studied. Moreover, the design process of the autotransformer is modified to make it suitable for retrofit applications. Simulation results confirm that the proposed 36-pulse rectifier system is able to suppress less than 35th harmonics in the utility line current. The influence of load variation and load character is also studied to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed 36-pulse rectifiers. A set of power quality indices at AC mains and DC link are presented to compare the performance of 6-, 24- and 36-pulse AC-DC converters.

The effects of application of an artificial honeydew mixture of glucose, fructose and trehalose (GFT), honey and Bemisia tabaci nymph-extract as kairomonal sources in enhancing the foraging efficiency and performance of Eretmocerus sp. near furuhashii on cucumber plants were studied. Experiments were conducted in small greenhouses (4×3×3 m) using life table methods. Life table data indicated that the total mortality in B. tabaci immature cohorts in all treatments was in the order of fourth instar > first instar > second = third > egg > pupa cohorts. The tested kairomonal materials had a significant effect on the rate of parasitism (p > 0.0415) with 13.23, 9.04 and 10.54% higher than that of control in artificial honeydew of GFT, nymph-extract and honey treatments, respectively. B. tabaci egg/adult survival ratio was also significantly affected (p > 0.0001) by the tested kairomonal sources being lowest (22.91%) in nymph-extract treatment. Moreover, the tested kairomonal materials arrested significantly more parasitoids to colonize the treated plants comparing to control. Apparently, the tested materials were significantly effective in attracting the parasitoids up to 3 days after applications then significant difference was not found between treatments.