Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malformations and body injuries in a hybrid zone of crested newts (Caudata: Salamandridae: Triturus cristatus superspecies)

Morphological abnormalities occur frequently in wild amphibian populations. We analysed malformation and injuries in the hybrid zone of three crested newt species, in the Czech Republic. In total, 274 individuals from 35 localities in South Moravia (Czech Republic) were examined during the period 2010-2014. Malformations were found in eight newts (2.9%) from seven localities. Injuries were recorded on 59 newts (21.5%). Proportions of tail crest injuries was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.1) in males than in females and the probability of being injured was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.01) for adult individuals. We discuss gene mutation, parasitism and predation as possible explanations for our observations.
Crocin induces autophagic apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting Akt/mTOR activity

Background Autophagy induction is a common mechanism for antitumor chemicals in induction of cancer cell death. However, the role of autophagy in crocin-induced apoptosis is barely studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methods The influence of crocin on growth, apoptosis, and autophagy and its mutual relations were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometer, EGFP-LC3 puncta analysis, and Western blot in HCC cells. The activities of Akt/mTOR axis and its roles in autophagy regulation were also detected by Western blot in HCC cells treated with crocin. Finally, the roles of Akt/mTOR axis in crocin-induced autophagic apoptosis were analyzed by Western blot and flow cytometer in HCC cells. Results The results showed that crocin can induce growth inhibition in a does- and time-dependent pattern by apoptosis. Increased LC3 puncta and upregulated LC3-II accumulation was observed as early as at 6 hours in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells treated with 3 mg/mL crocin. Moreover, apoptosis analysis using flow cytometer and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase detection revealed that autophagy initiation was prior to apoptosis activation in HCC cells treated with crocin. When autophagy was blocked with 3-methyladenine, crocin-induced apoptosis was inhibited in HCC cells. Furthermore, crocin treatment constrained the activities of key proteins in Akt/mTOR signaling, such as p-Akt (S473), p-mTOR (S2448), and p-p70S6K (T389), suggesting that crocin could induce autophagic apoptosis in HCC cells in an Akt/mTOR-dependent mechanism. Indeed, when autophagy was suppressed by forced expression of Akt, the crocin-induced apoptosis was also impaired in HCC cells. Conclusion The results suggested that crocin could induce autophagic apoptosis in HCC cells by inhibiting Akt/mTOR activity. This study originally revealed that autophagic apoptosis is a novel cytotoxic function of crocin, which lays the theoretical foundation for clinical application of crocin in HCC.
Preliminary Analysis of Wind Retrieval Based on GF-3 Wave Mode Images

In this paper, we analyze the measurements of the normalized radar cross-section(NRCS) 18 in Wave Mode for Chinese C-band Gaofen-3(GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Based on 2779 19 images from GF-3 quad-polarization SAR in Wave Mode and collocated wind vectors from ERA20 Interim, we verify the feasibility of using ocean surface wind fields and VV-polarized NRCS to 21 perform normalized calibration. The method uses well-validated empirical C-band geophysical 22 model function (CMOD4) to estimate the calibration constant for each beam. The Amazon rainforest 23 experiment results show that the accuracy of obtained calibration constant meets the requirements. 24 In addition, the relationship between cross-pol NRCS and wind vectors is discussed. The cross-pol 25 NRCS increases linearly with wind speed and it has an approximate cosine modulation with the 26 wind direction when the wind speed is greater than 8m/s. The cross-polarized system noise floor is 27 low enough to ignore it in wind retrieval. Furthermore, we also investigate the properties of the 28 polarization ratio, denoted PR, and show that it is dependent on incidence angle and azimuth angle. 29 Two empirical models of the PR are fitted, one as a function of incidence angle only, the other with 30 additional dependence on azimuth angle. Assessments show that the σVV 0 retrieved from new PR 31 models as well as σHH 0 is in good agreement with σVV 0 extracted from SAR images directly. And it 32 is also shown that considering the azimuth angle can improve polarization conversion accuracy. 33
Long-term skeletal effects of high-pull headgear followed by fixed appliances for the treatment of Class II malocclusions.

OBJECTIVES The long-term skeletal effects of Class II treatment in growing individuals using high-pull facebow headgear and fixed edgewise appliances have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term skeletal effects of treatment using high-pull headgear followed by fixed orthodontic appliances compared to an untreated control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS Changes in anteroposterior and vertical cephalometric measurements of 42 Class II subjects (n = 21, mean age = 10.7 years) before treatment, after headgear correction to Class I molar relationship, after treatment with fixed appliances, and after long-term retention (mean 4.1 years), were compared to similar changes in a matched control group (n = 21, mean age = 10.9 years) by multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Compared to control, the study group displayed significant long-term horizontal restriction of A-point (SNA = -1.925°, P < .0001; FH-NA = -3.042°, P < .0001; linear measurement A-point to Vertical Reference = -3.859 mm, P < .0001) and reduction of the ANB angle (-1.767°, P < .0001), with no effect on mandibular horizontal growth or maxillary and mandibular vertical skeletal changes. A-point horizontal restriction and forward mandibular horizontal growth accompanied the study group correction to Class I molar, and these changes were stable long term. CONCLUSIONS One phase treatment for Class II malocclusion with high-pull headgear followed by fixed orthodontic appliances resulted in correction to Class I molar through restriction of horizontal maxillary growth with continued horizontal mandibular growth and vertical skeletal changes unaffected. The anteroposterior molar correction and skeletal effects of this treatment were stable long term.
A rational choice framework for collective behavior

As the world becomes increasingly digitally mediated, people can more and more easily form groups, teams, and communities around shared interests and goals. Yet there is a constant struggle across forms of social organization to maintain stability and coherency in the face of disparate individual experiences and agendas. When are collectives able to function and thrive despite these challenges? In this thesis I propose a theoretical framework for reasoning about collective intelligence—the ability of people to accomplish their shared goals together. A simple result from the literature on multiagent systems suggests that strong general collective intelligence in the form of “rational group agency” arises from three conditions: aligned utilities, accurate shared beliefs, and coordinated actions. However, achieving these conditions can be difficult, as evidenced by impossibility results related to each condition from the literature on social choice, belief aggregation, and distributed systems. The theoretical framework I propose serves as a point of inspiration to study how human groups address these difficulties. To this end, I develop computational models of facets of human collective intelligence, and test these models in specific case studies. The models I introduce suggest distributed Bayesian inference as a framework for understanding shared belief formation, and also show that people can overcome other difficult computational challenges associated with achieving rational group agency, including balancing the group “exploration versus exploitation dilemma” for information gathering and inferring levels of “common p-belief” to coordinate actions. Thesis Supervisor: Joshua B. Tenenbaum Title: Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Thesis Supervisor: Alex “Sandy” Pentland Title: Toshiba Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
The site and condition specific nature of sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analyses generally aim to quantzb model result changes with respect to input changes. This study instead focuses on the siteand condition-specific nature of sensitivity, to demonstrate why users benefit by conducting their own sensitivity analyses as an essential step in model applications. This is demonstrated by employing the RUSLE model, which predicts average annual soil loss within a fieLd. Sensitivity of computed soil loss to changes in selectedparameters and variables is quantified under a range of sites and conditions. Input parameters representative of several common forms are varied about base valuesfor the variety of scenarios. The scenarios include a cornlsoybean rotation near Chicago, Illinois, the same scenario moved to the AtLanta, Georgia, area, and a cornlsoybeanlwinter wheat rotation near Topeka, Kansas. Both conventional and no-till management schemes are tested at the three locations. Results show that model sensitivity may vary both with site and with management conditions being simulated. These results serve to caution users o f complex computer models not to rely upon sensitivity results that were conducted under conditions other than those being simulated A serendipitous result is the demonstration of how the form ofpresenting results afects user perspective of the importance of those results. sensitivity analysis is a methodical study ables to variations in parameters and/or driving variables (Lane and Ferreira 1980). This provides valuable information and insight to modelers and model users. Model users refer to sensitivity analysis results to guide their parameterization efforts, using more resources to quantify those parameters to which the model is most sensitive. Sensitivity analysis also yields information that is essential for first-order uncertainty analysis. In addition to the expected quantification of sensitivity, such analyses are useful to modelers in the verification step of project development. They serve to vigorously exercise the program, often exposing model and program errors. The difference distinguished here is between the mode& equations, definitions, and other underlying relationships, and the propam-computer code, which implements the model. For successful technology transfer efforts it is essential that the bulk of inevitable “bugs” be discovered and remedied before release of the computer model (the “package”-a model, implemented in a proV . A . Ferreira is a mathematician wi th the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, TERRA Laboratory, Ft. Collins, CO; G.A. Weesies is a conservation agronomist with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, W: Lafayette, IN; D.C. Yoder is an assistant professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; G. R. Foster is laboratory director, USDA-ARS, National Sedimentation Laboratory, Oxford, MS; and K G. Renard is a retired research hydraulic engineer, USDA-ARS, Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, AZ. A of the response of selected output vari-
Reliability and Failure Modes of a Hybrid Ceramic Abutment Prototype

PURPOSE A ceramic and metal abutment prototype was fatigue tested to determine the probability of survival at various loads. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lithium disilicate CAD-milled abutments (n = 24) were cemented to titanium sleeve inserts and then screw attached to titanium fixtures. The assembly was then embedded at a 30° angle in polymethylmethacrylate. Each (n = 24) was restored with a resin-cemented machined lithium disilicate all-ceramic central incisor crown. Single load (lingual-incisal contact) to failure was determined for three specimens. Fatigue testing (n = 21) was conducted employing the step-stress method with lingual mouth motion loading. Failures were recorded, and reliability calculations were performed using proprietary software. Probability Weibull curves were calculated with 90% confidence bounds. Fracture modes were classified with a stereomicroscope, and representative samples imaged with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Fatigue results indicated that the limiting factor in the current design is the fatigue strength of the abutment screw, where screw fracture often leads to failure of the abutment metal sleeve and/or cracking in the implant fixture. Reliability for completion of a mission at 200 N load for 50K cycles was 0.38 (0.52% to 0.25 90% CI) and for 100K cycles was only 0.12 (0.26 to 0.05)-only 12% predicted to survive. These results are similar to those from previous studies on metal to metal abutment/fixture systems where screw failure is a limitation. No ceramic crown or ceramic abutment initiated fractures occurred, supporting the research hypothesis. The limiting factor in performance was the screw failure in the metal-to-metal connection between the prototyped abutment and the fixture, indicating that this configuration should function clinically with no abutment ceramic complications. CONCLUSION The combined ceramic with titanium sleeve abutment prototype performance was limited by the fatigue degradation of the abutment screw. In fatigue, no ceramic crown or ceramic abutment components failed, supporting the research hypothesis with a reliability similar to that of all-metal abutment fixture systems. A lithium disilcate abutment with a Ti alloy sleeve in combination with an all-ceramic crown should be expected to function clinically in a satisfactory manner.
Computational design of foldable robots via composition

Recent advances in rapid fabrication technologies have given designers the ability to manufacture increasingly complex geometries with little increase in cost, making it easier than ever to build a robot. However, the process of designing a functional robot remains challenging. Robots are complex systems that tightly integrate mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems. As a result, traditional robot development often requires iterations of design and testing to ensure that the result is both functional and manufacturable. This thesis explores intuitive design tools for robot design and proposes composition as a design approach. We leverage a print-and-fold paradigm of manufacturing, which has been shown to enable functional robots to be created within a day. The main challenge in using composition is that in general, even if two modules function correctly individually, the combination of the two may not be a valid design. We therefore develop algorithms and systems for robot composition that guarantee validity of the design geometry and that check the resulting kinematics. Our main contributions include a database containing parameterized designs for printable joints and mechanisms, algorithms for composition of fold patterns and motion sequences that guarantee no self-intersection, automated generation of fabrication plans for multiple modes of print-and-fold fabrication, an interactive user interface in which users can compose custom robots and receive real-time feedback about their designs, and experimental verification in the form of functional mechanisms and robots. The results provide designers with a framework for rapid design exploration and bring us closer to a future of easy robot design and customization. Thesis Supervisor: Daniela Rus Title: Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor
Nutrient enrichment, grazer identity, and their effects on epiphytic algal assemblages: field experiments in subtropical turtlegrass Thalassia testudinum meadows

We tested the relative importance of top-down and bottom-up effects by experimentally evaluating the combined and separate effects of nutrient availability and grazer species composition on epiphyte communities and seagrass condition in Florida Bay. Although we succeeded in substan- tially enriching our experimental cylinders, as indicated by elevated nitrogen concentrations in epi- phytes and seagrass leaves, we did not observe any major increases in epiphyte biomass or major loss of Thalassia testudinum by algal overgrowth. Additionally, we did not detect any strong grazer effects and found very few significant nutrient-grazer interactions. While this might suggest that there was no important differential response to nutrients by individual grazer species or by various combinations of grazers, our results were complicated by the lack of significant differences between control and grazer treatments, and as such, these results are best explained by the presence of unwanted amphipod grazers (mean = 471 ind. m -2 ) in the control cylinders. Our estimates of grazing rates and epiphyte productivities indicate that amphipods in the control cylinders could have lowered epiphyte biomass to the same level that the experimental grazers did, thus effectively transforming the control treatments into grazer treatments. If so, our experiments suggest that the effects of inver- tebrate grazing (and those of amphipods alone) were stronger than the effects of nutrient enrichment on epiphytic algae, and that it does not require a large density of grazers to control epiphyte biomass even when nutrient loading rates are substantially elevated.
Monitoring of Pesticides from Farm Gate Samples of Vegetables in Haryana

Forty six farm gate samples of seasonal vegetables namely cauliflower (6), cabbage (6), pea (10), brinjal (1), okra (4), tomato (1), bitter-gourd (4), smooth-gourd (4) and chilly (green and red) (10) were monitored for residues of different insecticides applied during their growth period. Residues of monocrotophos, quinalphos, BHC isomers, DDT analogues and endosulian were found in cauliflower, cabbage and pea peel samples whereas pea grain samples were found to contain monocrotophos and quinalphos. Only one sample of cabbage out of the six analysed contained 0.230 mg kg−1 of monocrotophos which was above the MRL value (0.2 mg kg−1)-Residues of monocrotophos and endosulfan were found in one sample of brinjal. Samples of green and red chillies were contaminated with aldrin and dimethoate. Phosphamidon and malathion residues were found in green chillies only. Residues of dimethoate were found in tomato, and monocrotophos residues below detectable level were found in the 12 samples of summer vegetables i.e. okra, bitter-gourd and smooth-gourd. The incidence as well as level of contamination of pesticides has decreased significantly as compared to previous years.
Influence of TiO2 layer thickness as photoanode in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are categorized as some of the inexpensive thin-film solar cells. The basis and foundation of these cells is a semiconductor that consists of an electrolyte and a light-sensitive anode. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconductor that plays the role of the anode and is the main constituent of these cells. In this paper, we have addressed the functionality and performance of TiO2 films with the thicknesses of 2.96, 7.54 and 11.1 μm in DSSCs. The morphology, crystal structure, and the optical band gap are some of the effective elements on the electron transfer rate and recombination process in the TiO2 film. When using TiO2, one must choose the optimum thickness to ensure optimal short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage and fill factor so that the cell can have the highest possible efficiency. Analysing the obtained characteristic curves, it is concluded that the efficiency of a cell with a 2.96 μm TiO2 film is 4.2%; the efficiency of a cell with a 7.54 μm TiO2 film is 5.54% and the efficiency of a cell with an 11.1 μm Tio2 film is 6%. Also, analysing the EIS shows that the highest electron lifetime is 17 milliseconds which is obtained for the cell with an 11.1 μm TiO2 film. The films of TiO2 for each cell are provided by the doctor-blade deposition method and the dyes are deposited on their surface. Review History: Received: 4 November 2018 Revised: 18 December 2018 Accepted: 6 February 2019 Available Online: 6 February 2019
Retreatment of failed revascularization/revitalization of immature permanent tooth – A case report

The aim of this article is to describe the clinical case of the non-surgical retreatment of a failed revascularization/revitalization treatment (RRT). The retreatment was preceded by two sessions including an interim medication with calcium hydroxide and a modified irrigation protocol containing a highly-concentrated sodium hypochlorite and prolonged usage of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to reverse unacceptable side effects of hypochlorite. During a 15- month follow-up, the healing of the periapical lesion, increased thickening of root canal walls and maturation of root was apparent. The repeated RRT represents a possible treatment modality for s failed RRT. Key words:Retreatment, revascularization, revitalization, maturogenesis, immature tooth.
Coordinated Search With Multiple Robots Arranged in Line Formations

In this paper, we address the problem of detecting intruders in complex bidimensional environments with a team of robots arranged in line formations called sweep lines. Sweep lines are used to coordinate the motion of multiple robots and guarantee the detection of any number of arbitrarily fast intruders, even when each robot has a limited sensor footprint. We present a formalization of the problem, coined Line-Clear, which requires the computation of sweep schedules to coordinate the motion of multiple sweep lines using the fewest robots possible. We provide a proof of NP-hardness of the general Line-Clear problem based on results from graph searching. An algorithm to compute sweep schedules for simply connected environments, which additionally guarantees that the cleared area is connected and not recontaminated, is then presented. We analyze its complexity formally and in simulation experiments and present solutions for a number of subproblems required for an implementation of the algorithm. The analysis provides a formal criterion for when the algorithm runs in polynomial time and the experiments indicate that this criterion may be satisfied for most environments in practice.
Evidence of mating by sexually immature female American lobsters Homarus americanus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) (Decapoda: Nephropidae)

Recent findings indicate that female American lobsters, Homarus americanus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), are either reaching sexual maturity at smaller sizes than in the past, due to ocean warming or fishery-induced selection, or they are mating before they are sexually mature. To test the second hypothesis, we determined the mating status (i.e., presence of sperm in seminal receptacles) and physiological maturity (i.e., ovary stages) of 208 females captured off the coast of New Hampshire, USA. We found that 27.8% of the females with immature ovaries had sperm in their seminal receptacles, indicating that some females mate while still immature. We proceeded to record the behavior of immature females that were about to molt after placing them in tanks with mature males to determine if mating was consensual. A mature female that is about to molt typically approaches a male in a den, exchanges chemical signals (pheromones) with the male, enters the den to cohabitate with the male, and then molts, mates, and remains with the male while her soft, post-molt, exoskeleton hardens. Previous studies have demonstrated that in order for this sequence of behaviors to take place normally, the exchange of chemical signals is important, and probably necessary. In this study, 11 of 14 immature females exhibited normal mating behavior and successfully mated. It therefore appears that some female lobsters become sexually active before they are physiologically capable of reproducing. Moreover, these females might use “dishonest signals” to trick males into mating to gain protection from them while their exoskeleton hardens.