Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Race determination based on nonmetric teeth morphological traits

The relationship between dental morphological traits and ancestry has received the utmost amount of attention from dental anthropologists and forensic odontologists. Caucasoid, Mongoloids, and Negroid are the chief racial groups of the world. The dentition of each race has been reported to be unique to its race and has been employed to determine ancestry. Unfortunately, over the years, the concept of race has been fading away due to hybridization between races worldwide. Hence, one cannot solely rely on dental morphological traits to assign a race to an unknown. Nevertheless, even though dental morphological traits have been blended among the three races, there are still those traits that are dominant in one or the other ethnic group.
Comparison of the microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate, calcium-enriched mixture cement, and Biodentine orthograde apical plug

Background: One-visit apexification is a treatment of choice in necrotic immature open apex teeth. Calcium silicate base materials are suitable for this method. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the sealing efficiency of Biodentine, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) ProRoot, and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement orthograde apical plug using bacterial leakage method. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study a total of 70 extracted maxillary incisors were cleaned and shaped. A 1.1-mm standardized artificially open apex was created in all samples. The teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups of 20, and two negative and positive control groups of 5. In experimental groups, 4-mm thick apical plugs of ProRoot MTA, CEM cement, or Biodentine were placed in an orthograde manner. Negative control samples were completely filled with MTA while positive control samples were left unfilled. Sealing efficiency was measured by bacterial leakage method, and results were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier and Chi-square tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The highest number of turbidity was recorded for ProRoot MTA samples, while the lowest for Biodentine. There was a significant difference in the number of turbidity between ProRoot MTA and Biodentine groups (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between CEM cement and Biodentine (P = 0.133) and ProRoot MTA (P = 0.055). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, Biodentine showed promising results as a substance with good-sealing efficiency.
Carbon allocation in forest ecosystems

Carbon allocation plays a critical role in forest ecosystem carbon cycling. We reviewed existing literature and compiled annual carbon budgets for forest ecosystems to test a series of hypotheses addressing the patterns, plasticity, and limits of three components of allocation: biomass, the amount of material present; flux, the flow of carbon to a component per unit time; and partitioning, the fraction of gross primary productivity (GPP) used by a component. Can annual carbon flux and partitioning be inferred from biomass? Our survey revealed that biomass was poorly related to carbon flux and to partitioning of photosynthetically derived carbon, and should not be used to infer either. Are component fluxes correlated? Carbon fluxes to foliage, wood, and belowground production and respiration all increased linearly with increasing GPP (a rising tide lifts all boats). Autotrophic respiration was strongly linked to production for foliage, wood and roots, and aboveground net primary productivity and total belowground carbon flux (TBCF) were positively correlated across a broad productivity gradient. How does carbon partitioning respond to variability in resources and environment? Within sites, partitioning to aboveground wood production and TBCF responded to changes in stand age and resource availability, but not to competition (tree density). Increasing resource supply and stand age, with one exception, resulted in increased partitioning to aboveground wood production and decreased partitioning to TBCF. Partitioning to foliage production was much less sensitive to changes in resources and environment. Overall, changes in partitioning within a site in response to resource supply and age were small (<15% of GPP), but much greater than those inferred from global relationships. Across all sites, foliage production plus respiration, and total autotrophic respiration appear to use relatively constant fractions of GPP – partitioning to both was conservative across a broad range of GPP – but values did vary across sites. Partitioning to aboveground wood production and to TBCF were the most variable – conditions that favored high GPP increased partitioning to aboveground wood production and decreased partitioning to TBCF. Do priorities exist for the products of photosynthesis? The available data do not support the concept of priorities for the products of photosynthesis, because increasing GPP increased all fluxes. All facets of carbon allocation are important to understanding carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystem models require information on partitioning, yet we found few studies that measured all components of the carbon budget to allow estimation of partitioning coefficients. Future studies that measure complete annual carbon budgets contribute the most to understanding carbon allocation.
Removal of ZnO Nanoparticles from Natural Waters by Coagulation-Flocculation Process: Influence of Surfactant Type on Aggregation, Dissolution and Colloidal Stability

The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and surfactants that are widely used in commercial and industrial products lead to the likelihood of their co-occurrence in natural water, making it essential to investigate the effect of surfactants on the fate and mobility of ZnO NPs. The present study seeks to elucidate the effect of an anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and a nonionic nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO), on ZnO NPs adsorption, aggregation, dissolution, and removal by the coagulation process. The results indicate that the presence of SDS in ZnO NPs suspension significantly reduced the ζ-potential and hydrodynamic diameter (HDD), while the effect of NPEO was found not to be significant. The sorption of SDS and NPEO by ZnO NPs were fitted with Langmuir model, but the Freundlich isotherm was more suitable for SDS at pH 9.0. Moreover, the adsorption was strongly pH-dependent due to the formation of mono-bilayer patches onto the NPs. The SDS remarkably affect the dissolution and aggregation phenomena of ZnO NPs in natural waters as compared to NPEO. Finally, the coagulation results showed that the removal efficiency of ZnO, Zn2+ and the surfactant in synthetic and wastewaters at optimum ferric chloride (FC) dosage reached around 85–98% and 20–50%, respectively. Coagulation mechanism investigation demonstrated that the cooperation of charge neutralization and adsorptive micellar flocculation (AMF) might play an important role. In summary, this study may provide new insight into the environmental behavior of coexisting ZnO NPs and surfactants in water treatment processes, and it may facilitate their sustainable use in commercial products and processes.
Real-world management of hyperkalemia with patiromer among United States Veterans

ABSTRACT Objective: Patiromer is a sodium-free, non-absorbed, potassium (K+) binder approved for the treatment of hyperkalemia (HK). Among US Veterans with HK, this retrospective, observational cohort study evaluated patiromer utilization, RAASi continuation, and K+ concentration change following patiromer initiation. Methods: Using data from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse, Veterans with HK (K+ ≥5.1 mmol/L) were included upon patiromer initiation (index date) during the study period (1/2016–8/2018). All patients had heart failure (HF), diabetes, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with end-stage renal disease were excluded. The following outcomes were assessed within 6-months post-patiromer initiation: patiromer utilization (using proportion of days covered); K+ concentration change (pre- vs post-initiation); and RAASi continuation. Results: 288 Veterans with HK were included. Baseline characteristics were: median age 70 years, African-American race 24%, diabetes 83%, HF 32%, CKD 95%, and median K+ concentration 5.7 mmol/L. At 1, 3, and 6 months post-index, the median patiromer PDC was 100%, 66%, and 44%, respectively. K+ concentration reductions post-patiromer initiation were, on average, – 1.0 mmol/L (P < 0.001). At 3–6 months, 71% of patiromer initiators had K+ <5.1 mmol/L and 95% had K+ <5.5 mmol/L. RAASi therapy was continued in >80%–90% of patiromer-treated patients. Conclusions: The real-world utilization results suggest patiromer is used for the chronic management of HK. Clinically relevant K+ concentration reductions were observed at all study time points. The successful management of HK may have contributed to the observed high rate of RAASi therapy continuation. Further research is warranted to corroborate and extend these findings.
The Biomarkers for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure

The use of a large number of cardiovascular biomarkers, meant to complement the use of the electrocardiogram, echocardiography cardiac imaging, and clinical symptom assessment, has become a routine in clinical diagnosis, differential diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis and guides the management of patients with suspected cardiovascular diseases. There is a broad consensus that cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptides are the preferred biomarkers in clinical practice for the diagnosis of the acute coronary syndrome and heart failure, respectively, while the roles and possible clinical applications of several other potential biomarkers are still under study. This review mainly focuses on the recent studies of the roles and clinical applications of troponin and natriuretic peptides, which seem to be the best-validated markers in distinguishing and predicting the future cardiac events of patients with suspected cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the review briefly discusses some of the large number of potential markers that may play a more prominent role in the future.
Identification and Enumeration Method of Both Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Microorganisms in Food Sample

The method to analyze both eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms without preliminary microbial information of sample seemed to be useful not only for research and investigation of microorganisms but also for industry using microorganisms. In the present manuscript, preparation of a new DNA primers, new reference database for 18S rDNA for our newly developed method [1]- [3], and analyses of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms in fermentation products were presented. In komekouji, Aspergillus spp. , was enumerated to be 46.5 × 106 MPN g-1, and Penicillium spp. , was enumerated to be 1.5 × 106 MPN g-1. In dry yeast, Saccharomyces group, were enumerated to be 8600 × 106 MPN g-1. In komekouji-miso, no eukaryotic microorganism was detected, while the other Bacillus spp. , was numerically dominant (21.5 × 106 MPN g-1) as prokaryotic microorganisms, followed by B. subtilis group (4.65 × 106 MPN g-1), and the other Firmicutes (3.7 × 106 MPN g-1). The komekouji-miso included lower number of Actinobacteria (0.15 × 106 MPN g-1), Burkhokderia sp. (1.5 × 106 MPN g-1), and the other α,β,γ-proteobacteria (0.12 × 106 MPN g-1). In sake-kasu, both prokaryote and eukaryote were not detected by the method. Present results indicated that using both universal primers for eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms, each groups of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms were enumerated without any preliminary information nor setting up standard curve, which were required for real time PCR.
Scale-dependent erosional patterns in steady and transient state landscapes

10 Landscape topography is the expression of the dynamic equilibrium between external forcings (e.g. 11 climate and tectonics) and the underlying lithology. The magnitude and spatial arrangement of erosional 12 and depositional fluxes dictate the evolution of landforms during both statistical steady state (SS) and 13 transient states (TS) of major landscape reorganization. For SS landscapes, the common expectation is 14 that any point of the landscape has equal chance to erode at below or above the landscape median erosion 15 rate. We show here that this is not the case. Afforded by a unique experimental landscape that provided a 16 detailed space-time recording of erosional fluxes, and by defining the so-called “E50-area curve”, we 17 reveal for the first time that there exists a hierarchical pattern of erosion. Specifically, hillslopes and 18 fluvial channels erode more rapidly than the landscape median rate while intervening parts of the 19 landscape in terms of upstream contributing areas (colluvial regime) erode more slowly. We explain this 20 apparent paradox by documenting the dynamic nature of SS landscapes – landscape locations through 21 time may transition from being a hillslope to a valley and then to a fluvial channel due to ridge migration, 22 channel piracy and small-scale landscape dynamics. Under TS conditions caused by increased 23 precipitation, we show that the E50-area curve changes shape drastically during landscape reorganization. 24 Scale-dependent erosional patterns as observed in this study suggest benchmarks in evaluating numerical 25 models and interpreting the variability of sampled erosional rates in field landscapes. 26
Glaucoma Heterozygous Pitx 2 Null Mice Accurately Recapitulate the Ocular Features of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and Congenital Glaucoma

Citation: Chen L, Gage PJ. Heterozygous Pitx2 null mice accurately recapitulate the ocular features of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and congenital glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57:5023– 5030. DOI:10.1167/iovs.16-19700 PURPOSE. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the utility of Pitx2þ/ mice as a model for the ocular features of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and for congenital glaucoma. METHODS. Eyes of Pitx2þ/ and wild-type littermates were examined clinically using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography. Intraocular pressures were measured using a TonoLab rebound tonometer. Eyes were examined histologically to assess PITX2 expression, structural integrity, and optic nerve and ganglion cell content.
Rapid Pyrolysis of SmBa2Cu3O7-δ Films in CSD-MOD Using Extremely-Low-Fluorine Solutions

SmBa2Cu3O7-δ (SmBCO) films have been prepared by chemical solution deposition starting from extremely-low-fluorine solutions (7% fluorine with respect to standard full trifluoroacetate solutions). Smooth and homogeneous SmBCO films could be achieved at heating rates of up to 20 °C/min during pyrolysis. The best films were achieved at a crystallization temperature of 810 °C and 50 ppm of oxygen partial pressure. At these conditions, the ~270 nm thick SmBCO films grow mostly c-axis-oriented with J c sf values at 77 K of ~2 MA/cm2 and critical temperatures Tc of up to 95.0 K. These results demonstrate that using extremely-low-fluorine solutions is very attractive since the production rate can be largely increased due to the solutions’ robustness during pyrolysis retaining a remarkable quality of the grown films. Nevertheless, further optimization of the growth process is needed to improve the superconducting properties of the films.
Applying Probabilistic Programming to Affective Computing

Affective Computing is a rapidly growing field spurred by advancements in artificial intelligence, but often, held back by the inability to translate psychological theories of emotion into tractable computational models. To address this, we propose a probabilistic programming approach to affective computing, which models psychological-grounded theories as generative models of emotion, and implements them as stochastic, executable computer programs. We first review probabilistic approaches that integrate reasoning about emotions with reasoning about other latent mental states (e.g., beliefs, desires) in context. Recently-developed probabilistic programming languages offer several key desidarata over previous approaches, such as: (i) flexibility in representing emotions and emotional processes; (ii) modularity and compositionality; (iii) integration with deep learning libraries that facilitate efficient inference and learning from large, naturalistic data; and (iv) ease of adoption. Furthermore, using a probabilistic programming framework allows a standardized platform for theory-building and experimentation: Competing theories (e.g., of appraisal or other emotional processes) can be easily compared via modular substitution of code followed by model comparison. To jumpstart adoption, we illustrate our points with executable code that researchers can easily modify for their own models. We end with a discussion of applications and future directions of the probabilistic programming approach
Effects of phosphorus fertilizer and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria applications on clover dominant meadow: II. Chemical composition.

This study was carried out at Ataturk University farm in Erzurum, Turkey over 4 years (2004-2007) to evaluate the effects of phosphorus fertilization and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum) applications on the chemical composition of forage from a natural meadow area. Study plots were treated with two bacteria levels (B0 and B1) and five levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 11, 22, 33 and 44 kg ha -1 ) with four replications. The results of the study indicate that increasing levels of P significantly increased to crude protein content. While phosphorus fertilizer decreased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, there were no notable effects on acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) content. The effects of bacteria application included an increase in crude protein content and total digestible nutrient content in forage was increased, and reduced ADF and NDF. Forage P and Ca contents were increased, but K and Mg contents decreased following phosphorus fertilization. While bacteria application increased K and Mg contents of forage, Ca content decreased. There was no notable change in P content of forage following the application of bacteria. The results indicate that P fertilizer and bacteria applications have positive effects on forage quality of meadows. Application of bacteria (alone or combined with P) or 11-22 kg ha 1 application of P may increase the forage quality of meadows.
On the identification of a single body immersed in a Navier-Stokes fluid

In this work we consider the inverse problem of the identification of a single rigid body immersed in a fluid governed by the stationary Navier-Stokes equations. It is assumed that friction forces are known on a part of the outer boundary. We first prove a uniqueness result. Then, we establish a formula for the observed friction forces, at first order, in terms of the deformation of the rigid body. In some particular situations, this provides a strategy that could be used to compute approximations to the solution of the inverse problem. In the proofs we use unique continuation and regularity results for the Navier-Stokes equations and domain variation techniques.
The Role of Knowledge Absorption and Innovation Capability in the Technological Change and Economic Growth of EU Regions

Abstract The framework of the endogenous growth models and empirical evidence argue that two dimensions determine a region's ability to narrow its technological gap and improve its productivity growth. The first is its absorptive capacity, e.g. its ability to imitate foreign advanced technologies. The second is its innovative capability, namely the extent to which it is able to produce new, advanced knowledge. Thus, the narrowing knowledge absorption and innovation gaps between regions improve a region's productivity level and move it up the value chain towards specialization in knowledge-intensive and high value-added activities. The following paper attempts to contribute to the existing empirical findings and theoretical discussion on the inter-linkages between knowledge absorption, innovation capability, determined technological change, and economic growth of EU regions. The author's results show that despite the fact that the EU has a long tradition in education and new knowledge generation, there is a very modest ability to make EU regions more productive and grow them. The important role of productivity and knowledge-based sectors in improving EU regional prosperity suggests to carefully examine which knowledge activities drive productivity and the catching-up process of the EU regions. Overall, prospects for catching up will depend largely on how regions balance higher education and R&D priorities and place emphasis on the above activities. These results may be regarded as supportive of recent EU regional policy based on the Lisbon and Europe 2020 Strategies of Smart Growth.
Institutions & Well-being

It is by now well-established in the development economics literature that institutions play a vital role in shaping social, economic, and political incentives, reducing transaction costs and uncertainty, and promoting long-run economic growth. Following recent developments on the measurement of socio-economic progress, which emphasize the importance of many non-economic dimensions of quality of life, the goal of this special issue is to encourage new socio-economic research on the relationship between institutions and well-being in this broader sense. Here, we provide a brief overview of the existing literature on institutions and well-being and then summarize the papers in this special issue according to three unifying themes (1) economic freedom studies; (2) institutions and long-run growth, and (3) well-being and institutions in transition economies. We conclude by discussing some challenges for future research.
Influence of Mild Bottom Slopes on the Overtopping Flow over Mound Breakwaters under Depth-Limited Breaking Wave Conditions

The crest elevation of mound breakwaters is usually designed considering a tolerable mean wave overtopping discharge. However, pedestrian safety, characterized by the overtopping layer thickness (OLT) and the overtopping flow velocity (OFV), is becoming more relevant due to the reduction of the crest freeboards of coastal structures. Studies in the literature focusing on OLT and OFV do not consider the bottom slope effect, even if it has a remarkable impact on mound breakwater design under depth-limited breaking wave conditions. Therefore, this research focuses on the influence of the bottom slope on OLT and OFV exceeded by 2% of incoming waves, hc,2% and uc,2%. A total of 235 2D physical tests were conducted on conventional mound breakwaters with a single-layer Cubipod® and double-layer rock and cube armors with 2% and 4% bottom slopes. Neural networks were used to determine the optimum point to estimate wave characteristics for hc,2% and uc,2% calculation; that point was located at a distance from the model toe of three times the water depth at the toe (hs) of the structure. The influence of the bottom slope is studied using trained neural networks with fixed wave conditions in the wave generation zone; hc,2% slightly decreases and uc,2% increases as the gradient of the bottom slope increases.