Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population Size and Age Structure of Metamorphic and Pedomorphic Forms of Ommatotriton ophryticus (Berthold, 1846) in the Northwestern Black Sea Region of Turkey

Abstract Amphibians are in decline in many parts of the world. Understanding the population dynamics of amphibian species is an important prerequisite for developing effective conservation strategies. We used capture–mark–recapture and skeletochronological techniques to investigate population size, body size, and age structure of metamorphic and pedomorphic forms of Ommatotriton ophryticus between 2006 and 2009 in the northwestern Black Sea region of Turkey. Our findings showed that time-specific survival rate, constant capture probability, no temporary emigration, and time-specific population size were the most appropriate models for this population. According to the best model (Model 6), population size of metamorphic forms of O. ophryticus was estimated as 517 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 338–851) adults in 2006, 338 (95% CI = 282−421) adults in 2008, and 527 (95% CI = 443–646) adults in 2009. Average annual capture probability was estimated at 0.21, although average survival rate across years was 0.35. The mean body size and age structure of the pedomorphs and metamorphs was significantly different for both sexes. Also, body size of both forms of O. ophryticus showed positive significant correlations with age. In addition to this, both forms shared a common allometric slope of the snout–vent lengths vs. age, and older individuals had larger bodies. Moreover, age at first reproduction and longevity exhibited great differences between forms whereas the median age was 4 yr for each newt category, except for metamorphosed males, in which it was 5 yr. These results indicate that pedomorphs in this population show retardation of the somatic development and an earlier maturation.
Mean platelet volume in acute coronary syndrome: Diagnostic implications

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count in patients with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Materials and Methods: It was a case–control study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. We examined 100 cases of ACS and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to focused history, focused clinical examination, vital recording, and baseline 12 lead electrocardiogram. MPV and platelet count were measured by a hemogram device, Melet Schloesing (MS-9) based on the Coulter principle. Results: The patients with ACS had a higher MPV 7.70 fl as compared to the normal healthy controls 6.64 fl (P < 0.0001). On the other hand, the platelet count was significantly decreased in the patients of ACS 172.44 × 109/L when compared with the healthy control group 204.98 × 109/L, and this difference was statistically significant with P < 0.0001. Conclusions: We concluded that the patients presenting with features of ACS have a higher MPV and a decreased platelet count as compared to normal population. These simple hematological markers such as MPV and platelet count can help us in reaching the diagnosis of ACS along with traditional tools.
Running head: LMEMS AND STEREOTYPES Advancing Stereotyping Research: How and Why to Use Linear Mixed-Effects Models in Gender Stereotyping Research

We present two studies examining the valence of gender stereotypes using linear mixed-effects models (LMEMs) to demonstrate how they can advance stereotyping research. Although LMEMs are common in some domains of psychology (e.g., developmental and cognitive psychology), they are much less commonly used in research on stereotyping. And yet, concerns about the generalizability of results, inflation of type I errors, and ease of handling missing data are equally relevant to work on stereotyping. In this paper, we first summarize what LMEMs are and how they might be applied to work on stereotyping. We then show how LMEMs can be used to analyze data from studies with researchergenerated attributes (Study 1) and participant-generated attributes (Study 2). We also show that LMEMs are particularly appropriate for designs that employ planned missingness (Study 2). Finally, we discuss how LMEMs may allow researchers to resolve conflicting findings in gender stereotype research and how designs with planned missingness allow researchers more flexibility in answering their research questions.
Labor Markets and Monetary Policy: A New-Keynesian Model with Unemployment

We construct a utility-based model of fluctuations, with nominal rigidities and unemployment, and draw its implications for the unemployment-inflation tradeoff and for the conduct of monetary policy. We proceed in two steps. We first leave nominal rigidities aside. We show that, under a standard utility specification, productivity shocks have no effect on unemployment in the constrained efficient allocation. We then focus on the implications of alternative real wage setting mechanisms for fluctuations in unemployment. We show the role of labor market frictions and real wage rigidities in determining the effects of productivity shocks on unemployment. We then introduce nominal rigidities in the form of staggered price setting by firms. We derive the relation between inflation and unemployment and discuss how it is influenced by the presence of labor market frictions and real wage rigidities. We show the nature of the tradeoff between inflation and unemployment stabilization, and its dependence on labor market characteristics. We draw the implications for optimal monetary policy.
Identification and characterisation of novel small RNAs from repetitive elements in mammals

Transposable elements account for the almost half of the sequence encoded by mammalian genomes, which become silenced during early embryonic development. This thesis sought to explore the hypothesis of the involvement of the RNAi pathway in the silencing of transposable elements in mammals, predominantly through the identification of transposon-associated RNA of -20-25nt using a gel blotting technique. Initially cell lines of embryonic and tumour origin were analysed. This lead to the identification of several previously unreported transposon-associated RNA ranging from 70-90nt. However, it was not until a more detailed analysis of the embryonic cell lines, with the induction of differentiation in cell culture that several discrete RNA of -20nt were detected for the mouse transposons L1 and B2. The differentiation of embryonic cell lines in culture also serendipitously lead to the detection of several short 55 rRNA of -22-26nt, these were also later detected in several human cell lines of breast cancer origin and healthy breast tissue. Intriguingly the -20-26nt repeat-associated identified were predominantly observed after two-days of differentiation in cell culture in several cell lines and often coincided with an ethidium bromide stainable band of -19nt. The latter may indicate a large proportion of these RNAs. Further analysis of the B2 and 55 rRNA repeat-associated short RNA revealed both to have reduce accumulation in Dicer-null embryonic stem cells, implicating a possible association with a known component of the RNAi pathway. Dicer was also observed to process the longer -50-80nt 55rRNA to -20-26nt in vitro. BLAST was also used to identify possible mRNA targets for the short B2 and 55 rRNA. One of these, the mRNA encoding sialic acid acetylesterase (SIAE) was consistently observed to be reduced with the accumulation of the short RNA using end-point RT-PCR, consistent with targeting through the RNAi or a similar pathway. However, no further links with the RNAi pathway were established, with no targeting detected for the short B2 or 55 rRNA using dual luciferase sensor assays. The repeat-associated RNA identified in this thesis are among the first of their type and further work will be required to establish what relevance they have to the RNAi pathway and transposon regulation.
The Effects of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Running on Acute Femoral Cartilage Deformation in Healthy Males and Females

The Effects of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Running on Acute Femoral Cartilage Deformation in Healthy Males and Females By: Megan Graff, LAT, ATC Chairperson: Nicole M. Cattano, PhD, LAT, ATC Context: Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) have been integrated into athletic performance and rehabilitation, but the physiologic and biomechanical effects of LBPPT unloading are not well known. As LBPPT use increases, it is imperative to know its effects on local joint cartilage. Assessing femoral cartilage deformation through ultrasonography after running on a LBPPT may provide a better understanding of effects on knee cartilage. Objective: Compare the effects of running at 100% and 80% body weight (BW) on a LBPPT on femoral articular cartilage and gait biomechanics between sexes and limbs in healthy, physically active participants. Design: Two group crossover. Setting: Division II University. Participants: 10 males and 10 females. Interventions: Independent variables included sex and running condition. Main Outcome Measures: Dependent variables were femoral cartilage deformation, vertical ground reaction force, and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Possible covariates included foot strike, mass, and height. Results: Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlations, independent, and dependent T-tests. Femoral cartilage width significantly reduced after running at 100% BW. No significant reduction in femoral cartilage width in the majority of compartments after running at 80% BW. 100% BW had significantly greater reduction in cartilage width unilaterally compared to 80% BW. All biomechanical measures were significantly different between body weight trials. Females had significantly greater reductions in cartilage width unilaterally compared to males. PROs were negatively correlated with right cartilage percent change at both conditions. Conclusion: Running at 80% BW on a LBPPT lead to reduced cartilage deformation and altered biomechanics compared to 100% BW.
Linhagens de Trichogramma e Trichogrammatoidea para controle de Stenoma catenifer

The objective of this work was to select Trichogramma and Trichogrammatoidea species and strains with potential to control the avocado fruit borer Stenoma catenifer, considered the main avocado (Persea americana Mill.) pest. Laboratory experiments were carried out with the following strains and species, which comprised eight Trichogramma pretiosum; one Trichogramma atopovirilia; two Trichogramma bruni; and one Trichogrammatoidea annulata. The number of parasitoids to be released per S. catenifer egg under semi-field conditions was studied. Biological parameters evaluated in laboratory were egg-adult development time, survivorship, parasitism, sex ratio, number of parasitoids emerged per S. catenifer egg, and adult longevity. In semi-field experiment, the number of parasitized eggs was evaluated. The species Trichogrammatoidea annulata, Trichogramma atopovirilia and their strains were selected for the largest number of S. catenifer eggs parasitized. Under semi-field conditions, the highest parasitism was achieved with an estimated ratio of 28 and 30 parasitoids per pest egg, respectively, for Trichogrammatoidea annulata and Trichogramma atopovirilia.
HYDROGEN POWERED FREIGHTER AIRCRAFT – THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE GREEN FREIGHTER PROJECT

This paper presents the results of the joint aircraft design project “The Green Freighter” that dealt with the investigation of hydrogenfueled freighter aircraft. This included conventional as well as blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designs. Within the scope of the project the Pr eliminary Aircraft Design and Optimization program PrADO was extended and applied to analyses of conventional and unconventional freighter aircraft designs. The investigations show that hydrogen as aviation fuel is feasible. Rising energy prices will make air transport more expensive than today, but hydrogen is a potential alternative fuel that keeps air traffic possible even if low-priced kerosene is no longer available. In addition, air traffic could become more environmentally friendly. Hydrogen-fueled regional freighter aircraft have up to 5 % smaller maximum takeoff masses and consume about 10 % less energy than the kerosene reference version despite their up to 7 % higher operating empty masses. The installation of large hydrogen tanks using the full fuselage cross section is significantly superior to an installation of removable tanks with smaller diameter. An unmanned freighter can use the cockpit volume for hydrogen storage and further helps to optimize the design. The investigations of the hydrogen-fueled BWB designs show possible savings of about 6.5 % in take-off mass, which is predominantly due to a 66.5 % lower fuel mass. The combination of necessary minimum aircraft size and low fuel mass causes a low wing loading. In effect, the BWB designs cannot make use of their theoretically very high aerodynamic performance during cruise flight.
Seven city types representing morphologic configurations of cities across the globe

What we understand by the simple term ‘city’ is in fact describing highly diverse domains: different economies, demographics, ways of living, land uses, built-up morphologies, among other things. The built landscape alone ranges from low-density, one-storey suburban settlements to high-density accumulations of skyscrapers. Models have repeatedly attempted to describe these various ‘city’ manifestations and to understand the processes that shape these spatial appearances and patterns. In this paper we analyze the morphological-spatial configurations of urban landscapes. We empirically examine 110 cities distributed around the globe. By using the Local Climate Zones (LCZs) classification scheme, we quantitatively describe morphologic variances of the built landscape within cities. We find seven city types (clusters) that capture the global diversity of spatial urban configurations. These seven types testify in parts to common geographic-cultural spaces. Some are largely congruent with wellknown spatial units such as Europe or the Islamic world. In contrast to theoretical city models, however, we also find clusters that are more spatially complex such as African-American or Asian-African clusters. On the one hand, the study confirms that similar cultural, socio-economic, demographic or political conditions in fact do produce similar morphologic-spatial urban configurations. On the other hand, it also shows that there exist similar morphological configurations across geographic-cultural spaces.
Climatic effects on litter decomposition from arctic tundra to tropical rainforest

Climatic effects on the decomposition rates of various litter types in different environments must be known to predict how climatic changes would affect key functions of terrestrial ecosystems, such as nutrient and carbon cycling and plant growth. We developed regression models of the climatic effects on the first‐year mass loss of Scots pine needle litter in boreal and temperate forests across Europe (34 sites), and tested the applicability of these models for other litter types in different ecosystems from arctic tundra to tropical rainforest in Canada (average three year mass loss of 11 litter types at 18 sites), the USA and Central America (four litter types at 26 sites).
Isotopic Discrimination Factors (Δ13C and Δ15N) between Tissues and Diet of the Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)

Abstract Natural variation in stable isotope ratios is a useful tool in diet studies. However, the correct interpretation of isotopic data is reliant on proper estimates of discrimination factors. This study aimed to describe the magnitude of the discrimination factors of carbon and nitrogen isotopes between diet and tissues (Δ13Ctissue-diet and Δ15Ntissue-diet) of the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) and to verify potential differences between age classes. The isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) were determined in samples of two tissue types (claw and scute) collected from 18 captive animals and in 15 samples of their diet. The Δ13Ctissue-diet was 1.2 ± 0.1 ‰ for claw and 0.9 ± 0.2‰ for scutes; the Δ15Ntissue-diet was 1.1 ± 0.1‰ for claw and 0.8 ± 0.2‰ for scutes. These values were much lower than the values assumed commonly in ecological studies (3–5‰), and similar to a previous study with crocodilians. Our results emphasize the need to determine discrimination factors specific to taxa instead of assuming average values derived from the literature.
A phase III randomized controlled trial of radiation dose optimization in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma‐diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DOBL study): Study protocol and design

Radiation therapy for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has shown improvement in progression free survival. There is uncertainty about the optimal radiation dose, with heterogeneous doses being used, ranging from 30 to 55 Gy. This trial tests the efficacy of using reduced radiation dose in DLBCL without compromising on long‐term outcomes.
Numerical Calculations for Smooth Circular Cylinder Flow at 3900 Reynolds Numbers with SST-IDDES Turbulence Model

The turbulent flow around a cylinder is simulated and analysed physically at Re =3900, by means of hybrid RANS-LES turbulence modelling approaches. The numerical investigations are conducted by using naoe-FOAM-SJTU, a viscous flow solver (naoe-FOAM-SJTU) which is developed and based on the popular open source toolbox OpenFOAM. To simulate the large separated flow in high Reynolds Numbers, turbulence closure has been chosen the Shear Stress Transport (SST) based Improved Delay Detached eddy simulation (IDDES). In the present study, the benefits of these hybrid approaches have been discussed for capturing the vortex dynamics and frequency modes. The coefficients of drag C d and Strouhal number ( S t ) were analyzed and compared with experimental results. Meanwhile ， the boundary layer transition phenomenon and the flow characteristics were more accurately predicted ． The good agreement validated the CFD solver naoe-FOAM-SJTU is applicable and reliable to study such problems.
Examining the Determinants of Credit Default Swap Spreads

This study examines the determinants of European financial institutions’ Credit Default Swap (CDS) spreads. The purpose is to test how well theoretical determinants are able to explain CDS spreads and whether there exist other significant determinants. The theoretical determinants, suggested by Merton’s model, encompass of the leverage, volatility and risk-free rate. We collect weekly CDS spreads for 30 financial institutions, as well as firm-specific and marketwide variables, from December 2005 to November 2008. We use linear panel data regressions to find the chief determinants of the CDS spreads. Results show that the theoretical determinants are highly statistically significant and that their relationship to the CDS spreads are for the most part consistent with theory. However, the explanatory power of the theoretical variables for changes in the CDS spreads is only 11%. In our robustness analysis we manage to considerably improve the explanatory factor to 39% by using additional determinants. For further robustness, we run regressions on a tranquil market period and a financially distressed time-period. We conclude that theoretical determinants have rather limited explanatory power, and that additional determinants contain important information about the CDS spreads.
Distribution pattern of total lipids and lipid fractions in forest humus

Mull, moder, and mor humus profiles were investigated for their total lipid contents and the behaviour of lipid-phosphorus and of five neutral lipid classes identified by HPTLC. The quantitative distribution of total and neutral lipids among the humus types is, besides by natural differences between the various parent litter materials, mainly controlled by soil physicochemical properties. In particular strongly acidic conditions, i.e. conditions corresponding to a reduced biological activity, inhibit significantly the decomposition of lipid compounds in (moder and) mor humus. A feature of the lipid depth functions is the input of microbial and root litter-derived lipid material in the fermentation layers and a considerable lipid accumulation in the A horizons, probably at least partly due to mechanical transport processes. Phospholipids show no distinct variation dependent on the humus type, as far as the organic layers are concerned. But obviously, lipid-P in the mineral, soil is closely correlated with, and therefore is a valuable measure for, the overall biological activity increasing from mor to moder and mull humus. Verteilungsmuster von Gesamtlipiden und Lipidfraktionen in Waldhumus Mull-, Moder- und Rohhumusprofile wurden in Hinblick auf ihre Gesamtlipidgehalte, sowie auf das Verhalten von Lipid-Phosphor und von funf dunnschichtchromatographisch identifizierten Neutrallipidklassen untersucht. Die Verteilung von Gesamt- und Neutrallipiden wird, abgesehen von der naturlichen Variation im unterschiedlichen Streumaterial, hauptsachlich durch die physikalisch-chemischen Bodeneigenschaften bestimmt. Insbesondere stark saure Bedingungen, die eine reduzierte biologische Aktivitat zur Folge haben, hemmen entscheidend die Lipidzersetzung in (Moder und) Rohhumus. Die Lipid-Tiefenfunktionen zeichnen sich besonders durch den Input von mikrobiellen und Wurzelstreu-Lipiden in den Of-Lagen aus, sowie durch eine betrachtliche Lipid-Anreicherung im mineralischen Oberboden, die wohl zumindest teilweise auf mechanische Verlagerungsprozesse zuruckzufuhren ist. Die Phospholipid-Gehalte zeigen kaum Unterschiede in Abhangigkeit von der Humusform, was die Auflagehorizonte anbelangt. Lipid-P im Mineralboden ist aber offensichtlich eng mit der von Rohhumus uber Moder nach Mull ansteigenden biologischen Aktivitat korreliert und kann somit diesbezuglich als relatives Mas verwendet werden.
Description and biological traits of a new species of Paracentrobia (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an egg parasitoid of the sharpshooter Tapajosa rubromarginata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Argentina

During a survey of egg parasitoids of sharpshooters (Cicadellidae: Cicadellini and Proconiini), an undescribed species of Paracentrobia Howard was detected. It is here described and illustrated, and laboratory data on its life cycle are reported. Paracentrobia tapajosae sp. n. is a primary parasitoid of Agalliana ensigera Oman and Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret). Sixty‐seven percent of the exposed host eggs were parasitized by P. tapajosae sp. n. , and eggs with well‐developed sharpshooter embryos were successfully attacked. The developmental cycle from egg to adult was 21.3±2.3 days. Adult longevity was 6.8±4.5 days, with females living longer than males. The sex ratio, considering only mated females, was 1:2.2 (males/females). Under laboratory conditions, P. tapajosae is a facultatively gregarious parasitoid. Laboratory data suggest a likely potential of this species as a biological control agent. Durante la búsqueda de parasitoides de huevos de chicharritas (Cicadellidae: Cicadellini y Proconiini), se obtuvo una especie no descrita de Paracentrobia Howard, la cual se describe e ilustra en esta contribución aportando además datos sobre su ciclo de vida. Paracentrobia tapajosae sp. n. es un parasitoide primario de huevos de Agalliana ensigera Oman y Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret). La tasa de parasitoidismo obtenida en laboratorio fue del 67% de los huevos expuestos, y huevos en avanzado estado de desarrollo también fueron exitosamente atacados. El tiempo medio de desarrollo fue de 21,3±2,3 días. La longevidad de los adultos fue de 6,8±4,5 días, y las hembras vivieron más que los machos. La proporción de sexos, considerando solo hembras fecundadas, fue 1:2.2 (machos/hembras). En condiciones de laboratorio, P. tapajosae se comportó como facultativamente gregario. Los datos de laboratorio sugieren que esta especie tiene un buen potencial como agente de control biológico.