Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of Four Passive Microwave Soil Moisture Products in Maize Cultivation Areas of Northeast China

Passive microwave remote sensing is an effective way to obtain global soil moisture (SM) measurements, and many studies have explored the uncertainty inherent in microwave-based SM products. However, SM product accuracy has not been evaluated in northeast China, a national and global production base for commodity grain. In this study, a ground-based wireless sensor network with 28 observation nodes that were spatially distributed within 36 × 36 km was established to achieve satellite-scale “true” SM values through sensor calibration for specific soil types, senor consistency testing, and spatial scale transformation. The uncertainties of four passive microwave SM products (SMAP L3, SMOS L3, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency/JAXA AMSR2, and FY3C) were investigated and the following conclusions were obtained: 1) SMAP SM accuracy was very close to the expected application accuracy of 0.04 cm3/cm3, followed by SMOS, FY3C, and AMSR2; 2) for SMOS and SMAP, there were no significant temporal changes in SM errors, except for the larger error of descending SMOS SM and June SM values for descending SMAP and ascending SMOS. AMSR2 SM generally underestimated field SM, while FY3C SM values under low vegetation conditions were more consistent with field data, with an error of about 0.06 cm3/cm3; 3) agricultural activities and rainfall caused the soil surface roughness to increase or decrease within a growing season, which may have been an important source of satellite-scale SM error indicated by high bias values in July for both SMAP and SMOS; and 4) the standard deviation of field SM (0.06 cm3/cm3) produced a SMAP SM error of about 0.06 cm3/cm3 in low vegetation water content conditions, indicating that SM spatial heterogeneity cannot be ignored in the retrieval algorithm. This article investigated the accuracy and error sources of four satellite SM products in the farmland area of northeast China, and identified future research directions for further improving SM algorithms.
Prevalence of ABO and Rh blood groups and their association with demographic and anthropometric factors in an Iranian population: Mashad study.

Background Blood groups appear to be markers for various human diseases and their distribution among different communities, ethnic groups and geographical boundaries varies over time. Aims We aimed to investigate the frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups and their relationship with demographic and anthropometric characteristics among Iranian residents in Mashad. Methods ABO and Rh blood groups were determined among 7268 participants from the MASHAD cohort study and their relationships with demographic and anthropometric parameters were evaluated. This part of the study was done in January 2017. Student t-test, ANOVA, Bonferroni' and Chi-squared were used for comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables. Results The most common blood group was O (33.8%); AB was the least common (8.3%). The prevalence of Rh-positive and Rh-negative was 88.2% and 11.8% respectively. There were statistically significant associations between ABO blood groups and demi-span (P = 0.03), even after correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusion Our findings showed there was no relationship between ABO blood groups and demographic characteristics although there was an association with anthropometric measurements such as demi-span.
Presence of GABAB Receptors Forming Heterodimers With GABAB1 and GABAB2 Subunits in Human Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Abstract Baclofen, a GABAB-receptor (GABABR) agonist has been proposed to be useful as therapeutic agent for the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, but whether the compound acts directly at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) remains to be elucidated. We performed the present study to assess the presence of GABABR in human LES. Western blot analysis showed that both proteins of GABAB1(a)/GABAB1(b) and GABAB2 subunits were present in the muscle layer of LES. Immunohistochemical findings showed that both GABAB1- and GABAB2-subunit proteins were located on the neurons within the myenteric plexus, and furthermore, both proteins were observed in the same neurons. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis also revealed the presence of mRNAs for both subunits of GABABR and also mRNAs for 6 isoforms of GABAB1 subunits, from GABAB1(a) to GABAB1(g), except GABAB1(d), in human LES. Thus, the functional GABABR-forming heterodimers with subunits of GABAB1 and GABAB2 are located on the myenteric neurons in human LES, suggesting that GABABR agonists and antagonists act at least, at the level of the peripheral nervous system.
Effect of Wagyu genetics on marbling, backfat and circulating hormones in cattle

Backfat depths, marbling scores, and concentrations of plasma insulin, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were determined in 394 calves with and without Wagyu genetics. Hormone concentrations were determined three to five times for hormones between weaning and slaughter. Calves were weighed and backfat was ultrasonically determined at 28-d intervals, and assigned for slaughter when ultrasonic backfat depths approached 12 mm. Heifers weighed less (P 0.1), although Wagyu crosses had more marbling (P < 0.05) compared with purebreds when variability in marbling due to differences in backfat depth was rem.
Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) versus chemotherapy in luminal B early breast cancer: lessons from the CORALLEEN trial

Medical Oncology Department, Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium; Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium Correspondence to: Prof. Martine Piccart-Gebhart. Scientific Director, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Boulevard de Waterloo 121, 1000 Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. Email: martine.piccart@bordet.be. Provenance and Peer Review: This article was commissioned by the editorial office, Annals of Translational Medicine. The article did not undergo external peer review. Comment on: Prat A, Saura C, Pascual T, et al. Ribociclib plus letrozole versus chemotherapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, luminal B breast cancer (CORALLEEN): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2020;21:33-43.
Effect of climate change on breeding phenology, clutch size and chick survival of an upland bird

Upland birds are predicted to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, yet few studies have examined these effects on their breeding phenology and productivity. Laying dates of Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica in the Scottish Highlands advanced by 0.5 days/year between 1992 and 2011 and were inversely correlated with pre-laying temperature, with a near-significant increase in temperature over this period. Earlier clutches were larger and chick survival was greater in earlier nesting attempts. However, chick survival was also higher in years with lower May temperatures and lower August temperatures in the previous year, the latter probably related to prey abundance in the subsequent breeding season. Although laying dates are advancing, climate change does not currently appear to be having an overall effect on chick survival of Red Grouse within the climate range recorded in this study.
Effects of iodine supplementation on the productivity of Romney ewes in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effects of iodine supplementation of ewes on their plasma thyroid hormone concentrations and production of ewes and their lambs. The study was conducted in the Wairarapa, a region where apparent subclinical iodine eficiency has been reported. Two groups of 200 Romney ewes, one of which was injected with iodised oil (Lipiodol}®) 3 weeks before mating, were monitored for 1 year from mating. Thyroxine concentrations were significantly (P < 0.0 1) elevated in the iodine-supplemented ewes 113 days after treatment. Supplemented ewes were heavier at mating (P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly from controls in lambing performance, lamb growth rate, or ewe fleece production. Lipiodol® was shown to be an effective means of supplementing ewes with iodine, but untreated ewes apparently obtained adequate levels of iodine from plant and soil material ingested. High soil intakes associated with intensive winter rotational grazing are likely to have been resp.
Strategies for Supporting and Building Student Resilience in Canadian Secondary and Post-Secondary Educational Institutions

Communication, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and mental health and well-being are key characteristics of a resilient student. These skills are also needed to navigate increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century. In addition, resilient students are dedicated to learning, are focused on academic success, and are better equipped to adapt to change and the evolving workplace. An interdisciplinary team from both secondary and post-secondary educational institutions situated at Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada have collaborated to develop and implement strategies and curricula to support and enhance student resilience. The Mental Health Commission of Canada recommends “increase collaboration between (these) institutions - sharing best practices and processes for effective strategy development, and implementation” to better support student reliance and the successful transition from secondary to post-secondary education. We present the overall rationale and approach taken to support capacity building for student resilience in post-secondary institutions. As well as highlighting specific curricula and virtual strategies implemented (e.g., Graphic Novel, Mandalas, Resiliency Handbook) to engage students in building and maintaining resilience.
Impact of blackberry juice on biochemical and histopathological profile in Wistar rats fed with a high-sucrose and high-colesterol diet

ABSTRACT The effect of blackberry juice processed with microwaves and ultrasound on the biochemical and histopathological profile of Wistar rats fed with high-sucrose+cholesterol diet was evaluated. Rats were divided in five groups: control group (standard diet, protein 18.6%, fat 6.2%, carbohydrate 44.2%, n = 7), S group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution), S + C group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+1 g/kg cholesterol, n = 7). S + J group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+ 4.2 mL/kg juice, n = 7), S + C + J group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+1 g/kg cholesterol+ 4.2 mL/kg of juice, n = 8). Non-processed blackberry juice was not tested. Supplementation with blackberry juice decreased levels of glucose in the serum (17%). Also, it reduced the abdominal and pericardial adipose tissue (P = .001) as well as liver, heart and kidney weight (p < .05). Abdominal adipose tissue and liver histology showed that the juice reduced adipocyte hypertrophy and simple steatosis. Blackberry juice processed with microwaves and ultrasound has potential as bioactive food.
Natural history of Phyllomedusa megacephala (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926) (Anura: Hylidae) in southeastern Brazil, with descriptions of its breeding biology and male territorial behaviour

The breeding biology and male territorial behaviour of the large-headed leaf-frog (Phyllomedusa megacephala) were studied in three temporary altitudinal streams located in the Cerrado biome of southeastern Brazil, during three consecutive years (2007–2009). Phyllomedusa megacephala showed significant sexual dimorphism, with females being bigger and heavier than males. Acoustic and physical interactions between males defending or not defending territories including amplectant and non-amplectant males, patrolling behaviour by males without established territories, and triple amplexus were observed. Neither males nor females were observed using visual cues when searching for mates. We found that males that were present at breeding sites in previous years bred more successfully and maintained territory better.
Cyclic AMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase Decreases γ‐Aminobutyric AcidA Receptor‐Mediated 36Q1− Uptake by Brain Microsacs

The effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP)‐dependent protein phosphorylation on γ‐aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor function was examined using isolated brain membrane vesicles (microsacs). Muscimol‐stimulated 36C1− uptake was studied in mouse brain microsacs permeabilized to introduce the catalytic subunit of cAMP‐ dependent protein kinase (PKA). At both submaximal and maximally effective concentrations of muscimol, PKA inhibited muscimol‐stimulated 36C1− uptake by ∼25%. Jn parallel experiments, PKA and [γ‐32P]ATP were introduced into the microsacs, and we attempted to immunoprecipitatc the entire GABAA receptor complex, under nondenaturing conditions, using an anti‐α1‐subunit antibody. Data from such experiments show that PKA increases the phosphorylation of several microsac proteins, including a 66‐kDa polypeptide specifically immunoprecipitated with the GABAA receptor anti‐α1 subunit antibody. Phosphopeptide mapping of the 66‐kDa polypeptide demonstrated a 14‐kDa fragment similar to that obtained with the purified, PKA‐phosphorylated GABAA receptor. These results provide evidence that the catalytic subunit of PKA inhibits the function of brain G ABAAreceptors and demonstrate that this functional change is concomitant with an increase in protein phosphorylation.
Reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Influence of Meaning in Life, Life Satisfaction, and Assumptions on World Orderliness and Positivity

Abstract The goal of the research was to measure the impact of the meaning in life, life satisfaction, and the beliefs in orderliness and positivity of the social world on emotional and cognitive reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 317 participants were recruited over four days (April 1st–4th) during the start of the dynamic increase of the pandemic in Poland. The study was performed via open-access forums on the internet. The analyses indicated that stronger basic hope and higher levels of meaning in life and life satisfaction correlate with lower state anxiety and lower COVID-19 stress. Mediation analyses suggested the following interpretation of the interdependencies: basic hope supports meaning in life and life satisfaction and the increase in the latter two factors results in lower anxiety and COVID-19 stress. The results suggest that these three global assumptions and feelings may serve as buffers against anxiety as well as nonproductive thinking and decision making in the face of an unpredictable threat.
New Venture Survival: A Review and Extension

This paper provides an evaluative overview of the new venture survival literature. Since Stinchcombe's primary attempt to explain the mortality rates of new ventures, different research fields, including entrepreneurship, management and sociology, have devoted considerable attention to the antecedents of new venture survival. Despite this lively research commitment, a comprehensive review of the literature on new venture survival – as one of the most essential performance measures for new ventures – is missing. Covering 54 years of research, this paper provides an overview of the factors affecting new venture survival and highlights important methodological aspects in this research field. The review concludes by discussing opportunities for future research.
Assessment of Fin Erosion by Comparison of Relative Fin Length in Hatchery and Wild Trout in Utah

We measured all fins of 600 hatchery trout sampled from all 10 state fish hatcheries in Utah, and of wild fish sampled as controls comprising 58 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), 33 cutthroat trout (O. clarki), and 54 brown trout (Salmo trutta). A strong linear correlation was found between fin length and total body length (100–300 mm) for all fins of wild rainbow trout. "Relative fin length" (fin length/total body length × 100) proved to be a useful comparative measure, as this statistic was not biased by fish length in the wild fish sampled (all slopes <0.01%). Interspecific comparison of wild rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout showed slight but statistically significant differences in some fin lengths. In intraspecific comparisons, hatchery fish had significantly shorter (10–50%) rayed fins than wild fish. The dorsal fin was most severely eroded in rainbow and brown trout, followed by the pectoral, anal, ventral, and caudal fins, in cutthroat trout the pattern was the same except that pectoral fins.
Professional social media usage: Work engagement perspective

Social media enables information sharing and social interaction within organization. This research aims to analyze how both work- and nonwork-related communication with colleagues and the work community on social media is associated with work engagement among Finnish professionals. A total of five Finnish professional organizations (N = 563) and a representative sample of the Finnish working population (N = 1817) contributed to the survey data, which was analyzed with structural equation modeling. We found a direct positive association between work-related communication and work engagement among Finnish working population, and a positive indirect associations between both work- and nonwork-related communication and work engagement via organizational identification and social support. Findings suggest that communication in social media supports work engagement via organizational identification and social support. Organizations should pay more attention to social media communication practices and provide opportunities to build organizational identification and receive social support in social media.
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Characterization of Industrial Wastewater Being Discharged to Surface Water Bodies: Significant Threat to Environmental Pollution and Human Health

In developing countries, various sociodemographic and climatic factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and improved living standard, and water and energy demands will all characterize wastewater’s future. Increasing population and water shortage are the main driving forces for the reuse of untreated wastewater for irrigation and other uses in many poor countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. Although wastewater contains essential nutrients required for plant growth, it also contains toxic heavy metals and pathogens that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. Present research work was carried out to study important physicochemical and microbiological parameters of industrial wastewater collected from various discharged points at different locations of Kala Shah Kaku (KSK) city, Pakistan. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, sodium adsorption ratio, chlorides, and heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, and iron of all industrial wastewater samples were within the standard limits. However, certain water’s quality parameters such as TSS, BOD, COD, residual sodium carbonate, heavy metals such as chromium, and total suspended solids of all samples were exceeding the maximum allowable limits listed by Pakistani Standards. Carbonates, manganese, and cobalt were not detected in any of the wastewater samples. Total viable count and total coliform counts were higher in all samples describing low levels of sanitation. Contamination of fecal coliform and Escherichia coli was observed in about 50% of the studied wastewater samples. The overall results focus on the discharge of highly polluted wastewater in and around KSK city. Indirectly it creates significant threats to environmental pollution and human health. Continuous monitoring of physicochemical and microbial indicators of effluent’s quality for its reuse for irrigation purpose is proposed to safeguard the public health and environment.
Observations on the locomotion and buoyancy of Phronima sedentaria (Forskål, 1775) (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea)

The buoyancy and locomotion of the hyperiid amphipod Phronima sedentaria (which lives in barrels constructed from the tissues of gelatinous animals) was studied. The amphipods were much denser than sea water. Barrels were slightly denser than sea water and had six times the mass of the amphipods living within them. Phronima sedentaria swims much more quickly (by a factor of about 3–4) when swimming without its gelatinous barrel. The barrel is asymmetrical with one aperture (entrance) having about three times the area of that of the other (exit). All sustained swimming was accomplished with the larger barrel aperture directed forwards and the significance of this is discussed. Water flow around the barrel and much of the flow through the barrel was laminar; turbulence was limited to the posterior third of the interior of the barrel and was associated with the beating of the pleopods that provide both propulsion and the respiratory current.
Mind the gap – Part 1: Accurately locating warm marine boundary layer clouds and precipitation using spaceborne radars

Abstract. Ground-based radar observations show that, over the eastern North Atlantic, 50 % of warm marine boundary layer (WMBL) hydrometeors occur below 1.2 km and have reflectivities of −17 dBZ, thus making their detection from space susceptible to the extent of surface clutter and radar sensitivity. Surface clutter limits the ability of the CloudSat cloud profiling radar (CPR) to observe the true cloud base in ∼52 % of the cloudy columns it detects and true virga base in ∼80 %, meaning the CloudSat CPR often provides an incomplete view of even the clouds it does detect. Using forward simulations, we determine that a 250 m resolution radar would most accurately capture the boundaries of WMBL clouds and precipitation; that being said, because of sensitivity limitations, such a radar would suffer from cloud cover biases similar to those of the CloudSat CPR. Observations and forward simulations indicate that the CloudSat CPR fails to detect 29 %–43 % of the cloudy columns detected by ground-based sensors. Out of all configurations tested, the 7 dB more sensitive EarthCARE CPR performs best (only missing 9.0 % of cloudy columns) indicating that improving radar sensitivity is more important than decreasing the vertical extent of surface clutter for measuring cloud cover. However, because 50 % of WMBL systems are thinner than 400 m, they tend to be artificially stretched by long sensitive radar pulses, hence the EarthCARE CPR overestimation of cloud top height and hydrometeor fraction. Thus, it is recommended that the next generation of space-borne radars targeting WMBL science should operate interlaced pulse modes including both a highly sensitive long-pulse mode and a less sensitive but clutter-limiting short-pulse mode.