Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convection Initiation and Growth at the Coast of South China. Part I: Effect of the Marine Boundary Layer Jet

Convection initiation (CI) and the subsequent upscale convective growth (UCG) at the coast of South China in a warm-sector heavy rainfall event are shown to be closely linked to a varying marine boundary layer jet (MBLJ) over the northern South China Sea (NSCS). To elucidate the dynamic and thermodynamic roles of the MBLJ in CI and UCG, we conducted and analyzed convection-permitting numerical simulations and observations. Compared to radar observations, the simulations captured CI locations and the following southwest–northeast-oriented convection development. The nocturnal MBLJ peaks at 950 hPa and significantly intensifies with turning from southwesterly to nearly southerly by inertial oscillation. The strengthened MBLJ promotes mesoscale ascent on its northwestern edge and terminus where enhanced convergence zones occur. Located directly downstream of the MBLJ, the coastal CI and UCG are dynamically supported by mesoscale ascent. From a thermodynamic perspective, a warm moist tongue over the NSCS is strengthened by the MBLJ-driven mesoscale ascent as well as by a high sea surface temperature. The warm moist tongue farther extends northeastward by horizontal transport and arrives at the coast where CI and UCG occur. Near the CI location, rapid development of a low-level saturated layer is mainly attributed to the mesoscale ascent and low-level moistening associated with the MBLJ. In addition, subsequent CI happens on either side of the original CI along the coast due to the delay of low-level moistening, which partly contributes to linear convective growth. Furthermore, ensemble simulations confirmed that a stronger MBLJ is more favorable to CI and UCG near the coast.
Spatiotemporal variability of total cloud cover measured by visual observation stations and their comparison with ERA5 reanalysis over South Korea

This analysis investigates the spatiotemporal variation of total cloud cover (TCC) across South Korea from 96 visual observation stations (VOS) during the years 2010–2019. The thin‐plate spline interpolation technique is used to interpolate the spatial variation of TCC within the country. The annual average of TCC distribution is closely related to topographical features and does not show excessive variation, with 50–56% over land. The seasonal TCC distribution has the lowest (highest) pattern in spring (summer), with a minimum (maximum) pattern of approximately 45% (95%). The lowest pattern in spring and highest pattern in summer may be due to the combined effect of lower cloud cover with TCC during March, and higher cloud cover with TCC from June to July. Interpolated VOS data are compared with the TCC obtained from ERA5 reanalysis products. The correlation coefficient between VOS and ERA5 is higher than 0.80 on the eastern coast, and approximately 0.20–0.40 on the western coast, indicating a strong and poor sampling effect. The largest variability between VOS and ERA5 is observed during the winter season, with a percentage deviation of −70–20%, possibly due to inaccurate cloud detection under cold low‐level atmospheric temperatures or snow cover. In summer, variability is −35–40%, which is slightly less than that in winter, possibly because of the incorrect detection of frequently occurring cumulus clouds. Principal component analysis of the TCC variability used to examine the relationship with other climate parameters. The first principal component, containing the major portion, correlated with precipitation, diurnal temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed, with correlation coefficients of 0.293, 0.246, −0.360, −0.258, and 0.470, respectively, indicating positive or negative relationship. We believe the outcomes from this study will contribute a better understanding of climate over South Korea and establish links between East Asia and the Pacific Ocean cloud formation.
Woody biochar's greenhouse gas mitigation potential across fertilized and unfertilized agricultural soils and soil moisture regimes

Biochar has been widely researched as an important technology for climate smart agriculture, yet work is still necessary to identify the magnitude of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and mechanisms involved. This study measured slow‐pyrolysis wood‐derived biochar's impact on GHG efflux, mineral N dynamics, and soil organic C in a series of two incubations across fertilized and unfertilized agricultural soils and soil moisture regimes. This research explored the magnitude of biochar's full GHG mitigation potential and drivers of such impacts. Results of this incubation indicate slow‐pyrolysis wood‐derived biochar has potential to provide annual emission reductions of 0.58–1.72 Mg CO2‐eq ha−1 at a 25 Mg ha−1 biochar application rate. The greatest GHG mitigation potential was from C sequestration and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction in mineral N fertilized soils, with minimal impacts on N2O emissions in unfertilized soils, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and methane (CH4) uptake. Analysis of mineral N dynamics in the bulk soil and on biochar isolates indicated that neither biochar impacts on net mineralization and nitrification nor retention of ammonium ( NH4+ ) on biochar isolates could explain biochar's N2O reduction. Instead, biochar amendments exhibited consistent N2O emission reductions relative to the N2O emission in the control soil regardless of soil type and fertilization. Results across a soil moisture gradient suggest that woody biochar may aerate soils shifting redox conditions and subsequent N2O production. Understanding the magnitude of biochar's GHG reduction potential and the mechanisms driving these effects can help inform biochar modeling efforts, explain field results and identify agricultural applications that maximize biochar's full GHG mitigation potential.
Panel-reactive Antibody and the Association of Early Steroid Withdrawal With Kidney Transplant Outcomes

Background. Early steroid withdrawal (ESW) is a viable maintenance immunosuppression strategy in low-risk kidney transplant recipients. A low panel-reactive antibody (PRA) may indicate low-risk condition amenable to ESW. We aimed to identify the threshold value of PRA above which ESW may pose additional risk and to compare the association of ESW with transplant outcomes across PRA strata. Methods. We studied 121 699 deceased-donor kidney-only recipients in 2002–2017 from Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Using natural splines and ESW-PRA interaction terms, we explored how the associations of ESW with transplant outcomes change with increasing PRA values and identified a threshold value for PRA. Then, we assessed whether PRA exceeding the threshold modified the associations of ESW with 1-y acute rejection, death-censored graft failure, and death. Results. The association of ESW with acute rejection exacerbated rapidly when PRA exceeded 60. Among PRA ≤60 recipients, ESW was associated with a minor increase in rejection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.001.051.10) and with a tendency of decreased graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.910.971.03). However, among PRA >60 recipients, ESW was associated with a substantial increase in rejection (aOR, 1.191.271.36; interaction P < 0.001) and with a tendency of increased graft failure (aHR, 0.981.081.20; interaction P = 0.028). The association of ESW with death was similar between PRA strata (PRA ≤60, aHR, 0.910.961.01; and PRA >60, aHR, 0.900.991.09; interaction P = 0.5). Conclusions. Our findings show that the association of ESW with transplant outcomes is less favorable in recipients with higher PRA, especially those with PRA >60, suggesting a possible role of PRA in the risk assessment for ESW.
Prevention of Retention of Placenta in Lactating Friesian Cows with Dystocia and its Relation with their Productive and Reproductive Efficiency and Blood Constituents

Twenty-eight of lactating Friesian cows about 5 – 10 years and 575 – 725 kg weight had dystocia and single-calf parturition were used in the present study. The experimental animal were divided into four groups (7 animals /group). Cows in the first group were administrated with 10 ml of saline solution (0.9 NaCl) intramuscularly injection and kept as a control. The second, third, and fourth groups were treated with oxytocin (OX) at a level of 50 I.U. , prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG) at a level of 500μgand methargin (MT) at a level of 20 mg, with 10 ml of saline solution, intramuscularly injection, respectively. The results showed that, cows administrated with OX, PG or MT recorded decrease (P<0.05) in the period from parturition to complete fetal membranes drop and uterine involution, ovarian structure, first estrus postpartum, days open and service period as well as number of services per conception and calving interval, and increase (P<0.05) the heat period length as compared to in the untreated cows, moreover cows that had received PG or MT had better values than cows that had received OX. Also, OX, PG and MT treatments increased (P<0.05) the actual milk yield compared with untreated. Values of total leukocytic count, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, total protein and albumin and thyroid hormones T3 and T4 as well as glucose were increased (P<0.05) in all treated groups, while values of cortisol were decreased (P<0.05) as compared to in the untreated group, moreover the best values were recorded with cows that were treated with PG or MT compared with cows that were administrated with OX. The highest percentages of the incidence of postpartum reproductive disorders were recorded for untreated cows, which can be decreased by administration of cows with OX, or avoided by PG or MT treatments within ½ hour postcalving. In conclusion, it can be recommended to administer lactating Friesian cows with dystocia with prostaglandin F2 alpha at a level of 500 μg, or methergin at a level of 20 mg, with 10 ml of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) intramuscularly injection, respectively, within ½ hour after expulsion of the fetus to avoid retention of fetal membranes, postpartum complications and improve subsequent reproductive performance and blood constituents as well as milk yield and its economic efficiency under the Egyptian conditions.
Effects of maternal plant invironment on lettuce (lactuca sativa l.) seed dormancy, germinability, and storability

Germinability and desiccation tolerance are important attributes that seeds acquire during their development. Exploring the timing of the acquisition of these characteristics is important to better understand how different environmental conditions affecting the mother plant influence seed quality. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Tango’) plants were cultivated in the greenhouse. Seed germination, under light and darkness, was evaluated in fresh and desiccated seeds at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, and 31 days after flowering (DAF). Desiccation was performed ≈ 1 hour after harvest by placing the seeds at 25°C and 57%RH. Seeds achieved maximum dry weight (physiological maturity, PM) 13 DAF. In fresh seeds, 100% germination was observed 7 DAF. Onset of desiccation tolerance occurred 9 DAF, shortly after a peak of seed abscisic acid (ABA) concentration and coincident with the presence of abundant oil bodies in the cotyledonal cells. Dark germination of fresh seeds increased from 0% 11 DAF to 86% 17 DAF and then
Differences in the usage of online marketing and social media tools: evidence from Czech, Slovakian and Hungarian SMEs

Research background: Because of the rapid improvements in advanced technological tools and widely usage of the Internet among the world, most of SMEs in various countries have become able to apply their marketing activities through online marketing and social media platforms that are less costly for them. Since SMEs encounter many financing constraints, these marketing options might be very beneficial for them to use for their marketing activities. However, socio-economic and cultural factors differ in each corner of the globe. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to investigate international differences between usage of online marketing and social media platforms by SMEs. Methods: The authors of this paper have selected 1156 Czech, Slovakian and Hungarian SMEs from Cribis database by employing random sampling method. An online questionnaire was directed by the researchers to have responses from managers and owners of SMEs. To find differences in selected variables, the researchers perform ANOVA analyses with Post-Hoc tests in SPSS statistical program. Findings & Value added: Regarding the size of businesses, Hungarian SMEs in both size categories: micro and small-medium sized, apply social media platforms in their operations more than Czech and Slovakian SMEs. When it comes to marketing activities, some similarities are in existence depending on size and age of SMEs. In detail, propensities of Slovakian and Hungarian older SMEs (that have been operating more than 10 years) and microenterprises to apply online marketing channels are higher than Czech older SMEs and Czech microenterprises. Corresponding to social media usage, Czech and Slovakian SMEs and older enterprises do not differ. But Hungarian SMEs and older Hungarian firms are more prone to apply social media channels than Czech and Slovakian SMEs and older Czech and Slovakian enterprises. This paper is a unique study that makes comparison between some Central European countries’ SMEs that are in the Visegrad Group regarding their usage of their online marketing and social media tools. Thus, this paper also fulfills some gap in the marketing literature.
Two-Objective Optimization of a Kaplan Turbine Draft Tube Using a Response Surface Methodology

The overall cost of a hydropower plant is mainly due to the expenses of civil works, mechanical equipment (turbine and control units) and electrical components. The goal of a new draft tube design is to obtain a geometry that reduces investment costs, especially the excavation ones, but the primary driver is to increase overall machine efficiency, allowing for a reduced payback time. In the present study, an optimization study of the elbow-draft tube assembly of a Kaplan turbine was conducted. First, a CFD model for the complete turbine was developed and validated. Next, an optimization of the draft tube alone was performed using a design of experiments technique. Finally, several optimum solutions for the draft tube were obtained using a response surface technique aiming at maximizing pressure recovery and minimizing flow losses. A selection of optimized geometries was subsequently post-checked using the validated model of the entire turbine, and a detailed flow analysis on the obtained results made it possible to provide insights into the improved designs. It was observed that efficiency could be improved by 1% (in relative terms), and the mechanical power increased by 1.8% (in relative terms) with respect to the baseline turbine.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF PRMT1 AND ARGININE METHYLATION OF HSP70 IN HUMAN PANCREATIC CANCER

vi TABLE OF CONTENTS.viii LIST OF FIGURES.xi LIST OF TABLES.xiii ABBREVIATIONS.xiv CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND . 1 1.1 PANCREATIC CANCER . 1 1.2 PROTEIN ARGININE METHYLATION AND PROTEIN ARGININE METHYLTRSNFERASE . 6 1.3 HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS AND CANCER . 12 CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIVE ROLE OF PRMT1 IN PANCREATIC CANCER PATHOGENESIS . 17 2.
NEW DISTRIBUTIONAL RECORDS OF MECOPTERA (INSECTA) FROM COLOMBIA

We present new distributional records for two Colombian species of Bittacidae. Pazius convolutus Garcia-Garcia & Cadena-Castaneda, 2015 and Bittacus panamensis Byers, 1958 previously known from Cundinamarca department are herein newly recorded from Santander and Magdalena, respectively. In addition, we recorded Bittacus pignatelli Navas, 1932 in Colombia for the first time, increasing the number of species of Mecoptera in the country. Comments about mating behavior of P. convolutus, as well as a distribution map and a check-list of Colombian species of Mecoptera are included.
Development of Sustainable Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Photocatalytic Treatment of Effluents

The inadequate discharge of effluents from different sources without prior treatment can impact the characteristics of soil and water, which reflect serious environmental problems. Advanced oxidative processes (AOP) appear as a viable alternative for environmental remediation, including wastewater treatment. Herein, α-MoO3 and α-Fe2O3 semiconductors were synthesized at low temperature by a Pechini-based method and then applied in photocatalysis. The catalytic efficiency was performed under visible light toward the degradation of an organic persistent pollutant (Rhodamine B dye, RhB), commonly present in industries wastewater. The results indicated that the synthesized α-MoO3 or α-Fe2O3 photocatalysts presented a pronounced activity and promoted an efficient RhB degradation after 15 min of reaction. α-MoO3 had a degradation efficiency of 93% and 98%, while α-Fe2O3 showed 67% and 100% RhB degradation without and with the addition of H2O2, respectively. These results suggest that the synthesized oxides have high oxi-reductive capacity, which can be used for a fast and effective photodegradation of RhB and other organic persistent pollutants to minimize environmental impacts.
Clopidogrel efficacy with concomitant drug therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Clopidogrel, as an adjunct to aspirin, has been recommended for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reduce adverse cardiovascular events. Clopidogrel needs activation via the cytochromes P450 enzymes. Concomitant use of clopidogrel with drugs that utilize the same enzymatic pathway may interfere with its conversion to an active form. This study aims to assess the impact of concomitant drug therapy on clopidogrel efficacy in patients undergoing PCI and to identify the association between the use of those drugs and the risk of future adverse cardiac events. A total of 126 medical records for patients followed at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, and King Saud Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed. Patients were divided into six groups: First group clopidogrel, second to fourth group clopidogrel plus proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/calcium channel blockers (CCBs)/statins, fifth group clopidogrel with either PPIs, CCBs, statins, and sixth group clopidogrel plus PPIs, CCBs, and statins. Descriptive statistics were performed to detect the correlation between the concomitant drug used and MACEs. Out of the total number, 58 patients had MACEs. The correlation between MACEs and medications used in the groups of clopidogrel with PPIs, statins, or combinations of PPIs with CCBs and statins, or combination of two drugs had a MACEs rate of 12% (P= 0.027), 17.2% (P= 0.0041), 19% (P= 0.0021), 43.1% (P= 0.0001) respectively in comparison to 3.45% in the clopidogrel group. Therefore, concomitant use of clopidogrel with PPIs, statins, or combinations of PPIs with CCBs and statins, or a combination of two drugs is associated with a higher risk of MACEs. This suggests that these medications may attenuate the antiplatelet effect clopidogrel. Prospective randomized studies are needed to provide firm evidence for this interaction.
'Fla. 8970' Hybrid Tomato and Fla. 7781B and Fla. 8872B Breeding Lines

‘Fla. 8970’ is a fresh market hybrid tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that has resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) conferred by the Ty-1 gene (Verlaan et al., 2013) and to fusarium crown and root rot (FCR) incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicus-lycopersici conferred by the Frl gene (Vakalounakis, 1988). There are few acceptable tomato cultivars adapted to Florida conditions which combine FCR and TYLCV resistance. ‘Fla. 8970’ has performed consistently well on the peninsula of Florida, where its strong vine, high yield potential, large fruit size, and good fruit marketability make it an attractive cultivar choice. Fla. 7781B is the FCRand TYLCVresistant parent; it is nearly isogenic to the inbred line, Fla. 7781 (Scott and Jones, 2000). Inbred Fla. 8872B, the other parent, has a strong vine and very large fruit size.
The Identification and Characterization of New Small Molecule Probes of Cell Expansion and Cytokinesis

The Identification and Characterization of New Small Molecule Probes of Cell Expansion and Cytokinesis Simon E. Alfred Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Cell & Systems Biology University of Toronto 2010 Plant form and structure is remarkably diverse encompassing a myriad of shapes and sizes, and is a result of coordinated instances of cell growth and division. This varied form and structure represents adaptive strategies enabling plants to exploit and endure their environment maximizing fitness. Common to both cell growth and division processes, is the requirement of growth material and effectors via the secretory system. The secretory system is a dynamic pathway of organelles connected via vesicular traffic, responsible for protein modification and delivery. Challenges in studying secretion are related to its’ dynamic flow between organelles, and the prevalence of redundancy and lethality, which cause difficulties in interpretation and genetic modulation. To further our understanding of the secretory process, we employed a chemical genetic approach to identify small molecule probes of secretion by first screening for inhibitors of cell expansion, followed by a microscopy based screen of GFP marker lines for perturbagens of subcellular structures. Small molecules offer the advantages of temporal and spatial application, have been shown to overcome redundancy and can be varied in concentration to control the severity of effects. We identified twenty-five small molecule probes of secretion and pursued two chemicals with striking properties, polarazine and eroonazole. Polarazine was identified as a cell division inhibitor, affecting phragmoplast structure and function, while eroonazole remodels the endoplasmic reticulum into small vesicles and is implicated in auxin signaling. This approach shows the utility of small molecule probes in furthering our understanding of secretory processes.
Winter forage quality of oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and vetch (Vicia sativa) in pure stand and cereal legume mixture.

A field study was carried out for two consecutive years in subtropical rainfed conditions of Rawalpindi, Pakistan to evaluate the forage quality of oats, barley and vetch grown in pure stands and cereallegume mixtures. Treatments comprised oats pure stand, oats in oatsvetch mixture, barley pure stand, barley in barley-vetch mixture, vetch pure stand, vetch in oats-vetch mixture and vetch in barley-vetch mixture. Forage yield and quality of oats and barley were improved in oats-vetch and barley-vetch mixtures than their respective pure stands. The higher values of crude protein (CP) and lower values of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) reflected quality forage. CP for oats in oats-vetch -1 -1 mixture and barley in barley-vetch mixture was 175 g kg and 170 g kg , -1 respectively. NDF and ADF for oats in oats-vetch mixture were 494 g kg -1 and 341 g kg , respectively; while these values for barley in barley-vetch -1 -1 mixture were 340 g kg and 176 g kg , respectively.