Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double-difference measurements in global full-waveform inversions

We demonstrate double-difference (DD) tomography, a method involving differential measurements between stations, for 2-D and 3-D adjoint inversions based on realistic source–receiver distributions, with a focus on the global scale. We first present 2-D synthetic inversion results using cross-correlation traveltime and L2 waveform difference objective functions. Introducing a weighting term to DD objective functions based on the number of measurement pairs per station speeds up convergence and reduces bias in the final inverted model due to uneven data coverage. We next demonstrate frequency-dependent multitaper DD measurements in a 3-D experiment with real earthquake data by computing global-scale gradients. At the global scale, careful selection of station pairs is required for differential measurements in terms of geographical distance or geological context. In our technique, if no suitable pairs are found for a particular station, the DD measurement reduces to a classical misfit measurement. Furthermore, we compare 2-D and 3-D DD results with those from corresponding conventional misfits. By exploiting previously unused information in the recorded wavefield, DD tomography shows promise for balancing the gradient and speeding up convergence, especially around dense regional seismic networks.
Changes in composition and structure of a wild bee community and plant-pollinator interactions in South-Central Ontario over a forty-nine year period

This work was supported by funds from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC Discovery grant 2015-06783), the Food from Thought: Agricultural Systems for a Healthy Planet Initiative, by the Canada First Research Excellent Fund (grant 000054) and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation awarded to Dr. Raine.
Progress and prospects of marine microplastic research in China

Research on microplastics in China is progressing rapidly. Within recent years, more than 30 research institutes have conducted research on marine microplastic in estuaries, coasts, open sea, and Polar regions. Microplastics have been detected in freshwater systems (lakes, rivers, and wastewater treatment plants) and coastal and marine environments. This paper reviews the research progress of microplastics in China, providing information on topics including the methodology, quantification of microplastics in various habitats, eco-toxicological effect, biodegradation, management, and control of plastic waste and microplastics. This paper discusses the sampling and analysis of microplastic in different media, followed by spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in marginal seas and coastal and freshwater systems. After summarizing the recent advances on toxicology research and risk assessment of microplastics, this paper provides suggestions for future study to provide baseline information for better risk assessment and improved understanding of the lifecycle of microplastics in the environment.
Mapping the risk of Rift Valley fever in Uganda using national seroprevalence data from cattle, sheep and goats

Uganda has had repeated outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) since March 2016 when human and livestock cases were reported in Kabale after a long interval. The disease has a complex and poorly described transmission patterns which involves several mosquito vectors and mammalian hosts (including humans). We conducted a national serosurvey in livestock to determine RVF virus (RVFV) seroprevalence, risk factors, and to develop a risk map that could be used to guide risk-based surveillance and control measures. A total of 3,253 animals from 175 herds were sampled. Serum samples collected were screened at the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC) using a competition multispecies anti-RVF IgG ELISA kit. Data obtained were analyzed using a Bayesian model that utilizes integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) and stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) approaches to estimate posterior distributions of model parameters, and account for spatial autocorrelation. Variables considered included animal level factors (age, sex, species) and multiple environmental data including meteorological factors, soil types, and altitude. A risk map was generated by projecting fitted (mean) values, from a final model that had environmental factors onto a spatial grid that covered the entire domain. The overall RVFV seroprevalence was 11.3% (95% confidence interval: 10.2–12.3%). Higher RVFV seroprevalences were observed in older animals compared to the young, and cattle compared to sheep and goats. RVFV seroprevalence was also higher in areas that had (i) lower precipitation seasonality, (ii) haplic planosols, and (iii) lower cattle density. The risk map generated demonstrated that RVF virus was endemic in several regions including those that have not reported clinical outbreaks in the northeastern part of the country. This work has improved our understanding on spatial distribution of RVFV risk in the country as well as the expected burden of the disease in livestock.
Using Overshooting Top Area to Discriminate Potential for Large, Intense Tornadoes

Recent work established strong links between storm updraft width and the tornado intensity, suggesting that updraft width could be used to gauge potential tornado intensity. It was also posited that overshooting top area (OTA) could be used as an analog for updraft width and, thus, as a means to assess potential tornado intensity in observed storms. The implementation of new high‐resolution GOES‐R series satellites presents a unique opportunity to investigate these findings in severe weather observations. Herein, a method using GOES‐16 longwave infrared satellite data to quantify OTA of tornadic storms is explored. A comparison between observed tornado strength and OTA yields a strong correlation (R2 = 0.54). These results show the potential of these quantifications to be used with real‐time observations of tornadic storms, irrespective of storm mode, seasonality, or geographic location, allowing forecasters to determine which storms pose the highest risk to life and property.
Variation in Chemical Constituent of Styrax Sumatrana Wood Growing at Different Cultivation Site in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Iswanto AH, Siregar YS, Susilowati A, Darwis A, Hartono R, Wirjosentono B, Rachmat HH, Hidayat A, Fatriasari W. 2019. Variation in chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana wood growing at different cultivation site in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 448-452. Kemenyan Toba (Styrax sumatrana) is known as endemic resin-producing trees that naturally grow in North Sumatra and distributed throughout five districts within the province. Different growing site may constitute to different characteristics of the species, e.g. morphological differences, chemical constituent, bioactive substances, etc. Different characteristics of wood chemical constituent are an important factor determining further utilization and potential use of wood in wider spectrums. Information about wood chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana growing from different site has not been determined yet. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the characteristics of chemical constituent of Styrax sumatrana wood originated from North Tapanuli and Pakpak Bharat according to axial direction of stem (bottom, middle, and top). Chemical properties such as hollocelulose, α-cellulose, hemicellulose, Acid Soluble Lignin (ASL), acid insoluble lignin (AIL), and non-structural component (extractive content in ethanol benzene 1: 2 and ash content) were observed. Results showed that different growth location would yield in different wood chemical constituent. The wood chemical constituent from North Tapanuli and Pakpak Bharat were 52.72 and 69.80% (hollocelulose), 25.94 and 39.87% (α-cellulose), 26.78 and 29.92% (hemicellulose), 5.49 and 4.33% (Acid Soluble Lignin), 4.37 and 20.43% (Acid-Insoluble Lignin), 10.95 and 2.42% (extractive content), 1.37 and 0.8% for ash content.
Using monthly rainfall data to estimate rainfall erosivity factor of Iraq

The erosivity factor have a major effect on soil therefor a lot off researchers are interested about it. Actually, the erosivity depend on rainfall that could be a main source to water which effect on soil. To understand the erosivity factor in Iraq, we attempt to explain erosivity factor throughout 30 years (1980– –2010). Because of daily data of interval 15 and 30 min are not provided in this area, we used the Fournier modifi ed index (MFI) that based on monthly date of rainfall. Also, we applied linear regression equation between annual rainfall and the MFI to predict the variables and coeff cient of determination was calculated. The study period divided to three decades and spatial distribution by Kriging method was used to interpolate the MFI of study area which calculate by ArcGIS 10.4. 1. The results show that in the northern zone of Iraq MFI maximum values were recorded and in the range of MFI above 160. Moreover, in Emadiyah station the MFI excessed 250, which means the erosivity factor has a big effect on soil in this zone. Whereas, in middle zone, the MFI has range 0–120 but most of years of study period recorded 0–90 of the MFI. In southern zone, the MFI was 0–60 therefore the erosivity factor was moderated or law. The linear regression models were found for each station of study area and only Emadiyah, Teleafer, Khanqin and Nasiriya have weak coefficient determination.
Effect of Climate Change in the Stream Flow, Crop Yields and NP Levels at White Oak Bayou Watershed Using SWAT simulation: A Case Study

Projected changes in temperature due to global climate change may have serious impacts on hydrologic processes, water resources availability, irrigation water demand, and thereby affecting the agricultural production and productivity. Therefore, understanding the impacts of climate change on crop production and water resources is of utmost importance for developing possible adaptation strategies. The White Oak Bayou, one of the several waterways that give Houston, Texas, United States its popular nickname "The Bayou City" was selected in this case study. SWAT model is process based and can simulate the hydrological cycle, crop yield, soil erosion and nutrient transport. It is operated with an interface in ArcView GIS using raster or vector datasets including the digital elevation model (DEM), soil properties, vegetation, LULC, and meteorological observations observed which were derived from the Consortium for Geospatial Information, National Cooperative Soil Survey, National Land Cover Database 2006, NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and USGS website in 2005-2008. The climate change scenario was based on the projected increase in temperature by the IPCC by 2100. This case study showed a decrease in streamflow from observed actual scenario (2005-2008) to projected increase of 4°C temperature in future climate change scenario by 2100. The evapotranspiration increased but there was a decrease in surface runoff and percolation. Moreover, there were greater average plant biomass and more average plant yields. Hence, the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and removed in yield increased. Thus, the total nitrogen decreased while the total phosphorus is zero indicating loss of the Phosphorus content in the soil. Yet, this case study needs to be validated and calibrated with actual data to support the projected outcome.
Hetero-Grafted Block Brushes with PCL and PBA Side Chains

Giant amphiphilic macromolecules, hetero-grafted block brushes with a crystalline poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) brushlike block and an amorphous poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) brush as the second block, were synthesized entirely by the “grafting from” approach using a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The following steps were employed for the preparation of the brush: (1) A well-defined poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) was synthesized by ATRP. (2) PHEMA was used as a macroinitiator for chain extension with 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (HEMATMS) via ATRP to provide PHEMA-b-PHEMATMS. (3) The hydroxyl groups of PHEMA were transformed to bromoisobutyryl ATRP initiating groups to give poly[{2-(2-bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate}-block-(HEMATMS)], PBiBEM-b-PHEMATMS. (4) PBiBEM-b-PHEMATMS was transformed to PBiBEM-b-PHEMA by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF. (5) PCL was grafted from the PBiBEM-b-PHEMA macr.
Benthic element cycling, fluxes and transport of nutrients and trace metals across the benthic boundary layer in the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone (SFB 754), Cruise No. 137, 06.05. – 29.05.2017 Callao (Peru) – Callao

The magnitude of nutrient and trace metal release from oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) sediments as well as their fate in the water column is of utmost importance for the pelagic nutrient budget and consequently for the ongoing expansion of OMZs. The major aim of this research cruise that was conducted within the framework of the Kiel collaborative research center SFB 754 (Climate – Biogeochemistry Interactions in the Tropical Ocean), was to study the effects of variable environmental conditions on benthic element turnover and exchange with the bottom water under natural conditions of austral fall/winter but also during experiments. This allows the quantitative simulation of benthic-pelagic nutrient- and trace metal budgets over longer time periods. The experimental investigations aimed to specifically resolve the contribution of sulfur bacteria and denitrifying foraminifera controlling benthic N, P and S fluxes. The investigation of mixing processes in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) and quantification of diapycnal and advective fluxes across the BBL and the stratified water column will be used to resolve the fate of these substances. The multidisciplinary study mainly focused on a depth transect at 12°S and is scientifically closely linked to the METEOR cruises M135, M136 and M138. In order to achieve the scientific goals an intense physical, biogeochemical and biological working program was conducted in the water column and at the seafloor accompanied by shipboard experiments. Studies in the water column comprised 92 CTD, 65 microstructure CTD, 18 TM-CTD and 14 in situ pump deployments. Sediment samples were obtained during 47 mulitple-corer and 12 Lander deployments. Additionally, lander deployments were performed to obtain time series of physical parameters and the current regime in water depths of 76 and 128m. The deployment of these instruments covered the time period of cruises M136 and M137. We slightly deviated from the cruise proposal and spent a minor amount of the station time along a zonal transect at 12.3°S in order study the biogeochemistry during eddy formation. Eddy formation cannot be predicted and hence planned in a cruise proposal, however their study bears a high scientific potential and is a central part of the SFB745 research activities. Due to the good weather conditions all deployments were successful, hence all the data and sample material aimed for has been achieved. It is to expect that as planned all scientific questions can be addressed. Especially, the joined synthesis including the data of the other recent SFB cruises M135, M136 und M138 and their comparison with the earlier SFB-cruises M77, M92 harbor a high scientific potential.
Effect of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) vs lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (RMM) by line of therapy: Secondary analysis from an interim analysis of the phase III study ASPIRE (NCT01080391).

8525 Background: Previously reported results from ASPIRE (N = 792 patients) showed that KRd significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) vs Rd in RMM with a favorable benefit-risk profile (Stewart et al. N Engl J Med2015;372:142–52). A secondary analysis of efficacy and safety results from patients treated with KRd or Rd after first relapse (1 prior line of therapy) vs ≥ 2 prior lines of therapy are presented. Methods: Adults with RMM who received 1–3 prior lines were eligible. Patients were randomized (1:1) to KRd or Rd. All patients received lenalidomide (25 mg) on days 1–21 and dexamethasone (40 mg) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day cycle. Patients in the KRd arm received carfilzomib as a 10-min infusion on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 during cycles 1–12 (20 mg/m2 [days 1 and 2 of cycle 1]; 27 mg/m2thereafter). Carfilzomib was omitted on days 8 and 9 during cycles 13–18 and was not administered beyond 18 cycles. Results: Median PFS for patients receiving 1 prior line (n = 341) was 29.6 mont.
Clinical use of S-HER2 in breast cancer for detecting metastatic recurrence and monitoring effect of trastuzumab treatment

Abstract In 15%–20% of breast cancers, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed. Part of HER2 is shed into the circulation, where it can be measured in serum as S-HER2. Although many studies have tried to establish the clinical usefulness of S-HER2, S-HER2 has not yet found its place in clinical practice because large prospective trials have been missing. We present our own recent work to provide a suggestion of the clinical use of S-HER2. A total of 540 patients were followed up after primary surgery. The sensitivity of detection of recurrence in tissue HER2-positive patients was 69% and the positive predictive value was 47% using a cutoff value of 15 μg/L. Further, we have shown that the S-HER2 value reflects the effect of targeted treatment with trastuzumab. An increase in S-HER2 was correlated with progression of disease in 40 out of 44 clinical courses, whereas a decrease in S-HER2 was correlated to no progression or regression in 20 out of 21 courses. We propose to include S-HER2 in the clinical follow-up after primary surgery of tissue HER2-positive breast cancer patients to detect recurrence. We suggest a prospective randomized trial on the individualized, tailored therapy of these patients using S-HER2 as an indicator of the need to investigate recurrence.
Evaluation of assays to detect Helicobacter felis infection in cats

Recently, several companies have released H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test kits. However, there is little information about the usefulness of HpSA testing for Helicobacter felis, which is the major Helicobacter species in cats. The aim of the present study was to compare diagnostic methods for diagnosis of H. felis with HpSA tests and PCR assay using cat stools or gastric mucosa. Male cats (n=6) were infected with H. felis ATCC 49179 (1.0 × 109 CFU /cat) by intragastric inoculation two times at 3-day intervals, and stool specimens of cats were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after infection for HpSA testing and H. felis-specific PCR. For the results, sensitivities of the HpSA test and PCR analysis were 50.0% and 83.3% respectively. Cats were sacrificed 21 days after H. felis inoculation, and gastric tissues were homogenized. All gastric biopsy specimens were positive based on a rapid urease test (RUT) (6/6, 100%) and PCR (6/6, 100%). Based on these results, the HpSA kit is useful and effective for monitoring H. felis infection using stool specimens. If an HpSA test could be made with H. felis antibodies in the future, its sensitivity could be increased further. Further, PCR assay could be successfully used to detect H. felis in stools. Application of this HpSA kit and PCR assay can be utilized as a non-invasive strategy to identify H. felis in cats.
Anthropocentric impacts on the ecology and biodiversity of the Natalspruit watercourse and its associated wetlands

i DECLARATION . ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS AND SYMBOLS . iv LIST OF FIGURES . xiii LIST OF TABLES . xvii LIST OF APPENDICES . xix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.
Approach of system error registration for two‐station coast radars for sea surface monitoring

In the multi-radar tracking system, multi-radar data fusion technology can improve the detection and tracking capabilities of radar. Besides, the spatial registration processing of radar data can effectively calibrate the radar system error and improve the fusion accuracy. In this study, the system error registration for two-station coast radars based on non-cooperative targets is implemented by using the exact maximum likelihood spatial registration algorithm (EML). On the basis of the EML algorithm, this study proposes a selection method for the corresponding targets. The selection method that facilitates the application of the EML algorithm can automatically complete the clipping, alignment and registration of the track information. For the defect that the EML algorithm is easy to fall into the local minimum in the iterative processing, the data inspection method based on the minimum root mean square test is proposed in this study, which can further improve the exactitude of the system error estimation. Compared with direct fusion, the plot fusion accuracy of the two-station coast radars is significantly improved after the spatial registration of the EML algorithm.
THE IMPACT OF RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY ON CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS FOR EURO MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES

Given that carbon dioxide emissions is the main reason of environmental pollution and global warming, this paper attempts to investigate the impact of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, electricity production from different sources (including renewable and non-renewable energy) and industrial sector share in GDP on Carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) for a Euro Mediterranean panel of 25 countries using dynamic panel data model for the period 2002-2016. The paper uses the Hausman test and panel unit root test in order to verify the stationary of the variables series employed. Generalized least square estimator is used for building Panel regression model. The results indicate a significant positive impact of economic growth and electricity output from coal on CO2 emissions In contrast, renewable resources have a negative impact on CO2 emission.
Quasisaddles of liquids: computational study of a bulk Lennard-Jones system

Inherent saddles of the potential energy surface, U, of a liquid are defined as configurations which correspond to the absolute minima of the pseudopotential surface, W=|∇U|2. Given finite numerical precision, multidimensional minimization procedures will sample both absolute and low-lying minima which are referred to collectively as quasisaddles. The sensitivity of statistical properties of these quasisaddles to the convergence criteria of the minimization procedure is investigated using, as a test system, a simple liquid bound by a quadratically shifted Lennard-Jones pair potential. The variation in statistical properties of quasisaddles is studied over a range of error tolerances spanning five orders of magnitude. Based on our results, it is clear that there are no qualitative changes in statistical properties of saddles over this range of error tolerances and even the quantitative changes are small. The results also show that it is not possible to set up an unambiguous numerical criterion to classify .