Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil drainage and vegetation controls of nitrogen transformation rates in forest soils, southern Quebec

We investigated the influence of soil drainage class and tree species on nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification rates in two forest catenas in southern Quebec. Monthly net N mineralization and nitrification rates were determined along transects running from well‐drained to poorly drained soils for 2 years through in situ incubation of homogenized soils. Potential N transformation rates in soils under American beech, sugar maple, and eastern hemlock trees were determined through incubation of homogenized soils in the laboratory under two different moisture regimes (50 and 100% water by volume) mimicking well‐drained and poorly drained soil conditions in the two watersheds. Field‐based N mineralization rates averaged 38 ± 6 mg m−2 d−1 in well‐drained soils, while those in the poorly drained soils averaged 17 ± 5 mg N m−2 d−1. Similarly, net nitrification rates in well‐drained soils (18 ± 4 mg N m−2 d−1) were 3 times greater than those in poorly drained soils (6 ± 3 mg N m−2 d−1). Laboratory‐based potential N mineralization rates in soils ranked sugar maple > American beech > eastern hemlock under both well‐drained (incubated at 50% water by volume) and poorly drained soil conditions (incubated at 100% water by volume). Potential nitrification rates ranked sugar maple > American beech > eastern hemlock under well‐drained soil conditions, while under poorly drained conditions, American beech > sugar maple ≥ eastern hemlock. Nitrification enzyme activity determined through a soil slurry method correlated significantly with field‐based nitrification rates. Differences in soil volumetric water contents, leaf litter N input, and soil C:N ratios, as surrogates of soil drainage and floristic heterogeneity, respectively, correlated significantly with field‐based N mineralization and nitrification rates. Field‐based N mineralization and nitrification rates were higher in summer than in early spring and autumn. Soil drainage class and tree species exert marked controls over N transformation rates in forested landscapes and need to be incorporated when characterizing and/or modeling internal N cycling at watershed scales.
Femoral-to-port through-and-through wire access to reestablish subcutaneous port function.

OBJECTIVE Central venous catheter malfunction often results from fibrin sheath formation and is routinely addressed with thrombolytic therapy or mechanical stripping. Mechanical stripping from a distant access site such as a femoral vein is the only option for a subcutaneous port that has failed thrombolytic therapy. When a fibrin sheath has rendered the catheter tip inaccessible to snaring, catheter salvage cannot be achieved, requiring port exchange. We report two cases in which an inaccessible catheter tip was mobilized via advancing a wire through the port and through the catheter, allowing for successful snaring, mechanical stripping, and return of normal port function. CONCLUSION Passage of a hydrophilic wire through a subcutaneous port and beyond the catheter tip is technically possible. The wire can be snared from a femoral access to achieve successful catheter stripping when direct catheter snaring is not possible.
Circulating Glycated Albumin and Glomerular Anionic Charges

Aiming to discern the mechanisms by which circulating glycated albumin alters the glomerular filtration properties that lead to glomerular dysfunction in diabetes, the authors studied the distribution and densities of anionic charges through the rat glomerular wall upon intravascular infusion of Amadori products, as well as in various conditions of increased glomerular permselectivity. Polylysine-gold was used as the probe to reveal the anionic charges. The study was carried on renal tissue sections of bovine serum albumin (BSA)- and glycated BSA–injected, normoglycemic animals. Results were generated through morphometrical evaluations of the gold labeling. Changes in glomerular anionic distribution were corroborated on renal tissue sections of short- and long-term diabetic rats and of normal newborn rats, situations known for abnormal glomerular filtration. Altered renal function in these conditions was clearly associated with changes in glomerular anionic charges. On the other hand, the infusion of glycated albumin in the circulation of normal rats, though altering glomerular filtration properties, did not modify the distribution and density of the polylysine-gold labeling through the glomerular basement membrane. Thus, anionic charges seem not to be the factor involved in the early changes of glomerular permeability induced by circulating glycated albumin.
Finding and Analyzing Principal Features for Measuring User Influence on Twitter

The study of social influence in online social networks has attracted great interests in recent years for its applications in information propagation and marketing. While many existing studies focus on the measurement of social influence on various platforms, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis regarding the effectiveness of the principal features for measuring user influence. In this paper, we employ Entropy method and Rank Correlation Analysis to identify the key manifest features for measuring user influence. We also utilize Principal Component Analysis and Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression to analyze the most important hidden social attributes for identifying influential users on Twitter. Our study reveals a number of novel findings as follows: (i) Firstly, besides mention and rewet actions that have been widely used to measure user influence in literature, we find that number of public lists, new tweets, follower to friends ratio are also fairly effective indicators for user influence, (ii) We further discover that popularity, engagement and authority are the three most important social attributes to drive user influence in Twitter environment, (iii) Finally, we compare four popular influence scoring services, and find that new mentions and number of public lists are the two most effective manifest features for their influence ranking, and popularity is commonly considered as the first key social attribute of the influencers on Twitter.
Relationships and adults with an intellectual disability

Plain language summary 3 Introduction 5 Adults with an intellectual disability and their relationship with parents and siblings Relationships with parents 5 Relationships with siblings 7 Families’ relationships with adults with an intellectual disability 8 Transition into adulthood 11 Older adults who live with their parents 12 Adults with an intellectual disability as care providers 13 Respite care 14 The role of family in adults’ understanding of intellectual disability 15 The role of family in the area of sexual and intimate relationships 16 The role of family in adults services 16 Self advocacy and families 18 Family responses to employment 18 Implications for support service development 19 References 21
Optimizing the SUSAN corner detection algorithm for a high speed FPGA implementation

In many embedded systems for video surveillance distinctive features are used for the detection of objects. In this contribution a real-time FPGA implementation of a feature detector, namely the SUSAN algorithm is described. As the original SUSAN algorithm performs poorly on non-synthetic images a significant quality improvement of this algorithm is presented. The hardware accelerator outperforms a comparable software version running on an Intel Core2Duo E8400 core at 3.00GHz and delivers almost the same execution time compared to an implementation of the Harris corner detector running on an Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX GPU.
The WalkTrainer: A Robotic System for Walking Rehabilitation

Robots are excellent tools for providing motion. Their motion is precise, stiff and as repeatable as we need. This led the Swiss Foundation for Cyberthosis (SFC) to exploit robotics jointly with the muscle electrostimulation as intelligent rehabilitation devices. This paper will present one of this devices developed by the "Laboratoire des Systemes Robotiques (LSRO) at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federate de Lausanne). This device called "The WalkTrainerTM" is a robotic rehabilitation system composed by a deambulator, a pelvis orthosis, a body weight support, two leg orthoses and a real time controlled electrostimulator. The WalkTrainerTM is a verticalized system allowing walking rehabilitation process. It can be used for paraplegic and hemiplegic persons. Clinical trials will be performed at the beginning of 2007. In the first part of this paper the context of the development of such devices is presented by introducing a stationary rehabilitation system: the MotionMakerTM. The very encouraging clinical results obtained with this rehabilitation system are briefly presented in this paper and prove the rightness of the concept (Robotic system + Electrostimulation ⇒ Rehabilitation process). In the second part, the WalkTrainerTM is presented with its components (robotic components and the controller). Finally, we will introduce the use of the WalkTrainerTM, its flexibility and diversity of use either for diagnosis, test or measurement and walking rehabilitation.
Genetic Determinants of Habitual Physical Activity and Overweight and Obesity

We tested 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity from genome wide association studies for their association with physical activity (PA). Healthy European-American women (n=265) and men (n=230) (23.5±0.3yr, 24.6±0.2kg•m -2 ) were genotyped for MC4R (rs17782313), FTO (rs9939609), TMEM18 (rs6548238), NEGR1 (rs2815752), SH2B1 (rs7498665), and KCTD15 (rs11084753), and completed the Paffenbarger PA Questionnaire. We examined gene interactions by summing the number of obesity effect alleles. RESULTS: Normal weight subjects with MC4R T expended 1981.2±741.7kcal∙wk -1 less than non-carriers in total PA (p=0.008), 1825.9±650.2 kcal∙wk -1 less in sports/recreation (p=0.027), and 1231.3±552.7 kcal∙wk -1 less in vigorous PA (p=0.005). Subjects with TMEM18 C expended 1216.5±356.3kcal∙wk -1 less than non-carriers in moderate PA (p=0.001). Overweight men homozygous for FTO T expended 871.4±397.1kcal∙wk -1 less than A carriers in vigorous PA (p=0.031). Subjects homozygous for SH2B1 G spent 4.8±1.9hr∙wk -1 less than noncarriers in moderate PA (p=0.013), and 5.6±2.2hr∙wk -1 more in light PA. Women homozygous for NEGR1 G spent 7.6±2.7hr∙wk -1 less than A carriers in moderate PA (p=0.006). Overweight subjects homozygous for KCTD15 A spent 14.2 ±4.8hr∙wk -1 more than G carriers in sitting (p=0.004). Men with 5-6 (n=173) obesity effect alleles expanded 1082.3±447.2kcal∙wk -1 more in sports/recreation (p=0.049) and 663.8±418.1kcal∙wk -1 more in vigorous PA (p=0.049) than men with 7-10 (n=131), with similar non-significant trends noted for 1-4 (n=153) obesity effect alleles (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The genotype differences in energy expenditure that equate to 11-25 lb∙yr -1 have important implications for weight maintenance. The mechanisms explaining these associations appear to have a common central neural influence that should be explored further.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: outcome in 24 patients with renal impairment treated with plasma exchange. Canadian Apheresis Study Group.

The Canadian Apheresis Study Group recently completed a randomized clinical trial involving 102 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), in which treatment with plasma infusion and treatment with plasma exchange were compared. Thirty-three other patients were ineligible or refused to be randomly assigned in the trial. Of the 33 patients, 24 were assessed as ineligible because they would be unable to tolerate the fluid input that would occur if they were randomly assigned to receive plasma infusion. All 24 patients had oliguria and elevated creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen level. These 24 patients were treated with acetylsalicyclic acid, dipyridamole, and plasma exchange according to the standardized protocol defined in the trial. Blood for tests of factors possibly involved in the pathogenesis of TTP was drawn before exchange and at intervals during and after exchange. The mean platelet count before exchange was 35.5 x 10(9) per L. In 12 of the 24 patients, the platelet count reached 150 x 10(9) per L or greater by 7 days after the initiation of plasma exchange. Three patients responded partially, in that their platelet count increased to at least twice that at presentation, but remained below 150 x 10(9) per L. One patient died during the first week. Of the eight other patients who experienced treatment failure at the 7-day assessment point, six subsequently responded, four while continuing to receive plasma exchange and two after plasma exchange had been discontinued. Of the 15 patients who either responded fully or responded partially by the end of the first cycle, all survived. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Variations of N+/O+ in the ring current during magnetic storms

Based on the energetic particle measurements obtained by CRRES/MICS, variations of the third most important ion species, N+, in the ring current region have been investigated in detail. The ratio of N+/O+ during geomagnetic quiet times is found to be about 0.314 ± 0.043 and decreases with enhanced solar radiation, as indicated by the F10.7 index. Through a statistic study, the ratio of N+/O+ has been demonstrated to decrease with enhanced geomagnetic activity for strong storms, whereas for small storms, there is no obvious correlation found for this ratio. It is worthy to note that not all the values during active times are higher than those at quiet times. The quite different ratios of N+/O+ (up to 50%) in the ring current region found between quiet and storm times in this paper, together with the different combination rates of atomic oxygen and nitrogen, suggest that the ionospheric nitrogen ions may play a crucial role during some magnetic storms and should have a strong impact on the magnetic storm simulation works on the build‐up and/or decay processes of the ring current.
Improvements in depressed collector performance by modifications to electrode geometry vis-a-vis trajectories of backscattered electrons

Backscattering of electrons in depressed collectors has a significant effect on the collector efficiency and other performance parameters. We have studied these phenomena using our code BSCAT. It allows for tracking of multiple generations of backscatter by a representative set of trajectories without going to an excessively large number of them. By examining the trajectories and the impact angles of incoming rays, it is possible to modify the geometry of the electrodes, such that the effects of backscatter are minimized. In particular, we have studied the effects of using an undulating surface of the collector, and analyzed its effects taking into account the effect on angles of incidence of impacting rays. Using as a test vehicle a two-stage depressed collector for a 1.5-MW 110-GHz gyrotron, we have thus been able to increase the estimated collector efficiency from 62% to 65%. We present these results along with data on other performance parameters such as the heat-dissipation profile. We discuss the potential for application of the approach to other devices operating at different frequencies and power levels.
Relationship between the Seismic Coefficient and the Unfactored Geosynthetic Force in Reinforced Earth Structures

AbstractThis paper presents an integrated analytical method for calculating the resultant unfactored geosynthetic force in reinforced earth structures under seismic loading conditions. The method utilizes a pseudostatic limit equilibrium approach for assessing the internal stability of a reinforced earth structure, assuming a potential rotational failure along a log spiral trace. A closed-form solution is presented for determining the sum of all horizontal forces mobilized in the geosynthetic reinforcement along their intersection with the critical log spiral surface. This mobilized sum is then redistributed among the individual layers to determine the unfactored reinforcement forces that are needed to resist the applied seismic acceleration. Parametric studies were utilized, and the results are presented in a series of design charts for different conditions. Such charts can be used to determine the required tensile strength of the reinforcement for a given seismic coefficient. Alternatively, for a given .
The Mw 5.4 Reggio Emilia 1996 earthquake: active compressional tectonics in the Po Plain, Italy

SUMMARY We have analysed the seismic sequence that occurred in October 1996 near the town of Reggio Emilia on the southern edge of the Po Plain. The onset of the sequence was marked by a 5.4 moment magnitude main shock, located at 15 km depth. The main-shock focal mechanism is a reverse solution with a strike-slip component and the scalar moment is 1.46 × 1017 N m. We used broad-band digital recordings from a borehole station, located at about 70 km from the epicentre, for a spectral analysis in order to estimate attenuation and source parameters for the main shock. In addition, the empirical Green's function method has been applied to evaluate the source time function in terms of both moment rate and stress rate. We infer an asperity-like rupture process for the main shock, as suggested by the short duration of the stress release with respect to the overall duration of the moment rate function. This analysis also allows us to estimate the average dynamic stress drop of the main shock (600 bar). We analysed the digital recordings of the temporary local seismic network deployed after the main shock and of a permanent local network maintained by the Italian Petroleum Agency (AGIP). During 15 days of field experiments, we recorded more than 800 aftershocks, which delineate a 9 km long, NE-elongated distribution, confined between 12 and 15 km depth, suggesting that the basement is involved in the deformation processes. 102 focal mechanism of aftershocks have been computed from P-wave polarities, showing mainly pure reverse solutions. We calculate the principal stress axes from a selected population of earthquakes providing a constraint on the stress regime of this part of the Po Plain. The focal mechanisms are consistent with a N–S subhorizontal σ1. All the seismological data we have analysed confirm that this region is undergoing active compressional tectonics, as already inferred from recent earthquakes, geomorphological data and other stress indicators. Moreover, the elongation of the Reggio Emilia aftershock sequence is consistent with the regional direction of the thrust fronts cropping out in the area, suggesting that they are still active.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism: detection with I-123-Tc-99m-Sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy versus US.

PURPOSE To compare iodine-123-technetium-99m-sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy with ultrasonography (US) for detection of parathyroid abnormalities in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen adult uremic patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism underwent subtraction scintigraphy before total or subtotal parathyroidectomy. Subtraction scintigrams were acquired with a double-energy-window technique. US was performed with high-frequency transducers and standard methods. RESULTS 1-123-Tc-99m-sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy correctly demonstrated 41 of 50 surgically confirmed enlarged parathyroids; US demonstrated 27. Sensitivity for detection of hyperplastic glands was 82% for scintigraphy and 54% for US. Scintigrams were correct in seven patients, and US scans were correct in five. Scintigraphy demonstrated all four enlarged parathyroids in six of 12 patients who were to undergo first surgery, whereas US demonstrated all four enlarged glands in three of the 12 patients. Gland weight was correlated with likelihood of detection with either method. Glands undetected at scintigraphy were significantly (P < .01) smaller (mean weight, 257 mg) than those undetected at US (mean weight, 467 mg). CONCLUSION I-123-Tc-99m-sestamibi subtraction scintigraphy is efficient for detection of enlarged parathyroid glands in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and is more sensitive than US.
The Nature of Civil Conflict

This research empirically establishes that the emergence, prevalence, and recurrence of civil conflict in the modern era reflect the long shadow of prehistory. Exploiting variations across contemporary national populations, it demonstrates that genetic diversity, as determined pre- dominantly tens of thousands of years ago, has contributed significantly to the frequency, incidence, and onset of both overall and ethnic civil conflicts over the last half century, accounting for a large set of geographical and institutional correlates of civil conflict, as well as measures of economic development. These findings arguably reflect the adverse effect of genetic diversity on interpersonal trust and cooperation, the potential impact of genetic diversity on income inequality, the potential association between genetic diversity and divergence in preferences for public goods and redistributive policies, and the contribution of genetic diversity to the degree of fractionalization and polarization across ethnic and linguistic groups in the population
Moving on in life after intensive care--partners' experience of group communication.

BACKGROUND Partners have a burdensome time during and after their partners' intensive care period. They may appear to be coping well outwardly but inside feel vulnerable and lost. Evaluated interventions for partners on this aspect are limited. AIM The aim of this study was to describe the experience of participating in group communication with other partners of former intensive care patients. DESIGN The study has a descriptive intervention-based design where group communication for partners of former, surviving intensive care unit (ICU) patients was evaluated. METHODS A strategic selection was made of adult partners to former adult intensive care patients (n = 15), 5 men and 10 women, aged 37-89 years. Two group communication sessions lasting 2 h were held at monthly intervals with three to five partners. The partners later wrote, in a notebook, about their feelings of participating in group communications. To deepen the understanding of the impact of the sessions, six of the partners were interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyse the notebooks and the interviews. FINDINGS Three categories were identified: (1) Emotional impact, the partners felt togetherness and experienced worries and gratitude, (2) Confirmation, consciousness through insight and reflection and (3) The meeting design, group constellation and recommendation to participate in group communication. CONCLUSION Partners of an intensive care patient are on a journey, constantly trying to adapt to the new situation and find new strategies to ever-changing circumstances. Group communications contributed to togetherness and confirmation. To share experiences with others is one way for partners to be able to move forward in life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Group communication with other patients' partners eases the process of going through the burden of being a partner to an intensive care patient. Group communications needs to be further developed and evaluated to obtain consensus and evidence for the best practice.