Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perspectives for improving carbon and nitrogen allocation in forest models from stand to global scale

We show that using a fixed foliage: fine-root ratio leads to unrealistic modeled responses of forest growth to environmental variability (in particular to soil nitrogen availability). Not only the relative growth of organs (carbon allocation) will be off but also gross primary productivity predictions indirectly suffer from a lack of allocation flexibility. We suggest that applying evolution-based optimization principles to account for allocation plasticity is a key measure to improving future forest models and dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs).
User-Centered Development of HEARTPrep, a Digital Health Psychosocial Intervention for Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease

User-centered models for the development of digital health interventions are not consistently applied in healthcare settings. This study used a five-phase, user-centered approach to develop HEARTPrep©, a psychosocial intervention delivered via mobile app and telehealth to mothers expecting a baby with congenital heart disease (CHD) to promote maternal, family, and child well-being. Phases of intervention development were: (I) establishing partnerships; (II) creating content; (III) developing prototype and testable intervention; (IV) conducting think-aloud testing; and (V) completing beta testing. Partnerships with parents, clinicians, and design/technology experts were integral throughout the development of HEARTPrep©. Parents of children with CHD also served as participants in Phases II-V, contributing to the creation of content and providing feedback to inform the iterative refinement of HEARTPrep©. These five phases produced a refined digital health intervention with promising feasibility, usability, and acceptability results. This user-centered approach can be used to develop digital health interventions targeting various health outcomes.
Interaction of light and fast electrons with metallic nanoparticles

The shape and size of nanoparticles can be tuned through chemical synthesis parameters, which results in a variety of morphologies. The electromagnetic response of highly anisotropic metallic nanoparticles on external stimuli (light and fast electrons) has been modelled using a full 3D boundary element method. A good agreement between numerical calculations and experimental spectra has been obtained.
Osteo-inductive effect of piezoelectric stimulation from the poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds

Piezoelectric biomaterials can generate piezoelectrical charges in response to mechanical activation. These generated charges can directly stimulate bone regeneration by triggering signaling pathway that is important for regulating osteogenesis of cells seeded on the materials. On the other hand, mechanical forces applied to the biomaterials play an important role in bone regeneration through the process called mechanotransduction. While mechanical force and electrical charges are both important contributing factors to bone tissue regeneration, they operate through different underlying mechanisms. The utilizations of piezoelectric biomaterials have been explored to serve as self-charged scaffolds which can promote stem cell differentiation and the formation of functional bone tissues. However, it is still not clear how mechanical activation and electrical charge act together on such a scaffold and which factors play more important role in the piezoelectric stimulation to induce osteogenesis. In our study, we found Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)-based piezoelectric scaffolds with higher piezoelectric charges had a more pronounced osteoinductive effect than those with lower charges. This provided a new mechanistic insight that the observed osteoinductive effect of the piezoelectric PLLA scaffolds is likely due to the piezoelectric stimulation they provide, rather than mechanical stimulation alone. Our findings provide a crucial guide for the optimization of piezoelectric material design and usage.
Active Seismotectonic Deformation in Front of the Dolomites Indenter, Eastern Alps

We use earthquake focal mechanisms to study present‐day deformation and stress in the western part of the Eastern European Alps. We define the following regions, based on seismicity and kinematically compatible focal mechanism types: (1) the northern and western parts of the Dolomites indenter, the western and central Tauern Window, and the northern Alpine margin and foreland lack significant seismicity. (2) The indenter boundaries are characterized by strike‐slip faulting. Based on earthquake and geodetic data, the western and northern indenter boundaries are active sinistral and dextral strike‐slip/oblique slip faults. (3) West and north of the indenter corner, we observe normal and strike‐slip faulting in an up to 70 km‐wide zone. From west to east, the minimum horizontal stress rotates clockwise about 10–20°, from NE to ENE. (4) North of (3), east of the Swiss/Austrian border, we find evidence for N to NNW directed thrust faulting, and local orogen‐parallel extension. From our results and geodetic data, we infer that relative to a fixed northern foreland, NNW directed indentation is transferred at depth via the Sub‐Tauern thrust system to this 100‐km‐wide zone of localized thrusting. A lack of evidence for major, active strike‐slip faulting north of the Tauern Window is in line with geodetic data, which show no significant velocity difference between the northern part of the Eastern Alps and their foreland.
Climate Change Impacts on Thermal Performance of Residential Buildings

Climate change has altered regular temperature patterns and various climate variables on a global scale, causing growing concerns about future food, water and energy security. Immediate action should be taken to understand the extent of climate change while also proposing adaptation strategies to cope with the projected future climate conditions. From the energy security perspective, particularly in consideration of the ever-increasing human population, an important aspect to understand is the impact of climate change on the energy consumption of residential buildings. Understanding the impact of climate change on building energy consumption is not only beneficial for advising efficient energy-saving measures, but also for understanding future energy requirements. Various studies have already shown that climate change effects heating and cooling loads of buildings in various climates around the world. However, there is a lack of comprehension of the effects of climate change on energy consumption in Quebec. In addition, some of the methodologies employed to address the impact of climate change in buildings may be not be accurate or accessible to practitioners. The present study tries to fill this gap by advising a simple procedure that can be implemented in day-to-day engineering practice for a detailed understanding of the effects of climate change on building energy consumption. The methodology is applied to a residential building in Montreal, Quebec (Canada), using the state-of-the-art climate model projections for the periods of 2011-2040 (short-term future), 2041-2070 (midterm future), and 2071-2100 (long-term future) and under low and high greenhouse gas concentration scenarios. In brief, the available projections of five global climate models was studied for two particular weather parameters, namely dry-bulb temperature and shortwave radiation. The projections were downscaled at the point location and at an hourly resolution using a cascade model based on a quantile mapping bias correction method and a modified quantile-based k-nearest neighbor method. The downscaled projections were used as inputs to TRNSYS, an energy simulation software, in order to quantify the heating and cooling loads as well as judge the overall performance of the residential building in Montreal. This methodology can provide a basis for detailed understanding of the impacts of climate change on building energy consumption. Considering the applied case study, it is understood that climate change will not only change the intensity of the heating and cooling loads but can also change the empirical distribution of hourly energy consumption, particularly during peak loads.
Two human milk–like synthetic bacterial communities displayed contrasted impacts on barrier and immune responses in an intestinal quadricellular model

Abstract The human milk (HM) microbiota, a highly diverse microbial ecosystem, is thought to contribute to the health benefits associated with breast-feeding, notably through its impact on infant gut microbiota. Our objective was to further explore the role of HM bacteria on gut homeostasis through a “disassembly/reassembly” strategy. HM strains covering the diversity of HM cultivable microbiota were first characterized individually and then assembled in synthetic bacterial communities (SynComs) using two human cellular models, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a quadricellular model mimicking intestinal epithelium. Selected HM bacteria displayed a large range of immunomodulatory properties and had variable effects on epithelial barrier, allowing their classification in functional groups. This multispecies characterization of HM bacteria showed no clear association between taxonomy and HM bacteria impacts on epithelial immune and barrier functions, revealing the entirety and complexity of HM bacteria potential. More importantly, the assembly of HM strains into two SynComs of similar taxonomic composition but with strains exhibiting distinct individual properties, resulted in contrasting impacts on the epithelium. These impacts of SynComs partially diverged from the predicted ones based on individual bacteria. Overall, our results indicate that the functional properties of the HM bacterial community rather than the taxonomic composition itself could play a crucial role in intestinal homeostasis of infants.
Dock extraction from China’s Gaofen-2 multispectral imagery based on region-line primitive association analyses

ABSTRACT Object-based image analysis (OBIA) is the mainstream technique for the analysis of high-spatial-resolution (HSR) images. However, routine OBIAs often follow a region-based technical framework, which limits their performance in remote sensing information extraction. In this study, a more flexible OBIA technical framework and methods are designed to extract a man-made object, i.e., docks, from HSR images. The proposed method includes the following steps. 1) Waters are extracted by object-based land/water classification, and buffer zones around the shorelines are built to limit the dock searching. 2) Edge line primitives (ELPs) for dock extraction are obtained from the shorelines by edge scanning and are closed into region primitives (RPs) for region-based OBIA. 3) Straight line primitives (SLPs) in contact with the RPs are extracted and spatial relationships between the RPs and SLPs are built based on the region-line primitive association framework (RLPAF). 4) Docks are then detected and refined by RLPAF features. Different with routine OBIAs, RPs are not simply obtained by image segmentation. The proposed line-to-region conversion prevents the influence of segmentation errors and imprecise segment boundaries and makes RPs accurate in morphology. In addition, synergetic analyses involving multiple region and line primitives make a flexible OBIA and improve its performance. The proposed method is tested using China’s Gaofen-2 multispectral images with spatial resolution of 4 m, and compared with the results obtained with eCognition’s rule-based classification. Experiments show that the proposed method can extract docks from HSR images with much better accuracy than routine OBIAs. In the three experimental areas, accuracy measures such as precision, recall, F-measure and boundary recall are more than 0.90, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.85, respectively.
"I think we did the best that we could in the space:” A qualitative study exploring individuals’ experiences with three unconventional environments for patients with a delayed hospital discharge

Background Given growing hospital capacity pressures, persistent delayed discharges, and ongoing efforts to improve patient flow, the use of unconventional environments (newly created or repurposed areas for patient care) is becoming increasingly common. Despite this, little is known about individuals’ experiences in providing or receiving care in these environments. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the characteristics of three unconventional environments used to care for patients experiencing a delayed discharge, and (2) explore individuals’ experiences with the three unconventional environments. Methods This was a multi-method qualitative study of three unconventional environments in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations. Participants included patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and clinical managers who had experience with delayed discharges. In-person observations of two environments were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and notes from the observations were recorded. Data were coded and analyzed thematically. Results Twenty-nine individuals participated. Three themes were identified for unconventional environments: (1) implications on the physical safety of patients; (2) implications on staffing models and continuity of care; and, (3) implications on team interactions and patient care. Participants discussed how the physical set-up of some unconventional spaces was not conducive to patient needs, especially those with cognitive impairment. Limited space made it difficult to maintain privacy and develop social relationships. However, the close proximity of team members allowed for more focused collaborations regarding patient care and contributed to staff fulfilment. A smaller, consistent care team and access to onsite physicians seemed to foster improved continuity of care. Conclusions There is potential to learn from multi-stakeholder perspectives in unconventional environments to improve experiences and optimize patient care. Key considerations include keeping hallways and patient rooms clear, having communal spaces for activities and socialization, co-locating team members to improve interactions and access to resources, and ensuring a consistent care team.
Evidence for the diet and habitat of two late Pleistocene mastodons from the Midwest, USA

Abstract We analyzed intestinal contents of two late-glacial mastodons preserved in lake sediments in Ohio (Burning Tree mastodon) and Michigan (Heisler mastodon). A multi-proxy suite of macrofossils and microfossils provided unique insights into what these individuals had eaten just before they died and added significantly to knowledge of mastodon diets. We reconstructed the mastodons’ habitats with similar multi-proxy analyses of the embedding lake sediments. Non-pollen palynomorphs, especially spores of coprophilous fungi differentiated intestinal and environmental samples. The Burning Tree mastodon gut sample originates from the small intestine. The Heisler mastodon sample is part of the large intestine to which humans had added clastic material to anchor parts of the carcass under water to cache the meat. Both carcasses had been dismembered, suggesting that the mastodons had been hunted or scavenged, in line with other contemporaneous mastodon finds and the timing of early human incursion into the Midwest. Both mastodons lived in mixed coniferous-deciduous late-glacial forests. They browsed tree leaves and twigs, especially Picea. They also ate sedge-swamp plants and drank the lake water. Our multi-proxy estimates for a spring/summer season of death contrast with autumn estimates derived from prior tusk analyses. We document the recovered fossil remains with photographs.
Postural Control Characteristics in Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia With Lewy Bodies, and Vascular Dementia

Abstract Background Dementia often results in postural control impairment, which could signify central nervous system dysfunction. However, no studies have compared postural control characteristics among various types of dementia. This study aimed to compare static postural control in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and vascular dementia (VaD). Methods Cross-sectional relationship between the clinical diagnoses (AD, DLB, VaD, or normal cognition [NC]) of outpatients at a memory clinic and their upright postural control characteristics were examined. In the postural control test, participants were instructed to maintain a static upright standing on a stabilometer for 60 seconds under the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Forty postural control parameters, including distance, position, and velocity in the anterior–posterior and medio–lateral directions, derived from the trajectory of the center of mass sway, were calculated. The characteristics of each type of dementia were compared to those of NC, and the differences among the 3 types of dementia were evaluated using linear regression models. Results The study included 1 789 participants (1 206 with AD, 111 with DLB, 49 with VaD, and 423 with NC). Patients with AD exhibited distinct postural control characteristics, particularly in some distance and velocity parameters, only in the eyes-closed condition. Those with DLB exhibited features in the mean position in the anterior–posterior direction. In patients with VaD, significant differences were observed in most parameters, except the power spectrum. Conclusions Patients with AD, DLB, and VaD display disease-specific postural control characteristics when compared to cognitively normal individuals.
Correlation between cephalic screw positioning of Standard Gamma 3 Nail for intertrochanteric fractures and cut-out incidence

Introduction: Lateral fractures of proximal femur are the most frequent fractures in elderly people. Internal fixation using medullary nails is the gold standard of treatment (Gamma 3 nail is the most implanted device) due to reduced incidence of complications than other devices. We report our experience in treating this kind of fractures with Gamma 3 nail, between January 2015 and December 2021. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated in our orthopaedic department; level of clinical care is III: 559 patients (431 females and 128 males, with an average age of 85.3 years) with lateral femoral neck fracture. All patients were surgically treated with Gamma 3 standard nail (SGN). We evaluated preliminary X-rays to classify fractures, according to AO-OTA classification and post-operative X-ray to verify cephalic screw position site, according to areas described by Cleveland in 1959: we measured tip-to-apex distance (TAD) and tip-to-apex calcar referred distance (CalTAD). Finally Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) for fracture reduction of trochanteric fractures were determined using preoperative or postoperative Antero-Posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs in a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Incidence of cut-out was evaluated in relation with these parameters. Patients were divided into 2 groups: first group had cephalic screw in optimal positions (5-8-9), the other group had cephalic screw in other positions. Results: In 328 patients (58.7%) screw was in positions 5-8-9, in 231 patients (41.2%) screw was in not-optimal position. Median TAD was 19.1 ± 7.0 mm (range = 0.0–50.5); in 463 patients (82.8%) TAD was ≤ 25 mm. Median CalTAD was 21.4 ± 4.7 mm (range = 5.7–39.2); in 105 patients (79.4%) CalTAD was ≤ 25 mm. Cut-out was observed in 8 cases (1.43%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation (p < 0,05) between incidence of cut-out and fracture type 31A2 and with TAD values >25 mm. Cephalic screw position did not influence incidence of cut-out. Discussion: In order to obtain fracture healing with a low risk of failure, in particular cut-out, it is necessary to obtain good reduction of fracture and optimal lag screw position in order to achieve a TAD inferior to 25 mm.
Prevention strategies for the recurrence of venous leg ulcers: A scoping review

Abstract Venous leg ulcer (VLU) is the most severe manifestations of chronic venous disease, which has characterized by slow healing and high recurrence rates. This typically recalcitrant and recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, prevention of VLU recurrence is essential for helping to reduce the huge burden of patients and health resources, the purpose of this scoping review is to analyse and determine the intervention measures for preventing recurrence of the current reported, to better inform healthcare professionals and patients. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan Fang Data and Chongqing VIP Information (CQVIP) were accessed up to June 17, 2023. This scoping review followed the five‐steps framework described by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA extension was used to report the review. Eleven articles were included with a total of 1503 patients, and adopted the four effective measures: compression therapy, physical activity, health education, and self‐care. To conclude, the use of high pressure compression treatment for life, supplementary exercise therapy, and strengthen health education to promote self‐care are recommended strategies of VLU prevention and recurrence. In addition, the importance of multi‐disciplinary teams to participate in the care of VLU in crucial.
Dependencia no lineal del índice de Precios y Cotizaciones de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores

En el presente trabajo se estudia el rendimiento diario del Indice de Precios y Cotizaciones (IPC) de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) para el periodo del 20 de octubre del 2003 al 4 de mayo del 2011 con el fin de examinar su estructura no lineal. Para ello se estima un modelo GARCH(1,1) y se analizan los errores de dicha serie por medio de diversas pruebas: BDS, McLeod-Li, Tsay, Engle LM, Bicovarianza y Reversibilidad. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la hipotesis nula de que los errores son independientes e identicamente distribuidos se rechaza en todos los estadisticos. Esta dependencia no lineal puede ser debida a factores, tanto internos, como externos, relacionados con la politica financiera y/o economica de Mexico, lo cual podria influir en las decisiones de los distintos agentes economicos que intervienen en el mercado accionario mexicano.
Hemispheric Dichotomy in Lithosphere Thickness on Mars Caused by Differences in Crustal Structure and Composition

Estimates of the Martian elastic lithosphere thickness suggest small values of ∼25 km during the Noachian for the southern hemisphere and a large present‐day difference below the two polar caps (≥300 km in the north and >110 km in the south). In addition, young lava flows suggest that Mars has been volcanically active up to the recent past. We run Monte Carlo simulations using a 1‐D parameterized thermal evolution model to investigate whether a north/south hemispheric dichotomy in crustal properties and composition can explain these constraints. Our results suggest that 55–65% of the bulk radioelement content are in the crust, and most of it (43–51%) in the southern one. The southern crust can be up to 480 kg/m3 less dense than the northern one and might contain a nonnegligible proportion of felsic rocks. Our models predict a dry mantle and a wet or dry crustal rheology today. This is consistent with a mantle depleted in radioelements and volatiles. We retrieve north/south surface heat flux of 17.1–19.5 mW/m2 and 24.8–26.5 mW/m2, respectively, and a large difference in lithospheric temperatures between the two hemispheres (170–304 K in the shallow mantle). This difference could leave a signature in the seismic signals measured by the future InSight mission.