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Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) with neonatal or perinatal onset are usually severe. The establishment of a definite diagnosis relies on the combination of clinical examination, enzymatic tests, muscle morphology analyses, and genetic investigations, and is essential to provide a vital prognosis, propose adequate genetic counseling, consider treatment options, and include the patients into clinical trials for innovative therapies. However, the recent and rapid advancements of panel, exome, and genome sequencing questions the utility of invasive muscle biopsies and the contribution of histological and ultrastructural studies of muscle sections to the diagnosis process. Here, we explored the relevance of muscle biopsies collected at the Institute of Myology in Paris over a period of more than 50 years (1970-2021) in light of the evolution of Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Altogether, 82% of the biopsies showed typical structural myofiber anomalies highly suggestive of specific NMD classes (congenital myopathies, metabolic myopathies, lower motor neuron (LMN) and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders, muscular dystrophies, inflammatory myopathies), while the remaining 18% showed no or only non-specific histological abnormalities. The diagnosis success rate differed among the NMD classes and changed over time following the identification of major disease genes like SMN1 or DMD , shifting the focus to direct gene sequencing and reducing the necessity of muscle biopsies. Ultrastructural investigations were of particular importance for the diagnosis of congenital myopathies and less relevant for the other NMD categories. Typical myofiber lesions found in congenital myopathies as intranuclear rods in ACTA1-related nemaline myopathy are barely discernible under the light microscope and solely detectable by electron microscopy (EM). This shows that the higher resolution of EM is not only a feature complementing light microscopy, but also a powerful diagnostic method. From our experience, morphological muscle biopsy examinations were frequently accurate and either pointed to a group of myopathies or to single genes. In conclusion, this retrospective study describes a unique collection of neonatal muscle biopsies and illustrates that the thorough analysis of muscle sections was of major diagnostic relevance in the past and still plays an important role nowadays - either by directing purposeful gene sequencing or by complementing clinical findings and biochemical analysis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed an indirect method to measure the distance of an object accurately by single visual cameras using triangulation. The object can be seen as the third point of a triangle with two known sides and one known angle. Distance to object can be determined indirectly on the base of known sides and angle, rather than being measured directly. It would be very useful in case there is no line of sight to object (inaccessible) or an obstacle interrupts it. Furthermore, the results show that the measured distance using the indirect method has a lower measurement error than the one using the direct method. This method establishes a basis for the implementation of the position algorithm into the navigation subsystem of swarm robots and will be very helpful especially in robot cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) by using magnetic nano-particles (MNPs) is a technique used to deliver drug molecules to a desired location. One of the major challenges in MDT is to develop an electromagnetic actuator to focus micro-/nano-particles into a desired deep region. A novel electromagnetic actuation scheme for pushing micro-/nano-particles has been designed to accumulate MNPs in the brain, and an optimal design is studied for the actuation system. The suggested design maximizes the magnetic gradient within a focusing field workspace and allows the accumulation of nano-particles on a specified surface. The configuration and specifications of the optimal design are introduced. Performance of the proposed design was examined through simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results show that applicability of this scheme is very high in practice because of the simple coil structure and easy guidance scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The question of how to best conceptualize health anxiety (HA) from a diagnostic and etiological perspective remains debated. The aim was to examine the relationship between HA and the symptoms of anxiety and obsessive–compulsive‐related disorders in a normative twin population. Method: Four hundred and ninety‐six monozygotic adult twin pairs from the Australian Twin Registry participated in the study (age, 34.4 ± 7.72 years; 59% females). Validated scales were used to assess each domain. We applied a twin regression methodology—ICE FALCON—to determine whether there was evidence consistent with ‘causal’ relationships between HA and other symptoms by fitting and comparing model estimates. Results: Estimates were consistent with higher levels of obsessing (‘unwanted thoughts’) (P = 0.008), social anxiety (P = 0.03), and body dysmorphic symptoms (P = 0.008) causing higher levels of HA symptoms, and with higher levels of HA symptoms causing higher levels of physical/somatic anxiety symptoms (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Obsessional thoughts, body dysmorphic concerns, and social anxiety symptoms may have a causal influence on HA. To report physical/somatic anxiety appears to be a consequence of the underlying presence of HA‐related fears. Should our results be confirmed by longitudinal studies, the evaluation and treatment of HA may benefit from the consideration of these identified risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient removal of organic refractory pollutants such as dyes and antibiotics in wastewater is crucial for protecting the environment and human health. In this work, a NiCo-layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) with a uniform microspherical, hierarchical structure and a high surface area was successfully synthesized as an effective peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for the degradation of various organic dyes and antibiotics. The influence of various parameters on the catalytic activity of the NiCo-LDH was determined. Radical scavenger studies unveiled the major reactive oxygen species (ROSs) generated in the NiCo-LDH/PSM system to be 1O 2 , SO 4 •−, and O 2 •−. Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis uncovered the role of Co sites and oxygen vacancy as active sites and revealed the reversible redox properties of NiCo-LDH based on Co2+/Co3+ cycles. The activation mechanism and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation pathways were experimentally studied and proposed. The NiCo-LDH is highly versatile, reusable and stable as shown by post-catalysis characterizations. This work shows the excellent catalysis performances and provides insights into the activation mechanism of PMS by NiCo-LDH for organic pollutant remediation. • Solvothermal synthesis of NiCo-LDH microspheres with high surface area. • NiCo-LDH/PMS system shows excellent efficiency towards RhB degradation. • Reactive oxygen species are 1O 2 , SO 4 − and O2−. • Co2+/Co3+ cycles and oxygen vacancies are responsible for PMS activation. • NiCo-LDH/PMS system is promising for real wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We utilized a sample of 299 adult females aged between 19 and 86 years, carrying fragile X mental retardation ( FMR1) alleles with small CCG expansions ranging from 50 to 141 repeats to analyse the relationships between psychological symptoms as assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised ( SCL-90-R) and the size of the CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene. There were highly significant (negative) correlations between the size of the CGG repeat and a great majority of SCL-90-R subscale scores and all the global indices, suggesting that carriers of premutations in the mid-size CGG repeat range may be at greatest risk for the development of psychiatric disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'anémie par carence martiale est classiquement accompagnée d'une thrombocytose. La présence d'une thrombopénie ferriprive est beaucoup plus rare et peut conduire à des investigations inutiles voire invasive comme un myélogramme. Nous présentons deux observations d'anémie sévère associée à une thrombopénie d'origine ferriprive. Cas 1 : une jeune femme de 20 ans d'origine guinéenne, G0P0, est hospitalisée pour un malaise faisant découvrir une anémie à 39 g/L, hématocrite 16 %, VGM 59 fl, TCMH 15 pg, réticulocytes 11 giga/L. Le reste de l'hémogramme montre un taux normal de globules blancs, une formule leucocytaire normale et des plaquettes à 57 giga/L. Le frottis sanguin ne montre pas de schizocytose, ni de cellule anormale. L'ionogramme, la fonction rénale, la protéine C réactive et la coagulation sont normaux. Il existe une importante carence martiale (ferritinémie à 6 microg/L, CSS à 7 %), sans carence en vitamine B12 ni en folates. Devant la sévérité de l'anémie et son caractère symptomatique, une transfusion de globules rouges est réalisée aux urgences et un traitement par fer injectable dans le service de médecine interne. À j2 de la perfusion de fer, le taux de plaquettes remontait à 93 giga/L puis à 821 giga/L en quelques jours avant de se normaliser à 300 giga/L à un mois, en même temps que le taux d'hémoglobine (130 g/L). La carence martiale survenait dans un contexte de règles abondantes et de végétarisme et de consommation intensive de glaçon. Cas 2 : une femme de 36 ans d'origine comorienne, G1P1, est hospitalisée aux urgences gynécologiques pour des ménorragies chroniques abondantes sur des fibromes utérins connus. Elle avait déjà été hospitalisée en 2014 pour une anémie à 44 g/L associée à une thrombocytose à 973 giga/L, en rapport avec une carence martiale profonde. La patiente a toujours refusé la prise en charge chirurgicale des myomes utérins et n'avait pas de suivi médical. Aux urgences, elle présente une profonde asthénie avec des vertiges. Il n'y a pas de purpura ni bulles buccales. L'hémogramme montre une anémie à 32 g/L, hématocrite 12 %, VGM 55 fl, TCMH 14 pg, réticulocytes 8 giga/L. Les plaquettes sont à 12 giga/L. Les globules blancs sont à 2,9 giga/L en rapport avec une neutropénie à 1,4 giga/L. Il n'y a pas de schizocytose, ni cellule anormale sur le frottis sanguin. Le myélogramme montre des mégacaryocytes dans un frottis riche et une hypoplasie érythroblastique. L'ionogramme, la fonction rénale, la protéine C réactive et la coagulation sont normaux. Il existe une profonde carence martiale (ferritinémie à 7 microg/L), sans carence en vitamine B12 ni en folates. Une transfusion de globules rouges et d'un concentré plaquettaire est réalisée aux urgences. Un traitement par fer injectable est réalisé dans le service de médecine interne. À j3 de la perfusion de fer, le taux de plaquettes remontait à 44 giga/L puis à 450 giga/L en quelques jours avec correction progressive de l'anémie. Il est important de penser à la thrombopénie ferriprive quand elle est associée à une anémie par carence martiale et ne pas évoquer d'emblée le diagnostic de purpura thrombopénique immunologique, ce qui pourrait conduire à des examens inutiles et des traitements inadaptés. La physiopathologie implique le rôle du fer dans la thrombopoïèse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition has been shown to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilator responsiveness, but the contribution and mechanism of enhanced nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity to this effect in patients with coronary artery disease are unknown. We investigated the effect of ACE inhibition on brachial artery dilator responsiveness to increased shear stress after forearm ischemia by ultrasonography as a bioassay for endothelial NO available to vascular smooth muscle in 9 men with coronary artery disease. Serum nitrogen oxides were measured after 3 days of nitrate-restricted diet as an index of endothelial NO release. Patients received quinapril 20 to 40 mg/day for 8 weeks. Relative to pretreatment measurements, quinapril increased flow-mediated dilation (from 2.4+/-0.4 to 10.8+/-2.2, p <0.001), with significant improvement persisting 1 week after discontinuation of therapy (6.7+/-2.5%, p <0.01). However, quinapril decreased serum nitrogen oxide levels by 19+/-17% compared with pretreatment values (from 58.2+/-19.0 to 46.0+/-13.3 micromol/L, p <0.01). Thus, ACE inhibitor therapy with quinapril selectively improves endothelium-dependent vasodilator responsiveness by increased NO bioactivity in relation to vascular smooth muscle in patients with coronary artery disease, an effect achieved at a lower rate of NO release from the endothelium. These findings suggest that ACE inhibitors may reduce angiotensin II-induced oxidant stress within the vessel wall and protect NO from oxidative inactivation. This effect may reduce endothelial NO synthesis required for vasomotor regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches to gait analysis are evolving rapidly and now include a wide range of options: from e-patches to video platforms to wearable inertial measurement unit systems. Newer options for gait analysis are generally more inclusive for the assessment of children, more cost effective and easier to administer. However, there is limited data on the comparability of newer systems with more established traditional approaches in young children. To determine comparability between the Physilog®5 wearable inertial sensor and GAITRite® electronic walkway for spatiotemporal (stride length, time and velocity, cadence) and relative phase (double support time, stance, swing, loading, foot flat and push off) data in young children. A total 34 typically developing participants (41% female) aged 6–11 years old median age 8.99 years old (interquartile range 2.83) were assessed walking at self-selected speed over the GAITRite® electronic walkway while concurrently wearing shoe-attached Physilog®5 IMU sensors. Level of agreement was analysed by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland-Altman plots and 95% limit of agreement. Systematic bias was assessed using 95% confidence interval of the mean difference. Excellent to almost perfect agreement was observed between systems for spatiotemporal metrics: cadence (CCC=0.996), stride length (CCC=0.993), stride time (CCC=0.996), stride velocity (CCC=0.988). The relative phase metrics adjusted for stride velocity showed improved comparability when compared to the unadjusted metrics: swing adjusted (adj) (CCC=0.635); stance adj (CCC: 0.879); loading adj: (CCC=0.626). Spatiotemporal metrics are highly compatible across GAITRite® electronic walkway and Physilog®5 IMU systems in young children. Relative phase metrics were somewhat compatible between systems when adjusted for stride velocity. • Comparability between sensors and electronic walkways in younger children is poorly understood. • Spatiotemporal metrics are found to be highly comparable. • Relative phase metrics need to be adjusted for stride velocity. • Wearable and remote gait analysis is feasible with young paediatric cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a miscibility gap in the CoFe2O4–Co3O4 phase diagram. In this miscibility gap, the oxides can be subjected to a spinodal transformation. It has already been observed in oxides consisting of crystals greater than or equal to 100 nm that spinodal decomposition leads to the formation of two alternating iron-rich and cobalt-rich spinel phases. The pseudo-periodic alternation occurs approximately every 5 nm. In the miscibility gap, thin films of pure iron cobaltites, consisting of crystallites of the order of 10 nm in diameter and around 300 nm in thickness, undergo transformation when they are treated at 600 °C for several hours. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy clearly reveal this transformation, which is accentuated as a function of the treatment time. An electron microscopy study of the cross-sections (view of the films along their thickness), confirms the progressive separation of the former spinel oxide in iron-rich and cobalt-rich spinel phases, without however revealing a pseudo-periodic organization of these phases, whatever the time of treatment. In an attempt to reveal this organization, a specific method of preparation has been implemented to extract the upper part of the films parallel to their basic plane and to observe the crystallites in plan view. The alternation of the iron- and cobalt-rich phases could, however, only be found in the largest crystallites. It seems that the nanometric size of the crystallites prevents the establishment of a pseudo-periodic organization of the phases during the periodic transformation. The observation of compositional anomalies in the grain boundaries seems to support the hypothesis related to a nanometric effect of the crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences across occupational groups related to their end-of-life care-specific educational needs and reported intensity of interprofessional collaboration in long-term care (LTC) homes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, based on two questionnaires, was administered at four LTC homes in Ontario, Canada using a modified Dilman's approach. The first questionnaire, End of Life Professional Caregiver Survey, included three domains: patients and family-centered communication, cultural and ethical values, effective care delivery. The Intensity of Interprofessional Collaboration Scale included two subscales: care sharing activities, and interprofessional coordination. In total, 697 LTC staff were given surveys, including personal support workers, support staff (housekeeping, kitchen, recreation, laundry, dietician aids, office staff), and registered staff (licensed nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, pharmacists, physicians). Results: A total of 317 participants completed the survey (126 personal support workers, 109 support staff, 82 registered staff) for a response rate of 45%. Significant differences emerged among occupational groups across all scales and subscales. Specifically, support staff rated their comfort of working with dying patients significantly lower than both nurses and PSWs. Support staff also reported significantly lower ratings of care sharing activities and interprofessional coordination compared to both registered staff and personal support workers. Conclusions: These study findings suggest there are differing educational needs and sense of interprofessional collaboration among LTC staff, specific to discipline group. Both the personal support workers and support staff groups appeared to have higher needs for education; support staff also reported higher needs related to integration on the interdisciplinary team. Efforts to build capacity within support staff related to working with dying residents and their families are needed. Optimal palliative care may require resources to increase the availability of support for all staff involved in the care of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The study aimed to quantify the long-term effects of stroke on tibial bone morphology and hip bone density. Only the trabecular bone mineral density and bone strength index in the hemiparetic tibial distal epiphysis showed a significant decline among individuals who had sustained a stroke 12-24 months ago. Introduction: This study aims to determine the changes in bone density and morphology in lower limb long bones during a 1-year follow-up period and their relationship to muscle function in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-eight chronic stroke patients (12-166 months after the acute stroke event at initial assessment) and 27 controls underwent bilateral scanning of the hip and tibia using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, respectively. Each subject was re-assessed 1 year after the initial assessment. Results: Twenty stroke cases and 23 controls completed all assessments. At the end of the follow-up, the paretic tibial distal epiphysis suffered significant decline in trabecular bone density (−1.8 ± 0.6 %, p = 0.006) and bone strength index (−2.7 ± 0.6 %, p < 0.001). More severe decline in the former was associated with poorer leg muscle strength ( ρ = 0.447, p = 0.048) and motor recovery ( ρ = 0.489, p = 0.029) measured at initial assessment. The loss in trabecular bone density remained significant among those whose stroke onset was 12-24 months ago ( p < 0.001), but not among those whose stroke onset was beyond 24 months ago ( p > 0.05) at the time of initial assessment. The changes of outcomes in the tibial diaphysis, except for cortical bone mineral content on the non-paretic side (−1.3 ± 0.3 %, p = 0.003), and hip bone density were well within the margin of error for precision. Conclusions: There is evidence of continuous trabecular bone loss in the paretic tibial distal epiphysis among chronic stroke patients, but it tends to plateau after 2 years of stroke onset. The steady state may have been reached earlier in the hip and tibial diaphysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a series of analyses, and physical and numerical experiments, carried out in order to investigate the effects of apparatus stiffness and mass, and specimen fixity, on the results obtained from fixed- free resonant column testing. It is shown that the stiffness of the drive head and the mass of the apparatus base can both have a significant effect on the results obtained from tests on stiffer geomaterials. Connectivity between the specimen, the apparatus base and the top cap is also an issue. Methods of recognising and determining the magnitudes of these effects are described, and recommendations are made for their evaluation and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gait Up Physilog® wearable inertial sensors are a powerful alternative to traditional laboratory-based gait assessment for children with gait impairment. To build clinician trust in these devices and ultimately facilitate their use outside confined spaces, studies have examined performance of previous versions of Physilog® wearable inertial sensors but predominant focus has been on older adults. Despite their different gait patterns and behavioural/cognitive profiles, there are limited studies in children.Research Question: To determine whether key spatiotemporal gait parameters (stride length, time and velocity) collected by shoe-worn Physilog®5 sensors in a hallway assessment protocol are a valid method of gait assessment in typically developing adolescents aged 12-15 years.Methods: A total 30 typically developing participants (50 % female) median age 13.7 (interquartile range 2.34) were assessed in an exploratory study whilst walking at self-selected speed over the GAITRite® electronic walkway, concurrently wearing Physilog®5 sensors. Concurrent validity was analysed by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland-Altman plots and 95 % limit of agreement. Systematic bias was assessed using 95 % confidence interval of the mean difference.Results: Mean stride data demonstrated substantial agreement for stride length (CCC = 0.975) and stride velocity (CCC = 0.979) to almost perfect agreement for stride time (CCC > 0.996). Agreement between the technologies for individual stride-to-stride data remained high for stride time (CCC = 0.952); yet reduced for stride length (CCC = 0.868) and stride velocity (CCC = 0.877). Male/female differences in performance of the technology were observed for stride velocity, favouring females.Significance: Physilog®5 inertial sensors accurately measure walking in adolescents, with stride time the most accurately detected parameter. This demonstrates that wearables can be used by researchers and clinicians working with adolescent groups as an alternative to fixed systems. These findings will ultimately pave the way to using wearables for assessments with children outside of the laboratory environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies indicate that burrows play an essential role in burrowing fish, especially mudskippers, but little is known on burrow morphology and utilization of Periophthalmodon septemradiatus. This study was therefore conducted at five sampling sites from the estuary to upper reaches of Hau River to contribute to the knowledge of the behavior of Pn. septemradiatus, via in situ and ex situ observations of the utilization of burrow structures. Burrows made by polyester resin were used to determine their morphology. The male mudskippers Pn. septemradiatus were observed to excavate burrows using their mouths during the low tide. The burrows' shapes were found to be J, U and W, with 1–3 openings and one bulbous chamber. The chamber was used as egg container where the mudskipper deposits their fertilized eggs. W‐shaped burrows were found to be interconnected chambers where the mudskipper used it to change direction of movements inside the burrow. For the J‐ and U‐shaped burrows, the commonality at all five sites was identified. The W‐shaped burrows were common and were only found at two sites (Long Duc and An Lac Tay). For the burrows' structure, the openings to the surface were oval, circular and bulbous in shape. Yet, there were variations between sites, and the burrows' size was similar during the dry and wet seasons. At different sites, the depth of the burrows seasonally changed. The burrows used by mudskipper provide shelter, spawning sites, and access to feeding grounds for other mudskipper species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plus de 70 % des femmes présentant une fracture par fragilité ont un T-score > −2,5. Elles ne sont pas identifiées et ne sont souvent pas traitées car l'ostéoporose est définie par un T-score < −2,5. L'intelligence artificielle facilite l'étude de la structure hiérarchique de l'os. Nous avons donc évalué ce type d'approche pour tenter d'améliorer la prédiction des fractures. Nous avons étudié (i) 568 femmes ménopausées, d'âge médian 68,2 ans, (42–94) de la cohorte Os des FEmmes de LYon, OFELY, France suivie pendant une durée médiane de 9,4 ans, (ii) 1427 femmes ménopausées de la cohorte Qualité Osseuse Lyon Orléans, QUALYOR cohort (1042 recrutées à Lyon, 497 à Orléans), d'âge médian 65,9 ans (50–87) suivies pendant 5 ans et (iii) 671 femmes de la Geneva Retirees Cohort, GERICO, en Suisse, d'âge médian 65 ans (63–68) suivies pendant 5,7 ans (2–8). Un score de fragilité structurelle construit grâce à une intelligence artificielle (SFS-IA) a été construit en l'entraînant à lire les images d'un scanner périphérique à haute résolution comprenant le radius distal, l'ulna distal et les parties molles. Les données des 3 cohortes ont été poolées, puis un set de données d'apprentissage comprenant 80 % des participantes a été constitué de façon aléatoire, et un set de données de test a été créé de la même manière (20 % des participantes). Le modèle a ainsi appris à distinguer les 277 femmes fracturées des 1401 femmes sans fracture dans le set d'apprentissage. Le modèle a ensuite été testé dans une cohorte de 422 femmes. L'analyse a été faite avec le réseau neuronal DenseNet121. Chez les femmes de tous âges, l'aire sous la courbe pour identifier tous les types de fractures était à 0,72 pour SFS-IA, significativement supérieure à celle de la DMO et du FRAX-DMO. Chez les femmes d'au moins 65 ans, l'aire était également significativement meilleure avec le SFS-IA, à 0,70. Les sensibilités étaient respectivement de 59 et 68 %, avec des spécificités de 77 et 71 %, alors que pour FRAX-DMO, les valeurs de sensibilité étaient de 7 et 12 % et les spécificités de 97 et 95 %. Les résultats pour les fractures majeures présentaient la même allure. Les SFS-AI étaient corrélés à l'âge des femmes. La porosité corticale et la densité trabéculaire étaient les variables explicatives les plus importantes de la variance du modèle. Notre étude a quelques limites, incluant l'absence d'analyse des facteurs de risque de chute et une taille d'échantillon insuffisante pour analyser les différents types de fractures séparément. Il s'agit de la première étude montrant qu'un modèle d'AI améliore nettement la prédiction des fractures. L'utilisation facile de ce modèle devrait aussi lever le frein que représentait l'analyse complexe de la microarchitecture des scanners à haute résolution. Le SFS-AI identifie les femmes à risque de fracture nettement mieux que les approches classiques tout en permettant une utilisation facile du scanner périphérique à haute résolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the novel integrated modelling procedure 3H-EMC for the determination of the environmental flow in rivers and streams; 3H-EMC combines Hydrological, Hydrodynamic and Habitat modelling with the use of the Environmental Management Classes (EMCs) that are defined by the Global Environmental Flow Calculator. We apply 3H-EMC in the Sperchios River in Central Greece, in which water abstractions for irrigation cause significant environmental impacts. Calculations of the hydrodynamic-habitat model, in which the large and the small chub are the main fish species, suggest discharge values that range from 1.0 m 3 /s to 4.0 m 3 /s. However, hydrological modelling indicates that it is practically difficult to achieve discharges that are higher than approximately 1.0–1.5 m 3 /s. Furthermore, legislation suggests significantly lower values (0.4–0.5 m 3 /s) that are unacceptable from the ecological point of view. This behaviour shows that a non-integrated approach, which is based only on hydrodynamic-habitat modelling does not necessarily result in realistic environmental flows, and thus an integrated approach is required. We propose the value of 1.0 m 3 /s as the “optimum” environmental flow for Sperchios River, because (a) it satisfies the habitat requirements, as expressed by the values of weighted useable area that are equal to 2180 and 1964 m 2 for the large and small chub, respectively, and correspond to 82 and 95% of their respective maximum values, (b) it is consistent with the requirements of Environmental Classes A and B, whose percentiles are higher than 75% for discharge (77.2%) and for habitat availability (>83.5% for the large chub and >85.0% for the small chub), (c) it is practically achievable from the hydrological point of view, and (d) it is higher than the value proposed by the Greek legislation. The proposed modelling approach can be applied to any river or stream using the same or similar modelling tools, which should be linked via suitable coupling algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "The effects of stress-tension on depression and anxiety symptoms: evidence from a novel twin modelling analysis" that was published in the September 8, 2016 issue is presented.

Purpose: Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity in Switzerland. The nutritional status of individuals who have adopted such diets, however, has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the intake and status of selected vitamins and minerals among vegetarian and vegan adults living in Switzerland. Methods: Healthy adults [omnivores (OVs), n = 100; vegetarians (VGs), n = 53; vegans (VNs), n = 53] aged 18-50 years were recruited, and their weight and height were measured. Plasma concentrations of the vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin and β-carotene and of the minerals Fe, Mg and Zn and urinary iodine concentration were determined. Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day weighed food record, and questionnaires were issued in order to assess the physical activity and lifestyle of the subjects. Results: Omnivores had the lowest intake of Mg, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin and folic acid. Vegans reported low intakes of Ca and a marginal consumption of the vitamins D and B12. The highest prevalence for vitamin and mineral deficiencies in each group was as follows: in the omnivorous group, for folic acid (58 %); in the vegetarian group, for vitamin B6 and niacin (58 and 34 %, respectively); and in the vegan group, for Zn (47 %). Despite negligible dietary vitamin B12 intake in the vegan group, deficiency of this particular vitamin was low in all groups thanks to widespread use of supplements. Prevalence of Fe deficiency was comparable across all diet groups. Conclusions: Despite substantial differences in intake and deficiency between groups, our results indicate that by consuming a well-balanced diet including supplements or fortified products, all three types of diet can potentially fulfill requirements for vitamin and mineral consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone-forming tumour that typically arises within the metaphysis of long bones. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare variant that usually arises in the deep soft tissues, especially in the legs. We report a 65-year-old white man with an ulcerated, nodular lesion of the forearm. Based on the histological features and immunohistochemical profile of the tumour, a diagnosis of osteoblastic osteosarcoma was made. Osteosarcoma arising in the skin is a rare condition that has seldom been reported in the English literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundNegative mood states are composed of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and by a third factor related to stress, tension and irritability. We sought to clarify the nature of the relationships between the factors by studying twin pairs.MethodA total of 503 monozygotic twin pairs completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), an instrument that assesses symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress–tension. We applied a recently developed twin regression methodology – Inference about Causation from Examination of FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON) – to test for evidence consistent with the existence of ‘causal’ influences between the DASS factors.ResultsThere was evidence consistent with the stress–tension factor having a causal influence on both the depression (p < 0.0001) and anxiety factors (p = 0.001), and for the depression factor having a causal influence on the anxiety factor (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest a critical role for stress–tension in the structure of negative mood states, and that interventions that target it may be particularly effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ocean wave energy is used to drive a buoyant instrument platform down a wire suspended from a surface float. At the lower terminus of the profiling range, the cam that rectifies wave vertical motion is released and the package, termed the Wirewalker, free ascends. No electronic components are used in the profiler, and only a few moving parts are involved. The Wirewalker is tolerant of a broad range of payloads: the ballast is adjusted by adding discrete foam blocks. The Wirewalker profiles 1000--3000 km month−−1, vertically, with typical missions lasting from days to months. A description of the profiler is presented along with a discussion of basic profiling dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analyzed the electrocaloric response in ferroelectric materials in nonequilibrium thermal conditions. The temperature dependences of the electrocaloric response during polarization and depolarization of ferroelectric samples based on solid solutions of barium-strontium titanate and lead magnoniobate-titanate are considered. The difference in the electrocaloric responses for polarization and depolarization, which can be as large as 5 mK, has been demonstrated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cases involving produce-associated illnesses has been increasing recently, especially those related to pathogen-contaminated irrigation water. Clearly, real-time and extremely sensitive detection of these pathogens is needed to ensure that produce-related farming procedures are safe. In our study, we demonstrated that the use of a microfluidic system can detect Escherichia coli in a water pipe at laminar and tarbulent flow regimes. A one-step latex immunoagglutination assay was performed within a microfluidic device that uses fiber optics to detect pathogens. The results were then successfully validated by using cultured E. coli and a salt tracer. The detection of the E. coli was thus accomplished in real time (<5 min per each assay) and at concentrations less than 10 cfu mL-1, suggesting that the system is appropriate for monitoring waterborne pathogens. Specifically, our study found that, in a straight pipe, cell fragments and free antigens or E. coli behave in ways similar to the salt tracer, while viable E. coli cells do not. The computational fluid dynamics model successfully predicted flow dispersion and presents the possibility of modeling the behavior of waterborne pathogens. This study also suggests the possibility of early detection of systemic contamination and timely public health risk assessment before a costly disease outbreak occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chesapeake Bay water quality has been a concern since 1970. In rural areas, agriculture is the dominant N and P source, and the voluntary application of best management practices (BMPs) is the primary management tool. Here we test the hypothesis that the current management approach of primarily voluntary, untargeted BMP implementation is insufficient to create detectable, widespread reductions in N, P, and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations in agricultural watersheds of the Choptank basin, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay. To test this hypothesis, we assessed BMP implementation and sampled water quality on participating farms, at intermediate streams within each watershed, and at watershed outlets of four watersheds from 2013 to 2014. We also present water quality data from 2003 to 2014 at the outlets of 12 additional agricultural and one forested watershed and survey-directed interviews of farmers. By the end of 2014, large numbers of BMPs, both structural and cultural, had been implemented. Of the 16 agricultural watersheds, 50% showed significant decreases in baseflow N, 37.5% showed no changes, and 12.5% showed increasing TN. Baseflow P significantly decreased at just one watershed, increased at one, and remained stable at 14. Stormflow N was similar to baseflow, but stormflow P was 5 times higher than baseflow. These data partially support our hypothesis. Surveys suggested farmers considered themselves responsible for the quality of water leaving their farms, but out-of-pocket cost was the major impediment to further BMP adoption. We suggest that greater outreach and more financial support for farmers to implement BMPs is required to increase the types and densities of BMPs needed to achieve regional water quality goals. [Display omitted] • Best management practices are needed to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality. • We evaluated water quality at 3 spatial scales due to agricultural management. • Water quality improved at the outlets of 50% of the sampled watersheds. • The primary impediment to BMP adoption by farmers was out-of-pocket expense. • As of 2014, management approach inconsistently improved stream water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical advances over the last twenty years have increased the rate of local control of soft tissue sarcoma from 70 to 80 %. However, the management of soft tissue sarcoma, especially initial treatment, remains inadequate outside specialized treatment centres. This paper discusses how to minimize diagnostic errors and perform biopsies. Soft tissue sarcoma surgery requires careful planning and must be integrated into a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. A “whoops” excision can compromise a patient’s prognosis. The quality of surgery is best evaluated by the UICC residual disease (R) system, which helps to adapt complementary treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate glutathione and amino acids related to glutathione metabolism in patients with anorexia nervosa in order to test the hypothesis that these patients exhibit a deficiency of glutathione and therefore might be at an increased risk of developing toxic liver injury. DESIGN:: Controlled observatory study and case report. SETTING:: University Hospital. SUBJECTS:: Subjects included 11 female patients with anorexia nervosa and 12 healthy female controls. INTERVENTIONS:: Determination of fasting free and total glutathione, homocysteine, vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid in plasma. RESULTS:: A 14-y-old patient with a body mass index of 12.6?kg/m2 presented with markedly elevated transaminases (ALAT >50 × upper limit of normal), and paracetamol was detected in her blood. Patients with anorexia nervosa exhibited lower circulating concentrations of free cysteine (8.9±1.5 vs 12.0±1.4?µmol/l) and free and total glutathione (5.0±1.3 vs 7.1±1.2 and 11.2±3.8 vs 16.2±5.0?µmol/l, respectively). The plasma concentrations of homocysteine (17.5±4.9 vs 12.0±3.8?µmol/l) and also of glycine (194±37 vs 143±41?µmol/l) and glutamine (422±51 vs 353±51?µmol/l) were significantly higher in patients with anorexia nervosa who were not deficient in folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12. CONCLUSIONS:: Lower plasma concentrations of glutathione suggest lower intracellular concentrations of the tripeptide. Higher homocysteine, glycine and glutamine concentrations point to a decreased utilization of these amino acids for glutathione synthesis and an impairment of trans-sulfuration. Consequently, the capacity of patients with anorexia nervosa to detoxify electrophilic metabolites and reactive oxygen species via glutathione may be impaired. SPONSORSHIP:: Supported by Grant 32-52608.97 from the Swiss National Foundation for Scientific Research.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 238-243. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601772 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanning trees help removing cycles and establishing short paths between a given node and the rest of the nodes in a network. In ad hoc mobile computing networks, however, transient node failures occur due to being out of range or powered off. Therefore, we present a self-stabilized distributed algorithm based on homogeneous agents for constructing a random spanning tree. Our approach makes use of distributed random walks as a network traversal scheme, in order to handle dynamic topology changes in ad hoc wireless networks. Each random walk is represented by a mobile agent annexing a territory over the underlying network. These multiple random walks collapse into a final one that defines the random spanning tree. It will be shown that, compared to deterministically predetermined spanning trees, our algorithm is more resilient to transient failures that occur in ad hoc mobile networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hot electrons cooling by phonons in GaAs/AlAs cylindrical quantum wire (CQW), under the influence of an intense electromagnetic wave (EMW), is studied theoretically. Analytic expression for the electron cooling power (CP) is derived from the quantum transport equation for phonons, using the Hamiltonian of interacting electron-optical phonon system. Both photon absorption and emission processes are considered. Numerical results show that the CP reaches maximum when the energy difference between electronic subbands equals the energy of an optical phonon plus the photon energy. Under the influence of the EMW, the negative CP is observed showing that electrons gain energy from phonon and photon instead of losing their energy. Also, the CP increases with increasing the EMW amplitude. Our results theoretically clarify the mechanism of the electron cooling process by phonons in the GaAs/AlAs CQW under the EMW, which is of significance for designing and fabricating high-speed nanoelectronic devices based on this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]