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Cutaneous-skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome (CSHS) is a rare bone disorder featuring fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)-mediated hypophosphatemic rickets. We report a 2-year, 10-month-old girl with CSHS treated with burosumab, a novel human monoclonal antibody targeting FGF23. This approach was associated with rickets healing, improvement in growth and lower limb deformity, and clinically significant benefit to her functional mobility and motor development. This case report provides evidence for the effective use of FGF23-neutralizing antibody therapy beyond the classic FGF23-mediated disorders of X-linked hypophosphatemia and tumor-induced osteomalacia.

Background:. Upper blepharoplasty is the most popular facial cosmetic surgery. Although there are a variety of reasons to undergo this procedure, all patients expect an optimal cosmetic result. However, little is known about the factors that influence satisfaction with treatment outcome. Objectives:. We assessed to what extent patient characteristics, clinician-rated and postsurgical outcome measures, and patient-reported satisfaction with facial appearance and quality-of-life are associated with patient-reported satisfaction with treatment outcome after a primary upper blepharoplasty. Methods:. This study was performed in 583 patients with an upper blepharoplasty between 2016 and 2021. The primary outcome was satisfaction with treatment outcome 6 months postoperatively using the FACE-Q. Determinants were baseline patient characteristics (demographics), preoperative and postoperative clinician-rated and surgical outcome measures, and preoperative and postoperative FACE-Q appearance and quality-of-life scales. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to determine how much of the variance in satisfaction with outcome could be explained by these groups of determinants. Results:. A total of 63% of the variance could be explained by the five groups of determinants of which 8% was explained by the baseline patient characteristics and clinician-rated and patient-reported outcomes together, another 8% by the postoperative clinician-rated outcomes, and the remaining 47% by the postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions:. Patient characteristics, clinician-rated outcome measures, and baseline FACE-Q appearance and quality-of-life scores were of limited value in explaining satisfaction with treatment outcome. However, the postoperative FACE-Q appearance scale and the decision to undergo a blepharoplasty were strongly associated with satisfaction with treatment outcome.

BackgroundRecent developments in artificial intelligence suggest that radiomics may represent a promising non-invasive biomarker to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nevertheless, validation of radiomics algorithms in independent cohorts remains a challenge due to variations in image acquisition and reconstruction. Using radiomics, we investigated the importance of scan normalization as part of a broader machine learning framework to enable model external generalizability to predict ICI response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients across different centers.MethodsRadiomics features were extracted and compared from 642 advanced NSCLC patients on pre-ICI scans using established open-source PyRadiomics and a proprietary DeepRadiomics deep learning technology. The population was separated into two groups: a discovery cohort of 512 NSCLC patients from three academic centers and a validation cohort that included 130 NSCLC patients from a fourth center. We harmonized images to account for variations in reconstruction kernel, slice thicknesses, and device manufacturers. Multivariable models, evaluated using cross-validation, were used to estimate the predictive value of clinical variables, PD-L1 expression, and PyRadiomics or DeepRadiomics for progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6).ResultsThe best prognostic factor for PFS-6, excluding radiomics features, was obtained with the combination of Clinical + PD-L1 expression (AUC = 0.66 in the discovery and 0.62 in the validation cohort). Without image harmonization, combining Clinical + PyRadiomics or DeepRadiomics delivered an AUC = 0.69 and 0.69, respectively, in the discovery cohort, but dropped to 0.57 and 0.52, in the validation cohort. This lack of generalizability was consistent with observations in principal component analysis clustered by CT scan parameters. Subsequently, image harmonization eliminated these clusters. The combination of Clinical + DeepRadiomics reached an AUC = 0.67 and 0.63 in the discovery and validation cohort, respectively. Conversely, the combination of Clinical + PyRadiomics failed generalizability validations, with AUC = 0.66 and 0.59.ConclusionWe demonstrated that a risk prediction model combining Clinical + DeepRadiomics was generalizable following CT scan harmonization and machine learning generalization methods. These results had similar performances to routine oncology practice using Clinical + PD-L1. This study supports the strong potential of radiomics as a future non-invasive strategy to predict ICI response in advanced NSCLC.

This work describes a computational method for reconstructing clusters of social relationships among early modern printers and publishers, the most determinant agents for the process of transformation of scientific knowledge. The method is applied to a dataset retrieved from the Sphaera corpus, a collection of 359 editions of textbooks used at European universities and produced between the years 1472 and 1650. The method makes use of standard bibliographic data and fingerprints; social relationships are defined as “awareness relationships”. The historical background is constituted of the production and economic practices of early modern printers and publishers in the academic book market. The work concludes with empirically validating historical case studies, their historical interpretation, and suggestions for further improvements by utilizing machine learning technologies.

Abstract α-Thalassemia is a common inherited blood disorder manifested mainly by the deletions of α-globin genes. In geographical areas with high carrier frequencies, screening of α-thalassemia carrier state is therefore of vital importance. This study presents a novel method for identifying female carriers of common α-thalassemia deletions using samples routinely taken for non-invasive prenatal tests for screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. A total of 68,885 Vietnamese pregnant women were recruited and α-thalassemia statuses were determined by gap-PCR, revealing 5344 women (7.76%) carried deletions including αα/−−SEA (4.066%), αα/−α3.7 (2.934%), αα/−α4.2 (0.656%), and rare genotypes (0.102%). A two-stage model was built to predict these α-thalassemia deletions from targeted sequencing of the HBA gene cluster on maternal cfDNA. Our method achieved F1-scores of 97.14–99.55% for detecting the three common genotypes and 94.74% for detecting rare genotypes (−α3.7/−α4.2, αα/−−THAI, −α3.7/−−SEA, −α4.2/−−SEA). Additionally, the positive predictive values were 100.00% for αα/αα, 99.29% for αα/−−SEA, 94.87% for αα/−α3.7, and 96.51% for αα/−α4.2; and the negative predictive values were 97.63%, 99.99%, 99.99%, and 100.00%, respectively. As NIPT is increasingly adopted for pregnant women, utilizing cfDNA from NIPT to detect maternal carriers of common α-thalassemia deletions will be cost-effective and expand the benefits of NIPT.

The main purpose of this research is to propose and empirical test a conceptual model that clarifies the relationship between green hotel practices and customer citizenship behavior (CCB) with the mediating role is green hotel image and satisfaction in the perspective of customers. To test the hypothesis this research utilizes the data collected from a questionnaire survey from tourists who have visited the Moc Chau national tourist area, Son La – a mountainous province situated in the North West of Vietnam. Finally, the authors collected 212 valid questionnaires to test the hypothesis. The testing results indicated that green hotel practices positively influence customer citizenship behavior. Moreover, green hotel image and customer satisfaction contribute as the mediating effects in the relationship between green hotel practice and customer citizenship behavior. In contrast, green hotel image and customer satisfaction do not act as the serial mediation in this relationship.

Abstract A hallmark of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) are 2′-O-methyl groups that are introduced sequence specifically by box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in ribonucleoprotein particles. Most data on this chemical modification and its impact on RNA folding and stability are derived from organisms of the Opisthokonta supergroup. Using bioinformatics and RNA-seq data, we identify 30 novel box C/D snoRNAs in Dictyostelium discoideum, many of which are differentially expressed during the multicellular development of the amoeba. By applying RiboMeth-seq, we find 49 positions in the 17S and 26S rRNA 2′-O-methylated. Several of these nucleotides are substoichiometrically modified, with one displaying dynamic modification levels during development. Using homology-based models for the D. discoideum rRNA secondary structures, we localize many modified nucleotides in the vicinity of the ribosomal A, P and E sites. For most modified positions, a guiding box C/D snoRNA could be identified, allowing to determine idiosyncratic features of the snoRNA/rRNA interactions in the amoeba. Our data from D. discoideum represents the first evidence for ribosome heterogeneity in the Amoebozoa supergroup, allowing to suggest that it is a common feature of all eukaryotes.

Abstract Background Genome-wide association studies have identified statistical associations between various diseases, including cancers, and a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, they provide no direct explanation of the mechanisms underlying the association. Based on the recent discovery that changes in three-dimensional genome organization may have functional consequences on gene regulation favoring diseases, we investigated systematically the genome-wide distribution of disease-associated SNPs with respect to a specific feature of 3D genome organization: topologically associating domains (TADs) and their borders. Results For each of 449 diseases, we tested whether the associated SNPs are present in TAD borders more often than observed by chance, where chance (i.e., the null model in statistical terms) corresponds to the same number of pointwise loci drawn at random either in the entire genome, or in the entire set of disease-associated SNPs listed in the GWAS catalog. Our analysis shows that a fraction of diseases displays such a preferential localization of their risk loci. Moreover, cancers are relatively more frequent among these diseases, and this predominance is generally enhanced when considering only intergenic SNPs. The structure of SNP-based diseasome networks confirms that localization of risk loci in TAD borders differs between cancers and non-cancer diseases. Furthermore, different TAD border enrichments are observed in embryonic stem cells and differentiated cells, consistent with changes in topological domains along embryogenesis and delineating their contribution to disease risk. Conclusions Our results suggest that, for certain diseases, part of the genetic risk lies in a local genetic variation affecting the genome partitioning in topologically insulated domains. Investigating this possible contribution to genetic risk is particularly relevant in cancers. This study thus opens a way of interpreting genome-wide association studies, by distinguishing two types of disease-associated SNPs: one with an effect on an individual gene, the other acting in interplay with 3D genome organization.

We are now witnessing the rapid growth of advanced technologies and their application, leading to Smart Manufacturing (SM). The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the main technologies used to enable smart factories, which is connecting all industrial assets, including machines and control systems, with the information systems and the business processes. Industrial Control Systems of smart IoT-based factories are one of the top industries attacked by numerous threats, especially unknown and novel attacks. As a result, with the distributed structure of plenty of IoT front-end sensing devices in SM, an effectively distributed anomaly detection (AD) architecture for IoT-based ICSs should: achieve high detection performance, train and learn new data patterns in a fast time scale, and have lightweight to be deployed on resource-constrained edge devices. To date, most solutions for anomaly detection have not fulfilled all of these requirements. In addition, the interpretability of why an instance is predicted to be abnormal is hardly concerned. In this paper, we propose the so- called FedeX architecture to address those challenges. The experiments show that FedeX outperforms 14 other existing anomaly detection solutions on all detection metrics with the liquid storage data set. And with Recall of 1 and F1-score of 0.9857, it also outperforms those solutions on the SWAT data set. FedeX is also proven to be fast in terms of training time of about 7.5 minutes and lightweight in terms of hardware requirement with memory consumption of 14%, allowing us to deploy anomaly detection tasks on top of edge computing infrastructure and in real-time. Besides, FedeX is considered as one of the frameworks at the forefront of interpreting the predicted anomalies by using XAI, which enables experts to make quick decisions and trust the model more.

Task conflicts among group members have a significant impact on team creativity, so it is critical to identify which conflict resolution styles should be used. This paper aims to examine how various conflict management styles influence team creativity via task conflict. The empirical research was conducted using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) for a sample of 257 employees working for Vietnamese organizations. The results show that dominating style increases task conflict while combining and obliging styles reduce it. To take advantage of the creativity-related benefits associated with task conflict, team leaders should develop an open atmosphere that encourages participants' integrating styles, rather than dominating styles. The negative influence of obliging style reflects Vietnamese culture's high collectivism. The study provides various approaches for task conflict management and also highlights the role of controlling task conflicts in enhancing team innovation. It implies that employees will be able to work better as a team in practice if conflict management strategies are used in a flexible manner. It helps them to build a good connection and successfully implement new ideas. Further research should extend the conclusion of this analysis in various contexts to generalize the findings. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01303 Full Text: PDF

Abstract Background Several inherited metabolic diseases are underreported in Vietnam, namely glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd), phenylketonuria (PKU) and galactosemia (GAL). Whilst massively parallel sequencing (MPS) allows researchers to screen several loci simultaneously for pathogenic variants, no screening programme uses MPS to uncover the variant spectra of these diseases in the Vietnamese population. Methods Pregnant women (mean age of 32) from across Vietnam attending routine prenatal health checks agreed to participate and had their blood drawn. MPS was used to detect variants in their G6PD, PAH and GALT genes. Results Of 3259 women screened across Vietnam, 450 (13.8%) carried disease‐associated variants for G6PD, PAH and GALT. The prevalence of carriers was 8.9% (291 of 3259) in G6PD and 4.6% (152 of 3259) in PKU, whilst GAL was low at 0.2% (7 of 3259). Two GALT variants, c.593 T > C and c.1034C > A, have rarely been reported. Conclusion This study highlights the need for routine carrier screening, where women give blood whilst receiving routine prenatal care, in Vietnam. The use of MPS is suitable for screening multiple variants, allowing for identifying rare pathogenic variants. The data from our study will inform policymakers in constructing cost‐effective genetic metabolic carrier screening programmes.

We present optical, infrared, ultraviolet, and radio observations of SN 2022xkq, an underluminous fast-declining Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) in NGC 1784 ( D ≈ 31 Mpc), from

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductor heterostructures are actively explored as a new platform for quantum optoelectronic systems. Most state of the art devices make use of insulating hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) that acts as a wide-bandgap dielectric encapsulating layer that also provides an atomically smooth and clean interface that is paramount for proper device operation. We report the observation of large, through-hBN photocurrents that are generated upon optical excitation of hBN encapsulated MoSe2 and WSe2 monolayer devices. We attribute these effects to Auger recombination in the TMDs, in combination with an asymmetric band offset between the TMD and the hBN. We present experimental investigation of these effects and compare our observations with detailed, ab-initio modeling. Our observations have important implications for the design of optoelectronic devices based on encapsulated TMD devices. In systems where precise charge-state control is desired, the out-of-plane current path presents both a challenge and an opportunity for optical doping control. Since the current directly depends on Auger recombination, it can act as a local, direct probe of both the efficiency of the Auger process as well as its dependence on the local density of states in integrated devices.

Background: In December 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) reported a SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VoC) which is now named B.1.1.7. Based on initial data from the UK and later data from other countries, this variant was estimated to have a transmission fitness advantage of around 40–80 % (Volz et al., 2021; Leung et al., 2021; Davies et al., 2021). Aim: This study aims to estimate the transmission fitness advantage and the effective reproductive number of B.1.1.7 through time based on data from Switzerland. Methods: We generated whole genome sequences from 11.8 % of all confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in Switzerland between 14 December 2020 and 11 March 2021. Based on these data, we determine the daily frequency of the B.1.1.7 variant and quantify the variant’s transmission fitness advantage on a national and a regional scale. Results: We estimate B.1.1.7 had a transmission fitness advantage of 43–52 % compared to the other variants circulating in Switzerland during the study period. Further, we estimate B.1.1.7 had a reproductive number above 1 from 01 January 2021 until the end of the study period, compared to below 1 for the other variants. Specifically, we estimate the reproductive number for B.1.1.7 was 1.24 [1.07–1.41] from 01 January until 17 January 2021 and 1.18 [1.06–1.30] from 18 January until 01 March 2021 based on the whole genome sequencing data. From 10 March to 16 March 2021, once B.1.1.7 was dominant, we estimate the reproductive number was 1.14 [1.00–1.26] based on all confirmed cases. For reference, Switzerland applied more non-pharmaceutical interventions to combat SARS-CoV-2 on 18 January 2021 and lifted some measures again on 01 March 2021. Conclusion: The observed increase in B.1.1.7 frequency in Switzerland during the study period is as expected based on observations in the UK. In absolute numbers, B.1.1.7 increased exponentially with an estimated doubling time of around 2–3.5 weeks. To monitor the ongoing spread of B.1.1.7, our plots are available online.

BackgroundHealthy behaviors are crucial for maintaining a person’s health and well-being. The effects of health behavior interventions are mediated by individual and contextual factors that vary over time. Recently emerging smartphone-based ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) can use real-time user reports (ecological momentary assessments [EMAs]) to trigger appropriate support when needed in daily life. ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to assess the characteristics of smartphone-delivered EMIs using self-reported EMAs in relation to their effects on health behaviors, user engagement, and user perspectives. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in June 2019 and updated the search in March 2020. We included experimental studies that incorporated EMIs based on EMAs delivered through smartphone apps to promote health behaviors in any health domain. Studies were independently screened. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. We performed a narrative synthesis of intervention effects, user perspectives and engagement, and intervention design and characteristics. Quality appraisal was conducted for all included studies. ResultsWe included 19 papers describing 17 unique studies and comprising 652 participants. Most studies were quasi-experimental (13/17, 76%), had small sample sizes, and great heterogeneity in intervention designs and measurements. EMIs were most popular in the mental health domain (8/17, 47%), followed by substance abuse (3/17, 18%), diet, weight loss, physical activity (4/17, 24%), and smoking (2/17, 12%). Of the 17 studies, the 4 (24%) included randomized controlled trials reported nonstatistically significant effects on health behaviors, and 4 (24%) quasi-experimental studies reported statistically significant pre-post improvements in self-reported primary outcomes, namely depressive (P

Spine movement is a daily activity that can indicate health status changes, including low back pain (LBP) problems. Repetitious and continuous movement on the spine and incorrect postures during daily functional activities may lead to the potential development and persistence of LBP problems. Therefore, monitoring of posture and movement is essential when designing LBP interventions. Typically, LBP diagnosis is facilitated by monitoring upper body posture and movement impairments, particularly during functional activities using body motion sensors. This study presents a fully wireless multi-sensor cluster system to monitor spine movements. The study suggests an attempt to develop a new method to monitor the lumbopelvic movements of interest selectively. In addition, the research employs a custom-designed robotic lumbar spine simulator to generate the ideal lumbopelvic posture and movements for reference sensor data. The mechanical motion templates provide an automated sensor pattern recognition mechanism for diagnosing the LBP.

Data analysis often entails a multitude of heterogeneous steps, from the application of various command line tools to the usage of scripting languages like R or Python for the generation of plots and tables. It is widely recognized that data analyses should ideally be conducted in a reproducible way. Reproducibility enables technical validation and regeneration of results on the original or even new data. However, reproducibility alone is by no means sufficient to deliver an analysis that is of lasting impact (i.e., sustainable) for the field, or even just one research group. We postulate that it is equally important to ensure adaptability and transparency. The former describes the ability to modify the analysis to answer extended or slightly different research questions. The latter describes the ability to understand the analysis in order to judge whether it is not only technically, but methodologically valid. Here, we analyze the properties needed for a data analysis to become reproducible, adaptable, and transparent. We show how the popular workflow management system Snakemake can be used to guarantee this, and how it enables an ergonomic, combined, unified representation of all steps involved in data analysis, ranging from raw data processing, to quality control and fine-grained, interactive exploration and plotting of final results.

Commercial land use management that focuses on a future-oriented urban and regional development must address multiple goals. Effective policy mixes need to simultaneously (1) improve city-regional and inter-municipal cooperation, (2) reduce land take, and (3) assure the long-term economic development of a region. Using the Northern Black Forest in Germany as a case study, we brought together planning and land use research with public policy analysis. We applied cross-impact balances (CIB) to build and analyze a participatory policy-interaction model. Together with a group of 12 experts, we selected effective individual measures to reach each of the three goals and analyzed their interactions. We then assessed the current policy mix and designed alternative policy mixes. The results demonstrate that current approaches to commercial land use management present internal contradictions and generate only little synergies. Implementing innovative measures on a stand-alone basis runs the risk of not being sufficiently effective. In particular, the current practice of competing for municipal marketing and planning of commercial sites has inhibiting effects. We identified alternative policy mixes that achieve all three goals, avoid trade-offs, and generate significant synergy effects. Our results point towards a more coherent and sustainable city-regional (commercial) land-use governance.

Five new alkaloids have been isolated from the lipophilic extract of the Antarctic tunicate Synoicum sp. Deep-sea specimens of Synoicum sp. were collected during a 2011 cruise of the R/V Nathanial B. Palmer to the southern Scotia Arc, Antarctica. Crude extracts from the invertebrates obtained during the cruise were screened in a zebrafish-based phenotypic assay. The Synoicum sp. extract induced embryonic dysmorphology characterized by axis truncation, leading to the isolation of aminopyrimidine substituted indolone (1–4) and indole (5–12) alkaloids. While the primary bioactivity tracked with previously reported meridianins A–G (5–11), further investigation resulted in the isolation and characterization of australindolones A–D (1–4) and the previously unreported meridianin H (12).

Research into masoretic biblical manuscripts (MSS) is heavily reliant on our ability to reunite fragments once belonging to the same codex, now separated one from the other in the Genizah morass, and to identify the scribes behind codices whose colophons have been lost. This task is made especially difficult by the fact that the oriental square hand in which these codices were written is highly stereotypical. Consequently, the paleographer must rely on paratextual features: non-textual features that accompany the biblical text itself, which form a kind of fingerprint for each MS or scribe. This article argues that the masora circule (the small circule used in these MSS to link the masoretic notes to the biblical text itself) functions as part of this unique fingerprint.

This article discusses our implementation of an Elastic cluster to address our search, search administration and indexing needs, how it integrates in our technology infrastructure, and finally takes a close look at the way that we built a reusable, dynamic search engine that powers our digital repository search. We cover the lessons learned with our early implementations and how to address them to lay the groundwork for a scalable, networked search environment that can also be applied to alternative search engines such as Solr.

A selective, sensitive, and rapid method by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of histamine in fish and fish sauce was developed. The optimal conditions of liquid chromatographic separation and mass spectroscopy of histamine have also been investigated. The linear ranges of the method were 20.0 ÷ 1000 ng/mL, and the corresponding correlation coefficient was 0.9993. Mean recoveries of the analyte at three spike levels (low, medium, and high) were within the range of 98.5% ÷ 102.5% (n = 7). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 3.83 and 11.50 ng/mL for the fish sauce sample and 4.71 and 14.12 ng/mL for the fish sample, respectively. The influence of the matrix effect on the accuracy, repeatability, and recovery of the method was negligible. The recommended method was applied to determine the content of this substance in 21 fish sauce samples and 4 kinds of fish samples, which were collected from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2019.

Where the Earth is exceptionally alive with energy has drawn the attention of visitors. These visitors believe that the vortex energy will enhance spiritual and physical health by way of a visit. This study examined this under-explored niche tourism sector by focusing on developing a visitors’ profile and the alignment of this niche market to sustainable tourism management. To study this form of spiritual tourism, research was conducted in a famous vortex tourist destination in the southwest U.S. using a mixed methods approach. The methods included: an online business survey, an on-site visitor survey, a mail-back resident survey, and social media analysis. The business survey results show that vortex businesses are among the top businesses in the destination. The visitor survey results show that vortex visitors have some characteristics similar to the general visitors to the destination (age, group size) and some characteristics that distinguish them from other visitors (gender, trip length). Vortex visitors’ attitudes align closely with sustainable tourism principles. The resident survey results show a lower preference for vortex tourism in the community over other types of tourism. Finally, social media analysis shows that public opinions for vortex tourism in the community studied are mixed and range from beliefs in and disbeliefs about the vortex energy. The multi-method approach provides a more robust and complex profile of this type of spiritual tourism. The findings of this research are useful for destination management, particularly a sustainability approach, and can provide guidance for other vortex destinations and more broadly tourism for spiritual reasons. Keywords: Vortex Tourism, New Age, Sustainable Tourism, Sedona, Southwest U.S.

Background: Radiological biomarkers which correlate with visual function are needed to improve the clinical management of optic pathway glioma (OPG) patients. Currently, these are not available using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. The aim of this study was to determine whether diffusion MRI could be used to delineate the entire optic pathway in OPG patients, and provide imaging biomarkers within this pathway which correlate with a patient's visual acuity (VA). Methods: Multi-shell diffusion MRI data were acquired in a cohort of paediatric OPG patients, along with VA measurements in each eye. Diffusion MRI data were processed using constrained spherical deconvolution and probabilistic fibre tractography, to delineate the white matter bundles forming the optic pathway in each patient. Median fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in the optic nerves, tracts, and radiations, and correlated against each patient's VA. Results: In the optic nerves, median FA significantly correlated with VA (R2adj=0.31, p=0.0082), with lower FA associated with poorer vision. In the optic radiations, both lower FA and higher ADC were significantly associated with poorer vision (R2adj=0.52, p=0.00075 and R2adj=0.50, p=0.0012 respectively). No significant correlations between VA and either FA or ADC were found in the optic tracts. Conclusions: Multi-shell diffusion MRI provides in vivo delineation of the optic pathway in OPG patients, despite the presence of tumour invasion. This technique provides imaging biomarkers which are sensitive to microstructural damage to the underlying white matter in this pathway, which is not always visible on conventional MRI. Keywords: Optic pathway glioma, Diffusion MRI, Tractography, Cancer, Constrained spherical deconvolution

The term Industry 4.0 has become increasingly pervasive in the context of industrial manufacturing and it has been considered the fourth industrial revolution (Henning [1]) [...]

We present a theoretical and experimental study of a resonator of the Helmholtz type for the control of the swell. An experimental demonstration of the shielding effect by a belt made of evenly distributed resonators is given. We then provide in-depth analysis of the Fano resonance resulting from the interference between the dock scattering (the background) and the resonant cavity scattering. This is done thanks to space–time resolved experiments which provides the complex-valued scattering coefficients and amplitude within the resonator. We provide a one-dimensional model derived in the shallow water regime owing to asymptotic analysis. The model contains the two ingredients of the Fano resonance and allows us to exhibit the damping due to leakage. When adding heuristically the damping due to losses, it reproduces the main features of the resonance observed experimentally.

Recently, Vietnam has reformed the laws and drew up the targets on protection the patients’ rights. Among the important purposes of these works are to raise the number of well-protected patients’ rights. As a territory of Vietnam, Mekong Delta has also been imposed to follow the determined trend of Vietnam. However, in practice, as it has its own particularities, Mekong Delta may breach the common expectations. Hence, to answer for the doubt of the real situation of actual status the patients have been protected in the collected provinces in Mekong, the author conducted research. In 2016, the research was conducted in the selected provinces that have similar characteristics such as Can Tho, Vinh Long, Soc Trang, and Kien Giang to present the status of patients’ rights protection. Based on the results, it is clear that some problems still remain. The results provide reasonable evidence to look for future solutions to the obstacles that hinder the selected provinces as well as Mekong Delta from developing

This study follows from Maurel et al., Phys. Rev. B 98, 134311 (2018), where we reported on direct numerical observations of out-of-plane shear surface waves propagating along an array of plates atop a guiding layer, as a model for a forest of trees. We derived closed form dispersion relations using the homogenization procedure and investigated the effect of heterogeneities at the top of the plates (the foliage of trees). Here, we extend the study to the derivation of a homogenized model accounting for heterogeneities at both endings of the plates. The derivation is presented in the time domain, which allows for an energetic analysis of the effective problem. The effect of these heterogeneous endings on the properties of the surface waves is inspected for hard heterogeneities. It is shown that top heterogeneities affect the resonances of the plates, hence modifying the cut-off frequencies of a wave mathematically similar to the so-called Spoof Plasmon Polariton (SPP) wave, while the bottom heterogeneities affect the behavior of the layer, hence modifying the dispersion relation of the Love waves. The complete system simply mixes these two ingredients, resulting in hybrid surface waves accurately described by our model.

The technology space of the University of Denver Libraries to manage digital collections and institutional resources isn’t relegated to one department on campus – rather, it distributed across a network of collaborators with the skills and expertise to provide that support. The infrastructure, which is comprised of an archival metadata management system (Archivespace), a digital repository (Node.js + ElasticSearch), preservation storage (ArchivesDirect), and a streaming server (Kaltura) is independently but cooperatively managed across IT, library departments and vendors. The coordinated effort of digital curation activities still allows each group to focus on the service they have the most vested interest in providing. This paper will talk about the different management and development practices involved in developing our integrated infrastructure to provide digital collections as a service.

This tutorial teaches users how to create a web map based on tabular data.

The W3C Web Annotation Data Model, Protocol, and Vocabulary unify approaches to annotations across the web, enabling their aggregation, discovery and persistence over time. In addition, new javascript libraries provide the ability for users to annotate multi-format content. In this paper, we describe how we have leveraged these developments to provide annotation features alongside Islandora’s existing preservation, access, and management capabilities. We also discuss our experience developing with the Web Annotation Model as an open web architecture standard, as well as our approach to integrating mature external annotation libraries. The resulting software (the Web Annotation Utility Module for Islandora) accommodates annotation across multiple formats. This solution can be used in various digital scholarship contexts.

The control principles behind robust cyclic regeneration of hair follicles (HFs) remain unclear. Using multi-scale modeling, we show that coupling inhibitors and activators with physical growth of HFs is sufficient to drive periodicity and excitability of hair regeneration. Model simulations and experimental data reveal that mouse skin behaves as a heterogeneous regenerative field, composed of anatomical domains where HFs have distinct cycling dynamics. Interactions between fast-cycling chin and ventral HFs and slow-cycling dorsal HFs produce bilaterally symmetric patterns. Ear skin behaves as a hyper-refractory domain with HFs in extended rest phase. Such hyper-refractivity relates to high levels of BMP ligands and WNT antagonists, in part expressed by ear-specific cartilage and muscle. Hair growth stops at the boundaries with hyper-refractory ears and anatomically discontinuous eyelids, generating wave-breaking effects. We posit that similar mechanisms for coupled regeneration with dominant activator, hyper-refractory, and wave-breaker regions can operate in other actively renewing organs.

Samuel b. Jacob was the scribe responsible for the production of the so-called Leningrad Codex (Firkowich B19a), currently our earliest complete Masoretic Bible codex. This article demonstrates that another codex from the Firkowich Collection, containing the Former Prophets only, is also the work of Samuel b. Jacob, despite the lack of a colophon to this effect. The argument is based on a combination of eleven textual and para-textual features shared between these two manuscripts, and other manuscripts known to have been produced by the same scribe.

Since 2014, the University of Toronto Scarborough Library’s Digital Scholarship Unit (DSU) has been working on an Islandora-based solution for creating and stewarding oral histories (the Oral Histories solution pack). Although regular updates regarding the status of this work have been presented at Open Repositories conferences, this is the first article to describe the goals and features associated with this codebase, as well as the roadmap for development. An Islandora-based approach is appropriate for addressing the challenges of Oral History, an interdisciplinary methodology with complex notions of authorship and audience that both brings a corresponding complexity of use cases and roots Oral Histories projects in the ever-emergent technical and preservation challenges associated with multimedia and born digital assets. By leveraging Islandora, those embarking on Oral Histories projects benefit from existing community-supported code. By writing and maintaining the Oral Histories solution pack, the library seeks to build on common ground for those supporting Oral Histories projects and encourage a sustainable solution and feature set.

As a rule, no two Tiberian Bibles are alike when it comes to their masoretic notes. Indeed, the masora magna notes can be thought of as part of the unique fingerprint of each individual manuscript. Notwithstanding, this study presents the first evidence of two Pentateuch codices containing identical masora magna, and explores how these codices relate to one another. Both these codices were the work of Samuel b. Jacob, the scribe who wrote the Leningrad Codex. Thus this study contributes to our understanding of the scribal habits of this important figure.

Objective: To develop a model for the 1st trimester prediction of pre-eclampsia. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, women with high-risk singleton pregnancies were recruited and arterial stiffness was measured using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor, AtCor) and compared between women who developed PE and those who had a normotensive pregnancy. Arterial stiffness and hemodynamics were assessed, in the 1st trimester, every 4 weeks thereafter, and at 6 weeks postpartum. Angiogenic biomarker concentrations (Quantikine, R&D Systems) were measured at each trimester and at 6 weeks postpartum, and a bilateral uterine artery Doppler (UAD) was performed in the 2nd trimester. Results: Of the 155 women recruited, 13 developed pre-eclampsia. Analyses adjusted for both maternal age and body mass index showed women who developed pre-eclampsia had significantly increased wave reflection and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) from the 1st trimester, throughout pregnancy, and at 6 weeks post-partum with a cfPWV:carotid-radial PWV mistmatch seen in the 1st and 3rd trimester (all p-values

Objectives: Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been shown to reduce the risk for pre-eclampsia in high-risk pregnancies when prescribed before 16 weeks of gestation. It remains unknown whether this anti-inflammatory agent has effects on arterial stiffness. Our objective was to characterize arterial stiffness indices throughout pregnancy in women with high-risk pregnancies who were and were not prescribed low-dose ASA. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, women with high-risk singleton pregnancies were recruited from obstetrical clinics in Montreal, Canada. Arterial stiffness was measured using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor; AtCor) in the 1st trimester, every 4 weeks thereafter until delivery, and at 6 weeks’ post-partum. Arterial stiffness was compared between women who were prescribed low-dose ASA (81 mg) before 16 weeks’ gestation and women who were not prescribed any prophylactic medication for pre-eclampsia. Results: Of the 152 participants who delivered in this ongoing study, 26 women were prescribed ASA. Longitudinal analyses adjusted for family history of pre-eclampsia, past history of pre-eclampsia, and development of an outcome showed no significant differences in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid-radial PWV, augmentation index adjusted for a heart rate of 75 beats per minute, or start time of wave reflection (T1R) throughout pregnancy in women who were taking low-dose ASA (all p > 0.05). Additionally, 13 women developed pre-eclampsia and ASA did not confer any significant change in adjusted odds for the complication (OR: 4.85 95% CI: 0.5 – 41; p = 0.15). Conclusion: In this high-risk pregnant population, ASA before 16 weeks’ gestation was not associated with differences in arterial stiffness or wave reflection throughout pregnancy and did not have an effect on the odds for developing pre-eclampsia. Our ongoing study will provide definite evidence on the association between ASA use and arterial stiffness.

Objectives: Poor glycemic control during pregnancy is associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes. Our objective was to characterize the association between glycemic control and arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, women with high-risk singleton pregnancies were recruited from obstetrical clinics in Montreal, Canada. Arterial stiffness was measured in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) or pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor; AtCor) starting at 24 weeks’ gestation (the period at which GDM screening is performed for all women according to standard clinical practice) and every 4 weeks thereafter until delivery. Arterial stiffness indices were compared between women with poor glycemic control and women with adequate glycemic control. Poor glycemic control was defined as average HbA1C > 7%, average fasting glucose > 5.3 mmol/L, average 1h post-prandial glucose > 7.8 mmol/L, insulin dosage > 30 units, large for gestational age fetus, or maximal vertical pocket > 8 cm. Results: Of the 35 women who delivered in this ongoing study and had GDM (n=18) or DM (n=17), 12 had poor glycemic control throughout their pregnancy. Longitudinal analyses adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, and medical history, showed women with poor glycemic control had significantly increased carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) at each timepoint: 26–30 weeks: 8.4 vs. 8.0 m/s, p = 0.04; 30–34 weeks: 8.4 vs. 8.1 m/s, p

The use of plant growth regulators is one effective solution to improve sugarcane yields and sugar content in several countries. In this study, we examined the role of gibberellin acid (GA3) and glyphosate (Gly) plant growth regulators to determine the appropriate concentration of GA3 and Gly to increase the yield of sugarcane and sugar accumulation, respectively. The statistical results showed that GA3 was sprayed at 150 ppm to increment the actual yield by 19.94%; sucrose accumulation increased by 2.21%. With Gly treatment, although the yield decreased by 3.17%, sucrose accumulation increased by 11.27% compared to control trials. In this study, the combined concentration of 150 ppm of both GA3 and Gly gave the best results, for which sucrose accumulation increased from 2.21% to 10.74% and from 19.94% to 20.97% for actual yield. The results led to increased net income compared to the control. To address concerns about residues of plant growth regulators, residues of GA3 and Gly were evaluated after the sugarcane harvest using the HPLC and UV-vis methods, respectively. The analyzed results showed that their residues were lower than what is permitted in several countries. This showed the applicability of the study, on a large scale, to increase sucrose accumulation, productivity of sugarcane, and profit for farmers.

Three known natural compounds named n-heptacosan-1-ol (1), bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-tetracosandioate (2) and moracin B (3) were firstly isolated from ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark of Cassia grandis L.f. Their structures were elucidated by modern spectra including ESI-MS, 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and by comparison with published data.

A new natural compound named casgranone C from methanol extracts of leaves of Cassia grandis L.f was isolated. Its structure was elucidated by MS, NMR spectra and by comparison with published data.

The quantification and analysis of molecular localization in living cells is increasingly important for elucidating biological pathways, and new methods are rapidly emerging. The quantification of cell polarity has generated much interest recently, and ratiometric analysis of fluorescence microscopy images provides one means to quantify cell polarity. However, detection of fluorescence, and the ratiometric measurement, is likely to be sensitive to acquisition settings and image processing parameters. Using imaging of EGFP-expressing cells and computer simulations of variations in fluorescence ratios, we characterized the dependence of ratiometric measurements on processing parameters. This analysis showed that image settings alter polarization measurements; and that clustered localization is more susceptible to artifacts than homogeneous localization. To correct for such inconsistencies, we developed and validated a method for choosing the most appropriate analysis settings, and for incorporating internal controls to ensure fidelity of polarity measurements. This approach is applicable to testing polarity in all cells where the axis of polarity is known.