89 research outputs found
Embodied Artificial Intelligence through Distributed Adaptive Control: An Integrated Framework
In this paper, we argue that the future of Artificial Intelligence research
resides in two keywords: integration and embodiment. We support this claim by
analyzing the recent advances of the field. Regarding integration, we note that
the most impactful recent contributions have been made possible through the
integration of recent Machine Learning methods (based in particular on Deep
Learning and Recurrent Neural Networks) with more traditional ones (e.g.
Monte-Carlo tree search, goal babbling exploration or addressable memory
systems). Regarding embodiment, we note that the traditional benchmark tasks
(e.g. visual classification or board games) are becoming obsolete as
state-of-the-art learning algorithms approach or even surpass human performance
in most of them, having recently encouraged the development of first-person 3D
game platforms embedding realistic physics. Building upon this analysis, we
first propose an embodied cognitive architecture integrating heterogenous
sub-fields of Artificial Intelligence into a unified framework. We demonstrate
the utility of our approach by showing how major contributions of the field can
be expressed within the proposed framework. We then claim that benchmarking
environments need to reproduce ecologically-valid conditions for bootstrapping
the acquisition of increasingly complex cognitive skills through the concept of
a cognitive arms race between embodied agents.Comment: Updated version of the paper accepted to the ICDL-Epirob 2017
conference (Lisbon, Portugal
Population dynamics and seasonal trend of California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell) in citrus in Northern Spain
The California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), was first detected in citrus groves in Catalonia, Northern Spain, in
2000, and has since spread slowly and irregularly. New foci of infestation are currently found in citrus-growing areas of southern Tarragona. As Catalonia is the northernmost citrus growing area in Spain, between 2002 and 2009, A. aurantii population
dynamics and seasonal trends were studied in two citrus groves and compared with other regions and countries. The population dynamics showed that there were four male flights (including that of the overwintering generation): in May, mid June-mid
July, August and October, the most abundant being that of August (over 60% of the males captured during the year). The thermal constant estimated between male flights, using 11.7°C as the lower threshold temperature, was 611.8 ± 35.5 degree-days.
Three peaks of 1st and 2nd nymph instars were observed: in early June, late July-early August, and late September. The number
of crawlers captured on sticky tapes reached a first maximum on 27th May (± 1.85 days). The male flight abundance showed
a positive relationship between two consecutive generations, revealing the stability of A. aurantii populations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Correlation between preoperative CT scan and lung metastases according to surgical approach in patients with colorectal cancer
Introduction: The number of lung metastases (M1) of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in relation to the findings of computed tomography (CT) is the object of study.
Methods: Prospective and multicenter study of the Spanish Group for Surgery of CRC lung metastases (GECMP-CCR). The role of CT in the detection of pulmonary M1 is evaluated in 522 patients who underwent a pulmonary metastasectomy for CRC. We define M1/CT as the ratio between metastatic nodules and those found on preoperative CT. Disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and surgical approach were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results: 93 patients were performed by video-assisted surgery (VATS) and 429 by thoracotomy. In 90%, the M1/CT ratio was =1, with no differences between VATS and thoracotomy (94.1% vs 89.7%, p = 0.874). In the remaining 10% there were more M1s than those predicted by CT (M1/CT > 1), with no differences between approaches (8.6% vs 10%, p = 0.874). 51 patients with M1/CT > 1, showed a lower median DSS (35.4 months vs 55.8; p = 0.002) and DFS (14.2 months vs 29.3; p = 0.025) compared to 470 with M1/CT = 1. No differences were observed in DSS and DFS according to VATS or thoracotomy.
Conclusions: Our study shows equivalent oncological results in the resection of M1 of CRC using VATS or thoracotomy approach. The group of patients with an M1/CT ratio >1 have a worse DSS and DFS, which may mean a more advanced disease than predicted preoperatively.
Introducción
El número de metástasis pulmonares (M1) de carcinoma colorrectal (CCR) en relación con los hallazgos de la tomografía computarizada (TC), es objeto de estudio.
Métodos
Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico del Grupo Español de Cirugía de las metástasis pulmonares del CCR (GCMP-CCR). Se evalúa el papel de la TC en la detección de M1 pulmonares en 522 pacientes intervenidos de una metastasectomía pulmonar por CCR. Definimos como M1/CT al cociente entre los nódulos metastásicos y los hallados en la TC preoperatoria. Se analizó la supervivencia específica de enfermedad (SEE), la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE) y el abordaje quirúrgico mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier.
Resultados
En 93 pacientes se utilizó la cirugía videoasistida (VATS) y 429 toracotomías. En un 90% el cociente M1/TC fue =1, sin diferencias entre VATS y toracotomía (94,1 vs. 89,7%; p = 0,874). En el 10% restante existían más M1 que las predichas por la TC (M1/CT > 1), sin diferencias entre abordajes (8,6 vs. 10%; p = 0,874). Cincuenta y un pacientes con M1/CT > 1, mostraron una menor mediana de SEE (35,4 vs. 55,8 meses; p = 0,002) y SLE (14,2 vs. 29,3 meses; p = 0,025) en comparación con 470 con M1/CT = 1. No se observaron diferencias en la SEE y la SLE según VATS o toracotomía.
Conclusiones
Nuestro estudio muestra unos resultados oncológicos equivalentes en la resección de M1 de CCR mediante abordaje VATS o toracotomía. El grupo de pacientes con un cociente M1/CT > 1 presentan una peor SEE y SLE, pudiendo significar una enfermedad más avanzada de la predicha preoperatoriamente
The Influence of Host Fruit and Temperature on the Body Size of Adult Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under Laboratory and Field conditions
The adult body size of the Mediterranean fruit ßy, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)
(Diptera: Tephritidae), varies in natural conditions. Body size is an important Þtness indicator in the
Mediterranean fruit ßy;largerindividuals are more competitive at mating and have a greater dispersion
capacity and fertility. Both temperature during larval development and host fruit quality have been
cited as possible causes for this variation.We studied the inßuence of host fruit and temperature during
larval development on adult body size (wing area) in the laboratory, and determined body size
variation in Þeld populations of the Mediterannean fruit ßy in eastern Spain. Field ßies measured had
two origins: 1) ßies periodically collected throughout the year in Þeld traps from 32 citrus groves,
during the period 2003Ð2007; and 2) ßies evolved from different fruit species collected between June
and December in 2003 and 2004. In the lab, wing area of male and female adults varied signiÞcantly
with temperature during larval development, being larger at the lowest temperature. Adult size also
was signiÞcantly different depending on the host fruit in which larvae developed. The size of the ßies
captured at the Þeld, either from traps or from fruits, varied seasonally showing a gradual pattern of
change along the year. The largest individuals were obtained during winter and early spring and the
smallest during late summer. In Þeld conditions, the size of the adult Mediterannean fruit ßy seems
apparently more related with air temperature than with host fruit. The implications of this adult size
pattern on the biology ofC. capitata and on the application of the sterile insect technique are discussed.We thank Apostolos Pekas for his useful comments on previous versions of the manuscript. This work was supported by the project RTA03-103-C6-3 assigned to F. G. M. from the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain.Navarro Campos, C.; Martínez Ferrer, MT.; Campos, J.; Fibla, JM.; Alcaide, J.; Bargues Desolmes, L.; Marzal Moreno, C.... (2011). The Influence of Host Fruit and Temperature on the Body Size of Adult Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under Laboratory and Field conditions. Environmental Entomology. 90(4):931-938. https://doi.org/10.1603/EN10302S931938904Albajes R. Santiago-Alvarez C. 1980. Influencia de la temperatura en el desarrollo de Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Trypetidae). An. INIA. 13: 183–190.Angilletta, Jr.,, M. J., & Dunham, A. E. (2003). The Temperature‐Size Rule in Ectotherms: Simple Evolutionary Explanations May Not Be General. 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Algunas notas sobre la ecología de Ceratitis capitata en el Levante español sobre naranjos. Bol. Patol. Veg. Entomol. Agric. 19: 37–48.Hasson O. Rossler Y. 2002. Character-specific homeostasis dominates fluctuating asymmetries in the medfly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Fla. Entomol. 85: 73–82.HOFFMANN, A. A., RATNA, E., SGRÒ, C. M., BARTON, M., BLACKET, M., HALLAS, R., … WEEKS, A. R. (2007). Antagonistic selection between adult thorax and wing size in field released Drosophila melanogaster independent of thermal conditions. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 20(6), 2219-2227. doi:10.1111/j.1420-9101.2007.01422.xInglesfield C. 1982. Larval hosts, adult body size and population quality in Ceratitis capitata Wied.: a laboratory study. Annali della Facoltà di Agraria dell'Università di Sassari. 28: 25–39.Israely, N., Yuval, B., Kitron, U., & Nestel, D. (1997). Population Fluctuations of Adult Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a Mediterranean Heterogeneous Agricultural Region. Environmental Entomology, 26(6), 1263-1269. doi:10.1093/ee/26.6.1263Joaquim-Bravo I.S. Guimaraes A.N. Magalhaes T.C. Nascimento A.S. 2010. Performance of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in fruits: comparison of two laboratory populations. Neotrop. Entomol. 39: 9–14.Kaspi, R., Taylor, P. W., & Yuval, B. (2000). Diet and size influence sexual advertisement and copulatory success of males in Mediterranean fruit fly leks. Ecological Entomology, 25(3), 279-284. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2311.2000.00266.xKaspi R. Mossinson S. Drezner T. Kamensky B. Yuval B. 2002. Effects of larval diet on development rates and reproductive maturation of male and female Mediterranean fruit flies. Physiol. Entomol. 27: 29–38.Kingsolver J.G. Shlichta J.G. Ragland G.J. Massie K.R. 2006. Thermal reaction norms for caterpillar growth depend on diet. Evol. Ecol. Res. 8: 703–715.Krainacker, D. A., Carey, J. R., & Vargas, R. I. (1987). Effect of larval host on life history traits of the mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. Oecologia, 73(4), 583-590. doi:10.1007/bf00379420Krainacker, D. A., Carey, J. R., & Vargas, R. I. (1989). Size-Specific Survival and Fecundity for Laboratory Strains of Two Tephritid (Diptera: Tephritidae) Species: Implications for Mass Rearing. Journal of Economic Entomology, 82(1), 104-108. doi:10.1093/jee/82.1.104Liquido N.J. Shinoda L.A. Cunningham R.T. 1991. Host plants of Mediterranean fruit fly: an annotated world review. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 77: 1–52.Martínez-Ferrer M.T. Campos J.M. Fibla J.M. 2006. Population dynamics of Ceratitis capitata on citrus in northeastern Spain: influence of adjacent host fruit trees. IOBC-WPRS Bull. 29: 77–84.Martínez-Ferrer M.T. Navarro C. Campos J.M. Marzal C. Fibla J.M. Bargues L. Garcia-Mari F. 2010. Seasonal and annual trends in field populations of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, in Mediterranean citrus groves: comparison of two geographic areas in eastern Spain. Spanish. J. Agric. Res. 8: 757–765.Weitzman, J. (2006). Journal of Biology, 5(1), 1. doi:10.1186/jbiol33PAPADOPOULOS, N. T., CAREY, J. R., LIEDO, P., MÜLLER, H.-G., & SENTÜRK, D. (2009). Virgin females compete for mates in the male lekking speciesCeratitis capitata. Physiological Entomology, 34(3), 238-245. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3032.2009.00680.xProkopy, R. J., & Hendrichs, J. (1979). Mating Behavior of Ceratitis capitata1 on a Field-Caged Host Tree. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 72(5), 642-648. doi:10.1093/aesa/72.5.642Ray, C. (1960). The application of Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules to the poikilotherms. Journal of Morphology, 106(1), 85-108. doi:10.1002/jmor.1051060104Rivnay E. 1950. The Mediterranean fruit fly in Israel. Bull. Entomol. Res. 41: 321–341.Sankarperumal, G., & Pandian, T. J. (1991). Effect of temperature andChlorelladensity on growth and metamorphosis ofChironomus circumdatus(Kieffer) (Diptera). Aquatic Insects, 13(3), 167-177. doi:10.1080/01650429109361438Santaballa E. Laborda R. Bargues L. 2001. Tratamientos de cuarentena: evolución y supervivencia de la mosca de las frutas Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) sobre cítricos. Levante Agric. 358: 405–412.Sharp, J. L., Boller, E. F., & Chambers, D. L. (1983). Selection for Flight Propensity of Laboratory and Wild Strains of Anastrepha suspensa and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)1. Journal of Economic Entomology, 76(2), 302-305. doi:10.1093/jee/76.2.302Sigurjonsdottir H. 1984. Food competition among Scatophaga stercoraria larvae with emphasis on its effects on reproductive success. Ecol. Entomol. 9: 81–90.Sivinski J. Aluja M. Dodson G.N. Freidberg A. Headrick D.H. Kaneshiro K.Y. Landolt P. 2000. Topics in the evolution of sexual behavior in the Tephritidae, pp. 751–792 In . Aluja M. Norrbom A. Fruit Flies (Tephritidae): Phylogeny and Evolution of Behavior. CRC, Boca Raton, FL.Stamp, N. E. (1990). Growth versus molting time of caterpillars as a function of temperature, nutrient concentration and the phenolic rutin. Oecologia, 82(1), 107-113. doi:10.1007/bf00318541Statgraphics. 1994. Version 5.1 Plus. Statistical graphics system by Statistical Graphics Corporation, Manugistics, Rockville, MD.Torres-Vila L.M. Sanchez Á. Ponce F. Delgado E. Aza M.C. Barrena F. Ferrero J.J. Cruces E. Rodriguez F. 2006. Dinámica poblacional de Bractocera oleae Gmelin en Extremadura: fluctuación estacional en el estado reproductivo y en el tamaño inaginal. Bol. Sanid. Veg., Plagas. 32: 57–69.Whittier, T. S., Nam, F. Y., Shelly, T. E., & Kaneshiro, K. Y. (1994). Male courtship success and female discrimination in the mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Journal of Insect Behavior, 7(2), 159-170. doi:10.1007/bf01990078Yuval, B., Wekesa, J. W., Lemenager, D., Kauffman, E. E., & Washino, R. 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Tendencias estacionales y anuales en las poblaciones de campo de la mosca mediterránea de la fruta, Ceratitis capitata, en cítricos del Mediterráneo: comparación de dos áreas geográficas en el este de España
[EN] Seasonal and annual trends in Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations were analyzed to
determine the factors that influence population fluctuations in the field. Adult flies were monitored along 2003-07 in
two citrus areas in eastern Spain with similar climate, Valencia and Tarragona. Adults were present throughout the
study period, even in winter. The initial annual population increase was related to previous winter and spring temperatures.
Captures started to increase in April-May and usually reached a peak in July. This peak corresponded to the
maximum capture period in Valencia, but not in Tarragona, where there was usually a second peak in autumn, with
capture levels similar to the first peak. Gravid females were found throughout the year, even in overwintering populations
of medfly. The availability of other host fruit species in the vicinity of the citrus groves may explain the differences
in annual abundance and distribution of captures between the two areas studied.[ES] Se analizó la evolución estacional de las poblaciones de Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) para
determinar los factores que influencian sus fluctuaciones poblacionales en campo. Se muestreó la población de
adultos entre 2003 y 2007 en dos áreas citrícolas del este de España con clima similar, Valencia y Tarragona. Se encontraron
adultos a lo largo de todo el periodo de estudio, incluso en invierno. El primer incremento anual de la población
estuvo relacionado con las temperaturas previas del invierno y la primavera. Las capturas comenzaron a incrementarse
en abril-mayo y generalmente alcanzaron un máximo en julio. Este máximo correspondió al máximo
periodo de capturas en Valencia, pero no en Tarragona, donde hubo generalmente un segundo máximo en otoño, con
niveles de captura similares al primer máximo. Se encontraron hembras grávidas a lo largo de todo el año, incluso en
las poblaciones invernantes de mosca de la fruta. La disponibilidad de otras especies de frutales hospedantes cercanas
a las parcelas de cítricos puede explicar las diferencias en abundancia anual y distribución estacional de capturas
entre las dos áreas estudiadas.We would like to thank Rafel Monfort for his help with the field work. This research was funded by a project from the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), of Spain’s Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Project RTA03- 103-C6). We thank also Alejandro Tena for useful comments on early drafts of the manuscript.Martinez-Ferrer, MT.; Navarro Campos, C.; Campos Rivela, JM.; Marzal Moreno, C.; Fibla, JM.; Bargues Desolmes, L.; García Mari, F. (2010). Seasonal and annual trends in field populations of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, in Mediterranean citrus groves: comparison of two geographic areas in eastern Spain. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research. 8(3):757-765. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2010083-1275S7577658
Association of complement receptor 2 polymorphisms withinnate resistance to HIV-1 infection
HIV-1 induces activation of complement through the classical and lectin pathways. However, the virus incorporates several membrane-bound or soluble regulators of complement activation (RCA) that inactivate complement. HIV-1 can also use the complement receptors (CRs) for complement-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (Ć-ADE). We hypothesize that hypofunctional polymorphisms in RCA or CRs may protect from HIV-1 infection. For this purpose, 139 SNPs located in 19 RCA and CRs genes were genotyped in a population of 201 Spanish HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) and 250 HIV-1-infected patients. Two SNPs were associated with infection susceptibility, rs1567190 in CR2 (odds ratio (OR)=2.27, P=1 × 10-4) and rs2842704 in C4BPA (OR=2.11, P=2 × 10-4). To replicate this finding, we analyzed a cohort of Italian, sexually HESN individuals. Although not significant (P=0.25, OR=1.57), similar genotypic proportions were obtained for the CR2 marker rs1567190. The results of the two association analyses were combined through a random effect meta-analysis, with a significant P-value of 2.6x10-5 (OR=2.07). Furthermore, we found that the protective CR2 genotype is correlated with lower levels CR2 mRNA as well as differences in the ratio of the long and short CR2 isoforms.Genes and Immunity advance online publication, 8 January 2015; doi:10.1038/gene.2014.71.This work was supported by Spanish Health Ministry [PI021476, PI051778 and PI10/01232 to JF, JAP and ACar]; Instituto de Salud Carlos III-RETIC [RD06/006 to JAP]; Fundació Marató TV3 [020730 and 020732 to JF and ACar]; Junta de Andalucía [PI-0335/2009 to ACar]; Fundación Progreso y Salud of the Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía [AI-0021 to JAP]; and Universidad de Jaen [UJA2013/10/03 to ACar]
Prediction of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) using HPV DNA testing after a diagnosis of atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in Catalonia, Spain
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A protocol for cervical cancer screening among sexually active women 25 to 65 years of age was introduced in 2006 in Catalonia, Spain to increase coverage and to recommend a 3-year-interval between screening cytology. In addition, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was offered as a triage test for women with a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). HPV testing was recommended within 3 months of ASC-US diagnosis. According to protocol, HPV negative women were referred to regular screening including a cytological exam every 3 years while HPV positive women were referred to colposcopy and closer follow-up. We evaluated the implementation of the protocol and the prediction of HPV testing as a triage tool for cervical intraepithelial lesions grade two or worse (CIN2+) in women with a cytological diagnosis of ASC-US.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>During 2007-08 a total of 611 women from five reference laboratories in Catalonia with a novel diagnosis of ASC-US were referred for high risk HPV (hrHPV) triage using high risk Hybrid Capture version 2. Using routine record linkage data, women were followed for 3 years to evaluate hrHPV testing efficacy for predicting CIN2+ cases. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio for CIN2 +.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the 611 women diagnosed with ASC-US, 493 (80.7%) had at least one follow-up visit during the study period. hrHPV was detected in 48.3% of the women at study entry (mean age 35.2 years). hrHPV positivity decreased with increasing age from 72.6% among women younger than 25 years to 31.6% in women older than 54 years (<it>p </it>< 0.01).</p> <p>At the end of the 3 years follow-up period, 37 women with a diagnosis of CIN2+ (18 CIN2, 16 CIN3, 2 cancers, and 1 with high squamous intraepithelial lesions -HSIL) were identified and all but one had a hrHPV positive test at study entry. Sensitivity to detect CIN2+ of hrHPV was 97.2% (95%confidence interval (CI) = 85.5-99.9) and specificity was 68.3% (95%CI = 63.1-73.2). The odds ratio for CIN2+ was 45.3 (95% CI: 6.2-333.0), when among ASC-US hrHPV positive women were compared to ASC-US hrHPV negative women.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Triage of ASC-US with hrHPV testing showed a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN2+ and a high negative predictive value after 3 years of follow-up. The results of this study are in line with the current guidelines for triage of women with ASC-US in the target age range of 25-65. Non adherence to guidelines will lead to unnecessary medical interventions. Further investigation is needed to improve specificity of ASC-US triage.</p
Prevalence of cognitive impairment in individuals aged over 65 in an urban area: DERIVA study
[ENG]Background: Few data are available on the prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) in Spain, and the existing information shows important variations depending on the geographical setting and the methodology employed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CI in individuals aged over 65 in an urban area, and to analyze its associated risk factors. Methods: Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional, home questionnaire-based study; Setting: Populational, urban setting. Participants: The reference population comprised over-65s living in the city of Salamanca (Spain) in 2009. Randomized sampling stratified according to health district was carried out, and a total of 480 people were selected. In all, 327 patients were interviewed (68.10%), with a mean age of 76.35 years (SD: 7.33). Women accounted for 64.5% of the total. Measurements: A home health questionnaire was used to obtain the following data: age, sex, educational level, family structure, morbidity and functionality. All participants completed a neuropsychological test battery. The prevalence data were compared with those of the European population, with direct adjustment for age and sex. Diagnoses were divided into three general categories: normal cognitive function, cognitive impairment- no dementia (CIND), and dementia. Results: The prevalence of CI among these over-65s was 19% (14.7% CIND and 4.3% dementia). The age-and sexadjusted global prevalence of CI was 14.9%. CI increased with age (p < 0.001) and decreased with increasing educational level (p < 0.001). Significant risk factors were found with the multivariate analyses: age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12), anxiety-depression (OR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.61-7.51) and diabetes (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.02-4.18). In turn, years of education was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.70-0.90). Although CI was more frequent among women and in people living without a partner, these characteristics were not significantly associated with CI risk. Conclusions: The observed raw prevalence of CI was 19% (14.9% after adjusting for age and sex). Older age and the presence of diabetes and anxiety-depression increased the risk of CI, while higher educational level reduced the risk
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