Emerald and Aquamarine Mineralization in Canada

This paper reviews the geology, mineralogy, and origin of the gem varieties of beryl, including emerald (green) and aquamarine (blue); it focuses on western Canada, especially the Yukon Territory, because this is where most of the recent discoveries have been made. However, emerald occurrences in Ontario are also considered, including Canada's first reported discovery in 1940. Beryl (B3Al2Si6O18) is relatively common and spatially associated with granites and granitic pegmatites, but emerald is rare because trace amounts of Cr and/or V are required (to replace Al in the crystal structure) and these elements generally do not occur in sufficient concentrations in granitic rocks. The geological conditions needed to bring Be into contact with Cr and/or V are briefly discussed, as are the factors to consider and techniques to use in exploring for gem-quality beryl. SUMMAIRE Le présent article traite de la géologie, de la minéralogie et de l'origine de variétés gemmifères de béryl (vert), dont l'émeraude et l'aigue-marine (bleue). Il traite principalement de l'Ouest canadien, particulièrement du Territoire du Yukon, région où la plupart des découvertes ont eu lieu. Toutefois, des découvertes faites en Ontario sont aussi considérées, incluant la première au Canada, en 1940. Le Béryl (B3Al2Si6O18) est relativement commun et associé aux granites et aux pegmatites granitiques, mais l'émeraude est rare parce qu'elle nécessite le remplacement de l'Al dans la structure cristalline du béryl par du Cr et/ou du V, et ces éléments ne se retrouvent généralement pas dans en concentrations suffisantes dans les roches granitiques. Les facteurs géologiques nécessaires pour que le Be et le Cr et/ou le V soient mis en contact font l'objet de discussion, tout comme les facteurs à considérer et les techniques à employer dans l'exploration de gisements de béryls gemmifères

Alcohol Consumption Among Cannabis Users in Vermont

Objective: To examine the relationship between cannabis and alcohol consumption in Vermont; after the legalization of cannabis in 2018. Methods: We used Vermont\u27s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey; this data included only participants who had reported alcohol use in the past year (n = 3,781). We used multiple linear regression to compare frequency of cannabis use against days per month of alcohol consumption and binomial logistic to compare regression to the frequency in which cannabis was used against the odds of Heavy Alcohol Consumption (HAC). Results: We found that low and moderate cannabis users had more days of alcohol consumption on average than non-users. High cannabis users, however, had fewer days on average than non-users of cannabis. Additionally, compared to non-users, low, moderate, and high cannabis use was associated with increased odds of HAC. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cannabis use may be predictive of alcohol consumption, so individuals, clinicians, and policymakers should be aware of how cannabis use could impact a person\u27s overall health picture

Toward a model of multiple paths to language learning: response to commentaries

Language learning, while seemingly effortless for young learners, is a complex process involving many interacting pieces, both within the child and in their language-learning environments, which can result in unique language learning trajectories and outcomes. How does the brain adjust to or accommodate the myriad variations that occur during this developmental process. How does it adapt and change over time? In our review, we proposed that the timing, quantity, and quality of children's early language experiences, particularly during an early sensitive period for the acquisition of phonology, shape the establishment of neural phonological representations that are used to establish and support phonological working memory (PWM). The efficiency of the PWM system in turn, we argued, influences the acquisition and processing of more complex aspects of language. In brief, we proposed that experience modulates later language outcomes through its early effects on PWM. We supported this claim by reviewing research from several unique groups of language learners who experience delayed exposure to language (children with cochlear implants [CI] or internationally adopted [IA] children, and children with either impoverished [signing deaf children with hearing parents)] or enriched [bilingual] early language experiences). By comparing PWM and language outcomes in these groups, we sought to highlight general patterns in language development that emerge based on variation in early language exposure. Moving forward, we also proposed that the language acquisition patterns in these groups, and others, can be used to understand how variability in early language input might affect the neural systems supporting language development and how this might affect language learning itself

Independent Living Oldest-Old and Their Primary Health Provider: A Mixed Method Examination of the Influence of Patient Personality Characteristics

This convergent mixed methods study examined 35 healthy, independent living individuals\u27 (over 85 years) perceptions of their relationship with their primary health provider (PHP) and health practices. The relationship between PHP relationship perceptions and locus of control (LOC), resilience, and self-efficacy was explored through surveys and interviews. The majority indicated they visited their PHP just for preventative care; the number of PHP visits per year was significantly lower than reported for individuals over 85 by the CDC, possible reasons for this finding are provided. A positive relationship between LOC, resiliency, and self-efficacy for the oldest-old was found. Few participants indicated their PHP had discussed normal changes with aging. This study has deepened understanding of the complexity inherent to the healthy oldest-olds\u27 relationship with their PHP. The findings suggest this relationship relates to the PHP\u27s personal characteristics, the elderly patients\u27 personality, and the influence of the accompanying patient escort

Independent Living Oldest-Old and Their Primary Health Provider: A Mixed Method Examination of the Influence of Patient Personality Characteristics

This convergent mixed methods study examined 35 healthy, independent living individuals\u27 (over 85 years) perceptions of their relationship with their primary health provider (PHP) and health practices. The relationship between PHP relationship perceptions and locus of control (LOC), resilience, and self-efficacy was explored through surveys and interviews. The majority indicated they visited their PHP just for preventative care; the number of PHP visits per year was significantly lower than reported for individuals over 85 by the CDC, possible reasons for this finding are provided. A positive relationship between LOC, resiliency, and self-efficacy for the oldest-old was found. Few participants indicated their PHP had discussed normal changes with aging. This study has deepened understanding of the complexity inherent to the healthy oldest-olds\u27 relationship with their PHP. The findings suggest this relationship relates to the PHP\u27s personal characteristics, the elderly patients\u27 personality, and the influence of the accompanying patient escort

Understanding the town centre customer experience (TCCE)

This research enhances the understanding of consumer behaviour and customer experience in the context of town centres. First, it defines town centre customer experience (TCCE) as a multifaceted journey that combines interactions with a diverse range of public and private organisations, including retailers and social and community elements; this results in a unique experience co-created with the consumer across a series of functional and experiential touchpoints. Second, combining qualitative and quantitative insights, this research reveals a series of specific functional and experiential TCCE touchpoints, which underpin the consumer internal response (motivation to visit) and outward behaviour (desire to stay and revisit intentions) in the town centre. In addition to enhancing town centre and customer experience knowledge, these findings offer important new insights to those managing town centres and seeking to retain customer loyalty in the high street. Above all, these findings can help identify the touchpoints that need to be reinforced and/or improved to differentiate a town from its competing centres and to create tailored marketing strategies. Taken together, such initiatives have the potential to positively impact the revitalisation of the high street and the town centre economy

Developing decision support tools incorporating personalised predictions of likely visual benefit versus harm for cataract surgery:research programme

Background Surgery for established cataract is highly cost-effective and uncontroversial, yet uncertainty remains for individuals about when to proceed and when to delay surgery during the earlier stages of cataract. Objective We aimed to improve decision-making for cataract surgery through the development of evidence-based clinical tools that provide general information and personalised risk/benefit information. Design We used a mixed methodology consisting of four work packages. Work package 1 involved the development and psychometric validation of a brief, patient self-reported measure of visual difficulty from cataract and its relief from surgery, named Cataract Patient-Reported Outcome Measure, five items (Cat-PROM5). Work package 2 involved the review and refinement of risk models for adverse surgical events (posterior capsule rupture and visual acuity loss related to cataract surgery). Work package 3 involved the development of prediction models for the Cat-PROM5-based self-reported outcomes from a cohort study of 1500 patients; assessment of the validity of preference-based health economic indices for cataract surgery and the calibration of these to Cat-PROM5; assessment of patients’ and health-care professionals’ views on risk–benefit presentation formats, the perceived usefulness of Cat-PROM5, the value of personalised risk–benefit information, high-value information items and shared decision-making; development of cataract decision aid frequently asked questions, incorporation of personalised estimates of risks and benefits; and development of a cataract decision quality measure to assess the quality of decision-making. Work package 4 involved a mixed-methods feasibility study for a fully powered randomised controlled trial of the use of the cataract decision aid and a qualitative study of discordant or mismatching perceptions of outcome between patients and health-care professionals. Setting Four English NHS recruitment centres were involved: Bristol (lead centre), Brighton, Gloucestershire and Torbay. Multicentre NHS cataract surgery data were obtained from the National Ophthalmology Database. Participants Work package 1 – participants (n = 822) were from all four centres. Work package 2 – electronic medical record data were taken from the National Ophthalmology Database (final set > 1M operations). Work package 3 – cohort study participants were from Bristol (n = 1200) and Gloucestershire (n = 300); qualitative and development work was undertaken with patients and health-care professionals from all four centres. Work package 4 – Bristol, Brighton and Torbay participated in the recruitment of patients (n = 42) for the feasibility trial and recruitment of health-care professionals for the qualitative elements. Interventions For the feasibility trial, the intervention was the use of the cataract decision aid, incorporating frequently asked questions and personalised estimations of both adverse outcomes and self-reported benefit. Main outcome measures There was a range of quantitative and qualitative outcome measures: questionnaire psychometric performance metrics, risk indicators of adverse surgical events and visual outcome, predictors of self-reported outcome following cataract surgery, patient and health-care practitioner views, health economic calibration measures and randomised controlled trial feasibility measures. Data sources The data sources were patient self-reported questionnaire responses, study clinical data collection forms, recorded interviews with patients and health-care professionals, and anonymised National Ophthalmology Database data. Results Work package 1 – Cat-PROM5 was developed and validated with excellent to good psychometric properties (Rasch reliability 0.9, intraclass correlation repeatability 0.9, unidimensionality with residual eigenvalues ≤ 1.5) and excellent responsiveness to surgical intervention (Cohen delta –1.45). Work package 2 – earlier risk models for posterior capsule rupture and visual acuity loss were broadly affirmed (C-statistic for posterior capsule rupture 0.64; visual acuity loss 0.71). Work package 3 – the Cat-PROM5-based self-reported outcome regression models were derived based on 1181 participants with complete data (R2 ≈ 30% for each). Of the four preference-based health economic indices assessed, two demonstrated reasonable performance. Cat-PROM5 was successfully calibrated to health economic indices; adjusted limited dependent variable mixture models offered good to excellent fit (root-mean-square error 0.10–0.16). The personalised quantitative risk information was generally perceived as beneficial. A cataract decision aid and cataract decision quality measure were successfully developed based on the views of patients and health-care professionals. Work package 4 – data completeness was good for the feasibility study primary and secondary variables both before and after intervention/surgery (data completeness range 100–88%). Considering ability to recruit, the sample size required, instrumentation and availability of necessary health economic data, a fully powered randomised controlled trial (patients, n = 800, effect size 0.2 standard deviations, power 80%; p = 0.05) of the cataract decision aid would be feasible following psychometric refinement of the primary outcome (the cataract decision quality measure). The cataract decision aid was generally well-received by patients and health-care professionals, with cautions raised regarding perceived time and workload barriers. Discordant outcomes mostly related to patient dissatisfaction, with no clinical problem found. Limitations The National Ophthalmology Database data are expected to include some errors (mitigated by large multicentre data aggregations). The feasibility randomised controlled trial primary outcome (the cataract decision quality measure) displayed psychometric imperfections requiring refinement. The clinical occurrence of discordant outcomes is uncommon and the study team experienced difficulty identifying patients in this situation. Future work Future work could include regular review of the risk models for adverse outcomes to ensure currency, and the technical precision of complex-numbers analysis of refractive outcome to invite opportunities to improve post-operative spectacle-free vision. In addition, a fully powered randomised controlled trial of the cataract decision aid would be feasible, following psychometric refinement of the primary outcome (the cataract decision quality measure); this would clarify its potential role in routine service delivery. Conclusions In this research programme, evidence-based clinical tools have been successfully developed to improve pre-operative decision-making in cataract surgery. These include a psychometrically robust, patient-reported outcome measure (Cat-PROM5); prediction models for patient self-reported outcomes using Cat-PROM5; prediction models for clinically adverse surgical events and adverse visual acuity outcomes; and a cataract decision aid with relevant general information and personalised risk/benefit predictions. In addition, the successful mapping of Cat-PROM5 to existing health economic indices was achieved and the performances of indices were assessed in patients undergoing cataract surgery. A future full-powered randomised controlled trial of the cataract decision aid would be feasible (patients, n = 800, effect size 0.2 standard deviations, power 80%; p = 0.05). Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN11309852. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 10, No. 9. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information

Dense sampling of bird diversity increases power of comparative genomics

© 2020, The Author(s). Whole-genome sequencing projects are increasingly populating the tree of life and characterizing biodiversity1–4. Sparse taxon sampling has previously been proposed to confound phylogenetic inference5, and captures only a fraction of the genomic diversity. Here we report a substantial step towards the dense representation of avian phylogenetic and molecular diversity, by analysing 363 genomes from 92.4% of bird families—including 267 newly sequenced genomes produced for phase II of the Bird 10,000 Genomes (B10K) Project. We use this comparative genome dataset in combination with a pipeline that leverages a reference-free whole-genome alignment to identify orthologous regions in greater numbers than has previously been possible and to recognize genomic novelties in particular bird lineages. The densely sampled alignment provides a single-base-pair map of selection, has more than doubled the fraction of bases that are confidently predicted to be under conservation and reveals extensive patterns of weak selection in predominantly non-coding DNA. Our results demonstrate that increasing the diversity of genomes used in comparative studies can reveal more shared and lineage-specific variation, and improve the investigation of genomic characteristics. We anticipate that this genomic resource will offer new perspectives on evolutionary processes in cross-species comparative analyses and assist in efforts to conserve species

Afstudeerwerk

Preface In nummer 2 van 2022 introduceerde het Bulletin KNOB een tweejaarlijkse rubriek ‘afstudeerwerk’, waarin de studenten die hadden meegedongen naar de KNOB Stimuleringsprijs 2021 hun onderzoek presenteerden. In dit nummer vindt u de tweede editie van die rubriek. Het bevat samenvattingen van scripties ingezonden voor de KNOB Stimuleringsprijs 2023. De zestien scripties zijn geschreven aan twee Belgische universiteiten (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven en Vrije Universiteit Brussel), vier Nederlandse (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Technische Universiteit Delft, Universiteit Utrecht, Universiteit van Amsterdam) en een hogeschool (Inholland Delft). Ze behandelen herkenbare architectuurhistorische thema’s als de negentiendeeeuwse arbeiderswoning, plafondontwerpen van Daniel Marot en historisch glas-in-lood, maar ook aanverwante onderwerpen als de ‘soundscape’ van de kerken van Christopher Wren, archeologisch erfgoed als herinneringsplaats, en – op het snijvlak van de architectuurhistorie en de sociale geschiedenis – de speeltuin tussen 1878 en 1978. De KNOB Stimuleringsprijs leidt tot meer. Het afstudeeronderzoek van Sara Duisters over kunststof gevels resulteerde al in een publicatie in het recente themanummer Post 65. Winnaar van de Stimuleringsprijs 2023 Lara Reyniers schreef voortbouwend op haar afstudeeronderzoek voor het huidige nummer samen met Stephanie Van de Voorde en Ine Wouters een artikel over de omgang met afbraakmaterialen in Brussel in de periode 1860-1940. Daarmee is dit nummer bijna volledig gevuld met het werk van jonge vakgenoten. In de bijdrage van Reyniers et al staan nu eens niet de creatie en bouw van architectuur centraal, maar de afbraak ervan, en dan met name het beleid ten aanzien van het sloopafval. De behandelde periode was er een van grootschalige stedelijke vernieuwing die veel afval opleverde, waaronder puin, bijzondere bouwfragmenten en van alles daar tussenin. Hoe de Brusselse overheid hiermee omging is interessant, zeker ook in het huidige tijdsgewricht, waarin sloop en sloopafval – nu vanuit een duurzaamheidsoogpunt – opnieuw in de aandacht staan. De redactieVoorwoord In nummer 2 van 2022 introduceerde het Bulletin KNOB een tweejaarlijkse rubriek ‘afstudeerwerk’, waarin de studenten die hadden meegedongen naar de KNOB Stimuleringsprijs 2021 hun onderzoek presenteerden. In dit nummer vindt u de tweede editie van die rubriek. Het bevat samenvattingen van scripties ingezonden voor de KNOB Stimuleringsprijs 2023. De zestien scripties zijn geschreven aan twee Belgische universiteiten (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven en Vrije Universiteit Brussel), vier Nederlandse (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Technische Universiteit Delft, Universiteit Utrecht, Universiteit van Amsterdam) en een hogeschool (Inholland Delft). Ze behandelen herkenbare architectuurhistorische thema’s als de negentiendeeeuwse arbeiderswoning, plafondontwerpen van Daniel Marot en historisch glas-in-lood, maar ook aanverwante onderwerpen als de ‘soundscape’ van de kerken van Christopher Wren, archeologisch erfgoed als herinneringsplaats, en – op het snijvlak van de architectuurhistorie en de sociale geschiedenis – de speeltuin tussen 1878 en 1978. De KNOB Stimuleringsprijs leidt tot meer. Het afstudeeronderzoek van Sara Duisters over kunststof gevels resulteerde al in een publicatie in het recente themanummer Post 65. Winnaar van de Stimuleringsprijs 2023 Lara Reyniers schreef voortbouwend op haar afstudeeronderzoek voor het huidige nummer samen met Stephanie Van de Voorde en Ine Wouters een artikel over de omgang met afbraakmaterialen in Brussel in de periode 1860-1940. Daarmee is dit nummer bijna volledig gevuld met het werk van jonge vakgenoten. In de bijdrage van Reyniers et al staan nu eens niet de creatie en bouw van architectuur centraal, maar de afbraak ervan, en dan met name het beleid ten aanzien van het sloopafval. De behandelde periode was er een van grootschalige stedelijke vernieuwing die veel afval opleverde, waaronder puin, bijzondere bouwfragmenten en van alles daar tussenin. Hoe de Brusselse overheid hiermee omging is interessant, zeker ook in het huidige tijdsgewricht, waarin sloop en sloopafval – nu vanuit een duurzaamheidsoogpunt – opnieuw in de aandacht staan. De redacti

Patients with usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia-related vulvar cancer have an increased risk of cervical abnormalities

Contains fulltext : 81890.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)BACKGROUND: Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originates the following two pathways, related to differentiated (d) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related usual (u) VIN. Multicentric HPV infections (cervix, vagina and vulva) are common. We hypothesise that patients with a uVIN-related vulvar SCC more often have cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) compared with women with dVIN-related vulvar SCC. METHODS: All vulvar SCCs (201) were classified to be dVIN- (n=164) or uVIN related (n=37). Data with regard to the smear history and cervical histology were retrieved from PALGA, the nationwide Netherlands database of histo- and cytopathology. For HSIL cervical smears of which histology was taken, HPV DNA analysis on both the vulvar and cervical specimens was performed. RESULTS: At least one smear was available in 145 (72%) of the 201 patients. Patients with a uVIN-related vulvar SCC more often had an HSIL compared with patients with a dVIN-related SCC (35 vs 2%, P<0.001). A total of 10 of the 13 HSILs were histologically assessed and identical HPV types were found in the vulva and cervix. CONCLUSION: These data emphasise the necessity to differentiate between dVIN- and uVIN-related vulvar tumours and to examine the entire lower female ano-genital tract once an uVIN-related lesion is found