A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses

Video and image data are regularly used in the field of benthic ecology to document biodiversity. However, their use is subject to a number of challenges, principally the identification of taxa within the images without associated physical specimens. The challenge of applying traditional taxonomic keys to the identification of fauna from images has led to the development of personal, group, or institution level reference image catalogues of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or morphospecies. Lack of standardisation among these reference catalogues has led to problems with observer bias and the inability to combine datasets across studies. In addition, lack of a common reference standard is stifling efforts in the application of artificial intelligence to taxon identification. Using the North Atlantic deep sea as a case study, we propose a database structure to facilitate standardisation of morphospecies image catalogues between research groups and support future use in multiple front-end applications. We also propose a framework for coordination of international efforts to develop reference guides for the identification of marine species from images. The proposed structure maps to the Darwin Core standard to allow integration with existing databases. We suggest a management framework where high-level taxonomic groups are curated by a regional team, consisting of both end users and taxonomic experts. We identify a mechanism by which overall quality of data within a common reference guide could be raised over the next decade. Finally, we discuss the role of a common reference standard in advancing marine ecology and supporting sustainable use of this ecosystem

Etude et modélisation des mécanismes de transfert de matière en ultrafiltration

Cette étude nous a permis de mieux comprendre et de modéliser le transfert de matière en ultrafiltration. Tout d'abord grâce à une étude expérimentale dans des conditions de complexité contrôlée, nous avons pu mettre en évidence les différentes résistances au transfert de matière et étudier l'influence des paramètres opératoires sur le "poids" relatif de chacune d'elles. Pour prédire les flux de perméat en fonction des conditions opératoires nous avons eu recours à la modélisation. Grâce à de nouveaux résultats expérimentaux, nous avons décrit, appliqué et analysé les modèles classiquement utilisés en ultrafiltration qui sont le modèle de gel, le modèle de la pression osmotique et celui des résistances en série. Les résultats expérimentaux montrent que les deux premiers modèles reposent sur des hypothèses erronées. Le modèle des résistances en série ne permet pas de prédire le flux de perméat malgré plusieurs modifications. Quoi qu'il en soit, pour utiliser ces modèles il faut connaître le coefficient de transfert de matière k qui peut en principe être estimé par les corrélations du nombre de Sherwood. Par une étude bibliographique, nous avons fait le point sur les corrélations classiques ainsi que sur les corrélations améliorées. A l'évidence, la difficulté dans l'estimation du coefficient de transfert de matière est due au couplage des phénomènes de transfert (diffusion-convection-accumulation de matière à la membrane) localisés au voisinage de la membrane. Nous avons donc développé un modèle à deux dimensions basé sur la résolution numérique des équations de diffusion-convection. Ce modèle permet de prédire le flux de perméat en fonction des différents paramètres comme la pression transmembranaire, la concentration de la solution, la vitesse de circulation du fluide et la longueur de la membrane. Nous avons testé ce nouveau modèle pour deux solutés et deux types de membranes et les flux calculés sont en très bon accord avec les valeurs expérimentales.AIX-MARSEILLE3-BU Sc.St Jérô (130552102) / SudocSudocFranceF

An automatic method for the determination of saturation curve and metastable zone width of lysine monohydrochloride

International audienceAn essential tool in the study of crystallization is the saturation curve and metastable zone width, since the shape of the solubility curve defines the crystallization mode and the supersaturation conditions, which are the driving force of crystallization. The purpose of this work was to determine saturation and supersaturation curves of lysine monohydrochloride by an automatic method based on the turbidity of the crystallization medium. As lysine solution is colored, the interest of turbidimetry is demonstrated.An automated installation and the procedure to determine several points on the saturation curve and metastable zone width were set up in the laboratory. On-line follow-up of the solution turbidity and temperature enabled the dissolution and nucleation temperatures of the crystals to be determined by measuring attenuation of the light beam by suspended particles. The thermal regulation system was programmed so that the heating rate took into account the system inertia, i.e. duration related to the dissolution rate of the compound. Using this automatic method, the saturation curve and the metastable zone width of lysine monohydrochloride were plotted

DETERMINATION OF THE METASTABLE ZONE WIDTH OF GLYCINE AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS FOR BATCH CRYSTALLIZATIONS

International audienceThe aim of this study was to determine the metastable zone width of aqueous solutions of glycine for non-seeded batch crystallizations. The saturation curve was determined by studying the heating rate influence on the apparent saturation temperatures of several solutions. A linear regression was then applied to obtain the saturation temperatures. The spontaneous nucleation curve was obtained by measuring the crystallization temperatures of several solutions at different cooling rates. The results show that the apparent nucleation order of the glycine aqueous solutions was around 3.5 ± 0.5. Moreover, from the experimental data, a second-order polynomial model was established by using the experimental design method. This model enables the expression of crystallization temperature to be defined as a function of concentration and cooling rate. The results show that the model fits well (R2 > 0.99; Q2 > 0.98) and that the cooling rate is the most influential parameter

Development and evaluation of an affordable lift device to reduce musculo-skeletal injuries among home support workers

Home support workers (HSWs) work in clients' homes assisting with rehabilitation and activities of daily living. Like all health-care professionals, HSWs are at an increased risk for developing back injuries. Lift devices have been shown to reduce injuries to the worker. Presently, there are few lifting devices for home use that cost under $4000 CDN. Our study involved designing a safe and affordable lift device (retail cost under$2000 CDN) to be used by HSWs in the home and evaluating it in a typical bathroom. Thirty-eight HSWs and three seniors evaluated the BCIT lift, a commercially available lift (BHM Medical Inc.) and the manual method of transfer and lift. Results indicated that the BCIT lift was an improvement over the manual method of transferring, and approximated the more expensive, automatic lift in terms of perceived exertion, ease of use and safety. Feedback provided to the researchers has been incorporated into a new, ergonomically sound and marketable lift device

Rare predicted loss-of-function variants of type I IFN immunity genes are associated with life-threatening COVID-19

BackgroundWe previously reported that impaired type I IFN activity, due to inborn errors of TLR3- and TLR7-dependent type I interferon (IFN) immunity or to autoantibodies against type I IFN, account for 15-20% of cases of life-threatening COVID-19 in unvaccinated patients. Therefore, the determinants of life-threatening COVID-19 remain to be identified in similar to 80% of cases.MethodsWe report here a genome-wide rare variant burden association analysis in 3269 unvaccinated patients with life-threatening COVID-19, and 1373 unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals without pneumonia. Among the 928 patients tested for autoantibodies against type I IFN, a quarter (234) were positive and were excluded.ResultsNo gene reached genome-wide significance. Under a recessive model, the most significant gene with at-risk variants was TLR7, with an OR of 27.68 (95%CI 1.5-528.7, P=1.1x10(-4)) for biochemically loss-of-function (bLOF) variants. We replicated the enrichment in rare predicted LOF (pLOF) variants at 13 influenza susceptibility loci involved in TLR3-dependent type I IFN immunity (OR=3.70[95%CI 1.3-8.2], P=2.1x10(-4)). This enrichment was further strengthened by (1) adding the recently reported TYK2 and TLR7 COVID-19 loci, particularly under a recessive model (OR=19.65[95%CI 2.1-2635.4], P=3.4x10(-3)), and (2) considering as pLOF branchpoint variants with potentially strong impacts on splicing among the 15 loci (OR=4.40[9%CI 2.3-8.4], P=7.7x10(-8)). Finally, the patients with pLOF/bLOF variants at these 15 loci were significantly younger (mean age [SD]=43.3 [20.3] years) than the other patients (56.0 [17.3] years; P=1.68x10(-5)).ConclusionsRare variants of TLR3- and TLR7-dependent type I IFN immunity genes can underlie life-threatening COVID-19, particularly with recessive inheritance, in patients under 60 years old

Correction: Rare predicted loss-of-function variants of type I IFN immunity genes are associated with life-threatening COVID-19

International audienc