South and South-East Asian coastal fisheries: their status and directions for improved management: conference synopsis and recommendations

As a step to address the problems of coastal fisheries in Asia, the WorldFish Center joined forces with fisheries agencies from eight developing Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam) and the Asian Development Bank, to implement a project entitled “Sustainable Management of Coastal Fish Stocks in Asia” (also known as the “TrawlBase” project). The project was implemented between 1998 and 2001. The main achievements of this partnership were: (a) Development of a database called “Fisheries Resource Information System and Tools” (FiRST), which contains trawl research survey data and socioeconomic information for selected fisheries, and facilitates its analysis; (b) Evaluation of the extent of resource decline and over-fishing, both biological and economic, in the region; (c) Identification of the measures needed to manage coastal fisheries in the participating countries, resulting in draft strategies and action plans; and (d) Strengthening of national capacity in coastal fisheries assessment, planning and management

Generalized Buneman pruning for inferring the most parsimonious multi-state phylogeny

Accurate reconstruction of phylogenies remains a key challenge in evolutionary biology. Most biologically plausible formulations of the problem are formally NP-hard, with no known efficient solution. The standard in practice are fast heuristic methods that are empirically known to work very well in general, but can yield results arbitrarily far from optimal. Practical exact methods, which yield exponential worst-case running times but generally much better times in practice, provide an important alternative. We report progress in this direction by introducing a provably optimal method for the weighted multi-state maximum parsimony phylogeny problem. The method is based on generalizing the notion of the Buneman graph, a construction key to efficient exact methods for binary sequences, so as to apply to sequences with arbitrary finite numbers of states with arbitrary state transition weights. We implement an integer linear programming (ILP) method for the multi-state problem using this generalized Buneman graph and demonstrate that the resulting method is able to solve data sets that are intractable by prior exact methods in run times comparable with popular heuristics. Our work provides the first method for provably optimal maximum parsimony phylogeny inference that is practical for multi-state data sets of more than a few characters.Comment: 15 page

Second-Order Belief Hidden Markov Models

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are learning methods for pattern recognition. The probabilistic HMMs have been one of the most used techniques based on the Bayesian model. First-order probabilistic HMMs were adapted to the theory of belief functions such that Bayesian probabilities were replaced with mass functions. In this paper, we present a second-order Hidden Markov Model using belief functions. Previous works in belief HMMs have been focused on the first-order HMMs. We extend them to the second-order model

Insulating and Conducting Phases of RbC60

Optical measurements were performed on thin films of Rb$_{x}$C$_{60}$, identified by X-ray diffraction as mostly $x=1$ material. The samples were subjected to various heat treatments, including quenching and slow cooling from 400K. The dramatic increase in the transmission of the quenched samples, and the relaxation towards the transmission observed in slow cooled samples provides direct evidence for the existence of a metastable insulating phase. Slow cooling results in a phase transition between two electrically conducting phases.Comment: Minor revisions. Submitted to PRB, RevTeX 3.0 file, 2 postscript figures included, ir_dop

Hybrid stars with the color dielectric and the MIT bag models

We study the hadron-quark phase transition in the interior of neutron stars (NS). For the hadronic sector, we use a microscopic equation of state (EOS) involving nucleons and hyperons derived within the Brueckner-Bethe-Goldstone many-body theory, with realistic two-body and three-body forces. For the description of quark matter, we employ both the MIT bag model with a density dependent bag constant, and the color dielectric model. We calculate the structure of NS interiors with the EOS comprising both phases, and we find that the NS maximum masses are never larger than 1.7 solar masses, no matter the model chosen for describing the pure quark phase.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in sickle cell anemia: Results of a multicenter pooled analysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), typically defined as kidney damage or decreased kidney function for 3 or more months, is common in sickle cell disease (SCD). Increasing evidence suggests that the glomerulopathy of SCD is progressive. CKD is associated with increased mortality in SCD. Based on single center studies, we previously reported on the high prevalence of rapid decline in kidney function, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss >3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2per year, in SCD. In the present study, we further examine rapid eGFR decline in sickle cell anemia, using a pooled analysis of patients to better characterize factors associated with such decline and its association with mortality

Characterization and preliminary imaging evaluation of a clinical prototype stationary intraoral tomosynthesis system

Purpose: Technological advancements in dental radiography have improved oral care on many fronts, yet diagnostic efficacy for some of the most common oral conditions, such as caries, dental cracks and fractures, and periodontal disease, remains relatively low. Driven by the clinical need for a better diagnostic yield for these and other dental conditions, we initiated the development of a stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (s-IOT) imaging system using carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array technology. Here, we report the system characterization and preliminary imaging evaluation of a clinical prototype s-IOT system approved for human use. Methods: The clinical prototype s-IOT system is comprised of a multibeam CNT x-ray source array, high voltage generator, control electronics, collimator cone, and dynamic digital intraoral detector. During a tomosynthesis scan, each x-ray source is operated sequentially at fixed, nominal tube current of 7 mA and user-specified pulse width. Images are acquired by a digital intraoral detector and the reconstruction algorithm generates slice information in real time for operator review. In this study, the s-IOT system was characterized for tube output, dosimetry, and spatial resolution. Manufacturer specifications were validated, such as tube current, kVp, and pulse width. Tube current was measured with an oscilloscope on the analog output of the anode power supply. Pulse width, kVp, and peak skin dose were measured with a dosimeter with ion chamber and high voltage accessory. In-plane spatial resolution was evaluated via measurement of MTF and imaging of a line pair phantom. Spatial resolution in the depth direction was evaluated via artifact spread measurement. The size of the collimated radiation field was evaluated for compliance with FDA regulations. A dental phantom and human specimens of varying pathologies were imaged on a clinical 2D intraoral imaging system as well as s-IOT for comparison and to explore potential clinical applications. Results: The measured tube current, kVp, and pulse width values were within 3% of the set values. A cumulative peak skin dose of 1.12 mGy was measured for one complete tomosynthesis scan using a 50-ms pulse per projection view. Projection images and reconstruction slices revealed MTF values ranging from 8.1 to 9.3 cycles/mm. Line pair imaging verified this result. The radiation field was found to meet the FDA requirements for intraoral imaging devices. Tomosynthesis reconstruction slice images of the dental phantom and human specimens provided depth resolution, allowing visibility of anatomical features that cannot be seen in the 2D intraoral images. Conclusions: The clinical prototype s-IOT device was evaluated and found to meet all manufacturer specifications. Though the system capability is higher, initial investigations are targeting a low-dose range comparable to a single 2D radiograph. Preliminary studies indicated that s-IOT provides increased image quality and feature conspicuity at a dose comparable to a single 2D intraoral radiograph

Applying synthetic radiography to intraoral tomosynthesis: A step towards achieving 3D imaging in the dental clinic

objectives: A practical approach to three-dimensional (3D) intraoral imaging would have many potential applications in clinical dentistry. Stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (sIOT) is an experimental 3D imaging technology that holds promise. The purpose of this study was to explore synthetic radiography as a tool to improve the clinical utility of the images generated by an sIOT scan. Methods: Extracted tooth specimens containing either caries adjacent to restorations (CAR) or vertical root fractures (VRF) were imaged by sIOT and standard dental radiography devices. Qualitative assessments were used to compare the conspicuity of these pathologies in the standard radiographs and in a set of multi-view synthetic radiographs generated from the information collected by sIOT. Results: The sIOT-based synthetic 2D radiographs contained less artefact than the image slices in the reconstructed 3D stack, which is the conventional approach to displaying information from a tomosynthesis scan. As a single sIOT scan can be used to generate synthetic radiographs from multiple viewing angles, the interproximal space was less likely to be obscured in the synthetic images compared to the standard radiograph. Additionally, the multi-view synthetic radiographs can potentially improve the display of CAR and VRFs as compared to a single standard radiograph. conclusions: This preliminary experience combining synthetic radiography and sIOT in extracted tooth models is encouraging and supports the ongoing study of this promising approach to 3D intraoral imaging with many potential applications

Thermal and hydrolytic degradation of electrospun fish gelatin membranes

The thermal and hydrolytic degradation of electrospun gelatin membranes cross-linked with glutaraldehyde in vapor phase has been studied. In vitro degradation of gelatin membranes was evaluated in phosphate buffer saline solution at 37 °C. After 15 days under these conditions, a weight loss of 68% was observed, attributed to solvation and depolymerization of the main polymeric chains. Thermal degradation kinetics of the gelatin raw material and as-spun electrospun membranes showed that the electrospinning processing conditions do not influence polymer degradation. However, for cross-linked samples a decrease in the activation energy was observed, associated with the effect of glutaraldehyde cross-linking reaction in the inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds of the protein. It is also shown that the electrospinning process does not affect the formation of the helical structure of gelatin chainsThis work was supported by FEDER through the COMPETE Program and by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Project PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2011 and by projects project references NANO/NMed-SD/0156/2007 and PTDC/CTM-NAN/112574/2009. The authors also thank support from the COST Action MP1003, 2010 'European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles'. DMC, JP and VS would like to acknowledge the FCT for the SFRH/BD/82411/2011, SFRH/BD/64901/2009 and SFRH/BPD/64958/2009 grants respectively

Longitudinal study of glomerular hyperfiltration in adults with sickle cell anemia: a multicenter pooled analysis

Glomerular hyperfiltration is common in young sickle cell anemia patients and precedes development of overt kidney disease. In this multicenter pooled cohort, we characterized hyperfiltration and its decline to normal range in adult patients. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the creatinine-based 2009 CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation omitting race adjustment and the 2021 CKD-EPI equation. Using CKD-EPI–2009, 506 patients had baseline estimated GFR (eGFR) $90 mL/min per 1.73 m2, median age of 24 (interquartile range [IQR], 19-34) years and 5.17 years of follow-up. The prevalence of hyperfiltration (eGFR$140 and $130 mL/min per 1.73 m2 for men and women, respectively) was 38.3%. Using CKD-EPI–2009, baseline hyperfiltration was less likely with older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.83; P, .0001), male sex (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.58; P 5 .0002), and higher weight (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; P 5 .001). Using CKD-EPI–2021, hyperfiltration was similarly less likely with older age (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.70-0.81; P, .0001), male sex (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44; P, .0001), and higher weight (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P 5 .004). In patients with baseline hyperfiltration, eGFR declined to normal values at a median age of 26.2 years. Using CKD-EPI–2009, this decline was associated with male sex (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.26-3.87; P 5 .006), systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P 5 .01), and hydroxyurea use (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.002-3.03; P 5 .05). Using CKD-EPI–2021, decline of eGFR to normal was only associated with male sex (HR, 3.39; 95% CI, 2.01-5.69; P, .0001). Decline to normal eGFR range from hyperfiltration occurs earlier in males, those on hydroxyurea, and with higher systolic blood pressure