Classification of peacock feather reflectance using principal component analysis similarity factors from multispectral imaging data

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Iridescent structural colors in biology exhibit sophisticated spatially-varying reflectance properties that depend on both the illumination and viewing angles. The classification of such spectral and spatial information in iridescent structurally colored surfaces is important to elucidate the functional role of irregularity and to improve understanding of color pattern formation at different length scales. In this study, we propose a non-invasive method for the spectral classification of spatial reflectance patterns at the micron scale based on the multispectral imaging technique and the principal component analysis similarity factor (PCASF). We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach and its component methods by detailing its use in the study of the angle-dependent reflectance properties of Pavo cristatus (the common peacock) feathers, a species of peafowl very well known to exhibit bright and saturated iridescent colors. We show that multispectral reflectance imaging and PCASF approaches can be used as effective tools for spectral recognition of iridescent patterns in the visible spectrum and provide meaningful information for spectral classification of the irregularity of the microstructure in iridescent plumage.This research was developed during a visiting research stay of Dr. José M. Medina in the Departamento de Óptica, Universidad de Granada, Spain. We thank to José Medina and Rosalía Ruiz who provided the peacock samples, to David Porcel and Juan de Dios Bueno from the Servicio de Microscopía, (Centro de Instrumentación Científica, Universidad de Granada) for technical assessment, and to the Color Imaging Group (Universidad de Granada) for their hardware partial support. JMM and JAD acknowledge the Departmento de Óptica, Universidad de Granada, Spain. PV acknowledges USAF funding (FA9550-10-1-0020)

Genetic therapeutic advancements for Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome is a genetic epileptic syndrome characterized by severe and intractable seizures associated with cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The disease is also linked with increased mortality mainly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Over 80% of cases are due to a de novo mutation in one allele of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the α-subunit of the voltage-gated ion channel NaV1.1. Dravet Syndrome is usually refractory to antiepileptic drugs, which only alleviate seizures to a small extent. Viral, non-viral genetic therapy, and gene editing tools are rapidly enhancing and providing new platforms for more effective, alternative medicinal treatments for Dravet syndrome. These strategies include gene supplementation, CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, and the use of antisense oligonucleotides. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of novel genetic therapies that are currently under development for Dravet syndrome

Noncentral bimatrix variate generalised beta distributions

In this paper, we determine the density functions of nonsymmetrised doubly noncentral matrix variate beta type I and II distributions. The nonsymetrised density functions of doubly noncentral and noncentral bimatrix variate generalised beta type I and II distributions are also obtained.Comment: 14 page

FORMULACIÓN DE UNA MERMELADA Y SU ACEPTABILIDAD UTILIZANDO FRUTALES ENDÉMICOS AMAZÓNICOS

El objetivo principal fue determinar el nivel de aceptabilidad de una nueva formulación de mermelada basándose en tres frutales endémicos amazónicos. Para ello se desarrollaron siete formulaciones con diferentes proporciones de los tres frutales como se muestra en la Tabla 01, las formulaciones fueron evaluadas por 60 panelistas semi entrenados y 10 expertos, utilizando la escala hedónica, se evaluó los atributos, color, olor, dulzor, textura, apariencia y acidez. El análisis estadístico mediante la prueba FRIEDMAN, con una significancia de 0.05, determinó una similitud en la preferencia respecto a los seis atributos entre las siete formulaciones de las mermeladas con frutales endémicos amazónicos, determinando la muestra 987 (Ungurahui, Guajaba y tumbo) como óptima entre las siete formulaciones, que aporta 0.5 g de proteínas, 1.2 g de grasa, 69.4 g de carbohidratos, 0.7 g de fibra cruda, y 290.4 kcal de energía, cenizas 0.6 g, humedad 28.3 g por cada 100 g de producto, por ser un producto alto en carbohidratos. Se concluye que la formulación siete (muestra 987) es aceptada por haber obtenido el mayor nivel de aceptabilidad y cumplir con los rangos establecidos por las normativas de calidad e inocuidad de procedimientos para el consumo de alimentos, Asimismo por ser una formulación que permite la conservación de los frutales endémicos amazónicos ya que dichos frutos tienen un periodo de vida corta, su tiempo de cosecha es limitado y poseen un alto nivel en vitaminas.ÍNDICE GENERAL I. INTRODUCCIÓN........................................................................................................ 1 II. MARCO TEÓRICO.................................................................................................. 3 2.1 Antecedentes de la Investigación .......................................................................... 3 2.2 Bases Teóricas....................................................................................................... 7 2.2.1 Ungurahui ........................................................................................................ 7 2.2.1 Guayaba ........................................................................................................... 8 2.2.2 Tumbo............................................................................................................ 10 2.2.3 Ácido Cítrico ................................................................................................. 11 2.2.4 Pectina............................................................................................................ 11 2.2.5 Azúcar............................................................................................................ 11 2.2.6 Análisis Sensorial .......................................................................................... 12 2.2.7 Normativa para mermeladas.......................................................................... 12 2.2.8 Formulación de un alimento............................................................................. 12 2.3 Definición de Términos....................................................................................... 13 III. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS............................................................................... 16 3.1 Materiales............................................................................................................ 16 3.1.1 Materia Prima ................................................................................................ 16 3.1.3 Equipos e Instrumentos.................................................................................. 17 3.1.4 Utensilios....................................................................................................... 17 vii 3.2 Metodología ........................................................................................................ 17 3.2.1 Procedimiento ................................................................................................ 18 IV. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN ............................................................................ 28 4.1. Análisis estadístico................................................................................................. 28 4.1.1 Resultados de la Escala Hedónica por atributo................................................. 28 4.1.2 Valor Nutricional.............................................................................................. 39 4.1.3 Comparación de composición químico – proximal.......................................... 42 4.1.4 Rentabilidad de la formulación de mermelada ................................................. 43 4.1.5 Comparación de precios ventas de mermeladas comerciales........................... 44 V. CONCLUSIONES .................................................................................................. 46 VI. RECOMENDACIONES......................................................................................... 47 VII. REFERENCIAS BIBLIOGRÁFICAS................................................................ 48 VIII. ANEXOS............................................................................................................. 5

Usefulness of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure Regardless of Ejection Fraction

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays a role in the improvement of cardiac function and remodeling. Their serum levels are strongly related with mortality in chronic systolic heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to study prognostic value of HGF in acute HF, interaction with ejection fraction, renal function, and natriuretic peptides. We included 373 patients (age 76 ± 10 years, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 46 ± 14%, 48% men) consecutively admitted for acute HF. Blood samples were obtained at admission. All patients were followed up until death or close of study (>1 year, median 371 days). HGF concentrations were determined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (human HGF immunoassay). The predictive power of HGF was estimated by Cox regression with calculation of Harrell C-statistic. HGF had a median of 1,942 pg/ml (interquartile rank 1,354). According to HGF quartiles, mortality rates (per 1,000 patients/year) were 98, 183, 375, and 393, respectively (p <0.001). In Cox regression analysis, HGF (hazard ratio1SD = 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.1, p = 0.002) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; hazard ratio1SD = 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 2.6, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality. Interaction between HGF and LVEF, origin, and renal function was nonsignificant. The addition of HGF improved the predictive ability of the models (C-statistic 0.768 vs 0.741, p = 0.016). HGF showed a complementary value over NT-proBNP (p = 0.001): mortality rate was 490 with both above the median versus 72 with both below. In conclusion, in patients with acute HF, serum HGF concentrations are elevated and identify patients at higher risk of mortality, regardless of LVEF, ischemic origin, or renal function. HGF had independent and additive information over NT-proBNP

No additional value of conventional and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin over clinical scoring systems in the differential diagnosis of type 1 versus type 2 myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The distinction of type 1 and type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) is of major clinical importance. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of absolute and relative conventional cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in the distinction between type 1 and type 2 MI in patients presenting at the emergency department with non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain within the first 12 h. METHODS: We measured cTnI (Dimension Vista) and hs-cTnT (Cobas e601) concentrations at presentation and after 4 h in 200 patients presenting with suspected acute MI. The final diagnosis, based on standard criteria, was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five patients (62.5%)were classified as type 1 MI and 75 (37.5%) were type 2 MI. In a multivariable setting, age (relative risk [RR]=1.43, p=0.040), male gender (RR=2.22, p=0.040), T-wave inversion (RR=8.51, p<0.001), ST-segment depression (RR=8.71, p<0.001) and absolute delta hs-cTnT (RR=2.10, p=0.022) were independently associated with type 1 MI. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the discriminatory power of absolute delta cTnI and hs-cTnT was significantly higher compared to relative c-TnI and hs-cTnT changes. The additive information provided by cTnI and hs-cTnT over and above the information provided by the "clinical" model was only marginal. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic information provided by serial measurements of conventional or hs-cTnT is not better than that yielded by a simple clinical scoring model. Absolute changes are more informative than relative troponin changes

Predicting the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary health care. The predictD-Spain study: Methodology

Background: The effects of putative risk factors on the onset and/or persistence of depression remain unclear. We aim to develop comprehensive models to predict the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary care. Here we explain the general methodology of the predictD-Spain study and evaluate the reliability of the questionnaires used. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. A systematic random sample of general practice attendees aged 18 to 75 has been recruited in seven Spanish provinces. Depression is being measured with the CIDI at baseline, and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. A set of individual, environmental, genetic, professional and organizational risk factors are to be assessed at each follow-up point. In a separate reliability study, a proportional random sample of 401 participants completed the test-retest (251 researcher-administered and 150 self-administered) between October 2005 and February 2006. We have also checked 118,398 items for data entry from a random sample of 480 patients stratified by province. Results: All items and questionnaires had good test-retest reliability for both methods of administration, except for the use of recreational drugs over the previous six months. Cronbach's alphas were good and their factorial analyses coherent for the three scales evaluated (social support from family and friends, dissatisfaction with paid work, and dissatisfaction with unpaid work). There were 191 (0.16%) data entry errors. Conclusion: The items and questionnaires were reliable and data quality control was excellent. When we eventually obtain our risk index for the onset and persistence of depression, we will be able to determine the individual risk of each patient evaluated in primary health car

The effects of spatial survey bias and habitat suitability on predicting the distribution of threatened species living in remote areas

Knowledge of a species’ potential distribution and the suitability of available habitat are fundamental for effective conservation planning and management. However, the quality of information on the distribution of species and their required habitats is highly variable in terms of accuracy and availability across taxa and regions, particularly in tropical landscapes where accessibility is especially challenging. Species distribution models (SDMs) provide predictive tools for addressing gaps for poorly surveyed species, but they rarely consider biases in geographical distribution of records and their consequences. We applied SDMs and variation partitioning analyses to investigate the relative importance of habitat characteristics, human accessibility, and their joint effects in the global distribution of the Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis, a species endemic to the Amazonian flooded savannas of Bolivia. The probability of occurrence was skewed towards more accessible areas, mostly secondary roads. Variability in observed occurrence patterns was mostly accounted for by the pure effect of habitat characteristics (76.2%), indicating that bias in the geographical distribution of occurrences does not invalidate species-habitat relationships derived from niche models. However, observed spatial covariation between land-use at a landscape scale and accessibility (joint contribution: 22.3%) may confound the independent role of land-use in the species distribution. New surveys should prioritise collecting data in more remote (less accessible) areas better distributed with respect to land-use composition at a landscape scale. Our results encourage wider application of partitioning methods to quantify the extent of sampling bias in datasets used in habitat modelling for a better understanding of species-habitat relationships, and add insights into the potential distribution of our study species and opportunities for its conservation

Efecto del ejercicio y la actividad física sobre las funciones ejecutivas en niños y en jóvenes. Una revisión sistemática

This qualitative systematic review tries to advance knowledge about the effect of physical activity on executive functions, paying special attention to healthy children, teenagers and youngsters.&nbsp; Several articles have been identified, categorized and analyzed in electronic&nbsp;databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, PubMed,&nbsp;SPORTDiscus, PsyINFO, ERIC, Google Scholar and Dialnet.&nbsp;According to the&nbsp;inclusion/exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA statement to record and categorize the results and throughout the quality assessment tool "The Effective Public Health Practice Project”, 44 pieces of research,&nbsp;structured in acute&nbsp;and chronic episodes of physical activity&nbsp;under two approaches: qualitative and quantitative, were chosen. The results&nbsp;show&nbsp;a higher number&nbsp;of experiments&nbsp;with&nbsp;quantitative acute&nbsp;episodes (45,45%) against qualitative ones (18,18%), chronic quantitative (20,45%) and chronic qualitative episodes (15,92%). The&nbsp;analysis&nbsp;of these investigations has allowed identifying the&nbsp;benefits of&nbsp;different&nbsp;types of physical&nbsp;activity studied on executive&nbsp;components.En la presente revisión sistemática cualitativa se intenta avanzar en el conocimiento sobre la incidencia de la actividad física sobre las funciones ejecutivas, focalizada en poblaciones sanas infantiles, adolescentes y jóvenes. Se identificaron, categorizaron y analizaron artículos de bases de datos electrónicas como ISI Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsyINFO, ERIC, Google Scholar y Dialnet. Atendiendo a los criterios de inclusión/exclusión, siguiendo la declaración PRISMA para registrar y categorizar los resultados, y mediante la herramienta de evaluación de calidad “The Effective Public Health Practice Project”, se seleccionaron finalmente 44 investigaciones experimentales, estructuradas en episodios agudos y crónicos de actividad física bajo dos enfoques: cuantitativos y cualitativos. Los resultados muestran una superior cantidad de experimentos con episodios agudos cuantitativos (45,45%), frente a los agudos cualitativos (18,18%), crónicos cuantitativos (20,45%) y crónicos cualitativos (15,92%).&nbsp;Los análisis de estas investigaciones han permitido identificar los beneficios de los diferentes tipos de actividad física estudiados sobre los componentes ejecutivos