Although plastid genome (plastome) structure is highly conserved across most seed plants, investigations during the past two decades have revealed several disparately related lineages that have experienced substantial rearrangements. Most plastomes have two inverted repeat regions and two single-copy regions with few dispersed repeats. However, the plastomes of some taxa do harbor long repeat sequences (>300 bp). These long repeats make it difficult to assemble complete plastomes using short read data, leading to misassemblies and consensus sequences that have spurious rearrangements. Long read sequencing can potentially overcome these challenges. However, there is no consensus as to the most effective method for accurately assembling plastomes using long read data. Here, we generated a pipeline, plastid Genome Assembly Using Long-read data (ptGAUL) to address the problem of assembling of plastomes using long read data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) or Pacific Biosciences (Pacbio) platforms. We demonstrated the efficacy of the ptGAUL pipeline using 16 published long read datasets. We showed that ptGAUL produces accurate and unbiased assemblies. Additionally, we applied ptGAUL to assemble four Juncus (Juncaceae) plastomes using ONT long reads. Our results revealed many long repeats and rearrangements in Juncus plastomes compared with basal lineages of Poales.

Objective: We compared prenatal care utilization, preterm birth, and low birth weight neonates among women 35 years and older compared to women 20-34 years old in Mexico, 2008-2019. Methods: We used birth certificate data and conducted a historical cohort study of all singleton live births in Mexico from 2008-2019. Study outcomes were inadequate prenatal care (timing of initiation of care and number of visits), preterm birth, and low birth weight. We compared outcomes among women 35-39, 40-44, and 45-49 with births to women 20-34. We used logistic regression to account for individual and contextual confounders. Results: We included a total of N=19,526,922 births; 11.9% (n=2,325,725) were to women 35 and older. Compared to women aged 20 to 34, the oldest (45-49 years old) were more likely to reside in poorer communities, have less education, and be uninsured. The odds of inadequate prenatal care (aOR 1.12 95% CI 1.09-1.15 p<0.01), preterm birth (aOR 2.05 95% CI 1.97-2.13 p<0.01), and low birth weight (2.03 95% CI 1.95-2.12 p<0.01) were highest for women 45-49, compared to women 20-34. Patterns were similar among women 35-39 and 40-44 with the exception of lower odds of inadequate prenatal care (aOR 0.77 95% CI 0.76-0.77 p<0.01) for 35-39 compared to women 20-34. Conclusion: Women who deliver at 35 years old and over are a heterogeneous group in Mexico. Being 35 years old and older is associated with increases in preterm birth and low birth weight neonates. Women who give birth between 45-49 may be especially vulnerable.

The present work proposes a coordinated power distribution control of wind-energy fed self-excited induction generator (SEIG) based low-voltage direct current (LVDC) autonomous microgrid. The battery and supercapacitor (SC) hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is interfaced with the common 48 V LVDC bus using a parallel-active configuration through two bidirectional converters. The prime idea of hybridization is to limit the instantaneous peak current demand and also to alleviate the charge/discharge stress during transients, thus reducing the size of the battery. The developed autonomous LVDC system with the supervisory power distribution control scheme (PDCS) is experimentally validated for different operating modes. The comparative experimental result analysis substantiates the efficacy of the proposed PDCS along with seamless transition between various modes.

The unceasing efforts to design an optimal controller for automatic generation control (AGC) in power systems motivate the design of a novel Two-Degree-of-Freedom-Combined Fractional Order PID (2-DOF-Combined FOPID) controller. Two-area interconnected power systems comprised of reheated thermal and hydro units with boiler dynamics, generator rate constraints and dead zone non-linearity in each area are tested using the designed controller. The performance of the proposed controller is studied with the conventional PID controller, the classical Two-Degree-of-Freedom PID (2-DOF-PID) controller, and the Two Degree-of-Freedom Fractional Order PID controller (2DOF FOPID). The elemental intension of designing supplementary controllers is to diminish the area of control error (ACE). The Crow search algorithm (CSA) is chosen to determine the optimal values of controller gain parameters in order to curtail the figure of demerit. The dynamic behavior of the system is investigated pertaining to a 0.01 p.u. load disturbance in area 1. The performance of the designed controller is explored using wind integration and an CSA optimized small hydro power plant. Investigations reveal that the transient response is superior using the 2-DOF-Combined FOPID concerning the stability indices viz. overshoot (Osh), undershoot (Ush), and settling time response of the power system.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a drug utilization study (DUS) investigating real-world use of Saxenda ® and Victoza ® in Europe. Economic and time constraints may incite researchers to avoid formalized pilot studies. Here, we report results of a pilot study which rectified the ensuing DUS protocol, thus ascertaining fit-for-purpose data availability and quality, and supporting regulatory decision making. Methods: A retrospective multicenter medical chart review in Germany and Italy, 6 months after Saxenda ® (liraglutide 3.0 mg, a once-daily human glucagon-like peptide-1 analog for weight management) launch, ahead of a full DUS. Collected data included: site characteristics, patient demographics, medical history, drug utilization (e.g., brand, dose, indication, weight-related comorbidities). Target study population: 100 initiators (25 Saxenda ® and 25 Victoza ® initiators in both Germany and Italy). Informed consent was obtained before medical-chart data extraction. Results: Overall, 218 sites were contacted. Fifteen sites (nine in Italy; six in Germany) enrolled initiators. There were 39 Saxenda ® initiators (33 in Italy; six in Germany) and 52 Victoza ® initiators (31 in Italy; 21 in Germany). Data were available for all Saxenda ® initiators and all Victoza ® initiators in Italy, and for 12 of 21 Victoza ® initiators in Germany. In nine of the 12 initiators, only target dose was recorded, with no current dose provided. Conclusions: The pilot study indicated a poor enrollment feasibility of Saxenda ® initiators in Germany and an unfit-for-purpose dose-related data quality. Based on these findings, refinements were implemented to the ensuing DUS protocol, thus ensuring robust real-world data to support regulatory decision making.

Thermally induced coral bleaching is a major cause of reef decline, though it could be offset by coral adaptation. Here we used three complementary approaches to identify which environmental gradients drive local adaptation in two common Florida corals, Porites astreoides and Agaricia agaricites. Depth is the most important factor for both species: each contains three genetically distinct lineages segregated by depth. Additionally, each lineage harbors genetic variation aligning with other environmental gradients, though elevated temperature is typically not one of them. In A. agaricites, nitrogen variation predicts genetic divergence in the deep and mid-depth lineages, while cold temperature is the most important driver within the shallow lineage. Nitrogen and cold are also associated with genetic variation in P. astreoides, and high temperature was highlighted only once in the deep lineage of P. astreoides. In both species, lineages don’t share environment-associated groups of SNPs, indicating that lineages adapt independently. Overall, the locally available genetic variation in our two corals species seems unlikely to provide thermally adaptive genetic variants for future warming. Our results map the environmental gradients that create the strongest genetic barriers for corals, which could serve as a guide for reef restoration.

A document by George Crossley, written on Authorea.

Adaptive phenotypes are shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental forces, and while the literature is rich with studies focusing on either genetics or environment contributions, those that consider both are rare. Here we utilize the cichlid oral jaw apparatus to fill this knowledge-gap. First, we employed RNA-seq in bony and ligamentous tissues important for jaw opening to identify differentially expressed genes between species and across foraging environments. Our foraging treatments were designed to force animals to employ either suction or biting/scraping, which broadly mimic pelagic or benthic modes of feeding. We found a large number of differentially expressed genes between species, and while we identified relatively few differences between environments, species differences were far more pronounced when reared in the pelagic versus benthic environment. Further, these data carried the signature of genetic assimilation, and implicated cell cycle regulation in shaping the jaw across species and environments. Next, we repeated the foraging experiment and performed ATAC-seq procedures on nuclei harvested from the same tissues. Cross-referencing results from both analyses revealed subsets of genes that were both differentially expressed and differentially accessible in either the pelagic (n=15) or the benthic environment (n=11), as well as loci where differences were robust to foraging environment (n=13). All in all, these data provide novel insights into the epigenetic, genetic, and cellular bases of species- and environment-specific bone shapes, as well as the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in this iconic model system.

Key PointsPrevious studies have linked recurrent or persistent BPPV to age, anxiety or/and depression and medical comorbidityFactors such as the socioeconomical status have not been assessed.In our retrospective powered cohort we showed that there is a positive correlation between recurrent or persistent BPPV and ageWe found no correlation with the presence of underlying anxiety/depression and recurrent or persistent BPPV and age.While one would have expected that the socioeconomical and educational status would have had an impact on recurrent/persistent BPPV, using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, we did not identify such link.

Recently, enormous culture profiles and datasets from biomanufacturing processes to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTP) such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could be generated by virtue of the advancement in process analytical techniques and artificial intelligence (AI). Thus, now it is highly necessary to develop AI-based data-driven models (DDMs) and exploit them accordingly in order to further enhance operational efficiency and accelerate reliable product supply. Since bioprocess is a complex and dynamic system, DDMs are practical and particularly useful to describe the intrinsic relationship among biological and process parameters and cell culture conditions by capturing inherent patterns and to produce high-quality RTP under consistent operations as well as to decrease cost and time by predicting incipient or abrupt faults during the cell cultures. In this work, we provide the practical guideline for choosing the best DDM on given mAb-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture data sets, enabling us to forecast culture performance such as VCD, and mAb titer as well as glucose, lactate and ammonia concentrations in real time manner. Via the case study with 32 fed-batch data sets of CHO cell cultures, we suggested best combination of model elements including AI algorithms and multi-step ahead forecasting strategies, for good prediction in terms of the computational load as well as the model accuracy and reliability, which is applicable to implementation of interactive data-driven model within bioprocess digital twins. We believe this systematic study can help bioprocess engineers to start developing predictive DDMs with their own data and learn how their cell cultures behave in near future, thereby making proactive decision possible.

Do we need more studies?Max M. van Noesel, MD, PhD, MSc1,2*Department of Solid Tumors, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the NetherlandsDivision Imaging & Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands*Correspondance to: M.M van Noesel, MD, PhD, MSc, Department of Solid Tumors, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrechtc, Telephone: +31-6 5000 6581, Email: m.m.vannoesel@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl Text word count: 968 Abstract: - Short running title: Highlight PBC-22-1061 Tables: - Figures: - Abbreviations: -

CZTS material is seen as a very potential replacement for toxic CIGS, and CIS material as a thin-film solar cell absorber layer. Because of its extraordinary light absorption capacity and generation of electron-hole pairs, CZTS has been implemented as a thin-film solar cell. Research is going on over the last decade on increasing the efficiency of the CZTS solar cell. Different structural and material properties have been experimentally altered to achieve higher efficiency. But even after several attempts the single junction CZTS solar cell has not achieved an efficiency of more than 13%. In this article, a detailed review is done of the developments that have taken place and the future scope of the CZTS thin-film solar cell (TFSC). From its evolution, materials preparation, fabrication process, TFSC design, and defects in CZTS to its implementation as a solar cell are discussed in this manuscript.

Background Asian carps are popular freshwater fish species in Hong Kong and served as an important protein source for infants. Grass carp parvalbumin was reported to have higher allergenicity than other commercially important fishes (salmon and cod) in terms of IgE reactivity. Objective To identify allergens in Asian carps and study the divergence pattern of allergens. Method Three complete Asian carps’ genomes were constructed by hybrid assembly approach. All the homologs of known and putative allergens were identified based on sequence homology at the genomic level. The gene structures, expression level and protein conformations of parvalbumin were revealed using bioinformatics tools. Results Parvalbumin is the major allergen in grass carp tested by indirect ELISA. Nine homologs of parvalbumin were identified in the genome of grass carp, in which Cid_PV2 exhibited highest sequence similarity to the reported group 1 allergen of grass carp, Cten i 1. Similarly, ten parvalbumin homologs were identified in the genome of bighead and black carp respectively, in which Mpi_PV7 and Hno_PV7 were identified as the putative allergenic homologs. The expression profile of parvalbumin revealed alternative usage of homologs in different tissues of Asian carps. Moreover, gene copy numbers of parvalbumin gradually expanded in bony fish and two gene clusters of parvalbumin were identified inside the genomes of Asian carps. Conclusion All the homologs of Asian carps’ parvalbumin were accurately identified and gene divergence contributed to the formation of allergenic homologs. Together with a comprehensive gene sequence profile of carps’ parvalbumin, those could be applied to achieve a more precise clinical diagnostic test and would ultimately assist the design of preventive treatment by immunotherapy of fish allergy.

In this article we consider the implications and effects of the evolution of technology in the design process and its consequences, we explore different points of view on how to use or integrate technology in the design process, as well as how to adapt to the design cycle. of software development, new methodologies specific to designers and that have emerged as a result of the paradigm shift from product to service. New technologies provide new creative places and sources of inspiration for designers; however, the future and evolution of design is not just about the use of new technologies; the new century implies a paradigm shift that is general and also affects all disciplines related to technology (for example, engineering, medicine, education, law, social sciences and humanities). The causes of the situation in which some of these disciplines find themselves (e.g., design and art) are currently outside the discipline itself and are mainly found in other areas such as social changes due, for example, to technological development. Therefore, it is crucial that changes in vision and social and human points of view are taken into account to influence new models and methodologies in software engineering. For elo we start from the assumption that programming, like natural language, is an “object to think about”, which makes it an outstanding challenge for humanists and a way to rethink the way information technologies are used..

System development is frequent nowadays, and maintaining an ideal degree of security and trustworthiness remains challenging. However, research shows that software developers usually lack the knowledge and skills required to design safe software systems. Such expertise ensures that, in addition to adhering to the safe software development lifecycle, the relevant security parameters are fulfilled. Engineers and developers are always concerned with monitoring, tracking, and implementing critical product requirements. However, as technology evolves, digitization brings several opportunities for more sustainable system engineering and administration. With the aid of digital twins, a dynamic digital representation of a physical system is updated and maintained to build a more detailed virtual replica of the system. For better administration and faster processing, we believe digital twins to be a superior approach to examine the enhanced output and specified structure of safe software systems and their implementation. This article discusses a methodology for designing and monitoring safe software with the use of digital twins. It also describes how it works and how it may be used to make software systems more secure.

Objective To determine the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of women with recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the clinical characteristics and survival of women with recurrent uLMS and identify prognostic factors. Results Overall, 71 patients with first recurrence of uLMS were included in our study. 19 patients (26.8%) received systematic therapy and 52 patients (73.2%) received secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS). In SCS subgroup (n=52), a complete resection with no residual disease was reported in 47 patients (90.4%). 38.5% (20/52) patients received non-genital organ surgeries. 10 (19.2%) patients had received thoracic surgery because of lung-only recurrences. Bowel, bladder surgery was performed in 8 (15.4%), 3 (5.8%) patients, respectively. 1 (1.9%) patient had received liver surgery. The median follow-up duration was 38.7 months (range: 2.7-317.6 months). 41 (57.7%) patients died during follow-up. 5-year OS for the entire cohort was 52.9%. Patients experienced first recurrence after initial diagnoses within 12 months (n=24) had a worse 5-year OS than those after 12 months (n=47) (17.0% vs 69.1%, P<0.001). 5-year OS for the SCS and non-SCS subgroup was 62.0% and 28.0%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed time to fist recurrence within 12 months (HR=4.60, 95% CI: 1.49-14.4, P = 0.008) was an independent predictor of decreased 5-year OS in SCS subgroup. Conclusion SCS is an important treatment choice for recurrent uLMS and seems to have benefited patients. Time to fist recurrence within 12 months is an independent predictor of decreased 5-year OS in SCS subgroup.

3D segmentation has been a hot spot in numerical geometry processing. But the accuracy of the segmentation methods can be easily affected by the types of models because their sensitivity to different models is uneven. To address this problem, we propose a semi-automatic 3D mesh segmentation algorithm based on harmonic field. Firstly, our algorithm utilizes the strokes of users as constraints on the harmonic field of the mesh surface. Secondly, a smooth harmonic field based on Laplacian operator and Poisson equation is introduced. Through the generated harmonic field, the correct weights are selected to further fit the geometric characteristics of the grid. Afterwards, we find a set of most suitable isolines on the harmonic field as the segmentation path. Finally, a mesh density enhancement method is designed, which optimizes sub-graphs after segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. Moreover, the semi-automatic 3D mesh segmentation algorithm can better understand the intention of users.

The design and fabrication of flexible, porous, conductive electrodes with customizable functions become the prime challenge in the development of new-generation wearable electronics, especially for rechargeable batteries. Here, NiCo bi-alloy particulate catalysts loaded self-supporting carbon foam framework (NiCo@SCF) as a flexible electrode has been fabricated through one facile adsorption-pyrolysis method using a commercial melamine foam. Compared with the electrode with Pt/C and Ir/C benchmark catalysts, the NiCo@SCF electrode exhibited superior bifunctional electrocatalytic performance in alkaline media with a half-wave potential of 0.906V for oxygen reduction reaction, an overpotential of 286 mV at j=10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction, and stable bifunctional performance with a small degradation after 20,000 voltammetric cycles. The as-assembled aqueous zinc-air battery (ZAB) with NiCo@SCF as a self-supporting air cathode demonstrated a high peak power density of 178.6 mW cm-2 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a stable voltage gap of 0.94V a 540 h charge-discharge operation. Remarkably, the as-assembled flexible solid-state ZAB with self-supporting NiCo@SCF as air cathode presented an engaging peak power density of 80.1 mW cm-2 and excellent durability of 95 h undisrupted operation, showing promise for the design of wearable ZAB.

Rationale: Patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) require long-term ventilation to ensure gas exchange and to prevent deleterious consequences for neurocognitive development. Two ventilation modes may be used for these patients depending on their tolerance, one invasive by tracheostomy and the other noninvasive (NIV). For patients who have undergone a tracheostomy, transition to NIV is possible when they meet predefined criteria. Identifying the conditions favorable for weaning from a tracheostomy it critical for the success of the process. Objective: The aim of the study was to share our experience of decannulation in a reference center; we hereby describe the modality of ventilation and its effect on nocturnal gas exchange before and after tracheostomy removal. Methods: Retrospective observational study at Robert Debré Hospital over the past 10 years. The modalities of decannulation and transcutaneous carbon dioxide recordings or polysomnographies before and after decannulation were collected. Results: Sixteen patients underwent decannulation following a specific procedure for transition from invasive to NIV. All decannulations were successful. The median age at decannulation was 12.6 [9.7; 15.0] years. Nocturnal gas exchange was not significantly different before and after decannulation, while expiratory positive airway pressure and inspiratory time increased significantly. An oronasal interface was chosen in two out of three patients. The mean duration of hospital stay for decannulation was 4.0 [3.0; 6.0] days. Conclusion: Our study underlines that decannulation and transition to NIV are achievable in CCHS children using a well-defined procedure. Patient preparation is crucial to the success of the process.

This paper presents an impedance differential protection scheme for a double-circuit transmission line. Current and voltage measurements at both line ends enable the formulation of a differential impedance that serves as an effective protection standard for transmission lines. The proposed method takes into consideration the effects of the line's shunt capacitance since it is based on the distributed parameter line model. The proposed protection system is able to detect the faults and also has the ability to determine the fault location. In addition, the relay offers dependability, and selectivity for differentiating between internal and external faults, thereby stays steady against external faults. The proposed method has been tested with varying fault resistances and under various fault conditions. The effectiveness, security, and dependability of the method are verified by the simulation results.

Choledochal cyst is a rare congenital dilatation of the common bile duct usually symptomatic within the first year of life with rare presentation in adulthood. Herein, we present a 17-year-old female with type 1A choledochal cyst who was managed by surgical excision, hepatico-jejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy who recovered uneventfully.

The Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), which belongs to the Loricariidae family, is an invasive species that has caused massive damage to the ecological environment. However, a high-quality reference genome for this catfish species has not yet been reported. Here, we successfully assembled the first chromosome-level high-quality genome of P. pardalis using data produced from multiple sequencing platforms. The assembled genome contains 26 chromosomes, with a scaffold N50 of 49.47 Mb. Different evaluation methods indicated the high connectivity and accuracy genome we got. In total, 23 859 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome, 22 169 (92.92%) of which were functionally annotated in public databases. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pardalis was clustered with all other catfish studied and diverged from their common ancestor 132.5 million years ago. Whole-genome collinearity analysis indicated the chromosome 6 of P. pardalis was aligned to two distinct chromosomes in Ameiurus melas, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and Ictalurus punctatus, suggesting the occurrence of potential chromosomal fusion/fission events. Furthermore, many immune system-related genes were expanded in the P. pardalis genome, which may have contributed to their adaptive traits to highly polluted environments and successful invasion. This study not only provides insights into the genetic basis of the successful invasion of P. pardalis, but also provides important data for comparative genomic analysis of P. pardalis in Siluriformes in the future.

Background: Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic metabolites found in cereals and forage released by moulds and other fungi. In domestic farm animals, mycotoxins contribute to a spectrum of disorders. However, little is known about the impact of multiple mycotoxins in horses and there is little published data investigating mycotoxins found in forage fed to horses in the UK. Objectives: To identify the concentrations of mycotoxins found in forage fed to horses in the UK with increased liver enzyme concentrations. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Records of forage mycotoxin sampling undertaken for horses with increased liver enzymes between May 2019 – October 2021 were reviewed. The quantity and frequency of 54 mycotoxins identified were recorded. Individual mycotoxins were grouped based on their biochemical structure or fungus they are produced by. Results: Mycotoxins were detected in 50/52 (96%, CI 87-99) of forage samples; 42/52 (81%, CI 67-90) samples had two or more present. The median number of mycotoxin groups detected was three. Emerging mycotoxins were detected in 39/52 samples (75%, CI 61-86) with median concentration of 92 μg/kg [IQR 20-444] (median concentration [IQR]); fusaric acid in 25/52 samples (48%, CI 34-62), (14 [11-45]), and type B trichothecenes in 24/52 samples (46%, CI 32-61), (119 [50-1517]). One or more mycotoxin groups were detected in 14/52 samples (26%, CI 16-42) at a concentration thought to be ‘higher’ risk to animal health; 22/52 (42%, CI 29-57) samples had one or more mycotoxins groups that were detected at a concentration that was ‘medium’ or ‘higher’ risk. Main limitations: Lack of a control population and potential for case selection bias. Conclusions: Mycotoxins are frequently found in the forage eaten by horses with increased liver enzymes. The effects of mycotoxins in horses and synergistic effects of multiple mycotoxins in horses warrant further investigation.

Many parasites can interfere with their host’s defences to maximize their fitness. Here we investigated if there is heritable variation in the spider mite, Tetranychus evansi for traits associated with how they interact with their host plant. We also determined if this variation correlates with mite fecundity. This mite has the ability to interfere with jasmonate (JA) defences which is the main determinant of anti-herbivore immunity in plants. We investigated (i). variation in fecundity in the presence and absence of JA defences, making use of a wild-type tomato cultivar and a JA-deficient mutant (defenseless-1), and (ii) variation in the induction of JA defences, in 4 T. evansi field populations and in 59 inbred lines created from an outbred population conceived from controlled crosses of the four field populations. We observed a strong positive genetic correlation between fecundity in the presence (on WT) and in the absence of JA-defenses (on def-1). However, fecundity did not correlate with the magnitude of induced JA-defenses in WT plants. Our results suggest that JA-defences have a minimal impact on the performance of the specialist T. evansi, either because all lines can adequately reduce levels of defences, or because they are resistant to such defences.