A document by Saban Contandriopoulos. Click on the document to view its contents.

The idea of a Cyber-Physical-Social System, or CPSS for short, is a relatively new concept that has emerged as a response to the requirement to comprehend the influence that Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) have on people and vice versa. Conversational assistants (CAs), also called bots, are dedicated to oral or written communication. Over time, the CAs have gradually diversified to today touch various fields such as e-commerce, healthcare, tourism, fashion, travel, and many others sectors. Natural-language understanding (NLU) is fundamental in the Natural Language Processing (NLP) field. Identifying user intents from natural language utterances is a crucial step in conversational systems, and the diversity in user utterances makes intent detection even a challenging problem. Recently, with the emergence of Deep Neural Networks. New State of the Art (SOA) results have been achieved for different NLP tasks. Recurrent Neural networks (RNNs) and recent Transformer architectures are two major players in those improvements. In addition, RNNs have been playing an increasingly important role in sequence modeling in different application areas. On the other hand, Transformer models are new architectures that benefit from the attention mechanism, extensive training datasets, and compute power. First, this review paper presents a comprehensive overview of RNN and Transformer models. Then, a comparative study of the performance of different RNNs and Transformer architectures for the specific task of intent recognition for CAs which is a fundamental task of NLU.

Terrestrial dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TAlk) loads have contrasting effects on the pH and carbonate chemistry of the coastal ocean. While TAlk can buffer against ocean acidification, elevated exports of free CO2 can further exacerbate ocean acidification. In this study, we estimate terrestrial DIC and TAlk loads from rivers and mangrove floodplains from six bioregions and over different flow years to assess their influence on the buffering capacity of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon in Australia. Overall, we find a large range of terrestrial (river + mangrove) DIC (-0.91 to 2.60 Tg C yr-1) and TAlk (-0.04 to 2.62 Tg C yr-1) loads that were higher in high flow years and in the tropical wet bioregions. Importantly, we show that a net buffering effect on the GBR is possible based on terrestrial loads that include short-term mangrove TAlk export rates that are higher in TAlk compared to DIC. However, when we consider long-term mangrove TAlk production via pyrite formation, which is low in TAlk, we find that terrestrial loads can acidify the GBR lagoon. Because of the large range associated with current measurements, it remains unclear if terrestrial inorganic carbon loads buffer or acidify the GBR lagoon. Ongoing monitoring will be essential to improve predictions of the conditions and drivers of the carbonate chemistry of the GBR coastal waters with immediate consequences on the health of the reef ecosystem.

The present qualitative research explored the barriers for markers to provide consistent and effective essay feedback when they used the Enhanced Rubric Method (ERM) which is a highly structured method for providing feedback. We identified three categories of barriers - markers’ underpinning values when providing feedback (different beliefs as to what is good feedback and empathy with students), personal differences in feedback provision (preferring certain assessment criteria and overusing feedback), and discrepant use of the ERM (learning the Quickmarks and criteria, creating own Quickmarks, different uses of positive feedback, and increased use of personalised feedback). These factors suggest that, despite markers’ best intentions towards students and principles of consistency, specific practical recommendations are necessary to ensure consistent and effective feedback across all markers on a given assignment. We provided three specific recommendations for practitioners, namely, assessing markers’ levels of feedback literacy prior to marking and reassuring markers that consistent and effective feedback helps students, co-designing the feedback method with markers, and providing continued targeted training for markers. Our results, practical, and future research recommendations can lead practitioners and academics to achieving satisfactory levels of consistent and effective feedback, can help markers’ professional development, and can aid student learning. Keywords: feedback, Quickmarks, values, markers        

The volume at hand presents the Special Issue on “Software Quality for Modern Systems”. The Special Issue has been originally conceived within the context of the 3 rd International Conference on Automation of Software Test (AST 2022). The authors of the best papers accepted at AST 2022 have been invited to submit an extended version of their previous work. In addition, the editors have decided to keep the submissions open for any other contributions aligned with the objectives of the Special Issue. The main objective of the Guest Editors is to promote discussions leveraging software testing automation for improving various software quality attributes.

Real-time ultrasound guided segmental bronchoscopic insufflation in a Tay-Sachs patient with atelectasisMatej Šapina, MD, PhD1,2,3*, Bojana Olujić, MD1,2, Tihana Nađ, MD1,2, Hrvoje Vinković, MD1,2, Zdravka Krivdić Dupan, MD1,2, Nikolina Hamidović, MD1, Mia Damašek, MD1,2, Krešimir Milas, MD1, Željko Zubčić, MD, PhD1,2, and Ivan Erić, MD, PhD1,21University hospital center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia2Medical faculty Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia3Faculty of dental medicine and health Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia*Corresponding author: sapina.matej@yahoo.comPhone: +385 31 512 279Keywords: bronchoscopy, atelectasis, Tay-Sachs diseaseIntroductionTo the Editor,Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue and is a common problem in patients suffering from severe neurological diseases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and ranges from respiratory physiotherapy, mucus clearance methods, and in some cases bronchoscopic interventions. If left untreated recurrent infections may occur, along with impaired gas exchange and in the long run fibrosis of the affected area1.A female patient at the age of 3 years with Tay-Sachs disease and consequent severe global psychomotor delay and epilepsy was initially admitted due to a respiratory infection to the neuropediatric department, where she developed an epileptic status and desaturation, prompting a transfer to the Intensive Care Unit. The refractory epileptic status resolved only with several antiepileptics, which lead to intubation requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, after which the patient stabilized.An attempt to reduce sedation the next day resulted in repeated seizures. On the third day, inflammatory parameters increased, with a radiological finding suggestive of pneumonia and a large left atelectasis confirmed by ultrasound. Antibiotics were empirically started, and Moraxella catarrhalis and Adenovirus in the respiratory tract were obtained in the cultures.Lung ultrasound showed a large consolidation in the dorsal upper two thirds of the left hemithorax. Due to the size of the atelectasis, we decided to perform bedside bronchoscopy.A single use paediatric flexible bronchoscope (Ambu® aScope™ 5 Broncho) was introduced through the ETT. The tracheobronchial morphology did not show any obstructions. We applied our recently published modified segmental insufflation technique, however without the use of surfactant2.First, a bronchoalveolar lavage was performed for microbiological and cytological analysis, followed by ultrasound guided bronchoscopic treatment of the affected area. The patient was positioned on the right lateral decubitus position. As described previously, a cuff pressure manometer (AG Cuffill Cuff) and a 50 ml syringe were attached to a three-way stopcock connected to the bronchoscope’s working channel. Pressure controlled segmental insufflation of the lingula and upper lobe was performed directly observing an aeration of the atelectatic areas on the ultrasound with no complications.Subsequent ultrasound monitoring resulted in total expansion of the affected lung and resolution of inflammation, confirmed radiologically (Figure 1.). The patient could be safely extubated and transferred to the wards. No reoccurrence of atelectasis was observed.ConclusionThe treatment of pediatric atelectasis poses a challenge, with limited approaches available and a lack of evidence-based guidelines to guide clinical decision-making. A question that remains to be answered is not only the mode of treatment, but timing. Even with bronchoscopic treatment, different methods exist. In obstructive atelectasis, the approach is simple - to eliminate the obstruction, however, nonobstructive atelectasis remain challenging. Bronchoscopic lung insufflation technique has been explored in adults, with limited cases reported in children3. Several case reports utilized pressure-controlled insufflation with or without surfactant in long standing atelectasis as an add on treatment2; 4.We believe that patients with severe neurological diseases require special attention regarding their susceptibility for developing atelectasis5. Our approach is early bronchoscopic pressure-controlled insufflation in non-obstructive atelectasis. Depending on the duration, we additionally instill surfactant in long standing ones.Ultrasound is recently being used in lung recruitment maneuvers to monitor lung expansion, however, it was only recently reported to be utilized for segmental insufflation monitoring in a spinal muscular atrophy type I patient4. However, to our best knowledge, our case report is the first successful use on a Tay-Sachs patient using real time ultrasound monitoring during pressure-controlled segmental bronchoscopic insufflation. The benefits of ultrasound guidance is the direct visualisation of lung expansion reducing the need for fluoroscopic radiation exposure of visualisation and further monitoring. Besides it increases the safety of the procedure allowing for detection of development of pneumothorax.In conclusion, pressure controlled real-time ultrasound guided bronchoscopic segmental insufflation, with its low-cost, lightweight, and flexible setup, seems to be a safe and promising new modality for treatment of non-obstructive atelectasis, especially in children requiring complex care.FIGURESFigure 1. On the left a large left sided atelectasis can be seen causing the mediastinal shift. On the right complete regression of the atelectasis is observed before extubatingReferences1. Ogake S, Bellinger C. 2020. Role of bronchoscopy in atelectasis. Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 27(1):30-32.2. Šapina M, Olujic B, Nađ T, Vinkovic H, Dupan ZK, Bartulovic I, Milas K, Kos M, Divkovic D, Zubčić Z. 2023. Bronchoscopic treatment of pediatric atelectasis: A modified segmental insufflation‐surfactant instillation technique. Pediatric Pulmonology.3. Abu‐Hasan MN, Chesrown SE, Jantz MA. 2013. Successful use of bronchoscopic lung insufflation to treat left lung atelectasis. Pediatric Pulmonology. 48(3):306-309.4. Esteban IA, Osona B, Ballestín AS, Rubio CC, de Mendiola JMFP, Gómez VA, López ME, Vicente JCDC. 2024. Bronchoscopic segmental alveolar recruitment in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy and massive atelectasis. Pediatric pulmonology.5. St‐Laurent A, Zysman‐Colman Z, Zielinski D. 2022. Respiratory prehabilitation in pediatric anesthesia in children with muscular and neurologic disease. Pediatric Anesthesia. 32(2):228-236.

Mobile Ad Hoc Network is a dynamic network which formed by collection of wireless nodes without any centralized support. Nodes are mobile in mobile ad hoc network and free to move anywhere in network. Due to the mobility of nodes it is difficult to route data between nodes Thus it is challenging to select an appropriate routing protocol, which route data more efficiently. Each routing protocol has its own architecture and working. It is obligatory to analyze the behavior different routing protocols under different environments. IPv6 is a version of internet protocol and got importance because it has some additional features and more secure than IPv4.In this paper three routing protocols of mobile ad hoc network namely DSR, GRP and TORA are tested under IPv6 environment. Performance of these routing protocols is evaluated by using OPNET Modeler 14.5 as simulation tool on the basis of different performance metrics-End-To-End Delay, Network Load and Throughput. On the basis of simulation results it concluded that GRP performs better which stated that it is suitable for efficient routing.

Due to the inherent property of mobile ad hoc network, nodes in this environment move arbitrarily or illogically. Due to the mobility of nodes the topology changes dynamically. As routing of data in such dynamic topology is an important issue in mobile ad hoc network, so the selection of suitable routing protocol is necessary which enables to route data between mobile nodes efficiently by using less bandwidth of the network. Each routing protocol has its own architecture and working. Routing protocols behave differently under different environments. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the behavior of different routing protocols under different environments. Many studies have been done on the performance evaluation of routing protocols of MANET, but most of these studies are based on IPv4. On the other hand, IPv6 gains popularity because it has some additional features over IPv4 as it supports multicasting, multi-homing, efficient routing. IPv6 is more secure as compared to IPv4 and has large address space to support. On account of these features of IPv6, many organizations are moving to use IPv6, and therefore, it is worthwhile to evaluate the performance of routing protocols under IPv6 environment. In this research performance of two ad hoc routing protocols OLSR and AODV evaluated under IPv6 environment on the basis of end-to-end delay, throughput, and network load. The objective of this research is to investigate how these routing protocols behave under IPv6 environment and identify which routing protocol performs better. OPNET Modeler 14.5 is used as simulation tool. On the basis of simulations we conclude that OLSR performs well which proves that it is suitable for efficient routing.

Olive ( Olea europaea) yield depends on the number of inflorescences forming in springtime. This number depends on the sufficiency of cold periods and the lack of warm ones during the preceding winter. Despite this basic understanding, a satisfactory quantitative model forecasting the expected flowering under natural temperature conditions is still lacking. Previous models simply sum the number of ‘cold hours’ during winter, as a proxy for flowering, but exhibit only mediocre agreement with empirical flowering values, possibly because they overlook the order of occurrence of different temperatures. Here, we tested the effect of heat spells of different durations on olive flowering and gene expression. We constructed a dynamical model, describing the response of a putative flowering factor to the temperature signal. The crucial ingredient in the model is an unstable intermediate, produced and degraded at temperature-dependent rates. Our model accounts not only for the number of cold and warm hours but also for their order. We used sets of flowering and temperature data to fit the model parameters, applying numerical optimization techniques. We validated the model outcomes and showed its robustness. This model is the first step toward a practical predictive tool that could be used under various temperature conditions.

Organizational transformation is a multifaceted process that involves altering an organization's structure, culture, processes, systems, and strategies to better adapt to internal and external changes. This transformative process is characterized by interprofessional interactions that aim to foster collective dynamics. The likelihood of organizational transformation failure is considerable, especially in pluralistic organizations. Our study's research question centered on the interactional mechanisms that come into play in the dynamics of organizational transformations within hospitals during a health crisis, treating the crisis as a valuable learning opportunity. Following a six-month period of observation, 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2021 and December 2022 with various professionals from different hierarchical levels and professional categories in two French hospitals. The research emphasizes the mechanisms that facilitate the development of a social structure and social systems in pluralistic organizations and govern individual and collective actions that regulate the process of organizational transformation.

In this article we present a new method called PSF-Radon transform algorithm. This algorithm consists on recovering the instrument point spread function (PSF) from the Radon tranform (in the line direction axis) of the Line Spread function (that is, the image of a line). We present the method and tested with synthetic images, and real images from macro lens camera and microscopy. A stand-alone program along with a tutorial is available, for any interested user, in [? ] .

The position of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) may lead to drying/flooding in some parts of the world. Its spatial and temporal variation responds to well-established oscillation processes like the El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This research establishes the response of the ITCZ position to the ENSO phases and how its position, determined from maximum precipitation, relates to the convergence of surface tropical winds. The ERA5 reanalysis data, 1990 – 2020, is used in this study. Each longitude is scanned for latitude of maximum precipitation, during each El-Niño/La-Niña/Neutral years, within the 20°N/S latitude range to identify the ITCZ position. The study concludes that the position established by the maximum precipitation aligns with the surface tropical winds convergence over the global oceanic areas. On seasonal average, the La-Niña related ITCZ position is consistently southward of its El-Niño position over Africa and Central Pacific Ocean. The study uncovered that the extreme cases of El-Niño/La-Niña leads to further north/south shifting of the ITCZ position from its normal El-Niño/La-Niña positions. The continental and Atlantic Ocean ITCZ is more persistent and shows a minimal fluctuation during the El-Niño/La-Niña. Over Africa, cross-wavelet analysis shows common high-power features in the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) and ITCZ signals over a four-year periodicity, mirroring the ENSO periodicity albeit with slowly varying time lag across the years. The cross-correlation of the two signals is strongest in Austral summer (DJF). The global and temporal ITCZ shifts open an opportunity for improved interpretation of seasonal forecasts of hydroclimatic events, especially under climate change conditions

This study examined the effects of climate change on wheat production in Pakistan, documenting yearly changes in the atmosphere such as floods, rainfall, and increasing temperatures. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the objective is to analyze how various factors, including water availability, the area of wheat cultivation, carbon dioxide levels, precipitation, and temperature, impact the wheat output in Pakistan. A comprehensive review of existing literature provides context, while the VAR modeling technique is utilized for quantitative data analysis, incorporating data from the Economic Survey of Pakistan and the Meteorological Department. The VAR model indicates a significant negative impact on Pakistan's wheat production as a result of climate change. The study highlights the urgent need to implement adaptation strategies to mitigate these effects. The projected decline in wheat production has significant implications for food security and livelihoods, necessitating policy interventions and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The societal impact of these findings calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public to collectively address the challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan's agricultural sector.

Aim: The 4th Davos Declaration, convened during the Global Allergy Forum (GAF) in Davos, aimed to elevate patient care for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by uniting experts and stakeholders. The forum addressed the high prevalence of AD, with a strategic focus on advancing research, treatment, and management to meet the evolving challenges in the field. Methods: This multidisciplinary forum brought together top leaders from research, clinical practice, policy, and patient advocacy to discuss the critical aspects of AD, including neuroimmunology, environmental factors, comorbidities, and breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The discussions were geared towards fostering a collaborative approach to integrate these advancements into practical, patient-centric care. Results The forum underlined the mounting burden of AD, attributing it to significant environmental and lifestyle changes. It acknowledged the progress in understanding AD and in developing targeted therapies but recognized a gap in translating these innovations into clinical practice. Emphasis was placed on the need for enhanced awareness, education, and stakeholder engagement to address this gap effectively and to consider environmental and lifestyle factors in a comprehensive disease management strategy. Conclusion: The 4th Davos Declaration marks a significant milestone in the journey to improve care for people with AD. By promoting a holistic approach that combines research, education, and clinical application, the Forum sets a roadmap for stakeholders to work together to improve patient outcomes in AD, reflecting a commitment to adapt and respond to the dynamic challenges of AD in a changing world.

Connectivity and data exchange are key features of Industry 4.0. In this paradigm, (Industrial) Internet of Things ((I)IoT) devices are a vital component facilitating the collection and transmission of environmental data from the physical sys- tem to the central station for processing and analysis(Digital Twin). However, although (I)IoT devices play a critical role in this process, they are not inherently equipped to run strong encryption mechanisms to secure the data they transmit over wired or wireless channels. This research aims to explore the potential of Digital Twins (DT) in securing Industry 4.0 appli- cations and the security mechanism employed to ensure con- fidentiality, integrity, and authentication of data communi- cated between (I)IoT and DT through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). This systematic literature review, based on the analysis of 67 papers published between 2018 and 2023, un- derscores the evolving significance of Digital Twin technol- ogy, particularly within the ambit of Industry 4.0. The find- ings illuminate the pervasive influence of Digital Twin tech- nology across multiple industrial sectors. The result SLR re- vealed that DT is growing and being widely adopted as a se- curity tool particularly in Industry 4.0 using enabling tech- nology like machine learning, data analytics, blockchain, and 5G networks to provide security solutions such as intrusion detection, vulnerability assessment, cyber range, and threat intelligence.

CORRIGENDUMDate: 09 Feb 2024Manuscript number: ALL-2023-01229.R1Title of Article: Response to Correspondence ALL-2023-01107 “Short-course subcutaneous treatment with PQ Grass strongly improves symptom and medication scores in grass allergy”Authors: P.J. de Kam1, S. Zielen2, J.A. Bernstein3, U. Berger4, M. Berger5, M. Cuevas6, D. Cypcar7, A. Fuhr-Horst8, W.A. Greisner9, M. Jandl10, S. Laßmann11, M. Worm12, J. Matz13, E. Sher14, C. Smith15, G.C. Steven16, R. Mösges17,18, M.H. Shamji19,20, L. DuBuske21, F. Borghese1, K. Oluwayi1, T. Zwingers1, M. Seybold1, O. Armfield1, M.D. Heath1, S.J. Hewings1, M.F. Kramer1, M.A. Skinner1Allergy Therapeutics plc, Worthing, United KingdomChildren and Adolescents Dept., Allergology, Pulmonology & Cystic fibrosis, Goethe University, Frankfurt, GermanyBernstein Clinical Research Center, LLC, Cincinnati, OH, United States of AmericaUniversity of Innsbruck, Department of Botany, Innsbruck, AustriaWiener Gesundheitsverbund, Hospital Hietzing, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Vienna, AustriaClinic and Polyclinic of Otorhinolaryngology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, GermanyAllergy Partners of Western North Carolina, Asheville, NC, United States of AmericaENT Research- Institut für klinische Studien, Essen, GermanyBluegrass Allergy Research, Lexington, KY, United States of AmericaHamburger Institut für Therapieforschung GmbH, Hamburg, GermanyStudienzentrum Dr. Sabine Laßmann, Saalfeld, GermanyUniversitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Dermatology and Allergy - Charite Campus Mitte, Berlin, GermanyChesapeake Clinical Research, Inc. White Marsh, MD, United States of AmericaAllergy Partners of New Jersey, Ocean, NJ, United States of AmericaCertified Research Associates, Cortland, NY, United States of AmericaAllergy Asthma & Sinus Center, S.C., Greenfield, WI, United States of AmericaIMSB (Institute of Computational Biology and Medical Statistics), University at Cologne, Cologne, GermanyClinCompetence, Cologne, GermanyImmunomodulation and Tolerance Group, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United KingdomAsthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, Imperial College London, London, United KingdomDivision of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of AmericaName of the Corresponding Author: Pieter-Jan De Kam

Fish ear bones, known as otoliths, are often collected by fisheries to assist in management, and are a common sample type in museum and national archives. Beyond their utility for aging, morphological and trace element analysis, otoliths are a repository of valuable genomic information. Previous work has shown that DNA can be extracted from the trace quantities of tissue remaining on the surface of otoliths, despite the fact that they are often stored dry at room temperature. However, much of this work has used reduced-representation sequencing methods in clean lab conditions, to achieve adequate yields of DNA, libraries, and ultimately single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here, we pioneer the use of small-scale (spike-in) sequencing to screen otolith samples prepared in regular molecular biology laboratories for contamination and quality levels, submitting for whole-genome resequencing only samples above a defined endogenous DNA threshold. Despite the typically low quality and quantity of DNA extracted from otoliths, we are able to produce whole-genome libraries and ultimately sets of filtered, unlinked and even adaptive SNPs of ample size for downstream uses in population, climate, and conservation genomics. By comparing with a set of tissue samples from the same species, we are able to highlight the quality and efficacy of otolith DNA samples from DNA extraction and library preparation, to bioinformatic preprocessing and SNP calling. We provide detailed schematics, protocols, and scripts of our approach, such that it can be adopted widely by the community, improving the use of otoliths as a source of valuable genomic data.

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AbstractYellow fever, a devastating disease, swept through the Lower Mississippi Valley in 1878, leaving a trail of death and despair. This study delves into the clinical history of this epidemic, drawing insights from the firsthand account of Dr. Thomas Osmond Summers, a seasoned medical professional. Our analysis reveals intriguing facets of the outbreak, shedding light on both medical practices and societal perceptions.Summers’ meticulous observations provide a glimpse into the grim reality faced by physicians during this crisis. His assertion that not all deaths were accurately recorded underscores the challenges in assessing the true mortality rate. Despite his flawed understanding of contagion, Summers’ work reflects prevailing beliefs of the time. The blame placed on frontline practitioners for inadequate reporting highlights the complexities of data collection during an epidemic.Interestingly, Summers avoids overt religious references, distancing his scientific account from personal faith. His focus on symptoms, diagnosis, and the disease’s progression offers valuable insights into the lived experience of yellow fever victims. The absence of class-based differences in mortality rates challenges assumptions about social stratification’s impact on disease susceptibility.In this historical puzzle, Summers’ account serves as a critical piece, allowing us to reconstruct the medical landscape and societal responses during a catastrophic epidemic. As we piece together this mosaic, we gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of communities and the tireless efforts of medical professionals in the face of a relentless foe.This abstract encapsulates the epidemic’s nuances, emphasizing the interplay between science, society, and individual experiences. Further research can build upon Summers’ account to unravel additional layers of this compelling historical narrative.

Translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) in bacteria occurs in the steps of initiation, elongation, termination and ribosome recycling. The initiation step comprises multiple stages and uses a special transfer RNA (tRNA) called initiator tRNA (i-tRNA), which is first aminoacylated and then formylated using methionine and N 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate (N 10-fTHF), respectively. Both methionine and N 10-fTHF are produced via one-carbon metabolism, linking translation initiation with active cellular metabolism. The fidelity of i-tRNA binding to the ribosomal peptidyl-site (P-site) is attributed to the structural features in its acceptor stem, and the highly conserved three consecutive G-C base pairs (3GC pairs) in the anticodon stem. While the acceptor stem region is important in formylation of the amino acid attached to i-tRNA and its initial binding to the P-site, the 3GC pairs are crucial in transiting i-tRNA through various stages of initiation. We utilized the feature of 3GC pairs to investigate the nuanced layers of scrutiny that ensure fidelity of translation initiation through i-tRNA abundance and its interactions with the components of the translation apparatus. We discuss the importance of i-tRNA in the final stages of ribosome maturation, as also the roles of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, ribosome heterogeneity, initiation factors, ribosome recycling factor and coevolution of the translation apparatus in orchestrating a delicate balance between the fidelity of initiation and/or its leakiness to generate proteome plasticity in cells to confer growth fitness advantages in response to the dynamic nutritional states.

A new species of Senecio L. (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), Senecio anjanericus is described and illustrated from the Anjaneri Hills of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India based on morphological and cytogenetical studies. The species resembles Senecio bombayensis but differs from it in small size of the ligules, presence of conspicuous foliose supplementary bracts and dense indumentum on stem. The somatic chromosome count was observed to be 2n=2x=20, with all the chromosomes exhibiting median region centromeres. Detailed morphology, illustration and karyotypic features of the new species are provided.

Paclitaxel (PTX) has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent for several malignancies including breast cancer and efforts to increase the efficiency of PTX are continuing. In this study, FDA-approved 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker, was used in combination with PTX in MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 cell lines it has been confirmed that K+ (potassium) channels are involved in the cell cycle. Viability was determined with trypan blue, a clonogenic assay was performed, and the cell cycle was determined with a flow cytometer and immunochemistry. To gain an insight into the mechanism, intracellular K+ concentration, intracellular Ca2+ (calcium) concentration, and transmembrane potential measurements were made with corresponding fluorescent dyes. Apoptotic cell number was determined using Annexin /PI method by flow cytometer. Viability decreased with combination therapy and the clonogenic assay proved decreased colony formation. Apoptotic cell number was increased after treatment with the combination in both cell lines. Cell cycle measurements showed G1 arrest for both MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 cell lines upon 4-AP treatment. PTX caused G1 arrest in MCF-7 cells and S phase arrest in MDA MB 231 cells. Combination treatment caused S phase arrest in MCF-7 cells and S phase and G2/M phase arrest in MDA MB 231 cells. Intracellular K+ concentration was increased after all treatments in both cell lines. Ca2+ concentration was increased significantly after combination treatment. Depolarization in the transmembrane potential was observed after all treatments in both cell lines. Biophysical parameters like the transmembrane potential and ion fluxes have been defined in cancer progression which can provide new aspects for cancer treatments. This study shows that the combination of 4-AP with PTX is a promising alternative the mechanism of which needs further investigation considering the results obtained for Ca2+, K+, and membrane potential.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagens, ECM glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, are critical components of tissue structure and function. In addition to the core matrisome, there are matrisome-associated proteins that balance ECM production and degradation. The identification and quantification of ECM proteins using mass spectrometry is often hindered by their low abundance and their tendency to aggregate, forming insoluble macromolecules in aqueous solutions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a decellularization strategy that combined freeze-thaw cycles and sodium dodecyl sulphate treatment, in identifying and quantifying ECM proteins in mouse kidney using mass spectrometry. This decellularization strategy preserved 95% of the Core matrisome proteins detected in non-decellularized kidney and revealed additional once. Decellularization also led to an increase in the abundance of 96% of the core matrisome ECM proteins by an average of 59 times due to the successful removal of cellular and matrisome-associated proteins. However, the enrichment varied greatly among ECM proteins, resulting in a misrepresentation of the native ECM protein composition of the kidney. This should be brought to the attention of the matrisome research community, as it highlights the need for caution when interpreting proteomic data obtained following a decellularization procedure.

Recent declines in insect abundances, especially populations of wild pollinators, pose a threat to many natural and agricultural ecosystems. Traditional species monitoring relies on morphological character identification and is inadequate for efficient and standardized surveys. DNA barcoding has become a standard approach for molecular identification of organisms, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of traditional species monitoring. However, its efficacy depends on the completeness of reference databases. Large DNA barcoding efforts are (almost entirely) lacking in many European countries, and such patchy data limit Europe-wide analyses of precisely how to apply DNA barcoding in wild bee identification. Here, we advance towards an effective molecular identification of European wild bees. We conducted a high-effort survey of wild bees in Slovenia, a country where central Europe meets the Balkan peninsula, and DNA barcoded all collected morpho-species. For global analyses, we complemented our DNA barcode dataset with all relevant European species and conducted a global analyses of species delimitation, general and genus-specific barcoding gaps, and examined the error-rate in DNA data repositories. We found that i) a sixth of all specimens from Slovenia could not be reliably identified, ii) species delimitation methods show numerous systematic problems, iii) there is no general barcoding gap across all bees, iv) the barcoding gap is genus-specific, but only after curating for errors in DNA data repositories. Intense sampling and barcoding efforts in underrepresented regions and strict curation of DNA barcode repositories are needed to enhance the use of DNA barcoding for identification of wild bees.