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Stressed plants emit a variety of chemicals into the environment, leading to increased pest resistance in neighbouring plants but the genetic and molecular mechanisms of the emissions remain obscure. Recently, Gong et al. identified novel methyl salicylate (MeSA)-mediated airborne defence that confers resistance to neighbouring plants against aphids and viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IS200/605 transposons in prokaryotes are known to harbor programmable endonucleases. Despite carrying their own transposable elements, no such effector has been characterized in eukaryotes. Saito et al. recently reported compact and programmable RNA-guided eukaryotic endonucleases, called Fanzors, that can induce targeted genetic modifications, thus expanding the genome-editing toolbox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selfish genetic elements (SGEs) display biased transmission to offspring. However, their breeding potential has remained obscure. Wang et al. recently reported a natural gene-drive system that can be harnessed to prevent hybrid incompatibility and to develop a synthetic gene-drive (SGD) system for crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a transgene in the genome of plants is a regulatory challenge. Recently, Liu et al. reported an engineered tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) that can carry large clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas reagents for targeted genome editing in various crops without the integration of the transgene into the genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting in plants facilitates the transmission of biomolecules across the union formation. Recently, Yang et al. demonstrated that inter- and intraspecific grafting in plants can be exploited for trafficking tRNA-tagged mobile reagents of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system from the transgenic rootstock to wild-type scion for genetic improvement in plants through targeted mutagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prime editing (PE) enables precise genome editing at targeted locus without inducing double-stranded breaks (DSBs). Despite its precision, PE lacks the tendency to integrate large DNA fragments into the genome. Recently, Yarnall et al. reported clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 and an integrase-based system that conducts targeted integration of large DNA sequences (~36 kb) into the genome more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prime editing creates targeted insertions or deletions in the genome without double-stranded breaks (DSBs). However, prime-editing efficiency in plants is low, thereby limiting its utilization. A recent study by Zong et al. used a simple strategy that led to substantially improvements in the editing efficiency in both protoplasts and transgenic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly and the viruses they transmit pose a serious threat to crops globally. Recently, Jain et al. showed that BioClay-mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) spray provides an eco-friendly approach to controlling whitefly. This 'transgene-free next-generation' insect-specific crop protection strategy may help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides for controlling whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CRISPR-Cas toolbox is expanding swiftly. Every discovery of a novel and unique variant opens new frontiers in the field of synthetic and applied biology. Recently, Huang et al. revealed the CRISPR-Cas12c system that requires a single-nucleotide protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) to perform RNA-guided DNA targeting without DNA cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier harmonic analysis (FHA) is a robust method for identification of minute changes in sperm nuclear shape that are indicative of reduced fertility. The current study was designed to develop a fertility prediction model for Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls through FHA of sperm. In experiment I, FHA technique was standardized, average sperm nuclear perimeter was measured and sperm nuclear shape plot of buffalo bull was constructed. Sperm of buffalo bulls (n = 10) were stained with YOYO-1 and Hoechst-33342 to differentiate live and dead, and digital images were captured using phase contrast and fluorescent microscopy. The images were analyzed by ImageJ software and 100 sperm/bull were evaluated. The results are described as mean ± SEM values of mean harmonic amplitude (mharm), skewness harmonic amplitude (skharm), kurtosis harmonic amplitude (kurharm) and variance harmonic amplitude (varharm) at Fourier frequencies 0–5 along with the cartesian and polar coordinate plots of buffalo bull sperm. In experiment II, a fertility prediction model was developed based on FHA of buffalo bull sperm. Semen samples of low (n = 6), medium (n = 3) and high (n = 8) fertility bulls were investigated for FHA of sperm and harmonic amplitudes (HA) were generated. Firstly, to determine if live and dead sperm population have unique nuclear shape distribution; the mean, skewness, kurtosis and variance HA 0–5 of 1700 live and 1294 dead spermatozoa of 17 bulls were evaluated. T-test signified a difference in the mharm0 (2.363 ± 0.01 vs. 2.439 ± 0.02), skharm0 (−0.0002 ± 0.07 vs. −0.266 ± 0.09), kurharm0 (−0.156 ± 0.07 vs. 0.260 ± 0.18), kurharm2 (0.142 ± 0.11 vs. 1.031 ± 0.32) and varharm4 (0.109 ± 0.00 vs. 0.082 ± 0.00) of live vs. dead sperm population (p < 0.05). Therefore, 100 live sperm/bull were further evaluated for mean, skewness, kurtosis and variance HA 0–5 values among high (n = 6) and low-fertility (n = 6) groups. Results of T-test showed higher values of mharm2 (0.739 ± 0.01 vs. 0.686 ± 0.00), mharm4 (0.105 ± 0.001 vs. 0.007 ± 0.001), and skharm0 (0.214 ± 0.109 vs. −0.244 ± 0.097) in high vs. low-fertility group (p < 0.05). In next step, five significantly different combinations of discriminant measures between high and low-fertility groups were obtained by discriminant analysis. In conclusion, mharm4, skharm0 and varharm2 correctly identified 91.7 % of bulls into their respective fertility groups, and upon cross validation the value of the canonical correlation was 0.928. • Fourier harmonic analysis (FHA) technique was standardized for Nili-Ravi buffalo sperm. • Average sperm nuclear perimeter was measured & sperm nuclear shape plot constructed. • FHA detected difference in live and dead sperm nuclear shape. • Sperm from high and low fertility bulls statistically differed in nuclear shape. • Discriminant analysis based on FHA defined an excellent fertility prediction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR-Cas9 creates remarkable possibilities to modify targeted regions in genomic DNA. However, CRISPR-Cas-mediated DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), that tend to generate random insertions or deletions, limit this technology. Recently, Anzalone et al. developed a 'twin prime editing' tool to replace, integrate, or delete large genomic DNA sequences without generating DNA DSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern wheat shows phenomenal evolutional success and adaptability to a range of environments owing to polyploidization; however, during its hybridization process a major genetic gain has been overlooked. Recently, Gaurav et al. emphasized harnessing genetic diversity from wheat wild progenitor Aegilops tauschii for the improvement of hexaploid wheat through introgression or transgenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) toolbox enables targeted mutations to be introduced into a genome. However, the delivery of appropriately sized Cas effectors to develop transgene-free edited plants is a limiting factor. A novel mini CRISPR-Cas12f1 system recently reported by Wu et al. overcomes this challenge by deploying viral-based vectors and nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered as an excellent breakthrough for improving the economic and security situation in the region. The estimated worth of CPEC is 62$ billion which is comprising of 49 developmental projects. China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project (CPFOP) is one of the core projects among these, which will deliver safe route of voice traffic between both countries. CPFOP is greatly beneficial in terms of enhanced security and revenue generation. Currently, Pakistan's international connectivity is via submarine cables. CPFOP will provide an alternative route for international telecom traffic and also assist in achieving the rapidly growing internet traffic demand in Pakistan. It is estimated that 17 million people will get benefit from this project. However, every project has some undesirable impacts. The aim of this research paper is twofold; 1st to trace out the pros and cons of CPFOP. 2ndly, performing a risk assessment of CPFOP by using Fuzzy VIKOR technique. This approach will help in prioritizing a list of failure modes of Fiber Optic Cable (FOC). Lastly, this paper will help authorities for optimizing and safeguarding national interest in the wake of CPFOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building energy flexibility is being considered an emerging strategy allowing the demand side actively support the operation and control of variable resources-based energy supply. This study presents the development of a framework to formulate and aggregate energy flexibility indicators (EFIs) to evaluate building energy flexibility. EFIs were developed/selected using the important characteristics of building energy flexible sources, performance factors linked with flexibility services and penalty factors posed by the grid. A multicriteria decision analysis method was then used to develop an Aggregated Energy Flexibility Potential (AEFP) function that can consider the interactions between the power grid, buildings and building energy systems to represent the building's overall energy flexibility potential with a single dimensionless value. AEFP can help determine cost-effective energy flexible sources and solutions for increased energy flexibility. The performance of the EFIs and AEFP developed was evaluated via a case study with two distinct scenarios through simulations. The photovoltaic system provided a peak power demand reduction of 94%, emissions reduction of 46% and energy cost reduction of 54% to the building with an AEFP value of 0.74 (i.e. 74%), whereas a thermal energy storage system coupled with an air conditioning system helped reduce peak power demand by 56.4%, CO 2 emissions by 14.5% and energy cost by 32% with an AEFP value of 0.54 (i.e. 54%). Both scenarios verified the effectiveness of the developed EFIs and AEFP for evaluating building energy flexibility. • A framework to develop and aggregate energy flexibility indicators was introduced. • A new Aggregated Energy Flexibility Potential function was developed. • Multicriteria decision analysis was used to aggregate performance indicators. • Thermal energy storage and photovoltaic systems provide enhanced energy flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uchalli Lake is an internationally significant Ramsar site that needs protection for supporting migratory birds. The current study aimed to assess wetland health by examining water and sediments utilizing total and labile heavy metals concentration, pollution indices, ecological risk assessment, water recharge and pollution induction sources through isotope tracer techniques. Al concentration in water was of serious concern as it was 440 times higher than the maximum acceptable concentration of Environmental Quality Standard of the UK for aquatic life in saline waters. Labile concentration predicted very severe enrichment of Cd, Pb, and moderate enrichment of Cu. Modified ecological risk index predicted very high ecological risk in sediments. The δ 18O, δ2H and D-excess values indicate that the lake was mainly recharged by local meteoric water. Enriched values of δ 18O and δ2H suggest a high evaporation of lake water, making lake sediments more enriched with metals. Isotopic and D-excess values of groundwater suggest a quick rainwater recharge to groundwater around the Uchalli Lake. Nitrates isotopes indicate that the rainwater runoff is main source of induction of fertilizers, pesticides and soil bonded metals in the lake system. The lake is recharged by rainwater runoff, from catchment areas, that erode the soil particles and agricultural residual waste dumped in the lake. [Display omitted] • Labile content was utilized for pollution indices and ecological risk assessment. • Aluminum content was found as highest among all studied metals in Uchalli lake. • Water Recharge sources of lake through δ 18O and δ2H values of lake water. • Metals source identification through δ15N and δ 18O of NO 3 in sediments of lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new generative design technique for creation of aesthetic CAD designs. • The new technique has the ability to explore both continuous and discrete spaces. • Jaya optimization algorithm is utilized and modified to create optimal designs. • Different design space formulation approaches are presented. Abstract Because innovative and creative design is essential to a successful product, this work brings the benefits of generative design in the conceptual phase of the product development process so that designers/engineers can effectively explore and create ingenious designs and make better design decisions. We proposed a state-of-the-art generative design technique (GDT), called Space-filling-GDT (Sf-GDT), for the creation of innovative designs. The proposed Sf-GDT has the ability to create variant optimal design alternatives for a given computer-aided design (CAD) model. An effective GDT should generate design alternatives that cover the entire design space. Toward that end, the criterion of space-filling is utilized, which uniformly distribute designs in the design space thereby giving a designer a better understanding of possible design options. To avoid creating similar designs, a weighted-grid-search approach is developed and integrated into the Sf-GDT. One of the core contributions of this work lies in the ability of Sf-GDT to explore hybrid design spaces consisting of both continuous and discrete parameters either with or without geometric constraints. A parameter-free optimization technique, called Jaya algorithm, is integrated into the Sf-GDT to generate optimal designs. Three different design parameterization and space formulation strategies; explicit, interactive, and autonomous, are proposed to set up a promising search region(s) for optimization. Two user interfaces; a web-based and a Windows-based, are also developed to utilize Sf-GDT with the existing CAD software having parametric design abilities. Based on the experiments in this study, Sf-GDT can generate creative design alternatives for a given model and outperforms existing state-of-the-art techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lead-free piezoelectric, Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 , was synthesized with varying amounts of Manganese (Mn) doping (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) on the B-site to replace Ti 4+ cations. Herein, the doping limit of Mn is explored along with its effects on the structure and properties of these materials. The temperature-dependent dielectric properties of the materials with a higher manganese doping level have also been comprehensively investigated in the temperature range of 10–700 K. All samples show a high dielectric permittivity, ε r ~ 4979–3626 at T m ~ 550–600 K, along with a low dielectric loss. The magnetic study shows that doping with Mn leads to a complex magnetic state, where there is possible clustering of Mn ions, with inter- or intra-cluster interactions becoming dominant at approximately 50 K. These samples may be considered as alternative to lead-free materials with magneto-electric coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics [(Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15 )(Ti 0.90 Zr 0.10 )O 3- xBiErO 3 (BCTZ-xBE)] doped with a new doping material BiErO 3 (BE) has been synthesized successfully via solid state reaction technique, and their structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties have been investigated. A high dielectric constant with very low dielectric loss and high remnant polarization followed by a low coercive field has been obtained with the addition of x = 0.5 BE. Bulk ferroelectric hysteresis loops were obtained with a maximum polarization P max = 26.7 μC/cm 2 and a saturation polarization P s = 16.65 μC/cm 2 along with a coercive field of E c ≈ 2.45 kV/cm. Results demonstrate an induced-strain increasing from ~ 0.11 to ~ 0.24 for x = 0.5, excellent piezoelectricity with d 33 = 560 pC/N, k p = 56%, Q m = 196, ε m = 11,200 and tan δ = 0.01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common wheat is a major source of nutrition around the globe, but unlike maize and rice hybrids, no breakthrough has been made to enhance wheat yield since Green Revolution. With the availability of reference genome sequence of wheat and advancement of allied genomics technologies, understanding of genes involved in grain yield components and disease resistance/susceptibility has opened new avenues for crop improvement. Wheat has a huge hexaploidy genome of approximately 17 GB with 85% repetition, and it is a daunting task to induce any mutation across three homeologues that can be helpful for the enhancement of agronomic traits. The CRISPR-Cas9 system provides a promising platform for genome editing in a site-specific manner. In wheat, CRISPR-Cas9 is being used in the improvement of yield, grain quality, biofortification, resistance against diseases, and tolerance against abiotic factors. The promising outcomes of the CRISPR-based multiplexing approach circumvent the constraint of targeting merely one gene at a time. Deployment of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) 9 endonuclease (CRISPR-Cas9) and Cas9 variant systems such as cytidine base editing, adenosine base editing, and prime editing in wheat has been used to induce point mutations more precisely. Scientists have acquired major events such as induction of male sterility, fertility restoration, and alteration of seed dormancy through Cas9 in wheat that can facilitate breeding programs for elite variety development. Furthermore, a recent discovery in tissue culturing enables scientists to significantly enhance regeneration efficiency in wheat by transforming the GRF4-GIF1 cassette. Rapid generation advancement by speed breeding technology provides the opportunity for the generation advancement of the desired plants to segregate out unwanted transgenes and allows rapid integration of gene-edited wheat into the breeding pipeline. The combination of these novel technologies addresses some of the most important limiting factors for sustainable and climate-smart wheat that should lead to the second "Green Revolution" for global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical and economic burden of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in young adults (18-45 years) is understudied. We used the National Inpatient Sample database between 2004 and 2018 to study trends in PCI volume, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and health care expenditure among adults aged 18-45 years who underwent PCI. The data were weighted to explore national estimates of the entire US hospitalized population. We identified 558,611 PCI cases, equivalent to 31.4 per 1,000,000 person-years; 25.4% were women, and 69.5% were White adults. Overall, annual PCI volume significantly decreased from 41.6 per 100,000 in 2004 to 21.9 per 100,000 in 2018, mainly due to 83% volume reduction in non-myocardial infarction (MI) cases. The prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, smoking, and drug abuse increased. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 0.87%; women had higher mortality than men (1.12% vs 0.78%; P = 0.01). The crude and risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality significantly increased between 2004 and 2018. Women, STEMI, NSTEMI, drug abuse, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure were associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Inflation-adjusted cost significantly increased over time ($21,567 to $24,173). We noted reduction in PCI volumes but increasing mortality and clinical comorbidities among young patients undergoing PCI. Demographic disparities existed with women having higher in-hospital mortality than men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss is a critical factor driving extinction of biodiversity worldwide, with models of future land use anticipating increases in rates of destruction of native habitats worldwide. The Asian black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ) is a red-listed species with a broad geographic range that has been fragmented dramatically by land use change. Remaining populations of U. thibetanus occupy diverse habitats, ranging from highlands to coastal regions. We integrated ecological niche models (ENMs) with nighttime satellite imagery to identify areas suitable for U. thibetanus after anthropogenic alteration. We found that at least 10% of the potential distributional area for the species is not suitable owing to urban or suburban encroachment. U. thibetanus seems to persist in highland areas, characterized by low temperature and high precipitation, whereas humans concentrate in lowlands and less-extreme climatic conditions. ENMs based solely on climate frequently overestimate suitable areas available for species; nighttime light imagery offers a robust alternative to refining estimates of species' ranges, designing protected areas and corridors, prioritizing threatened species, and determining areas of human–wildlife conflict across broad areas. Our approach is transferable to other taxa and contexts, and should be considered in conservation planning and policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew of mango, incited by the fungus Pseudoidium anacardii (F. Noack) U. Braun & R.T.A. Cook 2012 (formerly known as Oidium mangiferae Berthet), is one of the most common, widespread and serious diseases throughout the world and causes significant yield losses. Symptomatology, biology, and etiology of powdery mildew and its control through fungicides have not been widely studied, and substantial information is still required on the inoculum potential, growth models and epidemiological parameters of powdery mildew, influence of changing climate, impact of extensive use of fungicides and disease resistance. These critical factors may influence the development and emergence of diverse isolates of O. mangiferae including fungicide-resistant strains. Mango varieties differ slightly in their reaction to powdery mildew but a source of resistance has not been identified. In view of the increasing demands of mangoes in the world, control of powdery mildew is gaining importance. The present review treats briefly different aspects of powdery mildew disease with major emphasis on its ecology, pathology, epidemiology and management. Some new approaches such as biological control, integrated management strategies and some other aspects which have not been highlighted in former reviews, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cobalt substituted nanosized magnesium aluminates having a nominal composition MgAl2−x Co x O4 where x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. Aluminium (Al3+) ions were completely and successfully substituted by Co2+ ions, which yielded an electron rich terminal compound MgCo2O4. All the samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and dc electrical resistivity measurements. The investigated samples were found to be spinel single phase cubic close packed crystalline materials as demonstrated by XRD data. Using the Debye Scherer formula, the calculated crystallite size was found Co2+ concentration dependent and varied between 7 and 19nm. The lattice constant, X-ray density and bulk density were found to increase while percentage porosity decreases on increasing the Co2+ concentration. The dc electrical resistivity was found to decrease as a function of temperature as expected for a typical semiconductor. The doped Co2+ ions are believed to form small polarons and hopping of these small polarons between the adjacent sites seems to be partially responsible for conduction in the system. The activation energy of hopping of small polarons was also calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]