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Anthropogenic disturbance of stream ecosystems, often chronic in nature, has been studied extensively. However, when disturbance is driven by more than one resource policy over many decades, feedback between habitat evolution and biological adaptation can be disrupted and ecological function affected in unforeseen ways. We analyzed over 100 years of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) length frequency trends associated with fisheries management and changes in available spawning substrate (habitat) linked to flow regulation in a highly altered California river. Over time, salmon lengths generally decreased, fluctuating with exploitation (ocean harvest) and hatchery production rates. Female size reduction, coupled with a degrading and coarsening channel, and perching peripheral habitat related to past mining activity, indicates available spawning substrate may be too large to support the current salmon population. Assuming a salmon can move material ~10% of her body length, length frequency data and current substrate size distribution suggest that increasing salmon sizes to historic distributions could increase available spawning habitat by as much as 13%. Alternatively, decreasing spawning substrate size could support a greater portion of the current population. To test the latter hypothesis and inform future management actions, we monitored two spawning riffles where large and small gravel was placed on top of a cobble. We observed an immediate spawning activity increase that was more pronounced where smaller gravel was deposited. Following a decade of habitat decline, the two sites were both replenished with medium gravel. Elevated spawning use occurred immediately at both sites, commensurate with this intermediate size, further supporting our hypotheses. Sediment coarsening and habitat disconnect below dams, combined with reduced salmon size, indicate the natural spawning process may be decoupled from available habitat below dams in the foreseeable future without continuous intervention. Actively managing salmon population demographics through modified hatchery and size‐selective harvest practices and developing a coarse sediment budget with size‐appropriate material for regulated anadromous rivers could produce immediate benefits for ecosystem services, including salmon populations. However, these management actions will require continued maintenance and informed socio‐ecological goals to remain successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a joint anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical investigation on hybrid lanthanum-copper oxides clusters, LaCu2On−/0 (n=4, 5). The experimental vertical detachment energies of LaCu2O4− and LaCu2O5− are determined to be 3.70 and 3.79 eV, respectively. Theoretical calculations show that the most stable structures of LaCu2O4,5− are mainly composed of LaCu2O3 six-membered ring, with an additional O atom or O2 unit interacting with the La atom. In LaCu2O4−, covalent interaction is presented between the external O atom and the LaCu2O3 six-membered ring. As for LaCu2O5− anion, a weak interaction dominated by inductive force is presented between the external O2 unit and the LaCu2O3 six-membered ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overharvesting is a serious threat to many fish populations. High mortality and directional selection on body size can cause evolutionary change in exploited populations via selection for a specific phenotype and a potential reduction in phenotypic diversity. Whether the loss of phenotypic diversity that accompanies directional selection impairs response to environmental stress is not known. To address this question, we exposed three zebrafish selection lines to thermal stress. Two lines had experienced directional selection for (1) large and (2) small body size, and one was (3) subject to random removal of individuals with respect to body size (i.e. line with no directional selection). Selection lines were exposed to three temperatures (elevated, 34°C; ambient, 28°C; low, 22°C) to determine the response to an environmental stressor (thermal stress). We assessed differences among selection lines in their life history (growth and reproduction), physiological traits (metabolic rate and critical thermal max) and behaviour (activity and feeding behaviour) when reared at different temperatures. Lines experiencing directional selection (i.e. size selected) showed reduced growth rate and a shift in average phenotype in response to lower or elevated thermal stress compared with fish from the random‐selected line. Our data indicate that populations exposed to directional selection can have a more limited capacity to respond to thermal stress compared with fish that experience a comparable reduction in population size (but without directional selection). Future studies should aim to understand the impacts of environmental stressors on natural fish stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implantable collamer lens(ICL)is a widely popular option for the correction of refractive errors. ICL implantation brings a whole new dimension to the vision, from the anterior chamber phakic ICL to the posterior and central hole ICL. Even though there are fewer reported complications, ICL size selection remains challenging due to the differences in device measurements and ICL sizing formulas. With the widening comprehensiveness of ICL implantation and the ongoing development of ophthalmic devices and technologies, particularly the advent of artificial intelligence, more and more indicators such as sulcus-to-sulcus(STS), crystalline lens rise(CLR), angle-to-angle(ATA), the iris pigment end to the iris pigment end(PTP), anterior chamber width(ACW), and anterior chamber angle(ACA)are providing references in the selection of ICL size, this article provides a review of ICL size selection.

Abstract Background Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery has been proven to be a safe, effective, and predictable method for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. However, predicting the vault and ideal ICL size remains technically challenging. Despite the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, no AI studies have provided available choices of different instruments and combinations for further vault and size predictions. This study aimed to fill this gap and predict post-operative vault and appropriate ICL size utilizing the comparison of numerous AI algorithms, stacking ensemble learning, and data from various ophthalmic devices and combinations. Results This retrospective and cross-sectional study included 1941 eyes of 1941 patients from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. For both vault prediction and ICL size selection, the combination containing Pentacam, Sirius, and UBM demonstrated the best results in test sets [R 2 = 0.499 (95% CI 0.470–0.528), mean absolute error = 130.655 (95% CI 128.949–132.111), accuracy = 0.895 (95% CI 0.883–0.907), AUC = 0.928 (95% CI 0.916–0.941)]. Sulcus-to-sulcus (STS), a parameter from UBM, ranked among the top five significant contributors to both post-operative vault and optimal ICL size prediction, consistently outperforming white-to-white (WTW). Moreover, dual-device combinations or single-device parameters could also effectively predict vault and ideal ICL size, and excellent ICL selection prediction was achievable using only UBM parameters. Conclusions Strategies based on multiple machine learning algorithms for different ophthalmic devices and combinations are applicable for vault predicting and ICL sizing, potentially improving the safety of the ICL implantation. Moreover, our findings emphasize the crucial role of UBM in the perioperative period of ICL surgery, as it provides key STS measurements that outperformed WTW measurements in predicting post-operative vault and optimal ICL size, highlighting its potential to enhance ICL implantation safety and accuracy.

Abstract Overharvesting is a serious threat to many fish populations. High mortality and directional selection on body size can cause evolutionary change in exploited populations via selection for a specific phenotype and a potential reduction in phenotypic diversity. Whether the loss of phenotypic diversity that accompanies directional selection impairs response to environmental stress is not known. To address this question, we exposed three zebrafish selection lines to thermal stress. Two lines had experienced directional selection for (1) large and (2) small body size, and one was (3) subject to random removal of individuals with respect to body size (i.e. line with no directional selection). Selection lines were exposed to three temperatures (elevated, 34°C; ambient, 28°C; low, 22°C) to determine the response to an environmental stressor (thermal stress). We assessed differences among selection lines in their life history (growth and reproduction), physiological traits (metabolic rate and critical thermal max) and behaviour (activity and feeding behaviour) when reared at different temperatures. Lines experiencing directional selection (i.e. size selected) showed reduced growth rate and a shift in average phenotype in response to lower or elevated thermal stress compared with fish from the random‐selected line. Our data indicate that populations exposed to directional selection can have a more limited capacity to respond to thermal stress compared with fish that experience a comparable reduction in population size (but without directional selection). Future studies should aim to understand the impacts of environmental stressors on natural fish stocks.

Overfishing drives population decline, which in turn drives loss of genetic diversity. Many studies provide evidence of declines in genetic diversity; however, controversy exists within the literature, as some studies show evidence of no change in genetic diversity despite decades of overharvesting. The apparent discrepancy in the literature should therefore be examined to understand what biological and ecological processes are driving the differences in results. Here, we assess how different factors contribute to fisheries-induced susceptibility to declines in genetic diversity by first focusing on the different roles of genetic markers. Second, we assess how habitat type and conditions contribute to loss of genetic diversity. Third, we assess how life history and physiology affects catchability and loss of genetic diversity. Finally, we discuss how coinciding abiotic and biotic factors influence the intensity of genetic loss. We find a multitude of these factors could be interacting to influence how results are perceived and how intense the loss of genetic diversity can be. Future studies should carefully consider the methodology of genetic analysis used, as well as considerations of life history and ecology of the target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic production is increasing rapidly at a global scale and microplastics are widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems and food webs. As filter feeders, bivalves present entry points for microplastics into food webs and numerous descriptive and experimental studies have addressed microplastic size selection by bivalves. However, much less is known about size selection of microplastic fibers by bivalves. This represents a gap in understanding of how microplastics impact bivalves and food webs, particularly given the numerical dominance of microplastic fibers in freshwater and marine ecosystems and in bivalve tissue. To address this gap, we tested two hypotheses: (1) the net accumulation of polyester fibers in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymoropha) is dependent on fiber size and (2) zebra mussel size impacts the amount of plastic fibers accumulated. We conducted two experiments to test these hypotheses. In the first experiment, we exposed zebra mussels to pink polyester fibers (PPF) of four different lengths (0.25–2.0 mm), offered separately. In the second experiment, we exposed mussels with PPF of three different lengths (0.25–1.0 mm) in a mixture. Both hypotheses were supported. In each experiment, PPF of the smallest size (0.25 mm) disproportionately accumulated in the mussels. In addition, PPF accumulation of 0.25 and 0.50 mm PPF increased as zebra mussel shell length increased. Our results have implications for how microplastic fibers in water columns may impact bivalves and their food webs and demonstrate that size distribution should be considered when sampling bivalves for microplastics in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stop the decline of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) stocks in the East China Sea, escape vents on crab pots are urgently required to improve pot selectivity and enable release of sublegal-sized crabs. This study presents field comparative fishing experiments, which examined the effectiveness of different shapes and sizes of escape vents in crab pots for the release of swimming crabs. Two sizes each of rectangular, elliptic, and circular escape vents were tested. The results of comparative fishing experiments indicated that experimental pots with escape vents, regardless of their configuration, caught significantly fewer sublegal-sized crabs (

Originating from the hexagonal arrangement of magnetic ions in the presence of strong spin orbit coupling, α -RuCl3 is considered as model system for the Kitaev-Heisenberg model. While the magnetic properties of α -RuCl3 have been studied in bulk single crystals or micromechanically-exfoliated nanosheets, little is known about the nanosheets' properties after exfoliation by techniques suitable for mass production such as liquid phase exfoliation (LPE). Here, we demonstrate sonication-assisted LPE on α -RuCl3 single crystals in an inert atmosphere. Coupled with centrifugation-based size selection techniques, the accessible size- and thickness range is quantified by statistical atomic force microscopy. Individual nanosheets obtained after centrifugation-based size selection are subjected to transmission electron microscopy to confirm their structural integrity after the exfoliation. The results are combined with bulk characterisation methods, including Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder diffraction experiments to evaluate the structural integrity of the nanosheets. We report changes of the magnetic properties of the nanomaterial with nanosheet size, as well as photospectroscopic metrics for the material concentration and average layer number. Finally, a quantitative analysis on environmental effects on the nanomaterial integrity is performed based on time and temperature dependent absorbance spectroscopy revealing a relatively slow decay (half-life of ∼2000 h at 20 °C), albeit with low activation energies of 6–20 kJ mol−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Originating from the hexagonal arrangement of magnetic ions in the presence of strong spin orbit coupling, α -RuCl3 is considered as model system for the Kitaev-Heisenberg model. While the magnetic properties of α -RuCl3 have been studied in bulk single crystals or micromechanically-exfoliated nanosheets, little is known about the nanosheets' properties after exfoliation by techniques suitable for mass production such as liquid phase exfoliation (LPE). Here, we demonstrate sonication-assisted LPE on α -RuCl3 single crystals in an inert atmosphere. Coupled with centrifugation-based size selection techniques, the accessible size- and thickness range is quantified by statistical atomic force microscopy. Individual nanosheets obtained after centrifugation-based size selection are subjected to transmission electron microscopy to confirm their structural integrity after the exfoliation. The results are combined with bulk characterisation methods, including Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder diffraction experiments to evaluate the structural integrity of the nanosheets. We report changes of the magnetic properties of the nanomaterial with nanosheet size, as well as photospectroscopic metrics for the material concentration and average layer number. Finally, a quantitative analysis on environmental effects on the nanomaterial integrity is performed based on time and temperature dependent absorbance spectroscopy revealing a relatively slow decay (half-life of ∼2000 h at 20 °C), albeit with low activation energies of 6–20 kJ mol−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery has been proven to be a safe, effective, and predictable method for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. However, predicting the vault and ideal ICL size remains technically challenging. Despite the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, no AI studies have provided available choices of different instruments and combinations for further vault and size predictions. This study aimed to fill this gap and predict post-operative vault and appropriate ICL size utilizing the comparison of numerous AI algorithms, stacking ensemble learning, and data from various ophthalmic devices and combinations. Results: This retrospective and cross-sectional study included 1941 eyes of 1941 patients from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. For both vault prediction and ICL size selection, the combination containing Pentacam, Sirius, and UBM demonstrated the best results in test sets [R2 = 0.499 (95% CI 0.470–0.528), mean absolute error = 130.655 (95% CI 128.949–132.111), accuracy = 0.895 (95% CI 0.883–0.907), AUC = 0.928 (95% CI 0.916–0.941)]. Sulcus-to-sulcus (STS), a parameter from UBM, ranked among the top five significant contributors to both post-operative vault and optimal ICL size prediction, consistently outperforming white-to-white (WTW). Moreover, dual-device combinations or single-device parameters could also effectively predict vault and ideal ICL size, and excellent ICL selection prediction was achievable using only UBM parameters. Conclusions: Strategies based on multiple machine learning algorithms for different ophthalmic devices and combinations are applicable for vault predicting and ICL sizing, potentially improving the safety of the ICL implantation. Moreover, our findings emphasize the crucial role of UBM in the perioperative period of ICL surgery, as it provides key STS measurements that outperformed WTW measurements in predicting post-operative vault and optimal ICL size, highlighting its potential to enhance ICL implantation safety and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials produced via liquid‐phase exfoliation commonly exhibit broad size and thickness distributions, where size selection is required to obtain nanosheets with desired dimensions and properties. Here, size selection of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene is systematically performed using liquid cascade centrifugation (LCC) and sedimentation‐based separation (SBS) techniques. Based on statistical atomic force and electron microscopy analyses, it is found that the SBS technique offers stronger separation power compared to the LCC technique with an expense of lower yield. Moreover, predominantly monolayer MXene flakes are obtained after centrifugation at low speeds (≤ 3000 rpm) for 15 min for both techniques. Films fabricated from large MXene flakes with the average flake length of 4.2 µm show high electrical figure of merit of 7.8 and improved rate performance as a cathode in Zn‐ion capacitor. This work serves as a guideline for choosing size selection techniques and conditions for MXene processing to obtain flakes with certain sizes and desired properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Occlutech duct occluder (ODO) with a novel design has been available for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) since 2011. Available data on initial experience with the ODO have shown that operators continue to choose device sizes based on their experience with conventional duct occluders (CDO). This study postulated that occlusion of the pulmonary arterial (PA) end of the ductus should achieve satisfactory PDA closure without additional complications. Accordingly, the size of the ODO was chosen such that the larger PA diameter in the new design exceeded the PA end of the ductus by 2–3 mm and 2–4 mm for normotensive and hypertensive ducts, respectively. It sought to examine the feasibility and safety of such an approach, and compared ODO and CDO devices with respect to device sizes deployed, to ascertain if the newer design had any advantages. This prospective study enrolled 105 infants, children and a few adults with various duct morphologies and PA pressures for ductal closure using the ODO from 2018–2020. The control group consisted of 105 ducts closed with CDO. A comparison of the two groups with respect to duct diameter and implanted device sizes was performed using appropriate statistical software. The study found that 40% of the ducts had moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension. Most ducts measured between 3–4 mm in both groups. The mean weight of the subjects in both groups was 12 kg. Although there was no change in the way that duct occluders were chosen in both groups (2–3 mm over the pulmonary artery diameter), ODO could be significantly downsized in most ducts measuring between 2.5–6.4 mm in diameter (p<0.05). This study found successful closure of relatively larger PDA in infants and children using smaller ODO compared with CDO, without embolisation or aortic narrowing. It also demonstrated that a different device size selection technique may be safely employed with the ODO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate quantitation of trace-level ATP biomarkers often suffers from interference of sample matrix and remains a challenge. Herein, a novel magnetic biological nanosensor (MBNS) integrating tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA)-confined aptamers and ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was tailored and evaluated. The fluorescent aptamer nanoprobe hybridized with FAM-labelled cDNA was particularly incorporated into the inner cavity of tFNA, enabling a dual-mode mechanism that integrates molecular size selection and aptamer affinity recognition. By this strategy, the benefits of tFNA molecular sieve, the super sensitive properties of LIF, and the specific recognition of "aptamer gene codes" were integrated, as triggered the superior response of ATP. The structures, properties and reaction mechanism of tFNA, as well as tFNA modified with aptamer probe at different sites, were characterized in detail. A high level of anti-interference was achieved, shielding against non-specific adsorption even in matrices with high protein and analogue content, 103∼105 times higher than ATP. The release of fluorescent beacon from aptamer probe was facilely driven by specific binding of ATP, and an ultra-sensitive detection of 75 pmol/L ATP was obtained without amplification. It was 2–3 orders of magnitude more sensitive than most fluorescent aptasensors. Applied to serum samples, the stability and reproducibility of the resultant aptasensor have been validated with the intra- and inter-assay RSD in 1.6–6.4 % and -1.5–8.4 %, respectively. Acceptable recoveries of 96.5–106.8 % were achieved, consistent with the LC-MS method. It was expected to open a simple and efficient protocol for highly specific and ultrasensitive ATP detection in clinical diagnostics. [Display omitted] • A novel tFNAs-confined aptasensor encapsulating fluorescent aptamer was proposed. • Dual recognition mechanism enables size selectivity and aptamer-affinity recognition. • High anti-interference performance was obtained in protein and analogue matrix. • Ultra-sensitive detection of pmol/L ATP in serum was achieved using LIF. • Excellent applicability exhibits a high recovery yield of ATP at 96.5–106.8 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overfishing drives population decline, which in turn drives loss of genetic diversity. Many studies provide evidence of declines in genetic diversity; however, controversy exists within the literature, as some studies show evidence of no change in genetic diversity despite decades of overharvesting. The apparent discrepancy in the literature should therefore be examined to understand what biological and ecological processes are driving the differences in results. Here, we assess how different factors contribute to fisheries-induced susceptibility to declines in genetic diversity by first focusing on the different roles of genetic markers. Second, we assess how habitat type and conditions contribute to loss of genetic diversity. Third, we assess how life history and physiology affects catchability and loss of genetic diversity. Finally, we discuss how coinciding abiotic and biotic factors influence the intensity of genetic loss. We find a multitude of these factors could be interacting to influence how results are perceived and how intense the loss of genetic diversity can be. Future studies should carefully consider the methodology of genetic analysis used, as well as considerations of life history and ecology of the target species.

An increase in the crab pot fishery in the East China Sea has caused great pressure on swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus resources. Thus, it is essential to implement suitable measures to release sublegal-sized crabs to increase the number of recruits for legal-sized crabs. One of the measures considered is the installation of escape vents on crab pots. We tested crab pots with one and two escape vents and compared the catchability and size selectivity of these pots with control pots without an escape vent. Pots with one escape vent located on single side of the pot, top or bottom (SS), and another on both sides at top and bottom edges (BS) were tested in sea trial experiments following typical commercial fishing practice. The results show that both SS pots and BS pots caught significantly smaller number of sublegal-sized crabs (

[Display omitted] • The free rotation of p-benzyl could make Cr6-Bz-DGA better match to REEs(III) of different ion radii with different binding mode. • The aza-crown ether of ligand provided 3 coordination atoms for smaller ionic radii Y(III)/Lu(III) and 6 atoms for larger ionic radii La(III). • The binding capacity of complexes with smaller ionic radii REEs(III) were stronger than complexes with larger ionic radii REEs(III) due to larger charge density. • The NMR titration experiment further proved M/L = 2:2 (aza-crown ether-REEs(III)-DGA connection) was the thermodynamic product. The development of new ligands is crucial for the functional application of REEs(III), because the coordination compounds of rare-earth elements (REEs) have many important applications in pharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine. In this paper, a novel ligand (Cr6-Bz-DGA) with the aza-crown ether and diglycolamide (DGA) units was designed to coordinate with light, medium, and heavy REEs(III). It was found that M/L = 2:2 species (aza-crown ether-REEs(III)-DGA connection) was the thermodynamically stable complex. The stability constants of Nd(III), Eu(III), and Ho(III) complexes were determined by UV–Vis and fluorescence titration, respectively, which were log β Nd = 7.49 ± 0.019, log β Eu = 7.10 ± 0.013 and log β Ho = 8.27 ± 0.032. The variation of fluorescence lifetime suggested that the Eu(III) ion was exclusively coordinated by the ligand with coordination number 9 in the inner sphere of the Eu(III) ion. The shifts of 1H NMR revealed that there are different coordination between the ligand and REEs(III). For larger ionic radii La(III), three O atoms of the DGA unit and five O and one N atoms of the aza-crown ether unit were supplied. While, for Y(III)/Lu(III) with smaller ion radii, the ligand supplied three O atoms from the DGA and one N atom and only two O atoms from the aza-crown ether. The displacement experiment of REEs(III) combined with ligand and the fitted stability constants prove that the smaller ionic radii REEs(III) more strongly bind with ligand than larger ionic radius REEs(III). These results may help understand the coordination behavior of REEs(III) and expand their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful blooms of nanophytoplankton (2–20 μm) are increasingly common and sometimes severe, but requirements and controls of such blooms (e.g., water quality constraints, requirements for nutrients, and the presence of different guilds of grazers) are poorly understood. Laboratory grazing experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential for top-down control by the copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris on a small harmful algal species (an unidentified chlorophyte Picochlorum, 1–4 μm) and to test the effects of cell sizes on grazing rates. The Picochlorum sp. is a strain isolated from a long-lasting harmful algal bloom in the Indian River Lagoon that reached high densities (>1 × 106 cells ml–1). Experiments contrasted grazing on Picochlorum sp. with grazing on the palatable prymnesiophyte Isochrysis galbana (4–6 μm) in monocultures and mixed cultures. When presented in monocultures, grazing rates on Picochlorum sp. were lower than grazing rates on the palatable alternative. When Picochlorum sp. were presented alongside I. galbana, copepods essentially ceased feeding on the former. In additional experiments, P. crassirostris were fed plastic beads with diameters of 2.0–17.9 μm to control for differences in taste, toxicity, production of mucilage and shape of potential food. Paracalanus crassirostris fed most efficiently on beads with diameters of 7.0–7.9 μm. Results revealed that P. crassirostris can consume Picochlorum sp., but small size and the presence of palatable cells reduces the likelihood of top-down control of blooms of Picochlorum sp.

When prey experience size‐based harvesting by predators, they are not only subject to selection due to larger individuals being preferentially harvested but also selection due to reductions in population density. Density‐dependent selection represents one of the most basic interactions between ecology and evolution. Yet, the reduction in density associated with exploitation has not been tested as a possible driving force of observed evolutionary changes in populations harvested size‐dependently. Using an artificial selection experiment with a mixture of Daphnia clones, we partition the evolutionary effects of size‐based harvesting into the effects of removing large individuals and the effects of lowering the population density. We show that both size selection and density‐dependent selection are significant drivers of life‐history evolution. Importantly, these drivers affected different life‐history traits with size‐selective harvesting selecting for slower juvenile growth rates and a larger size at maturity, and low‐density selecting for reduced reproductive output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Weight-based selection of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) size may be unreliable in some situations. The aim of this study was to compare the ventilation parameters using PLMA during controlled ventilation between weight-based size selection and pinna size–based selection in children. Methods: A total of 204 patients were randomised to receive either pinna size–based (Group P) or weight-based (Group W) size selection of PLMA. We tested the hypothesis that pinna size–based selection of PLMA was better than weight-based selection of PLMA in paediatric patients during controlled ventilation under general anaesthesia in terms of oropharyngeal sealing pressure (the primary end-point) and Brimacombe score. Cuff pressure was maintained at 60 cm of H2O during the study. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts for successful placement of PLMA, peak airway pressure, gastric tube placement, traumatic insertion, and complications were also compared. Parametric variables were analysed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables were analysed using Mann–Whitney and Chi-square test. Results: In all, 200 patients were analysed. The mean oropharyngeal sealing pressure in Group P was 25.4 ± 3.5 cmH2O and 24.9 ± 3.8 cmH2O in Group W, (P = 0.34). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the secondary outcomes. There were no traumatic insertion or complications reported in both the groups. Conclusion: Pinna-based size selection method can be used in PLMA placement in the paediatric population for positive pressure ventilation and it serves as an alternative method to weight-based selection.

Modern dune fields are valuable sources of information for the large-scale analysis of terrestrial and planetary environments and atmospheres, but their study relies on understanding the small-scale dynamics that constantly generate new dunes and reshape older ones. Here, we designed a landscape-scale experiment at the edge of the Gobi desert, China, to quantify the development of incipient dunes under the natural action of winds. High-resolution topographic data documenting 42 mo of bedform dynamics are examined to provide a spectral analysis of dune pattern formation. We identified two successive phases in the process of dune growth, from the initial flat sand bed to a meterhigh periodic pattern. We focus on the initial phase, when the linear regime of dune instability applies, and measure the growth rate of dunes of different wavelengths. We identify the existence of a maximum growth rate, which readily explains the mechanism by which dunes select their size, leading to the prevalence of a 15-m wavelength pattern. We quantitatively compare our experimental results with the prediction of the dune instability theory using transport and flow parameters independently measured in the field. The remarkable agreement between theory and observations demonstrates that the linear regime of dune growth is permanently expressed on low-amplitude bed topography, before larger regular patterns and slip faces eventually emerge. Our experiment underpins existing theoretical models for the early development of eolian dunes, which can now be used to provide reliable insights into atmospheric and surface processes on Earth and other planetary bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is generally shorter than maternal cfDNA. Size selection of shorter cfDNA in total cfDNA could significantly increase the fetal fraction, but there are few reports of using this method to decrease the false negative rate for NIPT. In this study, nine false negative cases were retrospectively analyzed by NIPT retesting and E-gel based size-selection NIPT and the fetal cfDNA fraction in maternal total cfDNA was evaluated by calculating the proportion of reads from chromosome Y. Fetal placenta karyotypes were confirmed by CNVplex assays to analysis the reasons for false negative cases. Of the 81,601 pregnancies who underwent NIPT, nine false negative cases (0.01%) were found. Of eight retested cases, two (25%) had positive NIPT retest results, and five (62.5%) had positive size-selection NIPT results. For fetal cfDNA fraction, 100% cases had improvement after size-selection NIPT compared with the initial NIPT and retest results, and the fetal cfDNA fraction growth ratio ranged from 99 to 359%. For one twin pregnancy with one T18 fetus, size selection improved the fetal cfDNA fraction to 23.10%, and successfully detected the T18 fetus in NIPT. Placental tissue analysis results for two cases indicated both had confined placental mosaicism (CPM), which was confirmed with size-selection NIPT. In conclusion, size selection can significantly enrich the fetal cfDNA fraction and decrease the false negative rate of NIPT, especially for CPM and twin pregnancies.

Understanding the interactions between target species and netting is paramount for increasing the sustainability of trawling activities. The selectivity of the utilized netting depends on the sizes and opening angles of the mesh. The effects of the mesh size and mesh opening angle on the fishing selectivity of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) were assessed via micro-cosmos experiments. The results show that both the absolute abundance and the incidence of larger krill individuals passing through experimental panels are proportional to the utilized mesh size. Krill individuals larger than 35 mm passed through experimental panels at mesh opening angles larger than 50° for a 15 mm mesh size, 35° for a 20 mm mesh size and 20° for a 30 mm mesh size. Additionally, all L50 values increased with an increasing mesh size and an increasing mesh opening angle at the same mesh size. Furthermore, the selection range increased with an increasing mesh size and with an increasing mesh opening angle at the same mesh size. This paper provides scientific guidance for the choice of liner mesh sizes of krill trawl with the aim to improve fishing efficiency while minimizing fishing losses and potential negative ecosystem impacts from fisheries.

A large portion of the catch in many stocks may comprise discards which need to be accounted for in assessments in order to avoid bias in estimates of fishing mortality, stock biomass and reference points. In age‐structured assessment models, discards are sometimes treated as a separate fleet or are added to the landings before fitting so that information about discard behaviour and sampling error is lost. In this paper, an assessment model is developed to describe the discard process with size as a covariate while retaining age‐structured population dynamics. Discard size selection, high grading and bulk dumping of fish at sea are modelled so that the temporal dynamics of the process can be quantified within the assessment. The model is used to show that discarding practices have changed over time in a range of Northeast Atlantic demersal fish. In some stocks, there is a substantial increase in high grading and evidence for bulk discarding which can be related to regulatory measures. The model offers a means of identifying transient effects in the discard process that should be removed from both short‐term forecasts and equilibrium reference point calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Close to 30% of garments bought online are returned, often due to issues of fit. These issues often relate to size selection, which is challenging without physically trying on a garment. Alternative methods need to be explored to select the best size in lieu of physically trying apparel on. To address this issue, we compare the size selections based on primary measurements and size charts, virtual garments, and real garments. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in an experimental setting. The participants (36, predominantly White females, aged 21–56) made size selections and evaluations based on virtual and real blouses and trousers. Selecting the size based on virtual garments is more accurate than size selection based on primary measurements and size charts, scoring 57% and 42%, respectively. Further research should be used to improve the virtual fitting room, with benefits such as fewer returns and more satisfied customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Weight-based selection of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) size may be unreliable in some situations. The aim of this study was to compare the ventilation parameters using PLMA during controlled ventilation between weight-based size selection and pinna size–based selection in children. Methods: A total of 204 patients were randomised to receive either pinna size–based (Group P) or weight-based (Group W) size selection of PLMA. We tested the hypothesis that pinna size–based selection of PLMA was better than weight-based selection of PLMA in paediatric patients during controlled ventilation under general anaesthesia in terms of oropharyngeal sealing pressure (the primary end-point) and Brimacombe score. Cuff pressure was maintained at 60 cm of H2O during the study. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts for successful placement of PLMA, peak airway pressure, gastric tube placement, traumatic insertion, and complications were also compared. Parametric variables were analysed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables were analysed using Mann–Whitney and Chi-square test. Results: In all, 200 patients were analysed. The mean oropharyngeal sealing pressure in Group P was 25.4 ± 3.5 cmH2O and 24.9 ± 3.8 cmH2O in Group W, (P = 0.34). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the secondary outcomes. There were no traumatic insertion or complications reported in both the groups. Conclusion: Pinna-based size selection method can be used in PLMA placement in the paediatric population for positive pressure ventilation and it serves as an alternative method to weight-based selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new preparation scheme of few-layer graphene water nanofluids was developed by exfoliating graphite in water with the help of polymer. The approach used centrifugation to classify the graphene nanosheets that made the graphene nanoflake length controllable. Population balance model was used to study the mechanism of exfoliation of graphite and the results revealed that the abrasion, cleavage and fracture all happened in these different stages of the exfoliation process. Mechanisms behind the size selection were also discussed and the terminal velocity was the critical factor to control the flake length. A simple model was developed to guide future similar experiments to obtain desired length graphene nanofluids. The stability of graphene nanofluid was also investigated and the result revealed that the obtained nanofluid showed enhanced stability suggesting great potential in heat transfer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate, a biopolymer extracted from brown algae, has shown great potential for many applications, mainly due to its remarkable biocompatibility and biodegradability. To broaden its fields of applications and improve material characteristics, the use of nanoreinforcements to prepare nanocomposites with enhanced properties, such as carbonaceous structures which could improve thermal and mechanical behavior and confer new functionalities, is being studied. In this work, graphene oxide was obtained from graphite by using modified Hummers’ method and exfoliation was assisted by sonication and centrifugation, and it was later used to prepare sodium alginate/graphene oxide nanocomposites. The effect that different variables, during preparation of graphene oxide, have on the final properties has been studied. Longer oxidation times showed higher degrees of oxidation and thus larger amount of oxygen-containing groups in the structure, whereas longer sonication times and higher centrifugation rates showed more exfoliated graphene sheets with lower sizes. The addition of graphene oxide to a biopolymeric matrix was also studied, considering the effect of processing and content of reinforcement on the material. Materials with reinforcement size-dependent properties were observed, showing nanocomposites with large flake sizes, better thermal stability, and more enhanced mechanical properties, reaching an improvement of 65.3% and 83.3% for tensile strength and Young’s modulus, respectively, for a composite containing 8 wt % of graphene oxide.

Background/aim: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have garnered attention as biomarkers for therapeutic response and prognosis in malignant neoplasms. Nonetheless, existing literature predominantly relies on surrogate markers of tumor cells or focuses on single-cell CTC, failing to adequately address the challenge of detecting cluster-forming CTCs, which bear considerable prognostic implications. This prospective study aims to validate the efficacy of a novel filtration membrane, namely Soft Micro Pore Filter (S-MPF ® ), for rare cell recovery in detecting CTCs through the analysis of clinical samples., Patients and Methods: Patients with confirmed lung cancer or highly suspected lung cancer based on specific criteria (solid tumor size >2.0 cm, serum carcinoembryonic level >7.5 ng/ml, maximum standard uptake value derived from fluorodeoxyglucose-position emission tomography >2.9) were included in the study. CTCs were extracted from preoperative peripheral arterial blood samples using S-MPF ® , and the validity of the filtration system was positively verified., Results: Out of the 25 enrolled patients, 23 had lung cancer. CTC positivity was observed in 17 cases (73.9%), whereas cluster CTC positivity was observed in 16 cases (69.6%), with a median count of two clusters. Single CTC positivity was observed in 11 cases (52.1%), with a median count of one cell., Conclusion: The utilization of the newly developed S-MPF ® filtration membrane exhibited a high rate of CTC identification, demonstrating its suitability for clinical applications., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Double-digest Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) is widely used to generate genomic data for non-model organisms in evolutionary and ecological studies. Along with affordable paired-end sequencing, this method makes population genomic analyses more accessible. However, multiple factors should be considered when designing a ddRADseq experiment, which can be challenging for new users. The generated data often suffer from substantial read overlaps and adaptor contamination, severely reducing sequencing efficiency and affecting data quality. Here, we analyse diverse datasets from the literature and carry out controlled experiments to understand the effects of enzyme choice and size selection on sequencing efficiency. The empirical data reveal that size selection is imprecise and has limited efficacy. In certain scenarios, a substantial proportion of short fragments pass below the lower size-selection cut-off resulting in low sequencing efficiency. However, enzyme choice can considerably mitigate inadvertent inclusion of these shorter fragments. A simple model based on these experiments is implemented to predict the number of genomic fragments generated after digestion and size selection, number of SNPs genotyped, number of samples that can be multiplexed and the expected sequencing efficiency. We developed ddgRADer - http://ddgrader.haifa.ac.il/ - a user-friendly webtool and incorporated these calculations to aid in ddRADseq experimental design while optimizing sequencing efficiency. This tool can also be used for single enzyme protocols such as Genotyping-by-Sequencing. Given user-defined study goals, ddgRADer recommends enzyme pairs and allows users to compare and choose enzymes and size-selection criteria. ddgRADer improves the accessibility and ease of designing ddRADseq experiments and increases the probability of success of the first population genomic study conducted in labs with no prior experience in genomics., (© 2023 The Authors. Molecular Ecology Resources published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The emergence and widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technologies have promoted metagenomic studies on environmental or animal samples. Library construction for metagenome sequencing and annotation of the produced sequence reads are important steps in such studies and influence the quality of metagenomic data. In this study, we collected some marine mollusk samples, such as Crassostrea hongkongensis, Chlamys farreri, and Ruditapes philippinarum, from coastal areas in South China. These samples were divided into two batches to compare two library construction methods for shellfish viral metagenome. Our analysis showed that reverse-transcribing RNA into cDNA and then amplifying it simultaneously with DNA by whole genome amplification (WGA) yielded a larger amount of DNA compared to using only WGA or WTA (whole transcriptome amplification). Moreover, higher quality libraries were obtained by agarose gel extraction rather than with AMPure bead size selection. However, the latter can also provide good results if combined with the adjustment of the filter parameters. This, together with its simplicity, makes it a viable alternative. Finally, we compared three annotation tools (BLAST, DIAMOND, and Taxonomer) and two reference databases (NCBI’s NR and Uniprot’s Uniref). Considering the limitations of computing resources and data transfer speed, we propose the use of DIAMOND with Uniref for annotating metagenomic short reads as its running speed can guarantee a good annotation rate. This study may serve as a useful reference for selecting methods for Shellfish viral metagenome library construction and read annotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary effects of harvest on wild fish populations have been documented around the world; however, sublethal selective pressures can also cause evolutionary changes in phenotypes. For migratory fishes, passage facilities may represent instances of nonlethal selective pressure. Our analysis of 6 years of passage data suggests that certain fish passage facilities on the Penobscot River have been exerting selective pressure against large-bodied, anadromous Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar). At the second and third dams in the river, a 91-cm salmon was 21%-27% and 12%-16% less likely to pass than a 45-cm salmon, respectively. Fish size positively influences egg survival and number and is a heritable trait. Therefore, in a wild-reproducing population, exclusion of large fish from spawning areas may have population-level impacts. In the Penobscot River, most returning adults derive from a hatchery program that collects its broodstock after passing the first dam in the river. Analysis of fork lengths of salmon returning to the Penobscot River from 1978 to 2012 provided mixed support for evolution of size at maturity in different age classes in a pattern that may be expected from interactions with conservation hatchery operations. Additionally, slow-maturing and iteroparous individuals that represent the largest salmon size classes were essentially lost from the population during that time, and Penobscot River fish have shorter fork lengths at maturity than Atlantic salmon in undammed systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression changes potentially play an important role in adaptive evolution under human-induced selection pressures, but this has been challenging to demonstrate in natural populations. Fishing exhibits strong selection pressure against large body size, thus potentially inducing evolutionary changes in life history and other traits that may be slowly reversible once fishing ceases. However, there is a lack of convincing examples regarding the speed and magnitude of fisheries-induced evolution, and thus, the relevant underlying molecular-level effects remain elusive. We use wild-origin zebrafish ( Danio rerio) as a model for harvest-induced evolution. We experimentally demonstrate broad-scale gene expression changes induced by just five generations of size-selective harvesting, and limited genetic convergence following the cessation of harvesting. We also demonstrate significant allele frequency changes in genes that were differentially expressed after five generations of size-selective harvesting. We further show that nine generations of captive breeding induced substantial gene expression changes in control stocks likely due to inadvertent selection in the captive environment. The large extent and rapid pace of the gene expression changes caused by both harvest-induced selection and captive breeding emphasizes the need for evolutionary enlightened management towards sustainable fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many descriptions of prey capture by Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) in popular publications and educational literature are inaccurate. Here we review well documented literature on prey capture in this plant's natural habitat and add observations on prey capture and attraction mechanisms we have observed in plants cultivated in a greenhouse and garden. Despite its common name "Venus flytrap" does not specialize in capturing flies. About 70% of the prey it captures in its native habitat consists of spiders, ants, and beetles. Flies are only oneto-eighteen percent of what it captures. In a greenhouse where flies, capable of entering the vents, composed most of the available prey, over 90% of the prey captured were flies. Dionaea cultivated in a garden captured a diverse array of animals, only about 37% of which were flies. Dionaea is a generalist, capturing a wide variety of prey species. Its capture mechanism does not appear to have a "syndrome" analogous to the Pollination Syndrome in flowers where a specific floral type is pollinated by a specific animal (i.e. Bee Flowers or Fly Flowers). The measured capture rates of Dionaea are low, about one capture/leaf/month in its native habitat. Similar but lower rates were measured in the greenhouse and garden. The single measurements in each habitat need to be repeated, but the low rates are consistent with the observation that wherever it is observed Dionaea has nearly all of its traps open. Both the low capture rates and the large number of open traps suggests that alluring agents drawing prey either do not exist or are ineffective. Despite reports of nectar secretion by Dionaea traps, our observations show that unstimulated traps are always dry unless wet by rain, condensation, or a sprinkler system. Secretion occurs only after prey capture. Alluring glands along the outer trap margin have been reported to be visited by small ants that work their mouthparts over the glands. We have photographed a fly exhibiting the same behavior. The exact nature of this behavior needs to be further investigated, but it does not appear that this attractant can act at a distance since flies are as likely to land on the outside of a trap as on the inside. Darwin proposed that the trap closure mechanism allows small prey to escape, preventing the expenditure of energy on captures likely to be of little benefit. Recent measurements of prey captures indicate that traps show little selectivity based on prey size and that while traps could, in theory, select larger prey, statistically they do not behave this way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the responses of predators, such as seals, to variations in prey availability is key to understanding their role in marine ecosystems. Individual variation in prey preference is likely to be important but we have little information on this aspect of predator behaviour. Operant conditioning techniques and an underwater feeding apparatus were used to test the prey species and size preferences of five captive grey seals, Halichoerus grypus , in a series of paired choice trials. The experimental procedure was designed to present simple foraging choices to remove as many potentially confounding variables as possible. Results suggest that individual grey seals exhibit prey preferences. When presented with different numbers of items of the same species, seals generally selected the larger number of prey items. When presented with choices between two species, seals apparently showed consistent preferences for particular species. However, the apparent species preferences may be simply explained in terms of size selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative efficiency of two square-mesh codend designs with the same circumference (~2 m) but different mesh sizes and materials (32 mm polyethylene-PE and 30 mm polyamide-PA) was tested in an artisanal shrimp trawl fishery in Paraná, southern Brazil. The two square-mesh codends were hauled alternately with a 26 mm diamond-shaped mesh codend (control) in a twin gear configuration. Although not significant, the mean numbers of total bycatch were reduced by 16.6 and 10.0% with the 32 and 30 mm square-mesh codends, respectively. The results indicate significant improvement in size selectivity for some species (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Stellifer rastrifer). The operational changes tested can be a suitable technical solution for reducing the capture of immature organisms in the shrimp trawl fishery in Paraná, Brazil.La eficiencia relativa de dos diseños de copos con malla cuadrada con la misma circunferencia (~2 m) pero diferentes tamaños de malla y materiales (32 mm de polietileno-PE y 30 mm de poliamida PA) ha sido evaluada en una pesquería de arrastre artesanal de camarón en Paraná, sur de Brasil. Los dos copos de malla cuadrada fueron arrastrados alternativamente con un copo de malla de 26 mm en forma de diamante (control) en una configuración de doble arrastre. Aunque no es significativo, el número medio de la captura incidental total se redujo en 16,6 y 10,0% en los copos de malla cuadrada de 32 y 30 mm, respectivamente. Los resultados indican que se logra una significativa mejora en la selectividad por tamaño medio de algunas especies (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri y Stellifer rastrifer). Los cambios operacionales evaluados pueden representar una solución técnica adecuada para reducir las capturas de organismos inmaduros en la pesquería de arrastre de camarón en Paraná, Brasil.

The flexigrid is a flexible double grid design and is one of the mandatory selection devices used in the Northeast Arctic cod ( Gadus morhua ) and haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ) fishery. Traditionally the flexigrid is mounted in a two-panel extension section of a trawl just ahead of the codend, but this design has performance limitations, especially during high volume catch situations. The aim of this study was to investigate the size selective properties of a new four-panel section design for the flexigrid and compare them to those of the traditional two-panel section. Specifically, we wanted to determine if this new design would increase the probability for undersized fish to make contact with the grid and subsequently escape through at least one of the two grids in the section. We quantified the parameter “grid contact” for both grids independently and combined for both the mandatory two-panel and the new four-panel designs. We directly compared the two designs using a single trawl with a three compartment experimental design which enabled estimation of the contribution of each of the grids to the combined selectivity of the flexigrid section. The results based on 51 hauls with 108,518 cod and haddock length measurements indicate that the four-panel flexigrid design was better able to release undersized fish than the two-panel design. While the mean values of “grid contact” estimated for both grid designs were similar, the four-panel section had lower risk of clogging in situations of high fish entry rates. Underwater video recordings revealed that the cause for this difference between designs may be related to the difference in shape of the two sections while fishing. The results showed that undersized cod escape mostly through the lower grid of the flexigrid section, whereas haddock generally utilize the upper grid. This finding is in good agreement with the behavioral differences previously described for these two species. Due to the favourable results obtained from this study, the four-panel flexigrid section is now legalized in the Northeast Arctic cod and haddock fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine fish larvae are known to drink water and to feed selectively. We studied water and microparticle ingestion of axenic sea bass larvae at the early post-hatching stage. Knowledge on these physiological processes is crucial for designing effective feeding, particle delivery schemes for marine fish larvae and for the understanding of the interaction and/or association between larval fish and smaller microparticles such as bacteria in aquaculture systems. We found that the fluorescence intensity of accumulated FITC-labelled dextran in the gut of laboratory-reared axenic European sea bass larvae ( Dicentrarchus labrax ), at day after hatching 7 (DAH7), correlated to a drinking rate of 4.1 ± 0.1 nL h − 1 larva − 1 . Additionally, by providing microparticles of 2, 10 or 45 μm, each time in combination with reference microparticles of 20 μm at an equal particle volume, feed size selection was examined. Feeding bigger particles (a combination of 45 and 20 μm) resulted in a statistically higher mean ingested volume (10 5 ± 10 4 μm 3 larva − 1 ) than feeding particle combinations of 2 and 20 μm or 10 and 20 μm, (10 4 ± 10 3 μm 3 larva − 1 ). Based on Jacobs' selectivity index ( D -values), fish larvae always selected for the bigger particles. In addition, larvae showed significantly positive selection towards 45 μm particles after 12 h of feeding. We conclude that axenic European sea bass larvae at DAH7 fed selectively on larger microparticles and unintentionally ingested small microparticles through drinking. Thus, both active and unintentional uptake of microparticles can be useful for microparticle delivery in early post-hatching marine fish larviculture. These results produce insight into the possibility of feeding with an appropriate particle size for future studies using early post-hatching axenic European sea bass larvae as model animal. Statement of relevance Axenic European sea bass larvae exhibited drinking activity at DAH7 and our data from the particle size selection are relevant for the use in developing of an effective feeding and microparticles delivery schemes in sea bass larviculture. In addition, unintentional uptake of small sized particles could be useful in the application of beneficial probiotic bacteria through suspension feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) genotyping by next-generation sequencing ( NGS) in the clinical lab brings new challenges to the laboratories performing this testing. With the advent of commercially available HLA-NGS typing kits, labs must make numerous decisions concerning capital equipment and address labor considerations. Therefore, careful and unbiased evaluation of available methods is imperative. In this report, we compared our in-house developed HLA NGS typing with two commercially available kits from Illumina and Omixon using 10 International Histocompatibility Working Group ( IHWG) and 36 clinical samples. Although all three methods employ long range polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) and have been developed on the Illumina MiSeq platform, the methodologies for library preparation show significant variations. There was 100% typing concordance between all three methods at the first field when a HLA type could be assigned. Overall, HLA typing by NGS using in-house or commercially available methods is now feasible in clinical laboratories. However, technical variables such as hands-on time and indexing strategies are sufficiently different among these approaches to impact the workflow of the clinical laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclones and other climate disturbances profoundly affect coastal ecosystems, promoting changes in the benthic communities that require time, sometimes even years, for a complete recovery. In this study we have analysed the morphological and genetic changes occurred in top shell ( Gibbula umbilicalis and Phorcus lineatus ) assemblages from the Bay of Biscay following explosive cyclogenesis events in 2014. Comparison with previous samples at short (three years before the cyclogenesis) and long (Upper Pleistocene) temporal scales served to better evaluate the extent of change induced by these disturbances in a more global dimension. A significant increase in mean size after the cyclogenesis was found for the two species, suggesting selective sweeping of small individuals weakly adhered to substrata. Loss of haplotype variants at the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene suggests a population bottleneck, although it was not intense enough to produce significant changes in haplotype frequencies. The high population connectivity and metapopulation structuring of the two species in the area likely help the populations to recover from disturbances. At a wider temporal scale, cyclogenesis effects seemed to compensate the apparent decreasing trends in size for P. lineatus occurred after the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Considering disturbance regimes for population baselines is recommended when the long-term effects of climate and anthropogenic pressures are evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]