We present the serendipitous radio-continuum discovery of a likely Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G305.4–2.2. This object displays a remarkable circular symmetry in shape, making it one of the most circular Galactic SNRs known. Nicknamed Teleios due to its symmetry, it was detected in the new Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) radio–continuum images with an angular size of 1 320$^{\prime\prime}$$\times$1 260$^{\prime\prime}$ and PA = 0$^\circ$. While there is a hint of possible H$\alpha$ and gamma-ray emission, Teleios is exclusively seen at radio–continuum frequencies. Interestingly, Teleios is not only almost perfectly symmetric, but it also has one of the lowest surface brightnesses discovered among Galactic SNRs and a steep spectral index of $\alpha$=–0.6$\pm$0.3. Our best estimates from Hi studies and the $\Sigma$–D relation place Teleios as a type Ia SNR at a distance of either $\sim$2.2 kpc (near-side) or $\sim$7.7 kpc (far-side). This indicates two possible scenarios, either a young (under 1 000 yr) or a somewhat older SNR (over 10 000 yr). With a corresponding diameter of 14/48 pc, our evolutionary studies place Teleios at the either early or late Sedov phase, depending on the distance/diameter estimate. However, our modelling also predicts X-ray emission, which we do not see in the present generation of eROSITA images. We also explored a type Iax explosion scenario that would point to a much closer distance of $\lt$1 kpc and Teleios size of only $\sim$3.3 pc, which would be similar to the only known type Iax remnant SN1181. Unfortunately, all examined scenarios have their challenges, and no definitive Supernova (SN) origin type can be established at this stage. Remarkably, Teleios has retained its symmetrical shape as it aged even to such a diameter, suggesting expansion into a rarefied and isotropic ambient medium. The low radio surface brightness and the lack of pronounced polarisation can be explained by a high level of ambient rotation measure (RM), with the largest RM being observed at Teleios’s centre.

Haemonchosis is a fatal disease of livestock caused by Haemonchus contortus (HC) – a blood-sucking parasite of the abomasum. This parasite is quite prevalent in sheep, causing mortality and production losses. The suppressor of cytokine signalling-2 (SOCS2) gene plays a vital role in sheep’s immune response against gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to estimate the parasitic load of HC in three sheep breeds (Balkhi, Ghalji, and Michni) through faecal egg count and to identify SNPs in the SOCS2 gene associated with the susceptibility of sheep against HC. The results showed that the mean number of HC eggs per gram (EPG) was higher in the faecal samples of Ghalji (4022 ± 1162 EPG), followed by Michni (1988 ± 367 EPG), while the HC EPG was the lowest in Balkhi sheep (1535 ± 552 eggs/gm). Sequencing results showed polymorphisms in the SOCS2 gene between the low-infection and high-infection categories of the three sheep breeds. A total number of six genic variants were observed, of which three were SNPs, one was insertion, and two were deletions. Polymorphisms were observed in the intronic and 3′ UTR regions of the SOCS2 gene. A deletion (c.1083delGCA) in intron 1 and an insertion (c.3304insT) in intron 2 showed positive correlations (0.833 and 0.889, respectively) with the HC infection, while one SNP in the 3′ UTR region showed negative correlation (–0.654). This study provides a basis for selecting resistant sheep against HC infection based on the SOCS2 gene molecular markers.

Wild species of rice possess tremendous genetic variations and harbour resistance genes for biotic stresses. Bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a major disease affecting rice production globally. The current study characterized 116 accessions from 17 species of Oryza for BB disease during three seasons viz., kharif 2020, rabi 2020–21, kharif 2021 using an isolate of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain IX-020. A total of 40 accessions including Oryza rufipogon, O. nivara, O. officinalis and O. australiensis showed consistence resistance to the bacterial blight disease across the seasons. These accessions were further subjected to molecular characterization using 11 Xa genes viz., Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21, Xa23, Xa27(t), Xa32(t), Xa33, Xa35(t), Xa38 and xa41 with gene-specific markers to ascertain the novelty. Some key resistance genes such as Xa4, Xa23, Xa27(t), Xa32(t), Xa33, Xa35(t) and xa41 were detected in multiple accessions, with O. rufipogon and O. eichingeri harbouring particularly complex combinations of these genes. Notably, several accessions viz., IC521672 (O. nivara), EC861665 (O. officinalis), EC861677 (O. latifolia), EC861711 (O. punctata) and EC861738 (O. eichingeri) did not show the presence of any known genes indicating the possibility of novel genetic loci conferring BB resistance in these wild species. These promising accessions identified in the study are potential novel sources for bacterial leaf blight resistance in rice and will be useful for the development of durable bacterial blight resistance rice cultivars.

Poisonous birds are rare but on New Guinea, including Indonesia’s easternmost provinces, no less than nine poisonous species, eight pitohuis and one species of ifrita, are found. Pitohuis when handled can cause sneezing with numbness and burning of nasal tissue and nausea in humans. In the bird markets of western Indonesia novelty birds are traded at a premium and overexploitation of popular songbirds leads traders to find replacement species to meet demand. We conducted over 800 surveys in the bird markets of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, and Sulawesi between 1994 and 2023 and from 2015 onwards we assessed the online trade in pitohuis and Blue-capped Ifrit Ifrita kowaldi. We identified the species, recorded their prices and location, and the date when the birds were offered for sale. We analysed temporal trends, volumes, prices, and geographical origin of the sellers. Between 1994 and 2014 we did not encounter a single pitohui in the Indonesian bird markets. In the following years we recorded 113 pitohuis in 12 bird markets and we recorded 199 pitohuis for sale online; 248 were variable pitohuis and 54 were Hooded Pitohui Pitohui dichrous. No ifritas were recorded. Most pitohuis were recorded in eastern Java and Bali. Prices differed between eastern Java (mean of US$93) and western Java and Bali (US$185), possibly suggesting pitohuis arrive from West Papua in eastern Java and from there make their way to the outer markets. Pitohuis are marketed as “Papuan Straw-headed Bulbuls”; the Straw-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus zeylanicus is a very popular and expensive songbird from Southeast Asia, including western Indonesia, that has become rare both in the wild and in the markets due to overexploitation. Discussions about pitohuis on online forums rarely mention “poisonous” but when it is mentioned traders dismiss this as something not to worry about and they claim it to be dietary-dependent. Poisonous pitohuis are novelty, as well as master, birds in Indonesia, where they are marketed for their song ignoring any negative side-effects of them being poisonous. The trade in novelty species, when detected early, does allow for the authorities to intervene in a timely manner to ensure that this trade does not impede their conservation.

Bariatric surgery has significantly increased globally as an effective treatment for severe obesity. Nutritional deficits are common among candidates for bariatric surgery, and follow-up of nutritional status is critically needed for post-surgery healthcare management. This observational prospective study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh. Samples were collected pre- and post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with the visit intervals divided into four visits: pre-surgery (0M), 3 months (3M), 6 months (6M) and 12 months (12M). Food intake and eating patterns significantly changed during the first year (P < 0·001). The mean energy intake at 3M post-surgery was 738·3 kcal, significantly lower than the pre-surgery energy intake of 2059 kcal. Then, it increased gradually at 6M and 12M to reach 1069 kcal (P < 0·00). The intake of Fe, vitamin B12 and vitamin D was below the dietary reference intake recommendations, as indicated by the 24-hour dietary recall. The prevalence of 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency improved significantly from pre- to post-surgery (P < 0·001). Vitamin B12 deficiency was less reported pre-LSG and improved steadily towards a sufficient post-surgery status. However, 35·7 % of participants were deficient in Fe status, with 28·6% being female at higher levels than males. While protein supplementation decreased significantly over the 12M follow-up, the use of vitamin supplements dramatically increased at 3 and 6M before declining at 12M. Fe and vitamin B12 were the most popular supplements after vitamin D. This study confirms the necessity for individualised dietary plans and close monitoring of candidates’ nutritional status before and after bariatric surgery.

Children’s externalizing behaviors are associated with impairments across the lifespan. Developmental psychopathology theories propose transactional (bidirectional) associations between child externalizing behaviors and parenting during childhood and adolescence. Yet, these foundational relations in early childhood are not well-studied. Utilizing a large, mixed-sex sample, we examined the reciprocal nature of parenting and child externalizing behaviors across early childhood using robust repeated-measures models. Repeated measures data were drawn from a socioeconomically diverse, longitudinal pregnancy cohort of 1287 (64% Black, 31% White) mother-child dyads at four time points (ages one to six). Three variables were included in cross-lagged panel models: observed parenting quality, child externalizing symptoms, and a maternal risk composite. In covariate-adjusted models, higher parenting quality at Wave 1 predicted lower child externalizing symptoms at Wave 2. Higher externalizing symptoms at Wave 1 and Wave 2 predicted lower parenting quality at Wave 2 and Wave 3, respectively. Maternal risk and parenting quality were not significantly associated. Findings showed both parent-driven and child-driven effects across early childhood that did not vary by child sex. The transactional nature of the parent-child relationship begins in infancy, underscoring the importance of early screening and provision of supports for families to minimize and prevent the development of serious psychopathology.

Oat being a rabi/winter crop in Kashmir, experiences extremely low temperatures which has detrimental effects on its growth and development. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate a set of 130 oat genotypes in multi-location trials across temperate conditions of Kashmir valley from 2018 to 2022. From the preliminary data of 56 genotypes, including five checks, were selected and evaluated for nutritional and yield attributing traits under cold stress conditions at two locations. The results demonstrated significant genetic variation and high heritability for majority of traits, except for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and dry fodder. Positive correlations were observed between green fodder yield and other traits, indicating their potential for enhancing yield. Principal component analysis identified four principal components that accounted for 69.87% of the total variation. Cluster analysis categorized the genotypes into two main clusters and six sub-clusters. Frost damage assessment was conducted at tillering stage after the snow melted in late January 2021 and 2022 using cold tolerance rating scale and subsequently tested for chilling injury through an electrolyte leakage test. From field and lab data analysis, five most promising cold tolerant, nutritious and high-yielding genotypes were identified. These genotypes have significant potential for utilization in future breeding programmes to improve cold tolerance in cultivated oats within the Kashmir valley thus promoting agricultural productivity and sustainability. The outcomes also provide valuable insights into the genetic variation, heritability, genotype-by-environment interactions, correlations and cold tolerance of oat genotypes in Kashmir.

Analysing the dynamics of velocity gradients is useful for understanding various nonlinear turbulence processes. This work focuses on how the vibrational non-equilibrium of the constituent molecules in a gaseous medium affects the dynamics of the velocity gradient and the pressure Hessian tensors. We first derive the exact evolution equation of the pressure-Hessian tensor in the presence of the vibrational non-equilibrium process. Subsequently, we perform several direct numerical simulations of compressible isotropic turbulence, including the vibrational relaxation process therein. Using flow fields extracted from these simulations, we conduct several parametric studies over a range of the Damköhler number (ratio of the relevant fluid time scale to that of the mean vibrational relaxation process) and the initial ratio of the vibrational temperature to the mean local temperature. We find that a variation in the initial Damköhler number does influence the evolution of the pressure-Hessian and the velocity gradient tensors. As the vibrational relaxation process becomes more rapid (an increase in the value of the initial Damköhler number), it causes a decrease in the strength of the pressure-Hessian tensor and simultaneous suppression of dilatational fluctuations in the flow field. On the other hand, a variation in the initial value of the ratio of the vibrational temperature to the local temperature does not seem to affect the pressure-Hessian or the velocity gradient tensor. These findings are expected to aid in the development of closure models for the pressure-Hessian tensor in compressible flows under vibrational non-equilibrium conditions.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: * Patients with skin of color (SOC) are disproportionately affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). In this study, we aim to address this disparity and characterize the real-world efficacy and tolerability of anifrolumab in CLE patients using validated disease activity instruments. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This single-center, prospective observational cohort study includes SLE patients with severe or refractory CLE who have received ≥ 1 dose of anifrolumab. Cutaneous disease activity is assessed periodically at 2, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months using the Cutaneous Lupus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI). Adverse events and concurrent treatments are also routinely evaluated. To date, 22 patients have been enrolled, with 6-month follow-up data available for 15. At the time of anifrolumab initiation, 95% of participants had discoid LE (DLE), 60% had mucosal DLE, and 13% had subacute CLE. Nine patients identified as SOC, two as White, and four did not report race/ethnicity. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A Friedman test showed statistically significant changes over time in CLASI activity score (CLASI-A) (χ2(2) =20, p<0.0001) (Figure 1) and CLASI damage score (CLASI-D) (χ2(2) =9.5789, p=0.0083) (Figure. To estimate effect sizes, we employed linear mixed models, which demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the CLASI-A score from baseline by an average of 14 points at 2 months (p<0.001) and 18 points at 6 months (p<0.001); notably, a reduction in CLASI-A of 4 is considered clinically meaningful. At 2 months, 20% of patients experienced a 50% or more reduction in CLASI, which increased to 60% of patients at 6 months. Patients on systemic corticosteroids could taper off. Adverse events were minimal and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Fig. 1:[blob:https://acts.slayte.com/045319b4-7272-4351-a771-78ba9ee57f5c] Fig. 2:[blob:https://acts.slayte.com/67df7653-0cd8-4e8e-a3e1-d5c565b19dce] DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: As SOC patients with CLE have significant potential for permanent pigmentary alternations, early treatment is imperative. Effective treatments for refractory CLE are elusive. Our study represents the largest single-center cohort of CLE patients treated with anifrolumab and suggests that it is a promising therapeutic option for patients with SOC.

We report the discovery of a bow-shock pulsar wind nebula (PWN), named Potoroo, and the detection of a young pulsar J1638$-$4713 that powers the nebula. We present a radio continuum study of the PWN based on 20-cm observations obtained from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and MeerKAT. PSR J1638$-$4713 was identified using Parkes radio telescope observations at frequencies above 3 GHz. The pulsar has the second-highest dispersion measure of all known radio pulsars (1 553 pc cm$^{-3}$), a spin period of 65.74 ms and a spin-down luminosity of $\dot{E}=6.1\times10^{36}$ erg s$^{-1}$. The PWN has a cometary morphology and one of the greatest projected lengths among all the observed pulsar radio tails, measuring over 21 pc for an assumed distance of 10 kpc. The remarkably long tail and atypically steep radio spectral index are attributed to the interplay of a supernova reverse shock and the PWN. The originating supernova remnant is not known so far. We estimated the pulsar kick velocity to be in the range of 1 000–2 000 km s$^{-1}$ for ages between 23 and 10 kyr. The X-ray counterpart found in Chandra data, CXOU J163802.6$-$471358, shows the same tail morphology as the radio source but is shorter by a factor of 10. The peak of the X-ray emission is offset from the peak of the radio total intensity (Stokes $\rm I$) emission by approximately 4.7$^{\prime\prime}$, but coincides well with circularly polarised (Stokes $\rm V$) emission. No infrared counterpart was found.

In this work, a three degrees-of-freedom (3-DoF) static quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) test-rig of a pendulum-type configuration is custom-designed, developed, instrumented, and interfaced with a PC. The rig serves as a test bed to develop high-fidelity mathematical models as well as to investigate autopilot designs and real-time closed-loop controllers’ performances. The Simulink Desktop Real-Time software is employed for the quadcopter’s attitude signals acquisition and real-time implementation of closed-loop controllers on a target microcontroller hardware. The mathematical models for pitch, roll, and yaw axes are derived via the first principle and validated with the experimental linear system identification (SI) techniques. Subsequently, employing the multi-parameter root contour technique, the classical proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers are designed and implemented in real-time on the quadcopter UAV test rig. This served as a benchmark controller for comparing it with an integral-based linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller. Further, to improve the transient response of the LQR controller, a novel robust integral-based LQR controller with a feedforward term (LQR-FF) is implemented, which shows much superior performance than the benchmark and basic LQR controller. This work thus will act as a precursor for a more complex 3-DoF autopilot design of an untethered quadcopter.

Aviation passenger screening has been used worldwide to mitigate the translocation risk of SARS-CoV-2. We present a model that evaluates factors in screening strategies used in air travel and assess their relative sensitivity and importance in identifying infectious passengers. We use adapted Monte Carlo simulations to produce hypothetical disease timelines for the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 for travelling passengers. Screening strategy factors assessed include having one or two RT-PCR and/or antigen tests prior to departure and/or post-arrival, and quarantine length and compliance upon arrival. One or more post-arrival tests and high quarantine compliance were the most important factors in reducing pathogen translocation. Screening that combines quarantine and post-arrival testing can shorten the length of quarantine for travelers, and variability and mean testing sensitivity in post-arrival RT-PCR and antigen tests decrease and increase with the greater time between the first and second post-arrival test, respectively. This study provides insight into the role various screening strategy factors have in preventing the translocation of infectious diseases and a flexible framework adaptable to other existing or emerging diseases. Such findings may help in public health policy and decision-making in present and future evidence-based practices for passenger screening and pandemic preparedness.

This research paper presents an application of the integrated process and product design (IPPD) approach for selecting the best joint configuration for dissimilar material joining in the early product design phase. The proposed methodology integrates the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach with quality function deployment (QFD) to identify the key criteria for joint selection, including load-carrying capacity, size, cost per joint, ease of manufacturing, time consumption and deformation. Three types of joints (rivet, weld and adhesive) and two hybrid joints (adhesive-weld and adhesive-rivet) are considered for three dissimilar material configurations: carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) aluminum, CFRP steel, and aluminum-steel. QFD is utilised to transform job requirements into design criteria, and in the second phase, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is employed to choose the optimal joint configuration based on the weighted criteria acquired in the previous phase. The selected joint configuration is then validated through experimental study. The findings demonstrate that the proposed IPPD approach with QFD-TOPSIS techniques is highly effective for selecting mechanical joints for dissimilar material joining in the early design phase. The study concludes that the adhesive-rivet hybrid joint is the optimal solution among all alternatives. The proposed methodology can ultimately lead to improved product reliability and performance, as well as reduced development time and cost.

The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) will be held in Washington DC, USA, from Saturday, 26 August, 2023 to Friday, 1 September, 2023, inclusive. The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will be the largest and most comprehensive scientific meeting dedicated to paediatric and congenital cardiac care ever held. At the time of the writing of this manuscript, The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery has 5,037 registered attendees (and rising) from 117 countries, a truly diverse and international faculty of over 925 individuals from 89 countries, over 2,000 individual abstracts and poster presenters from 101 countries, and a Best Abstract Competition featuring 153 oral abstracts from 34 countries. For information about the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, please visit the following website: [www.WCPCCS2023.org]. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the activities related to global health and advocacy that will occur at the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.

Acknowledging the need for urgent change, we wanted to take the opportunity to bring a common voice to the global community and issue the Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action on Addressing the Global Burden of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases. A copy of this Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is provided in the Appendix of this manuscript. This Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the global burden, promoting the development of sustainable care systems, and improving access to high quality and equitable healthcare for children with heart disease as well as adults with congenital heart disease worldwide.