Fine mapping of the linkage group 2 drought tolerance QTL in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Pearl millet is an important cereal crop capable of growing in semi-arid, arid and marginal regions of the world. Drought is a major abiotic constraint affecting pearl millet production globally. Previously identified and validated major linkage group 2 (LG2) drought tolerance (DT) QTL contributing to hybrid grain and stover yield potential to terminal drought stress is being fine mapped. The fine mapping population was generated by crossing two near-isogenic lines (NILs) differing for the LG2 DT QTL. A modified double digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) technique using SphI and MluCI enzyme combination was employed. A total of 290 out of 6,067 F2 mapping population of the cross (H77/833-2-P10 × ICMR 01029-P10), and parents were genotyped on Illumina HiSeq2500. Out of 52,028 SNPs that were identified from a total of 888.85 million reads at a read depth of 10 in the mapping population, a total of 6,821 SNPs were used for mapping. The genotypic data of these SNPs were used in combination with that of seven SSRs that had known linkage relationship with LG2 DT QTL interval. Linkage map was constructed using QTL IciMapping 4.1 software at a LOD threshold of 3.0. A total of 189 SNPs anchored to seven SSRs were mapped to the LG2 DT QTL. The length of linkage group (LG) was 639.72 cM (Haldane units) with an average inter-marker distance of 6.73 cM. In order to refine the fine mapping process, ddRAD technique is being further employed for genotyping rest of the fine mapping population

Open X-Embodiment:Robotic learning datasets and RT-X models

Large, high-capacity models trained on diverse datasets have shown remarkable successes on efficiently tackling downstream applications. In domains from NLP to Computer Vision, this has led to a consolidation of pretrained models, with general pretrained backbones serving as a starting point for many applications. Can such a consolidation happen in robotics? Conventionally, robotic learning methods train a separate model for every application, every robot, and even every environment. Can we instead train "generalist" X-robot policy that can be adapted efficiently to new robots, tasks, and environments? In this paper, we provide datasets in standardized data formats and models to make it possible to explore this possibility in the context of robotic manipulation, alongside experimental results that provide an example of effective X-robot policies. We assemble a dataset from 22 different robots collected through a collaboration between 21 institutions, demonstrating 527 skills (160266 tasks). We show that a high-capacity model trained on this data, which we call RT-X, exhibits positive transfer and improves the capabilities of multiple robots by leveraging experience from other platforms. The project website is robotics-transformer-x.github.io

Evaluation of an implantable ECG monitoring device in vitro and in vivo

Vo

Day-to-day repeatability of the results of the finger-toe-plot analysis

Non-invasive arterial pulse wave (PW) measurement provides valuable information on the vascular health. The aim of the study is to characterize the between-visit or day-to-day repeatability of combined finger and toe photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal analysis method called finger-toe plot (FT-plot) and compare it with the repeatability of other methods proposed for vascular characterization. Ten 22–36-year-old subjects were examined on 3 different days in order to find out the day-to-day repeatability of the results. The repeatability of the extracted parameters was analyzed by means of intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and free-marginal multirater κ agreement. ICCs varied widely from below 0.2 to almost 0.9, but κ coefficients higher than 0.7 were achieved for most of the results. Based on the presented results, the FT-plot analysis has at least sufficient day-to-day repeatability. However, further studies with real patients and different stages of cardiovascular diseases are required for confirming the findings.acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Inductively coupled passive resonance sensor for monitoring biodegradable polymers in vitro

Capacitive sensors can be used to monitor changes in materials by monitoring complex permittivity. Inductively coupled passive resonance sensors provide means to make short range wireless permittivity measurements if the sensors are embedded in the tested material. In this study, inductively coupled sensors were embedded in biodegradable polymers, which are important materials in regenerative medicine. However, it is challenging to observe their decay especially in vivo. After preparing the samples by compression moulding, the encapsulated sensors and a reference series were immersed in buffer solution. The signals from the passive resonance sensors were measured for eight weeks. In addition, mechanical and chemical testing was periodically carried out to monitor the state of the reference series. The wirelessly measured signals are compared with water absorption, flexural modulus, glass transition temperature and viscosity.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

System for ECG and heart rate monitoring during group training

acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Bioresorbable Conductive Wire with Minimal Metal Content

The emergence of transient electronics has created the need for bioresorbable conductive wires for signal and energy transfer. We present a fully bioresorbable wire design where the conductivity is provided by only a few micrometers thick electron-beam evaporated magnesium layer on the surface of a polymer fiber. The structure is electrically insulated with an extrusion coated polymer sheath, which simultaneously serves as a water barrier for the dissolvable magnesium conductor. The resistance of the wires was approximately 1 Ω cm–1 and their functional lifetime in buffer solution was more than 1 week. These properties could be modified by using different conductor materials and film thicknesses. Furthermore, the flexibility of the wires enabled the fabrication of planar radio frequency (RF) coils, which were wirelessly measured. Such coils have the potential to be used as wireless sensors. The wire design provides a basis for bioresorbable wires in applications where only a minimal amount of metal is desired, for example, to avoid toxicity