Using next-generation sequencing technology alone, we have successfully generated and assembled a draft sequence of the giant panda genome. The assembled contigs (2.25 gigabases (Gb)) cover approximately 94% of the whole genome, and the remaining gaps (0.05 Gb) seem to contain carnivore-specific repeats and tandem repeats. Comparisons with the dog and human showed that the panda genome has a lower divergence rate. The assessment of panda genes potentially underlying some of its unique traits indicated that its bamboo diet might be more dependent on its gut microbiome than its own genetic composition. We also identified more than 2.7 million heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the diploid genome. Our data and analyses provide a foundation for promoting mammalian genetic research, and demonstrate the feasibility for using next-generation sequencing technologies for accurate, cost-effective and rapid de novo assembly of large eukaryotic genomes.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs formed by covalently closed loops through backsplicing. Recent methodologies have enabled in-depth characterization of circRNAs for identification and potential functions. CircRNAs play important roles in various biological functions as microRNA sponges, transcriptional regulators and combining with RNA binding proteins. Recent studies indicated that some cytoplasmic circRNAs can be effectively translated into detectable peptides, which enlightened us on the importance of circRNAs in cellular physiology function. Internal Ribosome Entry site (IRES)-and N 6-methyladenosines (m 6 A)-mediated cap-independent translation initiation have been suggested to be potential mechanism for circRNA translation. To date, several translated circRNAs have been uncovered to play pivotal roles in human cancers. In this review, we introduced the properties and functions of circRNAs, and characterized the possible mechanism of translation initiation and complexity of the translation ability of circRNAs. We summarized the emerging functions of circRNA-encoded proteins in human cancer. The works on circRNA translation will open a hidden human proteome, and enhance us to understand the importance of circRNAs in human cancer, which has been poorly explored so far.

Mounting evidence suggested that dysfunction of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in a wide variety of diseases. A knowledgebase with systematic collection and curation of lncRNA-disease associations is critically important for further examining their underlying molecular mechanisms. In 2013, we presented the first release of LncRNADisease, representing a database for collection of experimental supported lncRNA-disease associations. Here, we describe an update of the database. The new developments in LncRNADisease 2.0 include (i) an over 40-fold lncRNA-disease association enhancement compared with the previous version; (ii) providing the transcriptional regulatory relationships among lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA; (iii) providing a confidence score for each lncRNA-disease association; (iv) integrating experimentally supported circular RNA disease associations. LncRNADisease 2.0 documents more than 200 000 lncRNA-disease associations. We expect that this database will continue to serve as a valuable source for potential clinical application related to lncRNAs. LncRNADisease 2.0 is freely available at http://www.rnanut.net/lncrnadisease/.

Synchronous reference frame (SRF) phase-locked loop (PLL) is a critical component for the control and grid synchronization of three-phase grid-connected power converters. The PLL behaviors, especially its low-frequency dynamics, influenced by different grid and load impedances as well as operation mode have not been investigated yet, which may not be captured by conventional linear PLL models. In this paper, we propose a state-feedback quasi-static SRF-PLL model, which can identify and quantify the inherent frequency self-synchronization mechanism in the converter control system. This self-synchronization effect is essentially due to the converter interactions with grid impedance and power flow directions. The low-frequency nonlinear behaviors of the PLL under different grid impedance conditions are then analyzed, which forms the framework of evaluating the impacts of the large penetration level of distributed generation units, weak grid, microgrid, and large reactive power consumption in terms of the frequency stability of PLL. Specifically, the PLL behavior of the converter system under islanded condition is investigated to explain the PLL instability issues and the related islanding-detection methods in early publications and industry reports

Vaccine hesitancy is among the major threats to the effectiveness of vaccination programmes. This study aimed to report the trend in response to willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine between two waves of the local epidemic and examine differences among occupations. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted online during the first wave (February) and third wave (August to September) of the local epidemic in 2020. Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was measured along with personal protection behaviours and occupations. A total of 2047 participants provided valid responses. The willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine among the participants was lower in the third wave (34.8%) than the first wave (44.2%). There were more concerns over vaccine safety in the third wave. Clerical/service/sales workers were less likely to accept the vaccine (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.43–0.91). A high-level compliance of facemask wearing was found, and more people maintained social distancing and used alcohol hand rub in the third wave. Decreasing willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine may be associated with increasing concerns about vaccine safety and growing compliance of personal protection behaviours. The rush of vaccine development with higher risks of safety issues may jeopardize the public’s trust and lower uptake rates. Education and favourable policy should be provided to the general working population for the vaccination, especially for those who are not professional and are frequently exposed to crowds.