Torsten Schwede (born 2 October 1967 in Coburg) is a German and Swiss bioinformatics scientist and Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland. He studied biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth and the University of Freiburg in Germany, completing his PhD in protein crystallography in 1998.
After obtaining his doctorate, Schwede worked in research at the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline in Geneva. In 2001, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Structural Bioinformatics at the University of Basel, and the following year he became a group leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2007 and Full Professor for Structural Bioinformatics in 2018. From 2014 to 2019, he was scientific director of sciCORE, responsible for scientific computing infrastructure at the University of Basel. In 2018, Schwede was also appointed Vice Rector for Research at the University of Basel.
In addition to his academic roles, Schwede has served on various scientific advisory boards and committees. He was a member of the National Advisory Board of the Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) from 2017 to 2021 and has been a member of the steering committee of the ECCB European Conference on Computational Biology since 2012.
In 2022, Schwede was elected a member of the Academia Europaea
Schwede's research focuses on developing methods and algorithms to model three-dimensional protein structures and their properties. His work includes homology modelling, which uses experimentally characterised structures of homologous proteins as templates to predict the structure of other proteins. He developed Swiss-model, a fully automated web server for protein structure modelling, and the QMEAN method for assessing the accuracy of predicted structures.
Schwede's group is also involved in modelling protein-ligand interactions and has used in-silico screening to identify potential inhibitors against the dengue virus. They have also elucidated a novel electrophilic co-factor in enzymes through X-ray crystallography.
Torsten Schwede (born 2 October 1967 in Coburg) is a German and Swiss bioinformatics scientist and Professor of Structural Bioinformatics at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is also Vice Rector for Research at the University of Basel and was appointed as the new President of the SNSF Research Council in 2025.
Schwede studied biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth and the University of Freiburg in Germany, completing his PhD in protein crystallography in 1998. He then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at GlaxoSmithKline in Geneva, working in research from 1999 to 2001.
In 2001, Schwede was appointed as Assistant Professor of Structural Bioinformatics at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and became a group leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics in 2002, a position he still holds. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2007 and Full Professor in 2018. From 2014 to 2019, he was scientific director of sciCORE, responsible for the central infrastructure for scientific computing at the University of Basel.
Schwede's research focuses on developing methods and algorithms to model the three-dimensional structures of proteins and their properties to gain knowledge about their function at an atomic level. His work includes methods for homology modelling, which allow the structure of proteins to be modelled using experimentally characterised structures of homologous proteins as templates. He developed Swiss-model, a fully automated web server for modelling protein structures, and the QMEAN method for estimating the accuracy of predicted structures. He also initiated the CAMEO project for the continuous automated blind assessment of structure prediction techniques.
Schwede's group is also working on modelling protein-ligand interactions and has identified potential inhibitors against the dengue virus through in-silico screening. They have also elucidated a novel electrophilic co-factor in enzymes using X-ray crystallography.
Torsten Schwede
University of Basel, Biozentrum & SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
http://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/schwede/
SWISS-MODEL: homology modelling of protein structures and complexes A Waterhouse, M Bertoni, S Bienert, G Studer, G Tauriello, R Gumienny, … Nucleic acids research, 2018 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:vRqMK49ujn8C
The SWISS-MODEL workspace: a web-based environment for protein structure homology modelling K Arnold, L Bordoli, J Kopp, T Schwede Bioinformatics 22 (2), 195-201, 2006 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:u-x6o8ySG0sC
SWISS-MODEL: an automated protein homology-modeling server T Schwede, J Kopp, N Guex, MC Peitsch Nucleic acids research 31 (13), 3381-3385, 2003 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:u5HHmVD_uO8C
SWISS-MODEL: modelling protein tertiary and quaternary structure using evolutionary information M Biasini, S Bienert, A Waterhouse, K Arnold, G Studer, T Schmidt, … Nucleic acids research 42 (W1), W252-W258, 2014 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:HoB7MX3m0LUC
Toward the estimation of the absolute quality of individual protein structure models P Benkert, M Biasini, T Schwede Bioinformatics 27 (3), 343-350, 2011 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:qjMakFHDy7sC
The SWISS-MODEL Repository and associated resources F Kiefer, K Arnold, M Künzli, L Bordoli, T Schwede Nucleic acids research 37 (suppl1), D387-D392, 2009 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationfor_view=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:d1gkVwhDpl0C
Automated comparative protein structure modeling with SWISS‐MODEL and Swiss‐PdbViewer: A historical perspective N Guex, MC Peitsch, T Schwede Electrophoresis 30 (S1), S162-S173, 2009 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:roLk4NBRz8UC
The SWISS-MODEL Repository—new features and functionality S Bienert, A Waterhouse, TAP de Beer, G Tauriello, G Studer, L Bordoli, … Nucleic acids research 45 (D1), D313-D319, 2017 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:_xSYboBqXhAC
Protein structure homology modeling using SWISS-MODEL workspace L Bordoli, F Kiefer, K Arnold, P Benkert, J Battey, T Schwede Nature protocols 4 (1), 1-13, 2009 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:2osOgNQ5qMEC
QMEAN server for protein model quality estimation P Benkert, M Künzli, T Schwede Nucleic acids research 37 (suppl 2), W510-W514, 2009 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:Y0pCki6q_DkC
Modeling protein quaternary structure of homo-and hetero-oligomers beyond binary interactions by homology M Bertoni, F Kiefer, M Biasini, L Bordoli, T Schwede Scientific Reports 7 (1), 10480, 2017 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:SP6oXDckpogC
QMEANDisCo—distance constraints applied on model quality estimation G Studer, C Rempfer, AM Waterhouse, R Gumienny, J Haas, T Schwede Bioinformatics 36 (6), 1765-1771, 2020 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:LPZeul_q3PIC
lDDT: a local superposition-free score for comparing protein structures and models using distance difference tests V Mariani, M Biasini, A Barbato, T Schwede Bioinformatics 29 (21), 2722-2728, 2013 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:r0BpntZqJG4C
Critical assessment of methods of protein structure prediction (CASP)—round XIII A Kryshtafovych, T Schwede, M Topf, K Fidelis, J Moult Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics 87 (12), 1011-1020, 2019 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:5Ul4iDaHHb8C
Critical assessment of methods of protein structure prediction (CASP)—round x J Moult, K Fidelis, A Kryshtafovych, T Schwede, A Tramontano Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics 82, 1-6, 2014 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:M05iB0D1s5AC
The SWISS‐MODEL Repository of annotated three‐dimensional protein structure homology models J Kopp, T Schwede Nucleic acids research 32 (suppl 1), D230-D234, 2004 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:9yKSN-GCB0IC
Critical assessment of methods of protein structure prediction (CASP)—Round XII J Moult, K Fidelis, A Kryshtafovych, T Schwede, A Tramontano Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics 86 (S1), 7-15, 2018 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:K3LRdlH-MEoC
Second messenger-mediated spatiotemporal control of protein degradation regulates bacterial cell cycle progression A Duerig, S Abel, M Folcher, M Nicollier, T Schwede, N Amiot, B Giese, … Genes & development 23 (1), 93-104, 2009 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:Tyk-4Ss8FVUC
Critical assessment of methods of protein structure prediction (CASP)—Round XIV A Kryshtafovych, T Schwede, M Topf, K Fidelis, J Moult Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics 89 (12), 1607-1617, 2021 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:kRWSkSYxWN8C
The Protein Model Portal—a comprehensive resource for protein structure and model information J Haas, S Roth, K Arnold, F Kiefer, T Schmidt, L Bordoli, T Schwede Database 2013, bat031, 2013 Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?viewop=viewcitation&hl=en&user=sX-HeS8AAAAJ&citationforview=sX-HeS8AAAAJ:e5wmG9Sq2KIC
Youtube Title: Meet our Partners: Torsten Schwede, Vice President for Research - University of Basel
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Dompé
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/Domp%C3%A9company
Meet our Partners: Torsten Schwede, Vice President for Research - University of Basel
Youtube Title: Strategy& Insider Podcast - Episode 2 with Prof. Dr. Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Strategy&
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@strategyand
Strategy& Insider Podcast - Episode 2 with Prof. Dr. Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: Welcome - Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Personalized Health Basel
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@personalizedhealthbasel3027
Welcome - Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: Going Global Keynote Address: The Swiss Personalized Health Network (Torsten Schwede)
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: GA4GH
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@GA4GH
Going Global Keynote Address: The Swiss Personalized Health Network (Torsten Schwede)
Youtube Title: Building the national research infrastructure
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SIB - Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sib-swissinstituteofbioinf4579
Building the national research infrastructure
Youtube Title: Building an Interoperable Data Ecosystem for Personalized Health Research in Switzerland
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: TAUVOD
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@telavivuniversity
Building an Interoperable Data Ecosystem for Personalized Health Research in Switzerland
Youtube Title: Phenacogrammus sp. "Roughe" by Aqua ECO Store / Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Phenacogrammus sp. "Roughe" by Aqua ECO Store / Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: 1stJointPHDayCH: Thorsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SFA PHRT
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sfaphrt804
1stJointPHDayCH: Thorsten Schwede
Youtube Title: SWISS-MODEL: Giving the proteome a third dimension
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Eric Jain
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ejain
SWISS-MODEL: Giving the proteome a third dimension
Youtube Title: Panel Discussion on Big Data vs. Fast Computation – Is HPC Facing a Game Change?
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: InsideHPC Report
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@RichReport
Panel Discussion on Big Data vs. Fast Computation – Is HPC Facing a Game Change?
Youtube Title: L 200 Hemiancistrus subvirides mit Gelege in der Welshöhle
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
L 200 Hemiancistrus subvirides mit Gelege in der Welshöhle
Youtube Title: L-264 "Leporacanthicus joselimai" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
L-264 "Leporacanthicus joselimai" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Title: SPHN PHRT National Data Streams Workshop (21.06.2021)
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Swiss Personalized Health Network - SPHN
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@swisspersonalizedhealthnet3560
SPHN PHRT National Data Streams Workshop (21.06.2021)
Youtube Title: Alestopetersius brichardi
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Alestopetersius brichardi
Youtube Title: Phenacogrammus sp. "Fantastique" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Phenacogrammus sp. "Fantastique" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Title: From Open Data to Open Knowledge
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SIB - Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sib-swissinstituteofbioinf4579
From Open Data to Open Knowledge
Youtube Title: #66 AlphaFold and shape-mers with Janani Durairaj
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: the bioinformatics chat
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@bioinfochat
#66 AlphaFold and shape-mers with Janani Durairaj
Youtube Title: Why the Basel Area is a hub for conferences in life sciences
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Youtube Channel Name: Basel Area Business & Innovation
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@baselareabusinessinnovatio9113
Why the Basel Area is a hub for conferences in life sciences
Youtube Title: Flash Poster Session - Part 2
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Youtube Channel Name: PASC Conference
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@pascconference3433
Flash Poster Session - Part 2
Summary: Torsten Schwede (born 2 October 1967 in Coburg) is a German and Swiss bioinformatics scientist and Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is also Vice Rector for Research at the University of Basel.
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsten_Schwede
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Content: Torsten Schwede (born 2 October 1967 in Coburg) is a German and Swiss bioinformatics scientist and Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is also Vice Rector for Research at the University of Basel.
Life Torsten Schwede studied biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth and the University of Freiburg in Germany. After completing his PhD in 1998 he worked in research at the global pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline in Geneva. In 2001, Torsten Schwede was appointed as Assistant Professor of Structural Bioinformatics to the Biozentrum, university of Basel. The following year he also became a group leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. In 2007 the bioinformatician became Associate Professor and 2018 Full Professor for Structural Bioinformatics at the Biozentrum. From 2014 to 2019 he was scientific director of sciCORE, responsible for the central infrastructure for scientific computing at the University of Basel. In 2018, Torsten Schwede was appointed Vice Rector for Research at the University of Basel.
Work Torsten Schwede develops methods and algorithms to model the three-dimensional structures of proteins and their properties, in order to gain knowledge about their function at an atomic level. The main focus of his work is on methods for homology modeling, which allow the structure of proteins to be modeled using structures of experimentally characterized structures of homologues proteins as templates. Torsten Schwede has developed Swiss-model, a fully automated web server for modeling of protein structures which allows the prediction of protein structures based on experimentally characterized structures of homologues proteins. In order to estimate the accuracy of predicted structures, his group developed the QMEAN method for models of soluble and membrane proteins. He has initiated the CAMEO project for the continuous automated blind assessment of structure prediction techniques, which complements the activities of the biannual CASP experiment. In addition to the prediction of protein structures, his group is working on modeling protein-ligand interactions. Using in-silico screening, they have been able to identify new potential inhibitors against the dengue virus. Through X-ray crystallography of the enzyme histidine ammonia-lyase (histidase). Torsten Schwede elucidated a novel electrophilic co-factor in enzymes, which is formed by the autocatalytic modification of the protein backbone.
Awards and honors 2022 elected Member of the Academia Europaea
References External links Official website research group Torsten Schwede SWISS-MODEL Server CAMEO, Continuous Automated Model EvaluatiOn Protein Model Portal
Youtube Title: Meet our Partners: Torsten Schwede, Vice President for Research - University of Basel
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Dompé
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/Domp%C3%A9company
Meet our Partners: Torsten Schwede, Vice President for Research - University of Basel
Youtube Title: Strategy& Insider Podcast - Episode 2 with Prof. Dr. Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Strategy&
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@strategyand
Strategy& Insider Podcast - Episode 2 with Prof. Dr. Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: Welcome - Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Personalized Health Basel
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@personalizedhealthbasel3027
Welcome - Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: Going Global Keynote Address: The Swiss Personalized Health Network (Torsten Schwede)
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: GA4GH
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@GA4GH
Going Global Keynote Address: The Swiss Personalized Health Network (Torsten Schwede)
Youtube Title: Building the national research infrastructure
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SIB - Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sib-swissinstituteofbioinf4579
Building the national research infrastructure
Youtube Title: 1stJointPHDayCH: Thorsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SFA PHRT
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sfaphrt804
1stJointPHDayCH: Thorsten Schwede
Youtube Title: Building an Interoperable Data Ecosystem for Personalized Health Research in Switzerland
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: TAUVOD
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@telavivuniversity
Building an Interoperable Data Ecosystem for Personalized Health Research in Switzerland
Youtube Title: Phenacogrammus sp. "Roughe" by Aqua ECO Store / Torsten Schwede
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Phenacogrammus sp. "Roughe" by Aqua ECO Store / Torsten Schwede
Youtube Title: SWISS-MODEL: Giving the proteome a third dimension
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Eric Jain
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ejain
SWISS-MODEL: Giving the proteome a third dimension
Youtube Title: Panel Discussion on Big Data vs. Fast Computation – Is HPC Facing a Game Change?
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: InsideHPC Report
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@RichReport
Panel Discussion on Big Data vs. Fast Computation – Is HPC Facing a Game Change?
Youtube Title: L-264 "Leporacanthicus joselimai" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
L-264 "Leporacanthicus joselimai" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Title: SPHN PHRT National Data Streams Workshop (21.06.2021)
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Swiss Personalized Health Network - SPHN
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@swisspersonalizedhealthnet3560
SPHN PHRT National Data Streams Workshop (21.06.2021)
Youtube Title: L 200 Hemiancistrus subvirides mit Gelege in der Welshöhle
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
L 200 Hemiancistrus subvirides mit Gelege in der Welshöhle
Youtube Title: Alestopetersius brichardi
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Alestopetersius brichardi
Youtube Title: From Open Data to Open Knowledge
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: SIB - Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@sib-swissinstituteofbioinf4579
From Open Data to Open Knowledge
Youtube Title: Phenacogrammus sp. "Fantastique" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Torsten Schwede
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@torstenschwede2574
Phenacogrammus sp. "Fantastique" by Aqua ECO Store
Youtube Title: #66 AlphaFold and shape-mers with Janani Durairaj
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: the bioinformatics chat
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@bioinfochat
#66 AlphaFold and shape-mers with Janani Durairaj
Youtube Title: FameLab Basel Semi-Finals 2020
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Science Slam Basel
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceslambasel6962
FameLab Basel Semi-Finals 2020
Youtube Title: University of Basel Researchers Discuss Botany Research on Duke Forest
Youtube Link: link
Youtube Channel Name: Duke Forest
Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@thedukeforest
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