bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment on the vulnerability of freshwater aquaculture to climate change: a case study from West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Prakoso V A , Gustiano R , Kristanto A H , Veeran R R , Ravitu N
Published: July 2020

Since the beginning of 1970, aquaculture has already become an important sub-sector to provide job and protein supply that contributes to economic growth, especially ii developing countries. Over two decades, climate change disturbs crop production globally Therefore, relevant stakeholders should pay attention to the impacts of climate change on the parameters that influence aquaculture production. This paper aimed to assess the vulnerability of aquaculture to climate change impacts in West Java, Indonesia. The first stage of the research involved the selection of specific and proper indicators and then calculated to assess vulnerability of aquaculture to climate change. The assessment was applied to 11 major species in West Java using a simple, transparent, and repeatable methodology that was appropriate fo a range of different aquaculture systems and fish species. The second stage consisted of two key step analyses: literature-based review or ‘species profiling’ and risk scoring assessmen related to sensitivity and impact to the species based on the previous study to rank the species from higher to lower risk based on several attributes. From the analysis, the study focused on highlighting the impacts of climate change on several key attributes of aquaculture production from each species. The results indicated that the highest vulnerabilities were found on striped snakehead and giant gourami aquaculture, with tilapia and African catfish, were found at the lowest vulnerabilities. The impacts of climate change to freshwater aquaculture across majo: species in West Java, Indonesia mostly affected larval rearing, connectivity of grow-out to the natural environment, and diseases-related problems.
Molecular Genetic Landscape of Sclerosing Pneumocytomas
Authors: Boland Jennifer M , Lee Hee Eun , Barr Fritcher Emily G , Voss Jesse S , Jessen Erik , Davila Jaime I , Kipp Benjamin R , Graham Rondell P , Maleszewski Joseph J , Yi Eunhee S
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Sclerosing pneumocytomas are rare pulmonary neoplasms that are typically benign. However, rare patients experience progressive disease, and therapy targeting specific genetic underpinnings could be an attractive therapeutic option. Recent studies have found recurrent AKT 1 mutations in sclerosing pneumocytoma, but little is known about whether oncogenic fusion genes may also be present.

Methods

To better understand the genetic background, 10 sclerosing pneumocytomas were subjected to next-generation sequencing cancer mutation panel testing (n = 9) and/or RNA sequencing (n = 3). The patients were all women (average age, 47 years; range, 17-74 years).

Results

Eight patients had solitary sclerosing pneumocytomas, while one had two tumors, and one had many bilateral tumors. Recurrent mutations were noted in genes involved in the mTOR pathway, including AKT1, PIK3R1, and PTEN. AKT1 alterations were particularly common, present in 78%. No recurrent genetic fusions were identified. The patient in our study with multiple bilateral lesions was treated with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus, with no objective radiographic evidence of treatment response after 4 months.

Conclusions

Our data further support that abnormal activation of the mTOR pathway is a consistent genetic event in sclerosing pneumocytoma. This warrants further exploration to determine if mTOR pathway inhibitors may be effective in patients with metastatic or recurrent disease.
DeepAtomicCharge: a new graph convolutional network-based architecture for accurate prediction of atomic charges
Authors: Wang Jike , Cao Dongsheng , Tang Cunchen , Xu Lei , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Chen Xi , Sun Huiyong , Hou Tingjun
Published: July 2020

Atomic charges play a very important role in drug-target recognition. However, computation of atomic charges with high-level quantum mechanics (QM) calculations is very time-consuming. A number of machine learning (ML)-based atomic charge prediction methods have been proposed to speed up the calculation of high-accuracy atomic charges in recent years. However, most of them used a set of predefined molecular properties, such as molecular fingerprints, for model construction, which is knowledge-dependent and may lead to biased predictions due to the representation preference of different molecular properties used for training. To solve the problem, we present a new architecture based on graph convolutional network (GCN) and develop a high-accuracy atomic charge prediction model named DeepAtomicCharge. The new GCN architecture is designed with only the atomic properties and the connection information between the atoms in molecules and can dynamically learn and convert molecules into appropriate atomic features without any prior knowledge of the molecules. Using the designed GCN architecture, substantial improvement is achieved for the prediction accuracy of atomic charges. The average root-mean-square error (RMSE) of DeepAtomicCharge is 0.0121 e, which is obviously more accurate than that (0.0180 e) reported by the previous benchmark study on the same two external test sets. Moreover, the new GCN architecture needs much lower storage space compared with other methods, and the predicted DDEC atomic charges can be efficiently used in large-scale structure-based drug design, thus opening a new avenue for high-performance atomic charge prediction and application.
Disease-modifying drugs can reduce disability progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Amato Maria Pia , Fonderico Mattia , Portaccio Emilio , Pastò Luisa , Razzolini Lorenzo , Prestipino Elio , Bellinvia Angelo , Tudisco Laura , Fratangelo Roberto , Comi Giancarlo , Patti Francesco , De Luca Giovanna , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Cocco Eleonora , Pozzilli Carlo , Sola Patrizia , Bergamaschi Roberto , Salemi Giuseppe , Inglese Matilde , Millefiorini Enrico , Galgani Simonetta , Zaffaroni Mauro , Ghezzi Angelo , Salvetti Marco , Lus Giacomo , Florio Ciro , Totaro Rocco , Granella Franco , Vianello Marika , Gatto Maurizia , Di Battista Giancarlo , Aguglia Umberto , Logullo Francesco Ottavio , Simone Marta , Lucisano Giuseppe , Iaffaldano Pietro , Trojano Maria
Published: July 2020

An ever-expanding number of disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis have become available in recent years, after demonstrating efficacy in clinical trials. In the real-world setting, however, disease-modifying drugs are prescribed in patient populations that differ from those included in pivotal studies, where extreme age patients are usually excluded or under-represented. In this multicentre, observational, retrospective Italian cohort study, we evaluated treatment exposure in three cohorts of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis defined by age at onset: paediatric-onset (≤18 years), adult-onset (18–49 years) and late-onset multiple sclerosis (≥50 years). We included patients with a relapsing-remitting phenotype, ≥5 years follow-up, ≥3 Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) evaluations and a first neurological evaluation within 3 years from the first demyelinating event. Multivariate Cox regression models (adjusted hazard ratio with 95% conﬁdence intervals) were used to assess the risk of reaching a first 12-month confirmed disability worsening and the risk of reaching a sustained EDSS of 4.0. The effect of disease-modifying drugs was assessed as quartiles of time exposure. We found that disease-modifying drugs reduced the risk of 12-month confirmed disability worsening, with a progressive risk reduction in different quartiles of exposure in paediatric-onset and adult-onset patients [adjusted hazard ratios in non-exposed versus exposed >62% of the follow-up time: 8.0 (3.5–17.9) for paediatric-onset and 6.3 (4.9–8.0) for adult-onset, P < 0.0001] showing a trend in late-onset patients [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.9 (0.9–4.1), P = 0.07]. These results were confirmed for a sustained EDSS score of 4.0. We also found that relapses were a risk factor for 12-month confirmed disability worsening in all three cohorts, and female sex exerted a protective role in the late-onset cohort. This study provides evidence that sustained exposure to disease-modifying drugs decreases the risk of disability accumulation, seemingly in a dose-dependent manner. It confirms that the effectiveness of disease-modifying drugs is lower in late-onset patients, although still detectable.
Parkinson’s disease progression in the substantia nigra: location, location, location
Authors: Vaillancourt David E , Mitchell Trina
Published: July 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Spatiotemporal changes in substantia nigra neuromelanin content in Parkinson’s disease’, by Biondetti et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa216
Socioeconomic factors in disability retirement due to mental disorders in Finland
Authors: Karolaakso Tino , Autio Reija , Näppilä Turkka , Nurmela Kirsti , Pirkola Sami
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous research has identified low socioeconomic status (SES) as an epidemiological risk factor for early retirement and disability pension (DP) due to mental disorders. This study aims to examine these associations in greater detail, with separate consideration of the risk factors for mood disorders (F30–39) and non-affective psychotic disorder (F20–29) DP.

Methods

In this case–control setting the subjects (N = 36 879) were all those granted DP due to a mental disorder for the first time between 2010 and 2015 in Finland. All the subjects were matched with three controls for their gender, age and hospital district (N = 94 388). Three measures of dimensions of SES were used: education, income and occupational status, as well as family type as a control factor. Differences between DP recipients and controls, and between diagnostic groups, were studied using calculated characteristics and conditional logistic regression models.

Results

DP recipients often lived alone and had low educational and income levels. These characteristics were more prominent in non-affective psychotic disorder than in mood disorder DP. In white-collar occupational groups, the risk of DP was greater compared with blue-collar workers. Students were associated with the highest level of risk for all mental and mood disorder DPs.

Conclusions

We found evidence of SES factors associating with mental disorder-related severe loss of working and studying ability in a disorder-specific way. Notably, white-collar workers had an increased risk of mental disorder DP. This could be related to the psychosocially demanding contemporary working life in non-manual work.
13. Default Judgment
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

Judgment in default may be entered where the defendant fails to defend a claim. It produces a judgment in favour of a claimant without holding a trial. This chapter discusses when default judgment may be entered; cases excluded from judgment in default; entering default judgment; final judgment and judgment for an amount to be decided; deciding the amount of damages; setting aside default judgments; and stay of undefended cases.
21. Limitation
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the rules on limitation. The expiry of a limitation period provides a defendant with a complete defence to a claim. Limitation is a procedural defence. It will not be taken by the court of its own motion, but must be specifically set out in the defence. Limitation runs from accrual, which is when all the necessary elements for the cause of action are in existence. Technically, time runs from the day after the accident or breach, and stops running when the claim is brought. This is when the claimant has done everything they can to issue the claim form. Time does not run if the claimant is under disability, and in cases of fraud, mistake, and concealment. In personal injury and latent damage claims time will not start running until the claimant has the requisite ‘knowledge’, and there is a discretion to disapply limitation in personal injury claims.
23. Interim Applications
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

An order is a formal decision by the court granting a remedy or relief to a party, usually in the stages before the final determination of a case. Interim orders are sometimes made after the substantive hearing of a claim, and sometimes the relief granted at trial includes various types of orders. This chapter discusses pre-action interim remedies; obligation to apply early; applications with and without notice; interim hearings; summary determination of interim costs; and varying or revoking interim orders.
25. Interim Payments
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the rules on interim payments. An order for interim payment is an order for payment of a sum of money by a defendant on account of any damages, debt, or other sum which the court may hold the defendant liable to pay. Such orders are likely to be made in claims where it appears that the claimant will achieve at least some success, and where it would be unjust to delay, until after the trial, payment of the money to which the claimant appears to be entitled. The amount ordered must not exceed a reasonable proportion of the likely final award taking into account any counterclaim and contributory negligence.
28. Fast Track
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

The fast track provides a ‘no-frills’ procedure for medium-sized cases that do not justify the detailed and meticulous preparation appropriate for complex and important cases. Instead, cases allocated to this track will be progressed to trial within a short timescale after the filing of a defence. The fast track covers the majority of defended claims within the £10,000 to £25,000 monetary band. It also deals with non-monetary claims such as injunctions, declarations, and claims for specific performance which are unsuitable for the small claims track and do not require the more complex treatment of the multi-track. This chapter covers directions for cases allocated to the fast track; standard fast track timetable; agreed directions; varying the directions timetable; listing for trial; fast track trial; and costs in fast track cases.
39. Trial
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the issues that need to be addressed in the period leading up to a trial. These include contacting witnesses to ensure their availability; obtaining witness summonses where appropriate; briefing trial counsel; agreeing and compiling trial bundles; and counsel preparing speeches, examination-in-chief, and cross-examination of witnesses.
42. Interim Injunctions
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the rules on interim injunctions. Interim injunctions are temporary orders made with the purpose of regulating the position between the parties to an action pending trial. Such an order is particularly useful where there is evidence that the respondent’s alleged wrongdoing will cause irreparable damage to the applicant’s interests in the period between issue of process and trial. The chapter covers judges able to grant injunctions; pre-action applications for interim injunctions; applications during proceedings; principles for the granting of interim injunctions; defences and bars to relief that may be raised on an application for an interim injunction; interim injunction orders; and effect of not applying for interim relief.
9. Directors and secretary
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers the law relating to company officers. This is a combination of statute, common law, and regulations under a company’s articles of association. The discussions cover the division of powers within a company; appointment of directors, managing directors, alternate directors, and shadow directors; retirement of directors; removal of directors from office; powers of directors; directors’ duties; statutory controls on directors; the directors and protection of outsiders; and the company secretary.
10. Shareholders
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter focuses on the position of shareholders in relation to a company. It considers the following issues: registration of membership; the powers of shareholders in relation to their company; the legal protection given to shareholders by the rules of equity and by the Companies Act 2006; and the payment of dividends to shareholders.
13. Company meetings and resolutions
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter describes the meetings of shareholders and the resolutions passed during such meetings. It covers the types of general meeting; resolutions; calling a general meeting; notice of meetings; proceedings at meetings; minutes and returns; and written resolutions.
14. The articles of a private company
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers some of the major issues which the articles of association of a private company are likely to address and the way in which the articles of a company can be altered and any restrictions thereto. It covers provisions concerning shares and membership; provisions concerning meetings of shareholders; provisions concerning directors; single member companies; and alteration of articles.
15. Disclosure obligations of companies and company accounts
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers the information about companies that is publicly available, paying particular attention to the rules with which the company must comply in relation to its accounts. It also provides some guidance on how to interpret the published accounts of a company.
16. Public companies
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter first discusses the distinguishing features of a public company. It then considers the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a listing with the United Kingdom Listing Authority (UKLA) and the requirements for seeking and maintaining that listing.
26. Liabilities arising from insolvency
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers the rules that enable insolvency practitioners to claim assets which are not held by the insolvent company itself. It discusses wrongful trading; transactions at an undervalue and preferences; transactions defrauding creditors; and invalid floating charges.
30. Shareholders’ agreements
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers shareholders’ agreements. It discusses the advantages of a shareholders’ agreement; drafting a shareholders’ agreement; legal limits on the use of shareholders’ agreements; and enforcing the agreement.
8. Deducing and investigating title
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: July 2020

Deducing title is the process by which the seller demonstrates to the buyer that the seller owns the property and can convey it. In a modern conveyancing transaction the parties will deduce and investigate title before contracts are exchanged. This chapter explains the process of deducing title; investigating title; and some special title situations.
9. Mortgages
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: July 2020

This chapter deals with important issues arising in relation to a mortgage taken out by a client to assist in financing the purchase of a property. It looks at the most popular types of mortgage, the impact of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and other matters, including important professional conduct issues. It also considers mortgages of leasehold property and mortgages of commercial property.
11. The purchase deed
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: July 2020

The purchase deed transfers the legal estate in the property from the seller to the buyer. Whereas the contract sets out what the parties have agreed, the purchase deed actually puts those agreed terms into effect. This chapter discusses drafting and approving the deed; forms of purchase deed; the plan in a purchase; execution of purchase deed; and advising the client.
16. Leaseholds
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: July 2020

This chapter first examines some of the more commonly encountered elements or clauses in most leases. Essentially, it sets out what one might expect to see in a lease of either residential or commercial property. The discussions then turn to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook for Solicitors and Licensed Conveyancers England and Wales; defective leases; liability on covenants in leases: enforcement; granting new leases; existing leases; and enfranchisement.
4. Detention and Interrogation
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers the process of detention, questioning, and charging of the suspect. It discusses the rights of a volunteer at the police station; action immediately following arrest; the role of the custody officer; detention without charge; reviewing a suspect’s detention; the suspect’s right to intimation and/or legal advice; other rights and safeguards enjoyed by the suspect whilst in detention; the treatment of vulnerable suspects; interviewing the suspect; the requirement to caution; the elements of a fair interview; how an interview should be recorded; release pending further investigation and charging a suspect.
12. Prosecuting Summary Offences
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: July 2020

A summary trial will be held where a defendant pleads not guilty to a summary-only offence or pleads not guilty to an either-way offence where the magistrates’ court has accepted jurisdiction to try the offence at the allocation hearing and the defendant has consented to summary trial. This chapter deals with the steps in preparing for a summary trial. It considers pleading guilty by post; the circumstances in which a defendant can be summarily tried in her absence; the rules governing the drafting of a written charge/information; the pre-trial disclosure of evidence in a summary case; case management; the steps when preparing for summary trial; and the procedure at a summary trial on a not guilty plea.
19. Character Evidence and the Accused as a Witness at Trial
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: July 2020

This chapter examines the evidential rules that apply to the defendant at trial. These include the defendant’s competence and compellability; the course of the defendant’s evidence; drawing an adverse inference under s. 35 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 from the defendant’s silence at trial; the admissibility of a defendant’s past bad character; admissibility of defendant’s good character; and arguments for and against the defendant giving evidence.
Foundations for the LPC 2020-2021
Authors: Firth Clare , Smart Elizabeth , Crompton Lucy , Fox Helen , Seabridge Frances , Wigglesworth Susan , Seymour Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Foundations for the LPC covers the areas of the Legal Practice Course as set out in the LPC Outcomes: Professional Conduct and Regulation, wills and administration of estates, and taxation. The volume also features content on human rights law. The volume uses worked examples and scenarios throughout to illustrate key points. To aid understanding and test comprehension of the core material, checkpoints and summaries feature in every chapter. The book covers topics such as professional conduct (including financial services and money laundering), revenue law (including income tax, capital gains tax, VAT, corporation tax, and inheritance tax), wills and administration of estates, and issues related to human rights.
6. Capital gains tax
Authors: Seymour Jennifer , Firth Clare , Crompton Lucy , Fox Helen , Seabridge Frances , Wigglesworth Susan , Smart Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Capital gains tax (CGT) is charged on the gain (or increase in value) which is realised when a chargeable asset is disposed of. The statute which sets out all the rules relating to this is the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Tax Act 1992 (TCGA). This chapter discusses the principles of CGT; persons liable for CGT; disposal of assets; chargeable assets; calculation of CGT; the rate of CGT; capital losses; exemptions and reliefs; and CGT and the death of a taxpayer.
A public–private partnership for dialysis provision in Ethiopia: a model for high-cost care in low-resource settings
Authors: Paltiel Ora , Berhe Ephrem , Aberha Amanuel Haile , Tequare Mengistu Hagazi , Balabanova Dina
Published: July 2020

Our purpose was to explore whether private–public partnerships (PPPs) can serve as a model for access to high-cost care in low-resource settings by examining a unique PPP providing haemodialysis services in a remote setting, investigating challenges and enablers. The study setting is a 500-bed teaching hospital serving a catchment population of 8 million in Northern Ethiopia. Based on local data collection, observation and in-depth interviews, we identified the impetus for the PPP, described the partnership agreement, reported outcomes after 6 years of activity and examined challenges that have arisen since the programme’s inception, including funding sustainability. The PPP was established in 2013 based on a decision by local leadership that treatment of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is a necessity rather than a luxury. A private partner was sought who could ensure service delivery as well as a reliable supply of consumables. The hospital contributions included infrastructure, personnel and sharing of maintenance costs. The partnership has facilitated uninterrupted haemodialysis service to 101 patients with AKI and 202 with chronic kidney disease. The former (>50% cured) were mainly supported by charitable donations procured by the hospital’s leadership, while the latter were self-funded. The local university and community contributed to the charity. Utilization has increased yearly. Funding and logistical issues remain. In conclusion, this PPP enabled access to previously unavailable lifesaving care in Northern Ethiopia and could serve as a model for potential scale-up for haemodialysis provision in particular, and more broadly, high-cost care in low-resource settings. An ethical commitment to provide the service, combined with ongoing administrative and community involvement has contributed to its sustained success. Lack of affordability for most patients requiring chronic haemodialysis and reliance on charitable donations for treatment of patients with AKI pose challenges to long-term sustainability.
On best constants in L2 approximation
Authors: Bressan Andrea , Floater Michael S , Sande Espen
Published: July 2020

In this paper we provide explicit upper and lower bounds on certain $L^2$$n$-widths, i.e., best constants in $L^2$ approximation. We further describe a numerical method to compute these $n$-widths approximately and prove that this method is superconvergent. Based on our numerical results we formulate a conjecture on the asymptotic behaviour of the $n$-widths. Finally, we describe how the numerical method can be used to compute the breakpoints of the optimal spline spaces of Melkman and Micchelli, which have recently received renewed attention in the field of isogeometric analysis.
Propagation characteristics of ultrasonic P-wave velocity in artificial jointed coal briquettes
Authors: Sun Xiaoyuan , Chen Gengyue , Li Jihui , Xu Xiaomeng , Fu Shuai , Xie Jianlin , Liang Lei
Published: July 2020

Abundant engineering practice shows that coal and rock dynamic disasters often occur in fault zones; hence, the detection of faults in coal mines is important. As an essential branch of seismic tomographic application, research shows that ultrasonic P-wave velocity can detect mine faults and provide technical support for dynamic disaster prewarning systems. Traditional P-wave testing mostly takes rock or raw coal as the research object, which has some shortcomings in controllability, homogeneity and comparability. This paper compares the difference in ultrasonic P-wave propagation velocity in jointless and jointed briquettes through laboratory research, focuses on the effect of macro-joints on P-wave velocity and makes a preliminary theoretical analysis. The results show that: (i) the three-dimensional P-wave velocity throughout a jointless briquette specimen is similar, which reflects the high homogeneity of this medium and avoids the influence of the random distribution of primary bedding, joints and structural planes; (ii) the P-wave velocity in jointless and jointed briquettes is positively correlated with density and forming pressure, and is negatively correlated with the angle between the ultrasonic wave and the joint surface in a sample and (iii) when the P-wave encounters the macroscopic joint surface, it may reflect and refract, changing the propagation direction and inducing wave mode conversion. This study provides the necessary technical support and a theoretical guide to optimise acoustic property analysis of coal and rock as well as a field application for seismic tomography technology.
Friend or Foe? Orb-Weaver Spiders Inhabiting Ant–Acacias Capture Both Herbivorous Insects and Acacia Ant Alates
Authors: Ledin Anna E , Styrsky John D , Styrsky Jennifer Nesbitt
Published: July 2020

The orb-weaver spiders Eustala oblonga (Chickering) and Eustala illicita (O. Picard-Cambridge) (Araneae: Araneidae) inhabit the ant-defended acacias Vachellia melanocerus (Beurling) and Vachellia collinsii (Safford) (Fabales: Fabaceae), respectively, in Panama. These spiders do not capture patrolling Pseudomyrmex ants but exploit their plant-protection services to escape predation. What effect the spiders have on the ant-acacia mutualisms is unknown. They may provide an additional layer of plant defense by capturing flying herbivorous insects in their webs. Alternatively, the spiders may disrupt the ant–acacia mutualisms by capturing alate acacia ants during nuptial flights. We evaluated these two hypotheses by sampling insects flying through acacia foliage and by identifying prey remains in webs. The proportions of insects captured on sticky card traps and in webs varied with taxonomic order and ecological role. Herbivorous insects greatly outnumbered other groups captured on sticky cards and were captured in spiders’ webs in both acacia species but made up a minority of prey remains in webs. Instead, insect predators and parasitoids made up the majority of prey remains and were comprised primarily by alate ant mutualists of the host acacias. These results provide indirect support for both hypotheses and suggest that the spiders potentially both benefit and harm their host ant-acacia mutualisms. The net effect of spider exploitation, however, is unclear and is likely based on both the effectiveness of plant protection from herbivory provided by the spiders relative to that provided by acacia ants, as well as the overall proportion of the ant reproductive caste the spiders actually capture.
Urban Entomology Highlights From 2019 Help Create Integrated Pest Management Plans
Authors: Gordon Jennifer R
Published: July 2020

Urban insect pests such as ants, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs are more than just nuisances; they often negatively impact structures, landscapes, animal health, commercial food production, food safety, and public health (mental, physical, and financial). Due to the tremendous burden these insects can inflict, researchers, manufacturers, and pest management professionals work to create solutions that effectively manage urban and structural pests. One solution that has proven useful in agriculture is the development of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan; i.e., a science-based approach to pest control that utilizes multiple tactics such as preventative tools, chemical control (sprays, fumigation, and baits), biological control, and exclusion. There are many permutations of urban IPM plans, but in general they consist of five components: 1) identifying the pest, 2) monitoring the pest, 3) developing an intervention plan (including prevention and control techniques), 4) implementing the program, and 5) recording and evaluating the results. The objectives of the current publication were to 1) highlight urban entomology research published in 2019 and 2) show how the results from these publications help pest management professionals create and implement IPM plans.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Addressing Health Disparities in Pediatric Psychology
Authors: Valrie Cecelia , Thurston Idia , Santos, Melissa
Published: July 2020

This introduction to the special issue on Addressing Health Disparities in Pediatric Psychology provides context for why this special issue is needed, reviews key findings of the accepted articles, and discusses future directions for advancing the field. This special issue, one of three on this topic area that has been put forth in the history of this journal, comes at a critical point in our world. This is a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is systematically infecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and when there has been increased attention to systemic racism and intersecting violence inherent in multiple systems, including the justice, health, and educational systems. Using Kilbourne et al. (2016) framework, this special issue focuses on Phase 2 and Phase 3 research. Rather than only identifying health disparities (Phase 1), this issue focuses on understanding mechanisms and translating such understanding into interventions and policy changes. The accepted articles span a wide gamut from obesity to autism to rural populations. Furthermore, the articles provide methods for advancing the field beyond simply noting that systematic differences exist toward strategies to address these inequities. We conclude this introduction by discussing next steps for future research, with hopes that it inspires the next generation to study issues of disparities and inequity in deeper, more meaningful, and impactful ways.
Integrating multiple omics to identify common and specific molecular changes occurring in Arabidopsis under chronic nitrate and sulfate limitations
Authors: Luo Jie , Havé Marien , Clément Gilles , Tellier Frédérique , Balliau Thierry , Launay-Avon Alexandra , Guérard Florence , Zivy Michel , Masclaux-Daubresse Céline
Published: July 2020

Plants have fundamental dependences on nitrogen and sulfur and frequently have to cope with chronic limitations when their supply is sub-optimal. This study aimed at characterizing the metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic changes occurring in Arabidopsis leaves under chronic nitrate (Low-N) and chronic sulfate (Low-S) limitations in order to compare their effects, determine interconnections, and examine strategies of adaptation. Metabolite profiling globally revealed opposite effects of Low-S and Low-N on carbohydrate and amino acid accumulations, whilst proteomic data showed that both treatments resulted in increases in catabolic processes, stimulation of mitochondrial and cytosolic metabolism, and decreases in chloroplast metabolism. Lower abundances of ribosomal proteins and translation factors under Low-N and Low-S corresponded with growth limitation. At the transcript level, the major and specific effect of Low-N was the enhancement of expression of defence and immunity genes. The main effect of chronic Low-S was a decrease in transcripts of genes involved in cell division, DNA replication, and cytoskeleton, and an increase in the expression of autophagy genes. This was consistent with a role of target-of-rapamycin kinase in the control of plant metabolism and cell growth and division under chronic Low-S. In addition, Low-S decreased the expression of several NLP transcription factors, which are master actors in nitrate sensing. Finally, both the transcriptome and proteome data indicated that Low-S repressed glucosinolate synthesis, and that Low-N exacerbated glucosinolate degradation. This showed the importance of glucosinolate as buffering molecules for N and S management.
Transcriptional reprogramming and enhanced photosynthesis drive inducible salt tolerance in sugarcane mutant line M4209
Authors: Negi Pooja , Pandey Manish , Dorn Kevin M , Nikam Ashok A , Devarumath Rachayya M , Srivastava Ashish K , Suprasanna Penna
Published: July 2020

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a globally cultivated cash crop whose yield is negatively affected by soil salinity. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of inducible salt tolerance in M4209, a sugarcane mutant line generated through radiation-induced mutagenesis. Under salt-contaminated field conditions, M4209 exhibited 32% higher cane yield as compared with its salt-sensitive parent, Co86032. In pot experiments, post-sprouting phenotyping indicated that M4209 had significantly greater leaf biomass compared with Co86032 under treatment with 50 mM and 200 mM NaCl. This was concomitant with M4209 having 1.9-fold and 1.6-fold higher K+/Na+ ratios, and 4-fold and 40-fold higher glutathione reductase activities in 50 mM and 200 mM NaCl, respectively, which suggested that it had better ionic and redox homeostasis than Co86032. Transcriptome profiling using RNA-seq indicated an extensive reprograming of stress-responsive modules associated with photosynthesis, transmembrane transport, and metabolic processes in M4209 under 50 mM NaCl stress. Using ranking analysis, we identified Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL), Acyl-Transferase Like (ATL), and Salt-Activated Transcriptional Activator (SATA) as the genes most associated with salt tolerance in M4209. M4209 also exhibited photosynthetic rates that were 3–4-fold higher than those of Co86032 under NaCl stress conditions. Our results highlight the significance of transcriptional reprogramming coupled with improved photosynthetic efficiency in determining salt tolerance in sugarcane.
Bearing Witness to God: Ricoeur and the Practice of Religious Testimony
Authors: Myers Jacob D
Published: July 2020

Philosophers of religion and theologians have long debated one of the most fundamental features of religious life, namely, how humans are able to talk about God. More than others, Paul Ricoeur has offered a viable philosophical account for bearing witness to the Divine beyond the strictures of logical positivism. Nevertheless, ‘bearing witness’ (martureó) remains problematic for living religion because it is always already oriented toward a kind of death (martyr). While acknowledging the approbation Ricoeur deserves for enabling religious expression, this essay challenges Ricoeur’s Kantian and Naberian presuppositions in light of feminist philosophies (of religion). Scholars like Luce Irigaray and Grace Jantzen help us think beyond the a priori limits that structure God-talk as a burden to bear, opening thereby a discursive frame beyond the phallogocentric and necrophilic.
K2-280 b – a low density warm sub-Saturn around a mildly evolved star
Authors: Nowak Grzegorz , Palle Enric , Gandolfi Davide , Deeg Hans J , Hirano Teruyuki , Barragán Oscar , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Dai Fei , Luque Rafael , Persson Carina M , Fridlund Malcolm , Johnson Marshall C , Korth Judith , Livingston John H , Grziwa Sascha , Mathur Savita , Hatzes Artie P , Prieto-Arranz Jorge , Nespral David , Hidalgo Diego , Hjorth Maria , Albrecht Simon , Van Eylen Vincent , Lam Kristine W F , Cochran William D , Esposito Massimiliano , Csizmadia Szilárd , Guenther Eike W , Kabath Petr , Blay Pere , Brahm Rafael , Jordán Andrés , Espinoza Néstor , Rojas Felipe , Casasayas Barris Núria , Rodler Florian , Alonso Sobrino Roi , Cabrera Juan , Carleo Ilaria , Chaushev Alexander , de Leon Jerome , Eigmüller Philipp , Endl Michael , Erikson Anders , Fukui Akihiko , Georgieva Iskra , González-Cuesta Lucía , Knudstrup Emil , Lund Mikkel N , Montañes Rodríguez Pilar , Murgas Felipe , Narita Norio , Niraula Prajwal , Pätzold Martin , Rauer Heike , Redfield Seth , Ribas Ignasi , Skarka Marek , Smith Alexis M S , Subjak Jano
Published: July 2020

We present an independent discovery and detailed characterization of K2-280 b, a transiting low density warm sub-Saturn in a 19.9-d moderately eccentric orbit (e = $0.35_{-0.04}^{+0.05}$ ) from K2 campaign 7. A joint analysis of high precision HARPS, HARPS-N, and FIES radial velocity measurements and K2 photometric data indicates that K2-280 b has a radius of Rb = 7.50 ± 0.44 R⊕ and a mass of Mb = 37.1 ± 5.6 M⊕, yielding a mean density of ρb = $0.48 _{ - 0.10 } ^ { + 0.13 }$ ${\rm g\, cm^{-3}}$. The host star is a mildly evolved G7 star with an effective temperature of Teff = 5500 ± 100 K, a surface gravity of $\log \, g_{\star }$ = 4.21 ± 0.05 (cgs), and an iron abundance of [Fe/H] = ${0.33}\, {\pm }\, {0.08}$ dex, and with an inferred mass of M⋆ = 1.03 ± 0.03 M⊙ and a radius of R⋆ = 1.28 ± 0.07 R⊙. We discuss the importance of K2-280 b for testing formation scenarios of sub-Saturn planets and the current sample of this intriguing group of planets that are absent in the Solar system.
Broad-band X-ray characteristics of the transient pulsar GRO J2058+42
Authors: Kabiraj Sanhita , Paul Biswajit
Published: July 2020

The Be X-ray binary GRO J2058+42 recently went through a Type-II outburst during 2019 March–April lasting for about 50 d. This outburst was detected with the operating all sky X-ray monitors like the Fermi-GBM, Swift-BAT, and MAXI-GSC. Two Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array(NuSTAR) observations were also made, one during the rise and other during the decay of the outburst. It gave us the unique opportunity to analyse the broad-band characteristics of the pulsar for the first time and accretion torque characteristics of the pulsar over a range of X-ray luminosity. The pulse profiles are strongly energy-dependent, with at least four different pulse components at low energy (< 20 keV), which evolves to a single-peaked profile at high energy (> 30 keV). In each of the narrow energy bands, the pulse profiles are nearly identical in the two NuSTAR observations. The spectra from both the observations are fitted well to a power-law with a Fermi–Dirac-type high-energy cutoff. We ruled out presence of a cyclotron line in the pulse phase averaged X-ray spectrum in the NuSTAR band with an optical depth greater than 0.15. An iron emission line is detected in both the NuSTAR spectra with an equivalent width of about 125 eV. We looked at the dependence of the spin-up rate on the luminosity and estimated the magnetic field strength from that, which came out to be much higher compared to other known BeXRB pulsars. Lastly, we discussed the inadequacy of the torque–luminosity relation for determination of magnetic field strength of neutron stars.
Binary fraction indicators in resolved stellar populations and supernova-type ratios
Authors: Stanway E R , Eldridge J J , Chrimes A A
Published: July 2020

The binary fraction of a stellar population can have pronounced effects on its properties, and, in particular, the number counts of different massive star types, and the relative subtype rates of the supernovae (SNe) that end their lives. Here we use binary population synthesis models with a binary fraction that varies with initial mass to test the effects on resolved stellar pops and SNe, and ask whether these can constrain the poorly-known binary fraction in different mass and metallicity regimes. We show that Wolf–Rayet (WR) star subtype ratios are valuable binary diagnostics, but require large samples to distinguish by models. Uncertainties in which stellar models would be spectroscopically classified as WR stars are explored. The ratio of thermonuclear, stripped-envelope, and other core-collapse SNe may prove a more accessible test and upcoming surveys will be sufficient to constrain both the high- and low-mass binary fraction in the z < 1 galaxy population.
The origin of hotspots around Sgr A*: orbital or pattern motion?
Authors: Matsumoto Tatsuya , Chan Chi-Ho , Piran Tsvi
Published: July 2020

The Gravity Collaboration detected a near-infrared hotspot moving around Sgr A* during the 2018 July 22 flare. They fitted the partial loop the hotspot made on the sky with a circular Keplerian orbit of radius $\simeq 7.5\, r_{\rm g}$ around the supermassive black hole (BH), where rg is the gravitational radius. However, because the hotspot traversed the loop in a short time, models in which the hotspot tracks the motion of some fluid element tend to produce a best-fitting trajectory smaller than the observed loop. This is true for a circular Keplerian orbit, even when BH spin is accounted for, and for motion along a radiatively inefficient accretion flow (RIAF) streamline. A marginally bound geodesic suffers from the same problem; in addition, it is not clear what the origin of an object following the geodesic would be. The observed hotspot motion is more likely a pattern motion. Circular motion with $r\simeq 12.5\, r_\mathrm{g}$ and a super-Keplerian speed $\simeq 0.8\, c$ is a good fit. Such motion must be pattern motion because it cannot be explained by physical forces. The pattern speed is compatible with magnetohydrodynamic perturbations, provided that the magnetic field is sufficiently strong. Circular pattern motion of radius $\sim 20\, r_{\rm g}$ on a plane above the BH is an equally good alternative; in this case, the hotspot may be caused by a precessing outflow interacting with a surrounding disc. As all our fits have relatively large radii, we cannot constrain the BH spin using these observations.
Quasar Sightline and Galaxy Evolution (QSAGE) survey – II. Galaxy overdensities around UV luminous quasars at z = 1–2
Authors: Stott J P , Bielby R M , Cullen F , Burchett J N , Tejos N , Fumagalli M , Crain R A , Morris S L , Amos N , Bower R G , Prochaska J X
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate that the UV brightest quasars at z = 1–2 live in overdense environments. This is based on an analysis of deep Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 G141 grism spectroscopy of the galaxies along the lines-of-sight to UV luminous quasars in the redshift range z = 1–2. This constitutes some of the deepest grism spectroscopy performed by WFC3, with four roll angles spread over a year of observations to mitigate the effect of overlapping spectra. Of the 12 quasar fields studied, 8 display evidence for a galaxy overdensity at the redshift of the quasar. One of the overdensities, PG0117 + 213 at z = 1.50, has potentially 36 spectroscopically confirmed members, consisting of 19 with secure redshifts and 17 with single-line redshifts, within a cylinder of radius ∼700 kpc. Its halo mass is estimated to be log (M/M⊙) = 14.7. This demonstrates that spectroscopic and narrow-band observations around distant UV bright quasars may be an excellent route for discovering protoclusters. Our findings agree with previous hints from statistical observations of the quasar population and theoretical works, as feedback regulated black hole growth predicts a correlation between quasar luminosity and halo mass. We also present the high signal-to-noise rest-frame optical spectral and photometric properties of the quasars themselves.