bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can x2vec save lives? Integrating graph and language embeddings for automatic mental health classification
Authors: Ruch Alexander
Published: July 2020

Graph and language embedding models are becoming commonplace in large scale analyses given their ability to represent complex sparse data densely in low-dimensional space. Integrating these models’ complementary relational and communicative data may be especially helpful if predicting rare events or classifying members of hidden populations—tasks requiring huge and sparse datasets for generalizable analyses. For example, due to social stigma and comorbidities, mental health support groups often form in amorphous online groups. Predicting suicidality among individuals in these settings using standard network analyses is prohibitive due to resource limits (e.g., memory), and adding auxiliary data like text to such models exacerbates complexity- and sparsity-related issues. Here, I show how merging graph and language embedding models (metapath2vec and doc2vec) avoids these limits and extracts unsupervised clustering data without domain expertise or feature engineering. Graph and language distances to a suicide support group have little correlation (ρ < 0.23), implying the two models are not embedding redundant information. When used separately to predict suicidality among individuals, graph and language data generate relatively accurate results (69% and 76%, respectively) but have moderately large false-positive (25% and 21%, respectively) and false-negative (38% and 27%, respectively) rates; however, when integrated, both data produce highly accurate predictions (90%, with 10% false-positives and 12% false-negatives). Visualizing graph embeddings annotated with predictions of potentially suicidal individuals shows the integrated model could classify such individuals even if they are positioned far from the support group. These results extend research on the importance of simultaneously analyzing behavior and language in massive networks and efforts to integrate embedding models for different kinds of data when predicting and classifying, particularly when they involve rare events.
Stable log surfaces, admissible covers, and canonical curves of genus 4
Authors: Deopurkar Anand , Han Changho
Published: July 2020

We explicitly describe the KSBA/Hacking compactification of a moduli space of log surfaces of Picard rank 2. The space parametrizes log pairs

(
S
,
D
)

(S, D)

where

S
S

is a degeneration of

P

1

×

P

1

\mathbb {P}^1 \times \mathbb {P}^1

and

D
⊂
S

D \subset S

is a degeneration of a curve of class

(
3
,
3
)

(3,3)

. We prove that the compactified moduli space is a smooth Deligne–Mumford stack with 4 boundary components. We relate it to the moduli space of genus 4 curves; we show that it compactifies the blow-up of the hyperelliptic locus. We also relate it to a compactification of the Hurwitz space of triple coverings of

P

1

\mathbb {P}^1

by genus 4 curves.
Frobenius line invariance of algebraic 𝐾-theory
Authors: Braunling Oliver
Published: July 2020

The

K
K

-theory of smooth schemes is

A

1

\mathbf {A}^{1}

-invariant. We show that this remains true over finite fields if one replaces the affine line by the Frobenius line, i.e., the non-commutative algebra where multiplication with the variable behaves like the Frobenius. Emerton had shown that over regular rings the Frobenius line is left coherent. As a technical ingredient for our theorem, but also of independent interest, we extend this and show that merely assuming finite type (or just

F
F

-finite), the Frobenius line is right coherent.
Truthmaking, grounding and Fitch’s paradox
Authors: Trueman Robert
Published: July 2020

Jago and Loss have recently used variations on Fitch's paradox to argue that every truth has a truthmaker, and that every fact is grounded. In this paper, I show that Fitch's paradox can also be adapted to prove the exact opposite conclusions: no truth has a truthmaker, and no fact is grounded. All of these arguments are as dialectically effective as each other, and so they are all in bad company.
Dermal Onlay Grafts: A Rescue Procedure for Secondary Inferior Periorbital Hollows
Authors: Wang Yao , Douglas Raymond S , Patel Amy , Holds John , Massry Guy G
Published: July 2020

Background

Various procedures to efface age-related lower eyelid/cheek interface depressions, or primary periorbital hollows (POHs), have been reported in the literature. Postsurgical, or secondary, POHs are a distinct contour irregularity that have received little such attention. Dermal onlay grafts (DOGs), a site-specific term for autologous dermis fat grafts, have been used to treat secondary POHs for which less invasive measures have proved unsuccessful.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of DOGs for secondary POHs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent DOGs for secondary POHs over a 27-month period was performed. The surgical technique and outcomes are reviewed.

Results

Thirteen patients (10 women and 3 men; average age, 52 years; average follow-up, 9 months) were included in the study. Nine patients had bilateral surgery, and all had received previous filler or fat injection, or both, with poor outcomes. Generally, surgical complications were minor, required minimal intervention, or were self-limiting. One patient had persistent infraorbital dysesthesia which improved with oral tricyclic antidepressant treatment. Eleven of 13 patients stated satisfaction with hollow effacement and outcome, a finding verified by subjective assessment by a surgeon.

Conclusions

DOGs yielded good results in this initial description of their utility as a rescue procedure to surgically address secondary POHs. Further quantitative volumetric studies to validate outcome would of value.

Level of Evidence: 4
New Mechanical Fat Separation Technique: Adjustable Regenerative Adipose-tissue Transfer (ARAT) and Mechanical Stromal Cell Transfer (MEST)
Authors: Copcu H Eray , Oztan Sule
Published: July 2020

Background

Adipose tissue is not only a very important source of filler but also the body’s greatest source of regenerative cells.

Objectives

In this study, adipose tissue was cut to the desired dimensions using ultra-sharp blade systems to avoid excessive blunt pressure and applied to various anatomical areas—a procedure known as adjustable regenerative adipose-tissue transfer (ARAT). Mechanical stromal cell transfer (MEST) of regenerative cells from fat tissue was also examined.

Methods

ARAT, MEST, or a combination of these was applied in the facial area of a total of 24 patients who were followed for at least 24 months. The integrity of the fat tissue cut with different diameter blades is shown histopathologically. The number and viability of the stromal cells obtained were evaluated and secretome analyses were performed. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed with a visual analog scale.

Results

With the ARAT technique, the desired size fat grafts were obtained between 4000- and 200-micron diameters and applied at varying depths to different aesthetic units of the face, and a guide was developed. In MEST, stromal cells were obtained from 100 mL of condensed fat using different indication-based protocols with 93% mean viability and cell counts of 28.66 to 88.88 × 106.

Conclusions

There are 2 main complications in fat grafting: visibility in thin skin and a low retention rate. The ARAT technique can be used to prevent these 2 complications. MEST, on the other hand, obtains a high rate of fat and viable stromal cells without applying excessive blunt pressure.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Effect of New Deal Policies Revisited
Authors: Ji Yangyang
Published: July 2020

Eggertsson (2012, American Economic Review, 102, 524–55) finds that when the nominal interest rate hits the zero lower bound, the aggregate demand (AD) curve becomes upward-sloping and supply-side policies that reduce the natural rate of output, such as the New Deal implemented in the 1930s, are expansionary. His analysis is restricted to a conventional equilibrium where the AD curve is steeper than the aggregate supply (AS) curve. Recent research, however, demonstrates that an alternative equilibrium arises if the AD curve is flatter than the AS curve. In that case, the same policies become contractionary. In this article, I allow for both possibilities, and let data decide which equilibrium the US economy actually resided in during the Great Depression. Following the work of Blanchard and Quah (1989, American Economic Review, 79, 655–73), I find that there is a high probability that New Deal policies were contractionary. (JEL codes: E32, E52, E62, N12).
How Credible are China’s Foreign Policy Signals? IR Theory and the Debate about China’s Intentions
Authors: Yoder Brandon K
Published: July 2020

Scholars and policymakers currently lack systematic criteria for determining the credibility of China's foreign policy signals, which has produced widely divergent conclusions about its likely intentions. ‘China optimists’ view China’s cooperative signals as credible, while dismissing its noncooperative behaviors as unrepresentative of its broader preferences. Conversely, ‘China pessimists’ see China’s cooperative signals as non-credible misrepresentation and focus on China’s recent ‘assertive’ behavior. Drawing on theoretical scholarship on signaling and credibility in international relations, this article introduces general deductive criteria for assigning credibility to a rising state’s foreign policy signals. It then applies these criteria to evaluate the specific Chinese signals that optimists and pessimists have cited in support of their respective positions. The analysis finds that both optimists and pessimists have overlooked multiple conditions that have reduced the credibility of China’s cooperative and noncooperative foreign policy signals alike. This implies that far more uncertainty about China’s intentions is warranted than has been acknowledged on either side of the current debate.
Multichannel Ordered Contention MAC Protocol For Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Roy Alak , Sarma Nityananda
Published: July 2020

Recent advancement in hardware and the availability of bandwidth open scope for multichannel communication in underwater wireless sensor networks. Utilizing multiple channels for data and control packets in bursty traffic networks can reduce collisions due to several contending nodes. The paper presents a synchronous reservation-based multichannel ordered contention MAC protocol for deep underwater high data rate bottom monitoring applications to improve the overall network throughput. This protocol is proposed as an enhancement over ordered contention MAC (OCMAC) protocol to deal with bursty traffic by reducing transmission collisions. It does so by enabling nodes to employ multichannel technique along with the scheduling technique of OCMAC. The protocol uses separate channels for channel reservation and data transmission. The throughput performance of the network has been analyzed and validated through simulation. Simulation-based results have shown that MOC-MAC outperforms OCMAC in terms of throughput.
Multiplicity and diversity: analysing the optimal solution space of the correlation clustering problem on complete signed graphs
Authors: Arınık Nejat , Figueiredo Rosa , Labatut Vincent
Published: July 2020

In order to study real-world systems, many applied works model them through signed graphs, that is, graphs whose edges are labelled as either positive or negative. Such a graph is considered as structurally balanced when it can be partitioned into a number of modules, such that positive (respectively negative) edges are located inside (respectively in-between) the modules. When it is not the case, authors look for the closest partition to such balance, a problem called Correlation Clustering (CC). Due to the complexity of the CC problem, the standard approach is to find a single optimal partition and stick to it, even if other optimal or high scoring solutions possibly exist. In this work, we study the space of optimal solutions of the CC problem, on a collection of synthetic complete graphs. We show empirically that under certain conditions, there can be many optimal partitions of a signed graph. Some of these are very different and thus provide distinct perspectives on the system, as illustrated on a small real-world graph. This is an important result, as it implies that one may have to find several, if not all, optimal solutions of the CC problem, in order to properly study the considered system.
Care of the Patient With IBD Requiring Hospitalisation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Allez Matthieu , Fleshner Phillip , Gearry Richard , Lakatos Peter L , Rubin David T
Published: July 2020

The management of IBD has been highly affected in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with restriction of hospitalisations and unprecedented redeployment of health care resources. Hospital admissions of IBD patients should be limited to reduce the risks of coronavirus transmission. However, delaying hospitalisation of IBD patients with severe or complicated disease may increase the risk of poor outcomes. Delaying surgery in some cases may increase the risk of disease progression, postoperative morbidity, and disease complications. IBD patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have a higher risk of poor outcomes than the general population, potentially related to concomitant medications, especially corticosteroids. There is no evidence today that IBD patients with COVID-19 have worse outcomes if they receive immunosuppressant medications including thiopurines, biologics, and novel small molecules. This article summarises recommendations by the international membership of IOIBD regarding hospitalisations of IBD patients, either for active or complicated IBD or for severe COVID-19, and for management of IBD patients according to SARS-CoV-2 infectious status.
Direct visualisation of drug-efflux in liveEscherichia colicells
Authors: Reuter Audrey , Virolle Chloé , Goldlust Kelly , Berne-Dedieu Annick , Nolivos Sophie , Lesterlin Christian
Published: July 2020

Drug-efflux by pump proteins is one of the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Here, we use quantitative fluorescence microscopy to investigate the real-time dynamics of drug accumulation and efflux in live E. coli cells. We visualize simultaneously the intrinsically fluorescent protein-synthesis inhibitor tetracycline (Tc) and the fluorescently labelled Tc-specific efflux pump, TetA. We show that Tc penetrates the cells within minutes and accumulates to stable intracellular concentration after ∼20 min. The final level of drug accumulation reflects the balance between Tc-uptake by the cells and Tc-efflux by pump proteins. In wild-type Tc-sensitive cells, drug accumulation is significantly limited by the activity of the multidrug efflux pump, AcrAB-TolC. Tc-resistance wild-type cells carrying a plasmid-borne Tn10 transposon contain variable amounts of TetA protein, produced under steady-state repression by the TetR repressor. TetA content heterogeneity determines the cells’ initial ability to efflux Tc. Yet, efflux remains partial until the synthesis of additional TetA pumps allows for Tc-efflux activity to surpass Tc-uptake. Cells overproducing TetA no longer accumulate Tc and become resistant to high concentrations of the drug. This work uncovers the dynamic balance between drug entry, protein-synthesis inhibition, efflux-pump production, drug-efflux activity and drug-resistance levels.
Breed Differences in Dog Cognition Associated with Brain-Expressed Genes and Neurological Functions
Authors: Gnanadesikan Gitanjali E , Hare Brian , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Call Josep , Kaminski Juliane , Miklósi Ádám , MacLean Evan L
Published: July 2020

Synopsis

Given their remarkable phenotypic diversity, dogs present a unique opportunity for investigating the genetic bases of cognitive and behavioral traits. Our previous work demonstrated that genetic relatedness among breeds accounts for a substantial portion of variation in dog cognition. Here, we investigated the genetic architecture of breed differences in cognition, seeking to identify genes that contribute to variation in cognitive phenotypes. To do so, we combined cognitive data from the citizen science project Dognition.com with published breed-average genetic polymorphism data, resulting in a dataset of 1654 individuals with cognitive phenotypes representing 49 breeds. We conducted a breed-average genome-wide association study to identify specific polymorphisms associated with breed differences in inhibitory control, communication, memory, and physical reasoning. We found five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that reached genome-wide significance after Bonferroni correction, located in EML1, OR52E2, HS3ST5, a U6 spliceosomal RNA, and a long noncoding RNA. When we combined results across multiple SNPs within the same gene, we identified 188 genes implicated in breed differences in cognition. This gene set included more genes than expected by chance that were (1) differentially expressed in brain tissue and (2) involved in nervous system functions including peripheral nervous system development, Wnt signaling, presynapse assembly, and synaptic vesicle exocytosis. These results advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of complex cognitive phenotypes and identify specific genetic variants for further research.
Simultaneous Viral Whole-Genome Sequencing and Differential Expression Profiling in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection of Infants
Authors: Lin Gu-Lung , Golubchik Tanya , Drysdale Simon , O’Connor Daniel , Jefferies Kimberley , Brown Anthony , de Cesare Mariateresa , Bonsall David , Ansari M Azim , Aerssens Jeroen , Bont Louis , Openshaw Peter , Martinón-Torres Federico , Bowden Rory , Pollard Andrew J ,   RESCEU Investigators, Nair Harish , Campbell Harry , Cunningham Steve , Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Wildenbeest Joanne , Pollard Andrew , Butler Christopher , Snape Matthew , Drysdale Simon , Lin Gu-Lung , O’Connor Daniel , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Jefferies Kimberley , McGinley Joseph , Openshaw Peter , Thwaites Ryan , Wiseman Dexter , Martinon-Torres Federico , Gómez-Carballa Alberto , Heikkinen Terho , Meijer Adam , Fischer Thea Kølsen , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Leach Amanda , Demont Clarisse , Gallichan Scott , Aerssens Jeroen , Öner Deniz , Rosen Brian , Molero Eva , Nair Harish , Campbell Harry , Cunningham Steve , Beutels Philippe , Bont Louis , Wildenbeest Joanne , Pollard Andrew , Butler Christopher , Snape Matthew , Drysdale Simon , Lin Gu-Lung , O’Connor Daniel , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Jefferies Kimberley , McGinley Joseph , Openshaw Peter , Thwaites Ryan , Wiseman Dexter , Martinon-Torres Federico , Gómez-Carballa Alberto , Heikkinen Terho , Meijer Adam , Fischer Thea Kølsen , van den Berge Maarten , Giaquinto Carlo , Abram Michael , Swanson Kena , Leach Amanda , Demont Clarisse , Gallichan Scott , Aerssens Jeroen , Öner Deniz , Rosen Brian , Molero Eva
Published: July 2020

Targeted metagenomics using strand-specific libraries with target enrichment is a sensitive, generalized approach to pathogen sequencing and transcriptome profiling. Using this method, we recovered 13 (76%) complete human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) genomes from 17 clinical respiratory samples, reconstructed the phylogeny of the infecting viruses, and detected differential gene expression between 2 RSV subgroups, specifically, a lower expression of the P gene and a higher expression of the M2 gene in RSV-A than in RSV-B. This methodology can help to relate viral genetics to clinical phenotype and facilitate ongoing population-level RSV surveillance and vaccine development.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03627572 and NCT03756766.
Intermittent micafungin for prophylaxis in a rat model of chronic Candida albicans gut colonization
Authors: Warn Peter , Thommes Pia , Sharp Andrew , Sattar Abdul , Undre Nasrullah , Palacios-Fabrega Jose Alejandro , Karas Andreas
Published: July 2020

Background

During antifungal prophylaxis, micafungin is generally infused IV once daily over 1 h. In practice, less-frequent dosing could improve the quality of life in patients requiring long-term treatment or prophylaxis. The feasibility of this approach was assessed using humanized doses of daily or infrequent micafungin regimens.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent high-dose micafungin, simulating human exposure, for prophylaxis of invasive candidiasis in a rat model of chronic Candida albicans gastrointestinal colonization and systemic dissemination.

Methods

Two weeks post-infection with an oral challenge of C. albicans, Sprague–Dawley rats were immunocompromised with a cytotoxic drug and a steroid. Rats received IV infusions of: daily vehicle control; daily subcutaneous micafungin (20 mg/kg SC); high-dose micafungin (20 mg/kg bolus SC + 80 mg/kg infusion/72 h, to simulate intermittent human dosing of 300 mg/72 h); or daily fluconazole by mouth (10 mg/kg PO). The effects of antifungal prophylaxis on faecal fungal burden and systemic C. albicans dissemination were evaluated.

Results

A rat model of chronic C. albicans gastrointestinal colonization and systemic dissemination was established, characterized by a sustained microbiological burden over 29 days and fungal recovery from normally sterile tissues. Using this model, intermittent high-dose micafungin (delivered via iPrecio pumps) to simulate humanized doses of 300 mg/72 h was significantly more effective than vehicle control, as effective as once-daily micafungin and similar to daily fluconazole at reducing faecal burden and preventing systemic dissemination.

Conclusions

These data indicate that intermittent high-dose micafungin can be as effective as daily therapy, supporting clinical assessment in high-risk patients requiring long-term antifungal prophylaxis.
Supplementation frequency and amount modulate postweaning growth and reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers
Authors: Moriel Philipe , Palmer Elizabeth , Vedovatto Marcelo , Piccolo Matheus B , Ranches Juliana , Silva Hiran Marcelo , Mercadante Vitor R G , Lamb G Cliff , Vendramini Joao M B
Published: July 2020

This 2-yr study evaluated the growth and puberty attainment of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers offered 2 different postweaning concentrate supplementation amounts and delivery frequencies. On day 0 of each year, 64 Brangus crossbred heifers were stratified by initial body weight (BW) and age (mean = 244 ± 22 kg; 314 ± 17 d) and assigned into 1 of 16 bahiagrass pastures (4 heifers/pasture/yr). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures in a 2 × 2 factorial design (4 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of concentrate dry matter (DM) supplementation at 1.25% or 1.75% of BW which were offered either daily (7×) or 3 times weekly (3×) for 168 d. On day 56 of each year, heifers were assigned to an estrus synchronization protocol consisting of intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insertion on day 56, CIDR removal on day 70, i.m. injection of 25 mg of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day 86, and i.m. injection of 100 µg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and timed-AI at 66 h after PGF2α injection (day 89). Heifers were exposed to Angus bulls from day 89 to 168 (1 bull/pasture). Pregnancy diagnosis was assessed on day 213 of each year. Supplementation amount × frequency effects were not detected (P ≥ 0.12) for any variable, except for plasma concentrations of glucose (P = 0.10) and urea nitrogen (PUN; P = 0.01). Herbage mass, herbage allowance, and nutritive value did not differ (P ≥ 0.12) among treatments. Increasing supplementation DM amount from 1.25% to 1.75% of BW increased (P ≤ 0.05) plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), overall average daily gain (ADG), final BW, percentage of pubertal heifers on day 89, pregnancy and calving percentages, and percentage of heifers calving within the first 21 d of the calving season. However, reducing the supplementation frequency from daily to 3× weekly, regardless of supplementation amount, did not impact overall pregnancy and calving percentages (P ≥ 0.42), but caused (P ≤ 0.05) fluctuations in plasma concentrations of insulin and IGF-1 and decreased (P ≤ 0.03) overall ADG, final BW, puberty attainment on days 56, 89, and 168, and percentage of heifers calving during the first 21 d of the calving season. Hence, increasing the supplement DM amount did not prevent the negative effects of reducing the frequency of supplementation (3× vs. 7× weekly) on growth and reproduction of replacement Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers.
Collaboration, Collegiality, and Sharing of Resources: Benefits of a Visiting Professor Exchange Program in Breast Imaging
Authors: Shah Biren A , Jeon Janice Y , Crane Erin P , Baffoe Nana Ama , Joseph Bobby
Published: July 2020

The role of a visiting professor (VP) has long been used as a model to share medical knowledge and new advances between different teaching institutions. As with all subspecialties, breast imaging has institution-specific differences in resources and faculty. Sharing of resources between programs can have a profound impact on enriching educational experiences for learners. Our conceptual design of a VP lecture exchange program was between two academic medical centers, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCU) and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital University (MGUH), in the subspecialty of breast imaging. The program was designed to supplement potential areas of weakness in the breast imaging educational curriculum at each respective institution. The program also sought to create opportunities for long-term mentorship and collaboration between institutions. Three faculty members from VCU and three faculty members from MGUH participated for a total of six lectures (three lectures at each site). Participating residents and faculty completed anonymous surveys following each lecture regarding the lecture exchange program experience. The survey responses showed that the VP exchange was well received at both institutions. The VP exchange process was relatively easy to arrange, benefits both institutions, and could even be expanded to the virtual environment.
Field Perimeter Trapping to Manage Rhagoletis mendax (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Wild Blueberry
Authors: Drummond Francis A , Collins Judith A
Published: July 2020

Rhagoletis mendax Curran (the blueberry maggot fly) is a major pest of wild blueberry. It is a direct pest of the fruit. Females lay eggs in fruit resulting in infestations of larvae unacceptable to most consumers. Three field perimeter interception tactics were tested for control of R. mendax in wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae), between 2000 and 2010. We investigated field perimeter deployment of baited, insecticide-treated, green spheres (2000–2005), baited, yellow Trécé PHEROCON AM traps (2005 and 2006), and baited, Hopper Finder, sticky barrier tape (2008–2010). Only the Hopper Finder tape provided significant reduction in R. mendax adults and fruit infestation over the 3-yr field study. However, the reduction in fruit infestation compared with control plots was only 48.2 ± 7.3%, a level of reduction in damage that would be unsuitable for many commercial wild blueberry growers as a stand-alone tactic, but could be an important reduction as part of a multiple tactic IPM strategy. In addition, we constructed an agent-based computer simulation model to assess optimal trap placement between three patterns: 1) a single row of traps along field perimeter; 2) a double row of traps along the field perimeter at half the density of the single row; and 3) a grid of traps spread throughout the field but with the largest distance between traps. We found that the single row deployment pattern of traps was the best for reducing immigration of R. mendax adults into simulated fields.
Demography of Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Reared on Brassica oleracea (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) and Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabales: Fabaceae) With Discussion on the Application of the Bootstrap Technique in Life Table Research
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Sun Lijuan , Chi Hsin , Kang Guodong , Zheng Changying
Published: July 2020

In order to contrast the fitness of Thrips palmi Karny reared on two of its hosts plants, Brassica oleracea L. leaves and Phaseolus vulgaris L. beans, life tables were constructed for T. palmi individuals reared on the two hostplants at 25°C using the age–stage, two-sex life table. The durations of the egg, first instar larva, pupa, and total immature stages of T. palmi reared on P. vulgaris were significantly longer than those reared on B. oleracea, whereas the adult preoviposition period, female adult longevity, and number of oviposition days of T. palmi reared on B. oleracea were significantly longer/greater than those on P. vulgaris. The fecundity (F) of T. palmi reared on B. oleracea (159.71 offspring/female) was significantly higher than in females reared on P. vulgaris (F = 122.98 offspring/female) despite the higher proportion of female adults that emerged on P. vulgaris. Although there were no significant differences in the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), and mean generation time (T) between the two populations, computer projection showed that the T. palmi population will increase faster when reared on B. oleracea than on P. vulgaris. Our results demonstrate that population projection based on life table data is potentially an important tool in pest management. Furthermore, we used the bootstrap technique to demonstrate the variable effect that survival rate and fecundity at different ages can have on population parameters.
The Effect of Simulated Lepidopteran Ear Feeding Injury on Mycotoxin Accumulation in Grain Corn (Poales: Poaceae)
Authors: Farhan Yasmine , Smith Jocelyn L , Limay-Rios Victor , Schaafsma Arthur W
Published: July 2020

Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae) and Fusarium verticillioides (Saccardo) (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae) Nirenberg infection results in accumulation of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZON), and fumonisin (FBs) mycotoxins in infected corn, Zea mays L. Lepidopteran insect feeding may exacerbate fungal infection by providing entry points on the ear resulting in increased mycotoxin contamination of grain. The objective of the current study was to simulate different types and severity levels (extent of injury) of lepidopteran injury to corn ears at different stages of ear development and its effect on mycotoxin accumulation in grain corn. Field experiments were conducted under conditions favorable for F. graminearum development where insect injury was simulated to corn ears and inoculated with F. graminearum. All simulated injury treatments resulted in elevated mycotoxin concentration compared with ears without simulated injury; however, the severity of injury within a treatment had little effect. Injury to kernels on the side of the ear resulted in greater DON and ZON concentration than injury to tip kernels, grazing injury applied at physiological maturity, or when no injury was simulated. Greater FBs was measured when tip kernel injury was simulated at the blister stage or when side kernel injury was simulated at milk and dent stages compared with noninjured ears, silk clipping, tip injury at milk and dent stages, or grazing injury at physiological maturity. The current study confirms that the risk of mycotoxin accumulation in the Great Lakes region is greater in the presence of ear-feeding insect pests and may differ depending on the feeding behavior of pest species.
Can the Addition of Odor and Visual Targets Enhance Attraction of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) to Sticky Traps?
Authors: Khadka Arjun , Allan Sandra A , Cho Daniel , Weeks Emma N I
Published: July 2020

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, negatively impacts the citrus industry as it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the causal agent of citrus greening. Monitoring D. citri population levels is critical for management of vectors and citrus greening and is usually through use of yellow sticky traps. In our study, use of odors, odor blends, and visual targets were evaluated to determine whether attraction to yellow sticky traps could be improved. Methyl salicylate consistently increased D. citri attraction to decoy yellow but not to other yellow or yellow/green traps. Addition of a visual target did not enhance attraction to sticky traps. While several chemical blends were evaluated, they did not increase psyllid attraction to decoy yellow traps. The increased attraction to traps with methyl salicylate is promising and may contribute to trapping efficiency under field conditions.
In the Name of Legitimacy and Efficiency: Evaluating China’s Legal Reform on EIA
Authors: He Xiangbai
Published: July 2020

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) system is currently located at the centre of China's environmental legal reform. The Chinese government has undertaken significant legal strategies to rectify past regulatory wrongs, close enforcement gaps, and improve public participation. However, ongoing administrative reform and prevailing policies optimizing the business environment have made the efficacy of EIA reform more complicated and uncertain. Through examining how EIA laws and regulations on accountability, compliance, and participation have changed, this article provides an analytical framework to evaluate current legal reform of EIA. It finds that the Chinese government is attempting to bring about genuinely functional EIA reform by improving the legitimacy and efficiency of EIA in delivering better environmental decisions. Yet, its efforts could be undermined by the unsettled conflict between legitimacy and efficiency. Furthermore, functional EIA reform could be constrained by peripheral challenges such as inconsistent institutional arrangements, the undefined role of the judiciary, and an underrepresented environmental public interest.
Selection of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR in Chrysoperla nipponensis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Under Tissues in Reproduction and Diapause
Authors: Wang Xiao , Kong Xue , Liu Shaoye , Huang Haiyi , Chen Zhenzhen , Xu Yongyu
Published: July 2020

Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto), which has the unique diapause phenotype distinguishable from nondiapause adult, is an ideal model organism for studying the mechanism of reproductive diapause. However, there is no reliable and effective reference genes used for the reproductive diapause study of C. nipponensis. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the expression stability of 10 candidate reference genes (Tub1, Arpc5, EF1a, 128up, RpS5, RpS26e, GAPDH, Arp3, Actin, α-Tub) in adults under diapause and nondiapause induction conditions using four statistical algorithms including GeNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper, and ∆CT method. Results showed that Arp3 and Tub1 were the most stable reference genes in all samples and in the adult tissues group. Arp3 and RpS5 were the most stable reference genes in the development degree group. α-Tub and EF1a were unstable reference genes under the conditions of this study. Meanwhile, to verify the reliability of the reference genes, we evaluated the relative expression levels of Vg and VgR in different treatments. Significant upregulation and downregulation in expression level of two genes in response to diapause termination and diapause fat body tissue was, respectively, observed when using Arp3 as the reference gene but not when using an unstable reference gene. The reference genes identified in this work provided not only the basis for future functional genomics research in diapause of C. nipponensis and will also identify reliable normalization factors for real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data for other related insects.
The Governance of Foundation-Owned Firms
Authors: Hansmann Henry , Thomsen Steen
Published: July 2020

The burgeoning literature on corporate governance, both in economics and in law, has focused heavily on the agency costs of delegated management. It is therefore striking to encounter a large number of well-established and highly successful companies that have long been under the complete control of a self-appointing board of directors whose compensation is divorced from the profitability of the company and who cannot be removed or replaced by anyone except themselves.

The companies in question are those controlled by “industrial foundations,” which are nonprofit entities that possess a controlling interest in an otherwise conventional business corporation. Although common throughout Northern Europe, industrial foundations are particularly numerous in Denmark, where they control a quarter of the country’s 100 largest corporations. We work with a data set of 110 foundation-owned Danish firms to explore whether, and how, the governance structure of industrial foundations helps explain the strong performance of the firms they control. Given the absence of substantial material incentives, we concentrate on governance structures. We find a strong and robust relationship between the structure of foundation governance and firm performance. These results reinforce the view that, with the proper governance structure, pure fiduciaries can perform more efficiently than conventional economic models would predict. More specifically, these results underline the potential importance of the legislation that, in 2018, removed the long-standing barrier to forming industrial foundations in the USA.
Response to Commentaries
Authors: Beauchamp Tom L , Childress James F
Published: July 2020

After expressing our gratitude to the commentators for their valuable analyses and assessments of Principles of Biomedical Ethics, we respond to several particular critiques raised by the commentators under the following rubrics: the compatibility of different sets of principles and rules; challenges to the principle of respect for autonomy; connecting principles to cases and resolving their conflicts; the value of and compatibility of virtues and principles; common morality theory; and moral status. We point to areas where we see common agreement with our commentators and respond to their critical evaluations.
Spin-down rate of the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 in the optical band with Aqueye+
Authors: Burtovoi Aleksandr , Zampieri Luca , Fiori Michele , Naletto Giampiero , Spolon Alessia , Barbieri Cesare , Papitto Alessandro , Ambrosino Filippo
Published: July 2020

We present a timing analysis of the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 using observations taken between 2018 January and 2020 January with the high time resolution photon counter Aqueye+ mounted at the 1.82 m Copernicus telescope in Asiago. We report the first measurement of the timing solution and the frequency derivative of PSR J1023+0038 based entirely on optical data. The spin-down rate of the pulsar is (−2.53 ± 0.04) × 10−15 Hz2, which is ∼20 per cent slower than that measured from the X-ray observations taken in 2013–2016 and ∼5 per cent faster than that measured in the radio band during the rotation-powered state.
Combined use of feature engineering and machine-learning to predict essential genes in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Campos Tulio L , Korhonen Pasi K , Hofmann Andreas , Gasser Robin B , Young Neil D
Published: July 2020

Characterizing genes that are critical for the survival of an organism (i.e. essential) is important to gain a deep understanding of the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that sustain life. Functional genomic investigations of the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have unravelled the functions of numerous genes of this model species, but results from phenomic experiments can sometimes be ambiguous. Moreover, the features underlying gene essentiality are poorly understood, posing challenges for computational prediction. Here, we harnessed comprehensive genomic-phenomic datasets publicly available for D. melanogaster and a machine-learning-based workflow to predict essential genes of this fly. We discovered strong predictors of such genes, paving the way for computational predictions of essentiality in less-studied arthropod pests and vectors of infectious diseases.
Untangling biological factors influencing trajectory inference from single cell data
Authors: Charrout Mohammed , Reinders Marcel J T , Mahfouz Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing over the past decade has shifted the discussion of cell identity toward the transcriptional state of the cell. While the incredible resolution provided by single-cell RNA sequencing has led to great advances in unraveling tissue heterogeneity and inferring cell differentiation dynamics, it raises the question of which sources of variation are important for determining cellular identity. Here we show that confounding biological sources of variation, most notably the cell cycle, can distort the inference of differentiation trajectories. We show that by factorizing single cell data into distinct sources of variation, we can select a relevant set of factors that constitute the core regulators for trajectory inference, while filtering out confounding sources of variation (e.g. cell cycle) which can perturb the inferred trajectory. Script are available publicly on https://github.com/mochar/cell_variation.
Proposed methodology for measuring the effectiveness of policies designed to further research
Authors: Bautista-Puig Núria , Moreno Lorente Luis , Sanz-Casado Elías
Published: July 2020

The effects of economic incentives on research have been widely debated in the literature. Some authors deem them to have no or even an adverse impact, particularly, if they are perceived as irrelevant to or an attempt to control researcher activity, whilst others believe they enhance research productivity by inducing new habits such as international collaboration or publication in high-impact journals. In 2007, the Carlos III University of Madrid introduced bonuses associated with research merits to reward research and educational excellence. The policy aims to enhance the quantity and quality of the institution’s scholarly publications. This study analyses whether and to what extent the new policy has had a potential effect on scientific output, impact, and visibility. Scientific activity indicators between 1991 and 2018 were analysed and a state-space model was used to establish possible scenarios (pre- and post-bonus periods) and 3 year predictions. Further to the findings, despite weak growth in researcher staff size, the number of papers rose during the period slightly more than in the pre-bonus simulation. The number of first-quartile papers also rose substantially, attesting to higher impact and visibility of the university’s research. Greater internationalization was also observed. The incentives were found to be highly suggestive of a change in university researchers’ publication habits.
MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ABNORMAL GLOW CURVES AND ASSOCIATED ABNORMALITY IN CaSO4:DY-BASED PERSONNEL MONITORING DOSIMETERS
Authors: Pathan Munir S , Pradhan S M , Selvam T Palani
Published: July 2020

In the present study, machine learning (ML) methods for the identification of abnormal glow curves (GC) of CaSO4:Dy-based thermoluminescence dosimeters in individual monitoring are presented. The classifier algorithms, random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) are employed for identifying not only the abnormal glow curve but also the type of abnormality. For the first time, the simplest and computationally efficient algorithm based on RF is presented for GC classifications. About 4000 GCs are used for the training and validation of ML algorithms. The performance of all algorithms is compared by using various parameters. Results show a fairly good accuracy of 99.05% for the classification of GCs by RF algorithm. Whereas 96.7% and 96.1% accuracy is achieved using ANN and SVM, respectively. The RF-based classifier is recommended for GC classification as well as in assisting the fault determination of the TLD reader system.
CAESIUM RETENTION CHARACTERISTICS OF KNIFC–PAN RESIN FROM RIVER WATER
Authors: Hegedűs Miklós , Tazoe Hirofumi , Yang Guosheng , Tamakuma Yuki , Hosoda Masahiro , Akata Naofumi , Tokonami Shinji
Published: July 2020

The caesium retention characteristics of a potassium-nickel hexacyanoferrate resin in a polyacrylnitrile (KNiFC–PAN) matrix were tested in fresh water over the range of 2.5–400 mL min−1. The experimental setup used 2 mL resin and 4-L aliquots of freshwater samples. The results showed nearly 100% retention at speeds below 10 mL min−1, above 80% up to 100 mL min−1, and approached 50% at 400 mL min−1. Using 100 mL min−1 flow rate and KNiFC–PAN resin in a well-type HPGe detector, the minimum detectable concentration was reduced to 3 mBq kg−1 for 4-L aliquots of water samples from the previous 15 mBq kg−1 achieved by Powdex ion-exchange resin and a planar type HPGe detector.
The decline in the wage share: falling bargaining power of labour or technological progress? Industry-level evidence from the OECD
Authors: Guschanski Alexander , Onaran Özlem
Published: July 2020

We investigate whether the downward trend in the wage share is driven by technological change or a decline in labour’s bargaining power. We present an econometric analysis using industry-level data for 14 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries for the 1970–2014 period and test whether the determinants of the wage share differ between manufacturing and service industries, between workers of different skill groups and across countries with different bargaining regimes. Our findings suggest that the wage share declined due to a fall in labour’s bargaining power driven by offshoring to developing countries and changes in labour market institutions such as union density, social government expenditure and minimum wages. In contrast, the effect of technological change is not robust. While we find evidence for a negative effect on medium-skilled workers, our results cast doubt on the hypothesis of skill-biased technological change.
Pathogen Incursions – Integrating Technical Expertise in a Socio-Political Context
Authors: Evans Katherine J. , Scott Jason B. , Barry Karen M.
Published: July 2020

The incursion of a plant pathogen into a new geographic area initiates a series of decisions about appropriate control or eradication efforts. Incomplete, erroneous, and/or selective information may be used by diverse stakeholders to support individual goals and positions on how an incursion should be managed. We discuss the complex social, political, and technical factors that shape a biosecurity response prior to reviewing information needs and common stakeholder misunderstandings. Selected examples focus on the rust fungi (order Pucciniales). We then explore how plant pathologists, as technical experts, can interact with biosecurity stakeholders to build empathy and understanding that in turn allows a shift from being a distant subject matter expert to an active participant helping to structure problems and shape knowledge flows for better outcomes.