bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Money Mazes, Media Machines, and Banana Republic Realisms
Authors: Townsend Sarah J
Published: September 2019

This article resurrects the literary source of the phrase banana republic: O. Henry’s only novel, Cabbages and Kings (1904), which was inspired by his experiences in Honduras after fleeing from charges of embezzlement. Set in a fictitious country called Anchuria, the narrative grew out of two short stories titled “Money Maze” and “The Phonograph and the Graft.” O. Henry is seldom considered in discussions of US realism at the turn of the twentieth century; nevertheless, I argue that Cabbages and Kings parodically deploys a mode of “banana republic realism” that sheds light on the role of media technologies in the processes of imperial expansion and financialization. Given Lisa Gitelman’s claim that media are “integral to a sense of what representation itself is,” how do the ties between media and money impinge on the claims of realism—especially in enclave economies where the same corporation cultivating the export commodity might also control currency and communication technologies? With an eye to debates about realism in our own era of cryptocurrencies and algorithmic trading, the article points to the banana republic as a privileged site for understanding what happens to realist representation at moments when media become increasingly integral to the economy.
Sustainable bioenergy for climate mitigation: developing drought-tolerant trees and grasses
Authors: Taylor G , Donnison I S , Murphy-Bokern D , Morgante M , Bogeat-Triboulot M-B , Bhalerao R , Hertzberg M , Polle A , Harfouche A , Alasia F , Petoussi V , Trebbi D , Schwarz K , Keurentjes J J B , Centritto M , Genty B , Flexas J , Grill E , Salvi S , Davies W J
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Bioenergy crops are central to climate mitigation strategies that utilize biogenic carbon, such as BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage), alongside the use of biomass for heat, power, liquid fuels and, in the future, biorefining to chemicals. Several promising lignocellulosic crops are emerging that have no food role – fast-growing trees and grasses – but are well suited as bioenergy feedstocks, including Populus, Salix, Arundo, Miscanthus, Panicum and Sorghum.

Scope

These promising crops remain largely undomesticated and, until recently, have had limited germplasm resources. In order to avoid competition with food crops for land and nature conservation, it is likely that future bioenergy crops will be grown on marginal land that is not needed for food production and is of poor quality and subject to drought stress. Thus, here we define an ideotype for drought tolerance that will enable biomass production to be maintained in the face of moderate drought stress. This includes traits that can readily be measured in wide populations of several hundred unique genotypes for genome-wide association studies, alongside traits that are informative but can only easily be assessed in limited numbers or training populations that may be more suitable for genomic selection. Phenotyping, not genotyping, is now the major bottleneck for progress, since in all lignocellulosic crops studied extensive use has been made of next-generation sequencing such that several thousand markers are now available and populations are emerging that will enable rapid progress for drought-tolerance breeding. The emergence of novel technologies for targeted genotyping by sequencing are particularly welcome. Genome editing has already been demonstrated for Populus and offers significant potential for rapid deployment of drought-tolerant crops through manipulation of ABA receptors, as demonstrated in Arabidopsis, with other gene targets yet to be tested.

Conclusions

Bioenergy is predicted to be the fastest-developing renewable energy over the coming decade and significant investment over the past decade has been made in developing genomic resources and in collecting wild germplasm from within the natural ranges of several tree and grass crops. Harnessing these resources for climate-resilient crops for the future remains a challenge but one that is likely to be successful.
Heterogeneous phosphate supply influences maize lateral root proliferation by regulating auxin redistribution
Authors: Wang Xin , Feng Jingjing , White Philip J , Shen Jianbo , Cheng Lingyun
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Roots take up phosphorus (P) as inorganic phosphate (Pi). Enhanced root proliferation in Pi-rich patches enables plants to capture the unevenly distributed Pi, but the underlying control of root proliferation remains largely unknown. Here, the role of auxin in this response was investigated in maize (Zea mays).

Methods

A split-root, hydroponics system was employed to investigate root responses to Pi supply, with one (heterogeneous) or both (homogeneous) sides receiving 0 or 500 μm Pi.

Key results

Maize roots proliferated in Pi-rich media, particularly with heterogeneous Pi supply. The second-order lateral root number was 3-fold greater in roots of plants receiving a heterogeneous Pi supply than in roots of plants with a homogeneous Pi supply. Root proliferation in a heterogeneous Pi supply was inhibited by the auxin transporter inhibitor 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). The proliferation of lateral roots was accompanied by an enhanced auxin response in the apical meristem and vascular tissues at the root tip, as demonstrated in a DR5::RFP marker line.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the response of maize root morphology to a heterogeneous Pi supply is modulated by local signals of Pi availability and systemic signals of plant P nutritional status, and is mediated by auxin redistribution.
Stem and leaf growth rates define the leaf size vs. number trade-off
Authors: Sun Jun , Wang Mantang , Lyu Min , Niklas Karl J , Zhong Quanlin , Li Man , Cheng Dongliang
Published: September 2019

The trade-off between leaf number and individual leaf size on current-year shoots (twigs) is crucial to light interception and thus net carbon gain. However, a theoretical basis for understanding this trade-off remains elusive. Here, we argue that this trade-off emerges directly from the relationship between annual growth in leaf and stem mass, a hypothesis that predicts that maximum individual leaf size (i.e. leaf mass, Mmax, or leaf area, Amax) will scale negatively and isometrically with leafing intensity (i.e. leaf number per unit stem mass, per unit stem volume or per stem cross-sectional area). We tested this hypothesis by analysing the twigs of 64 species inhabiting three different forest communities along an elevation gradient using standardized major axis (SMA) analyses. Across species, maximum individual leaf size (Mmax, Amax) scaled isometrically with respect to leafing intensity; the scaling constants between maximum leaf size and leafing intensity (based on stem cross-sectional area) differed significantly among the three forests. Therefore, our hypothesis successfully predicts a scaling relationship between maximum individual leaf size and leafing intensity, and provides a general explanation for the leaf size-number trade-off as a consequence of mechanical-hydraulic constraints on stem and leaf growth per year.
RAS 200 project helps prisoners to bounce back
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: September 2019

Sue Bowler looks at the RAS 200 project that uses exploring the universe while inside to help get on with life outside.
Unlocking the doors to education for prisoners
Authors: Heron Philip J
Published: September 2019

Philip J Heron hopes that a pilot course teaching astronomy and geophysics in prisons can be expanded.
Testing for arbitrary interference on experimentation platforms
Authors: Pouget-Abadie J , Saint-Jacques G , Saveski M , Duan W , Ghosh S , Xu Y , Airoldi E M
Published: September 2019

Experimentation platforms are essential to large modern technology companies, as they are used to carry out many randomized experiments daily. The classic assumption of no interference among users, under which the outcome for one user does not depend on the treatment assigned to other users, is rarely tenable on such platforms. Here, we introduce an experimental design strategy for testing whether this assumption holds. Our approach is in the spirit of the Durbin–Wu–Hausman test for endogeneity in econometrics, where multiple estimators return the same estimate if and only if the null hypothesis holds. The design that we introduce makes no assumptions on the interference model between units, nor on the network among the units, and has a sharp bound on the variance and an implied analytical bound on the Type I error rate. We discuss how to apply the proposed design strategy to large experimentation platforms, and we illustrate it in the context of an experiment on the LinkedIn platform.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathology might not be inexorably progressive or unique to repetitive neurotrauma
Authors: Iverson Grant L , Gardner Andrew J , Shultz Sandy R , Solomon Gary S , McCrory Paul , Zafonte Ross , Perry George , Hazrati Lili-Naz , Keene C Dirk , Castellani Rudolph J
Published: September 2019

CTE is often conceptualized as a delayed-onset and progressive neurodegenerative disease with unique pathology. However, based on a comprehensive review of the evidence, Iverson et al. argue that CTE pathology cannot be considered inexorably progressive or wholly specific to those who have experienced repetitive neurotrauma.
Exosomal miRNAs are potential diagnostic biomarkers between malignant and benign thyroid nodules based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Pan Qunxiong , Zhao Jiangman , Li Mingzhu , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Yaping , Li Wushuang , Wu Shouxin , Su Zijian
Published: September 2019

An accurate biomarker or method for diagnosis of thyroid nodule with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration result is essential for clinical treatment. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) of exosomes are advantageous in the diagnosis of tumors because they are highly stable, and be protected by a bilayer membrane structure. Exosomes were isolated from 13 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 7 nodular goiter (NG) patients’ plasma. Small RNA sequencing was performed on exosomes’ RNA in next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. Then, we performed comprehensive analysis on miRNA expression profile in exosome of two groups. One hundred and twenty-nine differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in plasma exosomes between PTC and NG patients. Forty-nine miRNAs were up-regulated, and 80 miRNAs were down-regulated in PTC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 129 miRNAs were plotted. Area under curve (AUC) of 129 miRNAs was 0.571–0.951, with distribution peak of 0.82–0.86. AUC of 11 miRNAs was above 0.9, miR-5189-3p had the most optimal performance for diagnosis between PTC and NG, with 0.951 of AUC. Target genes of 129 miRNAs were enriched into 7 cancer-related signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), NF-kappa B signaling pathway and so on. This study profiled the miRNA signature of exosomes from PTC patients and NG patients. We proposed a group of miRNAs in plasma exosomes as candidate biomarkers for thyroid nodule diagnosis.
Viral Blips After Treatment Initiation During Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Crowell Trevor A , Pinyakorn Suteeraporn , Sacdalan Carlo , Kroon Eugène , Colby Donn J , Puttamaswin Suwanna , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Trichavaroj Rapee , Butterworth Oratai , Turk Ellen , Mccullough Corinne , Chomont Nicolas , de Souza Mark , Robb Merlin L , Phanuphak Nittaya , Ananworanich Jintanat ,   RV254/SEARCH010 Study Group
Published: September 2019

Transient viral blips ≥20 copies/mL were observed in 16.9% of acutely treated adults with HIV. Blip incidence increased from 0.0 (95% CI, 0.0–2.9)/100 person-years after ART in Fiebig I to 15.9 (7.6–29.2) in Fiebig V. Increasing viral load and Fiebig stage at ART initiation were independently predictive of blips.
PMBD: a Comprehensive Plastics Microbial Biodegradation Database
Authors: Gan Zhiqiang , Zhang Houjin
Published: September 2019

Since the invention over a hundred years ago, plastics have been used in many applications, and they are involved in every aspect of our lives. The extensive usage of plastics results in a tremendous amount of waste, which has become a severe burden on the environment. Several degradation approaches exist in nature to cope with ever-increasing plastic waste. Among these approaches, biodegradation by microorganisms has emerged as a natural way, which is favored by many environmentally conscious societies. To facilitate the study on biodegradation of plastics, we developed an online resource, Plastics Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD), to gather and present the information about microbial biodegradation of plastics. In this database, 949 microorganisms–plastics relationships and 79 genes involved in the biodegradation of plastics were manually collected and confirmed through literature searching. In addition, more than 8000 automatically annotated enzyme sequences, which were predicted to be involved in the plastics biodegradation, were extracted from the TrEMBL section of the UniProt database. The PMBD database is presented with a website at http://pmbd.genome-mining.cn/home. Data may be accessed through browsing or searching. Also included on the website are a sequence alignment tool and a function prediction tool.
Novel approaches and methods for quantifyingPhytophthora cinnamomiin avocado tree roots
Authors: Masikane Siyethemba , Jolliffe Jenna , Swart Laurika , McLeod Adele
Published: September 2019

Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands is a devastating root rot pathogen of avocado. Robust and sensitive root quantification methods are required for determining seasonal P. cinnamomi root colonization patterns and evaluating management strategies. Our study investigated four P. cinnamomi root quantification methods using a newly developed P. cinnamomi-avocado-seedling bioassay system and a P. cinnamomi-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Phytophthora cinnamomi quantification through plating of roots (root plating) or lemon leaf disks obtained from root baitings (root-baiting-plating) onto semi-selective media were the best methods. Root plating consistently yielded significant differences in P. cinnamomi quantities obtained from seedling roots inoculated with five zoospore concentrations (10–1 × 105 zoospores/ml), whereas root-baiting-plating did so less often. The two methods were comparable in yielding root quantities that were significantly correlated with the inoculated zoospore concentrations, rarely yielding false negatives and having the lowest variability between replicates of the same treatment. qPCR quantification from roots was also an effective method; however, treatment replicates were highly variable and false negatives occurred more frequently. The least effective quantification method was qPCR quantification from lemon leaf disks obtained from root baitings.
Be prepared – Learning for the future
Authors: Fahnert Beatrix
Published: September 2019

Forward-looking papers from around the globe, addressing themes of current educational practice, were published in the FEMS Microbiology Letters virtual Thematic Issue ‘Learning for the future' in October 2019. Its dynamic content is reviewed here to facilitate discussions within the professional community. The focus is on preparing generations of 21st century professionals as lifelong learners for yet unknown working environments and demands. Active and authentic learning is covered in various contexts from interactive lectures, via innovative tasks exploring the scientific method to conducting research over a distance. Naturally, authentic assessment features. Moreover, authentic learning is taken out of the classroom into the community as service learning for students to develop skills and see unexpected Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths career opportunities. Approaches to public engagement with science are presented including through art. Art is also brought into the classroom, as well as educational games, to foster creativity. Additionally, sharing science with large audiences on social media is discussed. Future-proofing education requires being innovative and imaginative. This comes with challenges and risks, but being prepared is worth it.
Genome of the Parasitoid Wasp Diachasma alloeum, an Emerging Model for Ecological Speciation and Transitions to Asexual Reproduction
Authors: Tvedte Eric S , Walden Kimberly K O , McElroy Kyle E , Werren John H , Forbes Andrew A , Hood Glen R , Logsdon John M , Feder Jeffrey L , Robertson Hugh M
Published: September 2019

Parasitoid wasps are among the most speciose animals, yet have relatively few available genomic resources. We report a draft genome assembly of the wasp Diachasma alloeum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a host-specific parasitoid of the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae), and a developing model for understanding how ecological speciation can “cascade” across trophic levels. Identification of gene content confirmed the overall quality of the draft genome, and we manually annotated ∼400 genes as part of this study, including those involved in oxidative phosphorylation, chemosensation, and reproduction. Through comparisons to model hymenopterans such as the European honeybee Apis mellifera and parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis, as well as a more closely related braconid parasitoid Microplitis demolitor, we identified a proliferation of transposable elements in the genome, an expansion of chemosensory genes in parasitoid wasps, and the maintenance of several key genes with known roles in sexual reproduction and sex determination. The D. alloeum genome will provide a valuable resource for comparative genomics studies in Hymenoptera as well as specific investigations into the genomic changes associated with ecological speciation and transitions to asexuality.
Increasing HIV treatment access, uptake and use among men who have sex with men in urban Indonesia: evidence from a qualitative study in three cities
Authors: Lazuardi Elan , Newman Christy E , Anintya Irma , Rowe Emily , Wirawan Dewa N , Wisaksana Rudi , Subronto Yanri W , Kusmayanti Nur Aini , Iskandar Shelly , Kaldor John , Bell Stephen
Published: September 2019

Men who have sex with men make up one of four key populations identified as critical to a successful HIV response in Indonesia. Despite international policies supporting HIV treatment in low- and middle-income countries, Indonesia is one of the few countries experiencing low coverage of HIV treatment and little decrease in HIV incidence. There is poor retention in care and low viral suppression rates among key populations such as men who have sex with men. The national government has committed to increasing treatment access and uptake for people with HIV but little is known about how these men themselves view, use and experience these medications. Drawing on qualitative data collected in 2015–16 from 24 HIV-positive men who have sex with men living in three Indonesian cities, we observed multiple intersecting social and contextual factors that can influence effective HIV treatment use. Although shared stories of strong side effects and fear of unwanted disclosure inhibited treatment uptake, social support from ‘buddies’ helped to navigate healthcare systems and sharing medication among peers enabled adherence. In order to improve treatment uptake and adherence among Indonesian men who have sex with men living with HIV, these divergent effects of the social meanings and practices associated with HIV treatments in Indonesia must be better acknowledged. A more comprehensive understanding of social and community practices within key populations can strengthen national efforts to improve treatment access and increase adherence. Ongoing decentralization of healthcare in Indonesia, and differentiated care models that enable initiation of treatment in community settings and involve non-medical, community-based organizations in the provision of treatment services have the potential to address the needs of individuals who fall into a key population category such as men who have sex with men.
Successful bilateral lung transplantation and simultaneous Nuss technique correction of pectus excavatum post-allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Zhenrong , Ding Hao , Liu Feng , Chen Jingyu
Published: September 2019

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has aroused clinical concern. We describe a case of a 39-year-old female patient diagnosed as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and concomitant pectus excavatum with a Haller index of 3.32. The patient received bilateral lung transplantation and simultaneously underwent Nuss surgery via bilateral anterolateral thoracotomies with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The bar was removed 2 years after transplantation, and the patient has been stable in the past 4 years with haematological remission and satisfactory lung function.
Giant saccular aneurysm of the innominate artery
Authors: Robaldo Alessandro , Apostolou Dimitri , Peano Enrico , Novali Claudio
Published: September 2019

We report a rare case of a saccular aneurysm of innominate artery without any apparent causative history. Although the treatment choice remains debatable, due to the poor condition of the patient, the lesion was excluded by using a balloon-expandable covered stent with a satisfactory early-term outcome.
Metabolomic profiles associated with all-cause mortality in the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Balasubramanian Raji , Paynter Nina P , Giulianini Franco , Manson JoAnn E , Zhao Yibai , Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Vitolins Mara Z , Albert Christine A , Clish Clary , Rexrode Kathryn M
Published: September 2019

Background

Metabolomics profiling has shown promise in elucidating the biological pathways underpinning mortality, but there are limited data in female populations.

Methods

We applied a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics platform to EDTA-plasma to measure 470 metabolites at baseline in a discovery set of 943 postmenopausal women (including 417 incident deaths, median time to death of 10.6 years) with validation in an independent set of 1355 postmenopausal women (including 685 deaths, median time to death of 9.1 years) in the Women’s Health Initiative.

Results

Eight new metabolites were discovered to be associated with all-cause mortality. Findings included protective effects of increased levels of three amino acids (asparagine, homoarginine and tryptophan) and docosatrienoic acid; and detrimental effects of increased levels of C4-OH-carnitine, hexadecanedioate and two purine/pyrimidines (N2, N2-dimethylguanosine and N4-acetylcytidine). In addition, a set of nine previously published metabolite associations were replicated. A metabolite score comprising 17 metabolites was associated with mortality (P < 10–8) after adjustment for risk factors, with a hazard ratio of 1.95 (95% CI: 1.46–2.62) for women in the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of metabolite score. The score was robust among younger women and older women, for both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, and associated with both early deaths (within the first 10 years of baseline) and later deaths.

Conclusions

Our study fills a gap in the literature by identifying eight novel metabolite associations with all-cause mortality in women, using a robust study design involving independent discovery and validation datasets.
Recombinant Human Interleukin-15 and Anti-PD-L1 Combination Therapy Expands a CXCR3+PD1−/low CD8 T-Cell Subset in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Chen Ping , Chen Hui , Moussa Maha , Cheng Jie , Li Tong , Qin Jing , Lifson Jeffrey D , Sneller Michael C , Krymskaya Ludmila , Godin Steven , Lane H Clifford , Catalfamo Marta
Published: September 2019

Background

The PD1/PD-L1 pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and blockade of this pathway may have potential to restore immune function and promote viral control or elimination. In this study, we combined a checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-L1 (Avelumab) and recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) in SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RM).

Methods

The rhIL-15 was administered as continuous infusion in 2 cycles of 10 days in the context of weekly administration of anti-PD-L1 (Avelumab) in SIV-infected RM receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Safety, immunological parameters, and viral loads were monitored during the study.

Results

Administration of rhIL-15/anti-PD-L1 was safe and well tolerated. Treatment resulted in transient increases in proliferating (Ki67+) natural killer and CD8 T cells. In addition, treatment expanded a CXCR3+PD1−/low CD8 T-cell subset with the ability to secrete cytokines. Despite these effects, no changes in plasma viremia were observed after cART interruption.

Conclusions

Expansion of the CXCR3+PD1−/low CD8 T-cell subset with functional capacity and potential to traffic to sites of viral reservoirs in SIV-infected rhesus macaques had no demonstrable effect on plasma viremia after cART interruption.
Changing Motivations or Capabilities? Migration Deterrence in the Global Context
Authors: Kent Jonathan , Norman Kelsey P , Tennis Katherine H
Published: September 2019

Over the last thirty-five years, Western liberal democracies have exerted more control over their borders through an array of innovative migration-control practices. Scholars have taken stock of these efforts and referred to them collectively as “deterrence” measures, ignoring the fact that deterrence is an established concept with a focused definition and meaning. We argue that in the context of migration governance, the concept of deterrence has been stretched beyond meaningful parameters. In order to restore conceptual clarity and develop a more useful framework, we build on the fourth wave of deterrence literature and apply its insights to these new migration-control practices. We construct a theoretically informed typology that differentiates between deterrence and defense policies. Deterrence aims to change the motivations of migrants, whereas defense policies change migrants’ capabilities. We also differentiate between the timing and location of the interventions. We elaborate on each category of policy with examples drawn from various geographic regions and propose a framework for expanding this analysis through a systematic exploration of global practices. We conclude with a discussion of the implications stemming from these insights with respect to normative and practical debates in this research area.
Biology, Predatory Potential, Life Table, and Field Evaluation of Propylea dissecta (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Against Lipaphis erysimi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Broccoli
Authors: Boopathi Thangavel , Singh Soibam Basanta , Dutta Sudip Kumar , Dayal Vishambhar , Singh Akoijam Ratankumar , Chowdhury Samik , Ramakrishna Yerraboina , Shakuntala Ingudam , Lalhruaipuii Khawlhring
Published: September 2019

Propylea dissecta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is one of the most promising ladybird beetle against many sucking pests. Predation rates, developmental biology, life table, and field assessment of this ladybird were examined against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on broccoli. Data on the life history were collected at 23 ± 1°C and 70 ± 1% RH and were evaluated using the two-sex, age-stage life table. Results showed that the two-sex, age-stage life table-based net reproductive rate (R0) was 11.264 ± 6.197 offspring. The adult females lived longer (33.8 ± 2.356 d) than the adult males (32.2 ± 0.841 d). The fourth instar consumed most of L. erysimi (113.97 ± 5.76) compared to the other larval stages of the predator. Male (1,821) and female (2,673) consumed more aphids than larvae. The net consumption rate was 741.78 ± 89.91 aphids. Other aphidophagous predators such as Coccinella septempunctata L., Micraspis discolor (F.), Coccinella transversalis (F.), and syrphid (Diptera: Syrphidae) were also noted in broccoli. Our research showed that inoculative release of 150 or 200 adults per 1,000 m2 for two times on broccoli achieved a significant decrease in aphids L. erysimi and Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (>95%). The release rate of 150 adults per 1,000 m2 for two times may, therefore, be recommended to manage the aphid population on broccoli.
Political Identity: Experimental Evidence on Anti-Americanism in Pakistan
Authors: Bursztyn Leonardo , Callen Michael , Ferman Bruno , Gulzar Saad , Hasanain Ali , Yuchtman Noam
Published: September 2019

We identify Pakistani men’s willingness to pay to preserve their anti-American identity using two experiments imposing clearly specified financial costs on anti-American expression, with minimal consequential or social considerations. In two distinct studies, one-quarter to one-third of subjects forgo payments from the U.S. government worth around one-fifth of a day’s wage to avoid an identity-threatening choice: anonymously checking a box indicating gratitude toward the U.S. government. We find sensitivity to both payment size and anticipated social context: when subjects anticipate that rejection will be observable by others, rejection falls suggesting that, for some, social image can outweigh self-image.
Behavioral and Morphological Studies of the Membranous Tergal Structure of Male Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) During Courtship
Authors: Shimomura Kenji , Ishii Daisuke , Nojima Satoshi
Published: September 2019

The male German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) exhibits a characteristic courtship display by raising its wings, turning around, and exposing its tergal glands on the seventh and eighth tergites to the female. The male secretes a courtship pheromone from the tergal glands which induces a strong feeding response in the female, facilitating copulation. Upon multiple, detailed microscopic observations of the courtship display, we found that the male markedly expanded the intersegmental area between the sixth and seventh tergites, but deflated this area as soon as it perceived a tactile stimulus on its back by the female, while continuing to raise its wings and exposing the tergal glands. The intersegmental area is composed of two parts: a membranous posterior part of the sixth tergite, and the regular intertergal membrane. The membranous posterior part was found to be crescentic in shape and clearly separated from the intertergal membrane by traverse tongue-shaped plates. Scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that there were many orifices or pores in the membranous crescentic zone, and its morphological structure was clearly different from that of the intertergal membrane. Our observations suggest that the crescentic zone is likely a secretory gland that may play an important role at the beginning of the male courtship display, different from the tergal glands.
A Polygenic Risk Score for Breast Cancer in US Latinas and Latin American Women
Authors: Shieh Yiwey , Fejerman Laura , Lott Paul C , Marker Katie , Sawyer Sarah D , Hu Donglei , Huntsman Scott , Torres Javier , Echeverry Magdalena , Bohórquez Mabel E , Martínez-Chéquer Juan Carlos , Polanco-Echeverry Guadalupe , Estrada-Flórez Ana P ,   the COLUMBUS Consortium, Haiman Christopher A , John Esther M , Kushi Lawrence H , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Vidaurre Tatianna , Weitzel Jeffrey N , Zambrano Sandro Casavilca , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G , Ziv Elad , Neuhausen Susan L
Published: September 2019

Background

More than 180 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer susceptibility have been identified; these SNPs can be combined into polygenic risk scores (PRS) to predict breast cancer risk. Because most SNPs were identified in predominantly European populations, little is known about the performance of PRS in non-Europeans. We tested the performance of a 180-SNP PRS in Latinas, a large ethnic group with variable levels of Indigenous American, European, and African ancestry.

Methods

We conducted a pooled case-control analysis of US Latinas and Latin American women (4658 cases and 7622 controls). We constructed a 180-SNP PRS consisting of SNPs associated with breast cancer risk (P < 5 × 10–8). We evaluated the association between the PRS and breast cancer risk using multivariable logistic regression, and assessed discrimination using an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We also assessed PRS performance across quartiles of Indigenous American genetic ancestry. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

Of 180 SNPs tested, 142 showed directionally consistent associations compared with European populations, and 39 were nominally statistically significant (P < .05). The PRS was associated with breast cancer risk, with an odds ratio per SD increment of 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI = 1.52 to 1.64) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.63 (95% CI = 0.62 to 0.64). The discrimination of the PRS was similar between the top and bottom quartiles of Indigenous American ancestry.

Conclusions

The 180-SNP PRS predicts breast cancer risk in Latinas, with similar performance as reported for Europeans. The performance of the PRS did not vary substantially according to Indigenous American ancestry.
White mesentery and chylous ascites: an interesting presentation of mesenteric lymphangioma
Authors: Chamberlain Stacey L , Ackermann Travis , Chan Yuen , Ghadiri Marjan
Published: September 2019

We present an interesting and unusual case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with symptoms concerning for a bowel obstruction, and diagnostic imaging concerning for an internal hernia. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy and was found to have chylous ascites throughout the abdomen, and the extravasation of chyle into the mesentery giving an appearance of a white mesentery. During this case, we will present all of the findings and discuss the unusual underlying pathology.
Environmental and spatial filtering of ladybird beetle community composition and functional traits in urban landscapes
Authors: Liere Heidi , Egerer Monika H , Philpott Stacy M
Published: September 2019

Urban community gardens provide habitat for biodiversity within urban landscapes. Beneficial insects, those that provide important ecosystem services like pollination and pest control, are among the many inhabitants of these green spaces. Garden management and the composition of the urban matrix in which they are embedded can affect not only the abundance and species richness of beneficial insects but also their community composition and functional traits. During 2014 and 2015 (June to September), we collected ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in 19 community gardens in three counties of the California Central Coast. We examined the effects of garden- and landscape-level characteristics on ladybird community composition and functional traits. Out of the 19 species collected, only 3 were non-native to California (3 were not identified to species). Similarities in ladybird species composition were not driven by geographic distance between gardens, which suggest that beetles in these landscapes are not experiencing dispersal limitation. Instead, three landscape-level environmental variables and seven garden-scale ones correlated with changes in community composition. Even though we perceive cities as highly disturbed low-quality landscapes, our results suggest that highly mobile arthropods such as ladybird beetles, may not perceive the urban matrix as a barrier to movement and that urban gardens can be inhabited by native species with different sizes, diet breadths and diets. Nevertheless, our results also suggest garden specific management practices, such as altering ground cover, can affect the taxonomic and functional composition of ladybird beetles with potential implications to their ecosystem services.
‘Observing’ unrelaxed clusters in dark matter simulations
Authors: Roberts Ian D , Parker Laura C
Published: September 2019

We present a detailed study of relaxed and unrelaxed galaxy clusters in a large dark matter only simulation. Recent work has demonstrated clear differences between the galaxy populations in clusters that have Gaussian velocity distributions (relaxed) compared to those that do not (unrelaxed). To directly compare with observations, we identify unrelaxed clusters in the simulations using one-dimensional velocity distributions. We show that non-Gaussian clusters have had recent major mergers and enhanced rates of galaxy infall relative to systems with Gaussian velocity profiles. Furthermore, we find that the fraction of non-Gaussian clusters increases strongly with cluster mass and modestly with redshift. For comparison, we also make use of three-dimensional information available in the simulations to explore the impact of projection on observational measurements. Differences between Gaussian and non-Gaussian clusters are much stronger when three-dimensional information is considered, which demonstrates that the strength of oberserved trends with cluster dynamics are diluted because observed velocity information is limited to one line-of-sight.
Signatures of resonance and phase mixing in the Galactic disc
Authors: Hunt Jason A S , Bub Mathew W , Bovy Jo , Mackereth J Ted , Trick Wilma H , Kawata Daisuke
Published: September 2019

Gaia DR2 has provided an unprecedented wealth of information about the kinematics of stars in the Solar neighbourhood, and has highlighted the degree of features in the Galactic disc. We confront the data with a range of bar and spiral models in both action-angle space, and the RG–vϕ plane. We find that the phase mixing induced by transient spiral structure creates ridges and arches in the local kinematics which are consistent with the Gaia data. We are able to produce a qualitatively good match to the data when combined with a bar with a variety of pattern speeds, and show that it is non-trivial to decouple the effects of the bar and the spiral structure.
Polar alignment of a protoplanetary disc around an eccentric binary – III. Effect of disc mass
Authors: Martin Rebecca G , Lubow Stephen H
Published: September 2019

An initially sufficiently misaligned low-mass protoplanetary disc around an eccentric binary undergoes damped nodal oscillations of tilt angle and longitude of ascending node. Dissipation causes evolution towards a stationary state of polar alignment in which the disc lies perpendicular to the binary orbital plane with angular momentum aligned to the eccentricity vector of the binary. We use hydrodynamic simulations and analytical methods to investigate how the mass of the disc affects this process. The simulations suggest that a disc with non-zero mass settles into a stationary state in the frame of the binary, the generalized polar state, at somewhat lower levels of misalignment with respect to the binary orbital plane, in agreement with the analytical model. Provided that discs settle into this generalized polar state, the observational determination of the misalignment angle and binary properties can be used to determine the mass of a circumbinary disc. We apply this constraint to the circumbinary disc in HD 98800. We obtain analytical criteria for polar alignment of a circumbinary ring with mass that approximately agree with the simulation results. Very broad misaligned discs undergo breaking, but the inner regions at least may still evolve to a polar state. The long-term evolution of the disc depends on the evolution of the binary eccentricity that we find tends to decrease. Although the range of parameters required for polar alignment decreases somewhat with increasing disc mass, such alignment appears possible for a broad set of initial conditions expected in protostellar circumbinary discs.
Simultaneous generalized and low-layer SCIDAR turbulence profiles at san pedro mártir observatory
Authors: Avila R , Valdés-Hernández O , Sánchez L J , Cruz-González I , Avilés J L , Tapia-Rodríguez J J , Zúñiga C A
Published: September 2019

We present optical turbulence profiles obtained with a Generalized SCIDAR (G-SCIDAR) and a low-layer SCIDAR (LOLAS) at the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional in San Pedro Mártir (OAN-SPM), Baja California, Mexico, during three observing campaigns in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The G-SCIDAR delivers profiles with moderate altitude-resolution (a few hundred metres) along the entire turbulent section of the atmosphere, while the LOLAS gives high altitude resolution (on the order of tens of metres) but only within the first few hundred metres. Simultaneous measurements were obtained on 2014 and allowed us to characterize in detail the combined effect of the local orography and wind direction on the turbulence distribution close to the ground. At the beginning of several nights, the LOLAS profiles show that turbulence peaks between 25 and 50 m above the ground, not at ground level as was expected. The G-SCIDAR profiles exhibit a peak within the first kilometre. In 55 per cent and 36 per cent of the nights stable layers are detected between 10 and 15 km and at 3 km, respectively. This distribution is consistent with the results obtained with a G-SCIDAR in 1997 and 2000 observing campaigns. Statistics computed with the 7891 profiles that have been measured at the OAN-SPM with a G-SCIDAR in 1997, 2000, 2014, and 2015 campaigns are presented. The seeing values calculated with each of those profiles have a median of 0.79, first and third quartiles of 0.51 and 1.08 arcsec, which are in close agreement with other long term seeing monitoring performed at the OAN-SPM.
Search for stellar companions of exoplanet host stars by exploring the second ESA-Gaia data release
Authors: Mugrauer M
Published: September 2019

A new survey is presented, which explores the second data release of the ESA-Gaia mission, in order to search for stellar companions of exoplanet host stars, located at distances closer than about 500 pc around the Sun. In total, 176 binaries, 27 hierarchical triples, and one hierarchical quadruple system are detected among more than 1300 exoplanet host stars, whose multiplicity is investigated, yielding a multiplicity rate of the exoplanet host stars of at least about 15  per cent. The detected companions and the exoplanet host stars are equidistant and share a common proper motion, as it is expected for gravitationally bound stellar systems, proven with their accurate Gaia astrometry. The companions exhibit masses in the range between about 0.078 and 1.4 M⊙ with a peak in their mass distribution between 0.15 and $0.3\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. The companions are separated from the exoplanet host stars by about 20 up to 9100 au, but are found most frequently within a projected separation of 1000 au. While most of the detected companions are early M dwarfs, eight white dwarf companions of exoplanet host stars are also identified in this survey, whose true nature is revealed with their photometric properties. Hence, these degenerated companions and the exoplanet host stars form evolved stellar systems with exoplanets, which have survived (physically but also dynamically) the post-main-sequence evolution of their former primary star.
The nascent wind of AGB star R doradus: evidence for a recent episode of enhanced mass loss
Authors: Nhung P T , Hoai D T , Tuan-Anh P , Darriulat P , Diep P N , Phuong N T , Thai T T
Published: September 2019

We analyse ALMA observations of the SO(JK = 65 − 54) emission of the circumstellar envelope of oxygen-rich AGB star R Dor, probing distances between 20 and 100 au from the star where the nascent wind is building up. We give evidence for a radial outflow covering very large solid angles and displaying strong inhomogeneity both in direction and radially: it contains multiple cores and has a radial dependence suggesting an episode of enhanced mass loss that occurred a century or so ago. Our analysis also confirms the presence of a previously observed rotating disc.
GWAS Atlas: a curated resource of genome-wide variant-trait associations in plants and animals
Authors: Tian Dongmei , Wang Pei , Tang Bixia , Teng Xufei , Li Cuiping , Liu Xiaonan , Zou Dong , Song Shuhui , Zhang Zhang
Published: September 2019

GWAS Atlas (https://bigd.big.ac.cn/gwas/) is a manually curated resource of genome-wide variant-trait associations for a wide range of species. Unlike existing related resources, it features comprehensive integration of a high-quality collection of 75 467 variant-trait associations for 614 traits across 7 cultivated plants (cotton, Japanese apricot, maize, rapeseed, rice, sorghum and soybean) and two domesticated animals (goat and pig), which were manually curated from 254 publications. We integrated these associations into GWAS Atlas and presented them in terms of variants, genes, traits, studies and publications. More importantly, all associations and traits were annotated and organized based on a suite of ontologies (Plant Trait Ontology, Animal Trait Ontology for Livestock, etc.). Taken together, GWAS Atlas integrates high-quality curated GWAS associations for animals and plants and provides user-friendly web interfaces for data browsing and downloading, accordingly serving as a valuable resource for genetic research of important traits and breeding application.
The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) for Discharge Planning in a Posterior Lumbar Fusion Population
Authors: Glauser Gregory , Piazza Matthew , Berger Ian , Osiemo Benjamin , McClintock Scott D , Winter Eric , Chen H Isaac , Ali Zarina S , Malhotra Neil R
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

As the use of bundled care payment models has become widespread in neurosurgery, there is a distinct need for improved preoperative predictive tools to identify patients who will not benefit from prolonged hospitalization, thus facilitating earlier discharge to rehabilitation or nursing facilities.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the use of Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) in patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion for predicting discharge disposition.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion from June 2016 to February 2017 were prospectively enrolled. RAPT scores and discharge outcomes were recorded for patients aged 50 yr or more (n = 432). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of RAPT score to predict discharge disposition. Multivariate regression was performed in a backwards stepwise logistic fashion to create a binomial model.

RESULTS

Escalating RAPT score predicts disposition to home (P < .0001). Every unit increase in RAPT score increases the chance of home disposition by 55.8% and 38.6% than rehab and skilled nursing facility, respectively. Further, RAPT score was significant in predicting length of stay (P = .0239), total surgical cost (P = .0007), and 30-d readmission (P < .0001). Amongst RAPT score subcomponents, walk, gait, and postoperative care availability were all predictive of disposition location (P < .0001) for both models. In a generalized multiple logistic regression model, the 3 top predictive factors for disposition were the RAPT score, length of stay, and age (P < .0001, P < .0001 and P = .0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative RAPT score is a highly predictive tool in lumbar fusion patients for discharge disposition.