Hessian fly associated microbes: dynamics, transmission and essentiality

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of EntomologyMing-Shun ChenJohn C. ReeseKeeping in view the important roles of bacteria in almost every aspect of insect’s life, the current study is the first systemic and intensive work on microbes associated with Hessian fly, a serious pest of wheat crop. A whole body analysis of Hessian fly larvae, pupae, or adults suggested that a remarkable diversity of bacteria is associated with different stages of the insect life cycle. The overriding detection of genera Acinetobacter and Enterobacter throughout the life cycle of Hessian fly suggested a stable and intimate relationship with the insect host. Adult Hessian flies have the most dissimilar bacterial composition from other stages with Bacillus as the most dominant genus. Analysis of 5778 high quality sequence reads obtained from larval gut estimated 187, 142, and 262 operational taxonomic units at 3% distance level from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar respectively. Pseudomonas was the most dominant genus found in the gut of all three instars. The 3rd instar larval gut had the most diverse bacterial composition including genera Stenotrophomonas, Pantoea, Enterobacter, Ensifer, and Achromobacter. The transovarial transmission of major bacterial groups provided evidence of their intimate relationship with the Hessian fly. The Hessian fly is known to manipulate wheat plants to its own advantage. This study demonstrated that the combination of a decrease in carbon compounds and an increase in nitrogen compounds in the feeding tissues of Hessian fly-infested plants results in a C/N ratio of 17:1, nearly 2.5 times less than the C/N ratio (42:1) observed in control plants. We propose that bacteria associated with Hessian fly perform nitrogen fixation in the infested wheat, which was responsible for shifting the C/N ratio. The following findings made in the current study i.e. the presence of bacteria encoding nitrogenase (nifH) genes both in Hessian fly and infested wheat, exclusive expression of nifH in infested wheat, presence of diverse bacteria (including the nitrogen fixing genera) in the Hessian fly larvae, presence of similar bacterial microbiota in Hessian fly larvae and at the feeding site tissues in the infested wheat, and reduction in survival of Hessian fly larvae due to loss of bacteria are consistent with this hypothesis. The reduction in Hessian fly longevity after the loss of Alphaproteobacteria in first instar larvae, highest proportion of Alphaproteobacteria in insects surviving after the antibiotic treatments and the nitrogen fixation ability of associated Alphaproteobacteria strongly implies that Alphaproteobacteria are critical for the survival of Hessian fly larvae. This study provides a foundation for future studies to elucidate the role of associated microbes on Hessian fly virulence and biology. A better understanding of Hessian fly-microbe interactions may lead to new strategies to control this pest

RNA-Seq reveals a xenobiotic stress response in the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, when fed aphid-resistant soybean

Partial funding for Open Access provided by The Ohio State University Open Access Fund.Background: While much recent research has expanded our understanding of the molecular interactions between aphids and their host plants, it is lacking for the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Since its North American invasion, A. glycines has become one of the most damaging insect pests on this important crop. Five soybean genes for host plant resistance to A. glycines have been identified, but populations of A. glycines have already adapted to overcome these resistance genes. Understanding the molecular interactions between resistant soybean and A. glycines can provide clues to its adaptation mechanisms. Here, we used RNA-Sequencing to compare and contrast A. glycines gene expression when fed resistant (Rag1) and susceptible soybean. Results: Combining results from a previous A. glycines transcriptome, we generated 64,860 high quality transcripts, totaling 41,151,086 bases. Statistical analysis revealed 914 genes with significant differential expression. Most genes with higher expression in A. glycines on resistant plants (N = 352) were related to stress and detoxification such as cytochrome P450s, glutathione-S-transferases, carboxyesterases, and ABC transporters. A total of 562 genes showed lower transcript abundance in A. glycines on resistant plants. From our extensive transcriptome data, we also identified genes encoding for putative salivary effector proteins (N = 73). Among these, 6 effector genes have lower transcript abundance in A. glycines feeding on resistant soybean. Conclusions: Overall, A. glycines exhibited a pattern typical of xenobiotic challenge, thereby validating antibiosis in Rag1, presumably mediated through toxic secondary metabolites. Additionally, this study identified many A. glycines genes and gene families at the forefront of its molecular interaction with soybean. Further investigation of these genes in other biotypes may reveal adaptation mechanisms to resistant plants

Panel Discussion: CIO Panel on Ethical Framework for AI & Big Data

This panel discussion will bring academia, business and government perspectives on the need for an ethical framework that governs core values and principles for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in enterprises. As AI becomes more embedded in enterprise decision making, safeguards need to be in place to periodically ensure that these so-called black box algorithms adhere to the core values of an enterprise. Business leaders have the challenge to be trustworthy in the age of artificial intelligence. They need a new ethical framework that redefines how they use AI in their products and services and innovate safely and confidentiality. This framework will address important ethical issues around fairness, privacy, accountability, interpretability, confirmation bias, and transparency. It will help business leaders in striking a balance between protecting their enterprise IP vs. transparency. There are plenty of examples of unfairness perpetrated by unchecked usage of AI in enterprises – both commercial and government, which Cathy O’ Niel terms as Weapons of Math Destruction (Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’ Niel, Broadway Books, ISBN: 978-0553418835) and Virginia Eubanks equates with Automating Inequality (Automating Inequality by Virginia Eubanks, St. Martin’s Press, ISBN: 978-1250074317). Following are the questions that the panel will try to discuss: a. how do we ensure that the AI models use only those proxy variables that accurately and objectively measure the underlying predictor variables; b. How do we ensure that the data the AI models use to test and train themselves are a true representative of the entire population those models are going to affect; c. How do we ensure that the AI models are set to minimize false positives and false negatives in such a way that the innocent and qualified may not be treated adversely; d. How do we ensure that are algorithms are not second-guessing the very same variables which our institutions and organizations are legally barred Balakrishnan et al. CIO Panel on Ethical Framework for Big Data Proceedings of the Fourteenth Midwest Association for Information Systems Conference, Oshkosh, Wisconsin May 21-22, 2019 2 from using explicitly in decision making; e. How do we ensure that we, as owners and renters of these algorithms, are providing transparent and objective feedback to all stakeholders on how these models function. Then we other issues about the deployment of these systems – a. how can we ensure that the data will not be used for any other purpose not intended or stated during data collection; and b. How do we ensure that these AI models are delivered with a “user manual” on how to feed the data, how to flag inaccurate and missing data, how to interpret the outcomes, when to use and when not to use these models. And above all, how do we ensure that we not only have a sound ethical framework but more importantly how to ensure that the framework is religiously followed, and timely reviewed for its relevance and effectiveness. The unchecked deployment of algorithms in consumerization of insights actioned from AI and Big Data is increasing efficiency at one hand but is also magnifying the inaccuracies and unfairness that existed before these systems were designed and implemented. It is important to analyze how these algorithms exaggerate human biases pertaining to motivated reasoning and confirmation biases among others. An ethical framework is needed to check these algorithms since unfairness is something that no business, institution or society can afford to have

Panel on Privacy in the Hyperconnected Digital Age

This panel is organized to discuss what is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emerging privacy issues thrust upon by modern technologies, such as AI, and the data collection and usage practices of the companies and the government. The panel will explore possible solutions to ensure that these technologies\u27 benefits outweigh their disadvantages. The panel will be held virtually

Left and right ventricle assessment with Cardiac CT: validation study vs. Cardiac MR

Objectives To compare Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT) for the assessment of left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular functional parameters. Methods Seventy nine patients underwent both Cardiac CT and Cardiac MR. Images were acquired using short axis (SAX) reconstructions for CT and 2D cine b-SSFP (balanced- steady state free precession) SAX sequence for MR, and evaluated using dedicated software. Results CT and MR images showed good agreement: LV EF (Ejection Fraction) (52±14% for CT vs. 52±14% for MR; r0 0.73; p>0.05); RV EF (47±12% for CT vs. 47±12% for MR; r00.74; p>0.05); LV EDV (End Diastolic Volume) (74± 21 ml/m 2 for CT vs. 76±25 ml/m 2 for MR; r00.59; p>0.05); RV EDV (84±25 ml/m 2 for CT vs. 80±23 ml/m 2 for MR; r0 0.58; p>0.05); LV ESV (End Systolic Volume)(37±19 ml/m 2 for CT vs. 38±23 ml/m 2 for MR; r00.76; p>0.05); RV ESV (46±21 ml/m 2 for CT vs. 43±18 ml/m 2 for MR; r00.70; p>0.05). Intra- and inter-observer variability were good, and the performance of CT was maintained for different EF subgroups. Conclusions Cardiac CT provides accurate and reproducible LVand RV volume parameters compared with MR, and can be considered as a reliable alternative for patients who are not suitable to undergo MR. Key Points • Cardiac-CT is able to provide Left and Right Ventricular function. • Cardiac-CT is accurate as MR for LV and RV volume assessment. • Cardiac-CT can provide accurate evaluation of coronary arteries and LV and RV function

Deep phenotyping and genomic data from a nationally representative study on dementia in India

The Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD) is a nationally representative in-depth study of cognitive aging and dementia. We present a publicly available dataset of harmonized cognitive measures of 4,096 adults 60 years of age and older in India, collected across 18 states and union territories. Blood samples were obtained to carry out whole blood and serum-based assays. Results are included in a venous blood specimen datafile that can be linked to the Harmonized LASI-DAD dataset. A global screening array of 960 LASI-DAD respondents is also publicly available for download, in addition to neuroimaging data on 137 LASI-DAD participants. Altogether, these datasets provide comprehensive information on older adults in India that allow researchers to further understand risk factors associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.Peer reviewe

Small molecule inhibitors of Aβ-aggregation and neurotoxicity

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by extracellular amyloid deposits composed of Aβ peptide, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) made up of hyperphosphorylated tau, and a deficit of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. Presently, only symptomatic therapies are available for the treatment of AD and these therapies have a limited time frame of utility. Amyloid disorders represent the effects of chronic Aβ production and are not a secondary pathological effect caused by a distant trigger; therefore targeting Aβ is a viable pursuit. In this review, we will discuss the various small molecule anti-aggregation inhibitors that have been reported in the literature, with emphasis on compounds that are presently being investigated in clinical trials

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), genome: putative underpinnings of polyphagy, insecticide resistance potential and biology of a top worldwide pest

Background Halyomorpha halys (Stål), the brown marmorated stink bug, is a highly invasive insect species due in part to its exceptionally high levels of polyphagy. This species is also a nuisance due to overwintering in human-made structures. It has caused significant agricultural losses in recent years along the Atlantic seaboard of North America and in continental Europe. Genomic resources will assist with determining the molecular basis for this species’ feeding and habitat traits, defining potential targets for pest management strategies. Results Analysis of the 1.15-Gb draft genome assembly has identified a wide variety of genetic elements underpinning the biological characteristics of this formidable pest species, encompassing the roles of sensory functions, digestion, immunity, detoxification and development, all of which likely support H. halys’ capacity for invasiveness. Many of the genes identified herein have potential for biomolecular pesticide applications. Conclusions Availability of the H. halys genome sequence will be useful for the development of environmentally friendly biomolecular pesticides to be applied in concert with more traditional, synthetic chemical-based controls

Global Oral Health Policies and Guidelines: Using Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries Control

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was developed in Japan in the 1960s. It is a clear solution containing silver and fluoride ions. Because of its anti-bacterial and remineralizing effect, silver diamine fluoride has been used in managing dental caries for decades worldwide. This paper aims to summarize and discuss the global policies, guidelines, and relevant information on utilizing SDF for caries management. SDF can be used for treating dental caries in most countries. However, it is not permitted to be used in mainland China. Several manufacturers, mainly in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States, produce SDF at different concentrations that are commercially available around the world. The prices differ between contents and brands. Different government organizations and dental associations have developed guidelines for clinical use of SDF. Dental professionals can refer to the specific guidelines in their own countries or territories. Training for using SDF is part of undergraduate and/or postgraduate curriculums in almost all countries. However, real utilization of SDF of dentists, especially in the private sector, remains unclear in most places because little research has been conducted. There are at least two ongoing regional-wide large-scale oral health programs, using SDF as one of the components to manage dental caries in young children (one in Hong Kong and one in Mongolia). Because SDF treatment does not require caries removal, and it is simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive, SDF is a valuable strategy for caries management in young children, elderly people, and patients with special needs. In addition, to reduce the risk of bacteria or virus transmission in dental settings, using SDF as a non-aerosol producing procedure should be emphasized under the COVID-19 outbreak.</p