Generating MHV super-vertices in light-cone gauge

We constructe the $\mathcal{N}=1$ SYM lagrangian in light-cone gauge using chiral superfields instead of the standard vector superfield approach and derive the MHV lagrangian. The canonical transformations of the gauge field and gaugino fields are summarised by the transformation condition of chiral superfields. We show that $\mathcal{N}=1$ MHV super-vertices can be described by a formula similar to that of the $\mathcal{N}=4$ MHV super-amplitude. In the discussions we briefly remark on how to derive Nair's formula for $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM theory directly from light-cone lagrangian.Comment: 25 pages, 7 figures, JHEP3 style; v2: references added, some typos corrected; Clarification on the condition used to remove one Grassmann variabl

Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus

The rejection of citrus fruit caused by infestations of the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), raises concerns about its management. This fact has led to the introduction of new integrated control methods in citrus orchards, including the implementation of techniques based on pheromones. Previous works described efficient mating disruption pheromone dispensers to control A. aurantii in the Mediterranean region. The main aims of the present study were to adjust the timing of dispenser applications and study the importance of controlling the early first generation of A. aurantii by testing two different application dates: before and after the first CRS male flight. The efficacy of the different mating disruption strategies was tested during 2010 in an experimental orchard and these results were confirmed during 2011 in a commercial citrus farm. Results showed that every mating disruption strategy achieved significantly lower male captures in monitoring pheromone traps compared with untreated plots, as well as mean fruit infestation reductions of about 80 %. The control of the first CRS generation is not essential for achieving a good efficacy as demonstrated in two locations with different pest pressure. The late application of MD dispensers before the second CRS male flight has proven to be effective, suggesting a new advantageous way to apply mating disruption.The authors want to thank Fernando Alfaro from Denia, Antonio Caballero, and Javier Macias from Rio Tinto Fruit S.A. (Huelva, Spain) for field support. We also thank Ecologia y Proteccion Agricola SL for the pheromone supply. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project AGL2009-10725) and Agroalimed Foundation. The translation of this paper was funded by the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain).Vacas González, S.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2015). Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus. Journal of Pest Science. 88(2):321-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-014-0623-1S321329882Avidov Z, Balshin M, Gerson U (1970) Studies on Aphytis coheni, a parasite of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii in Israel. Biocontrol 15:191–207Barzakay I, Hefetz A, Sternlicht M, Peleg BA, Gokkes M, Singer G, Geffen D, Kronenberg S (1986) Further field trials on management of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii, by mating disruption with its sex-pheromone. Phytoparasitica 14:160–161Bedford ECG (1996) Problems which we face in bringing red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), under biological control in citrus in South Africa. Proc Int Soc Citriculture 1:485–492Campos-Rivela JM, Martínez-Ferrer MT, Fibla-Queralt JM (2012) Population dynamics and seasonal trend of California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell) in citrus in Northern Spain. Span J Agric Res 10:198–208Collins PJ, Lambkin TM, Bodnaruk P (1994) Suspected resistance to methidation in Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: diaspididae) from Queensland. J Aust Entomol Soc 33:325–326Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (1999) Production of semiochemical emitters having a controlled emission speed which are based on inorganic molecular sieves. World Patent WO9944420Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (2000) Emitter of semiochemical substances supported on a sepiolite, preparation process and applications. World Patent WO0002448DeBach P (1959) New species and strains of Aphytis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitic on the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient. Ann Entomol Soc Am 52:354–362DeBach P, Argyriou L (1967) The colonization and success in Greece of some imported Aphytis spp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitic on citrus scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Biocontrol 12:325–342Desneux N, Decourtye A, Delpuech JM (2007) The sublethal effects of pesticides on beneficial arthropods. Ann Rev Entomol 52:81–106Diari Oficial de la Comunitat Valenciana (DOCV) (2008) DOCV no. 5901, 26. Resolution 27 October 2008 of Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; November 2008. http://www.docv.gva.es/datos/2008/11/26/pdf/2008_13692.pdfDomínguez-Ruiz J, Sanchis J, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2008) A new long-life trimedlure dispenser for Mediterranean fruit fly. J Econ Entomol 101:1325–1330Eliahu M, Blumberg D, Horowitz AR, Ishaaya I (2007) Effect of pyriproxyfen on developing stages and embryogenesis of California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii. Pest Manag Sci 63:743–746Furness G, Buchanan G, George R, Richardson N (1983) A history of the biological and integrated control of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii on citrus in the lower Murray Valley of Australia. Biocontrol 28:99–212Grafton-Cardwell EE, Gu P (2003) Conserving vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), in citrus: a continuing challenge as new insecticides gain registration. J Econ Entomol 96:1388–1398Grafton-Cardwell EE, Reagan CA (1995) Selective use of insecticides for control of armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley California citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:1717–1725Grafton-Cardwell EE, Vehrs SLC (1995) Monitoring for organophosphate-resistant and carbamate-resistant armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:495–504Grafton-Cardwell EE, Lee JE, Stewart JR, Olsen KD (2006) Role of two insect growth regulators in integrated pest management of citrus scales. J Econ Entomol 99:733–744Grout TG, Richards GI (1991a) Effect of buprofezin applications at different phenological times on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae). J Econ Entomol 84:1802–1805Grout TG, Richards GI (1991b) Value of pheromone traps for predicting infestations of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), limited by natural enemy activity and insecticides used to control citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). J Appl Entomol 111:20–27Grout TG, Du Toit WJ, Hofmeyr JH, Richards GI (1989) California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) phenology on citrus in South Africa. J Econ Entomol 82:793–798Hefetz A, Kronengerg S, Peleg BA, Bar-zakay I (1988) Mating disruption of the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). In: Proceeding 6th International Citrus Congress, Tel Aviv (Israel), pp 1121–1127Hernández-Penadés P, Rodríguez-Reina JM, García-Marí F (2002) Umbrales de tratamiento para cóccidos diaspídidos en cítricos. Bol San Veg Plagas 28:469–478Hothorn T, Bretz F, Westfall P (2008) Simultaneous Inference in General Parametric Models. Biometrical J 50:346–363Ioratti C, Anfora G, Tasin M, De Cristofaro A, Witzgall P, Lucchi A (2011) Chemical ecology and management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). J Econ Entomol 104:1125–1137Kehat M, Anshelevich L, Harel M, Dunkelblum E (1995) Control of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apple and pear orchards in Israel by mating disruption. Phytoparasitica 23:285–296Kennett CE, Hoffmann RW (1985) Seasonal development of the California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San Joaquin Valley citrus based on degree-day accumulation. J Econ Entomol 78:73–79Levitin E, Cohen E (1998) The involvement of acetylcholinesterase in resistance of the California red scale shape Aonidiella aurantii to organophosphorus pesticides. Entomol Exp Appl 88:115–121Lykouressis D, Perdikis D, Samartzis D, Fantinou A, Toutouzas S (2005) Management of the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by mating disruption in cotton fields. Crop Prot 24:177–183McLaren IW, Buchanan GA (1973) Parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet and A. melinus Debach of Californian red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), in relation to seasonal availability of suitable stages of the scale. Austr J Zool 21:111–117Moreno DS, Kennett CE (1985) Predictive year-end California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) orange fruit infestations based on catches of males in the San-Joaquin Valley. J Econ Entomol 78:1–9Moreno DS, Luck RF (1992) Augmentative releases of Aphytis melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) to suppress California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in southern California lemon orchards. J Econ Entomol 85:1112–1119Pekas A, Aguilar A, Tena A, García-Marí F (2010) Influence of host size on parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali and A. melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Mediterranean populations of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Biol Control 55:132–140Rill S, Grafton-Cardwell EE, Morse JG (2007) Effects of pyriproxyfen on California red scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) development and reproduction. J Econ Entomol 100:1435–1443Rodrigo E, Troncho P, García-Marí F (1996) Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of three scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in a citrus grove in Valencia, Spain. Entomophaga 41:77–94Roelofs WL, Gieselmann MJ, Cardé AM, Tashiro H, Moreno DS, Henrick CA, Anderson RJ (1977) Sex-pheromone of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. Nature 26:698–699Rongai D, Cerato C, Lazzeri L, Palmieri S, Patalano G (2008) Vegetable oil formulation as biopesticide to control California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell). J Pest Sci 81:179–185Sorribas JJ, Rodríguez R, Rodrigo E, García-Marí F (2008) Niveles de parasitismo y especies de parasitoides del piojo rojo de california Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) en cítricos de la Comunidad Valenciana. Bol San Veg Plagas 34:201–210Sorribas J, van Baaren J, Garcia-Marí F (2012) Effects of climate on the introduction, distribution and biotic potential of parasitoids: applications to biological control of California red scale. Biol Control 62:103–112Staten RT, Flint HM, Weddle RC, Quintero E, Zarate RE, Finell CM, Hernandes M, Yamamoto A (1987) Pink bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): large-scale field trials with a high-rate gossyplure formulation. J Econ Entomol 80:1267–1271Tashiro H, Chambers DL (1967) Reproduction in the California Red Scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). I. Discovery and extraction of a female sex pheromone. Ann Entomol Soc Am 60:1166–1170Tena A, Llácer E, Urbaneja A (2013) Biological control of a non-honeydew producer mediated by a distinct hierarchy of honeydew quality. Biol Control 67:117–122University of California (1991) Integrated pest management for citrus. University of California, BerkeleyVacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2009) The first account of the mating disruption technique for the control of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using new biodegradable dispensers. Bull Entomol Res 99:415–423Vacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2010) Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers. Pest Manag Sci 66:745–751Vacas S, Vanaclocha P, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A, Navarro-Llopis V (2011) Mating disruption for the control of Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) may contribute to increased effectiveness of natural enemies. Pest Manag Sci 68:142–148Vanaclocha P, Vacas S, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Navarro-Llopis V, Urbaneja A (2012) Life history parameters and scale-cover surface area of Aonidiella aurantii are altered in a mating disruption environment: implications for biological control. Pest Manag Sci 68:1092–1097Vanaclocha P, Vidal-Quist C, Oheix S, Montón H, Planes L, Catalán J, Tena A, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A (2013) Acute toxicity in laboratory tests of fresh and aged residues of pesticides used in citrus on the parasitoid Aphytis melinus. J Pest Sci 86:329–336Yarom I, Blumberg D, Ishaaya I (1988) Effects of buprofezin on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) and Mediterranean black scale (Homoptera: Coccidae). J Econ Entomol 81:1581–1585Yust HR, Nelson HD, Busbey RL (1943) Comparative susceptibility of two strains of California red scale to HCN, with special reference to the inheritance of resistance. J Econ Entomol 36:744–74

Human recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo) has no effect on tumour growth or angiogenesis

Tumour hypoxia has been shown to increase mutation rate, angiogenesis, and metastatic potential, and decrease response to conventional therapeutics. Improved tumour oxygenation should translate into increased treatment response. Exogenous recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo) has been recently shown to increase tumour oxygenation in a mammary carcinoma model. The mechanism of this action is not yet understood completely. The presence of Epo and its receptor (EpoR) have been demonstrated on several normal and neoplastic tissues, including blood vessels and various solid tumours. In addition, rEpo has been shown in two recent prospective, randomized clinical trials to negatively impact treatment outcome. In this study, we attempt to characterize the direct effects of rEpo on tumour growth and angiogenesis in two separate rodent carcinomas. The effect of rEpo on R3230 rat mammary adenocarcinomas, CT-26 mouse colon carcinomas, HCT-116 human colon carcinomas, and FaDu human head and neck tumours, all of which express EpoR, was examined. There were no differences in tumour growth or proliferation (measured by Ki-67) between placebo-treated and rEpo-treated tumours. In the mammary window chamber, vascular length density (VLD) measurements in serial images of both placebo-treated and Epo-treated rats revealed no difference in angiogenesis between the Epo-treated tumours and placebo-treated tumours at any time point. These experiments are important because they suggest that the recent clinical detriment seen with the use of Epo is not due to its tumour growth effects or angiogenesis. These studies also suggest that further preclinical studies need to examine rEpo's direct tumour effects in efforts to improve the therapeutic benefits of Epo in solid tumour patients

Exhaustive exercise training enhances aerobic capacity in American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

The oxygen transport system in mammals is extensively remodelled in response to repeated bouts of activity, but many reptiles appear to be ‘metabolically inflexible’ in response to exercise training. A recent report showed that estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) increase their maximum metabolic rate in response to exhaustive treadmill training, and in the present study, we confirm this response in another crocodilian, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). We further specify the nature of the crocodilian training response by analysing effects of training on aerobic [citrate synthase (CS)] and anaerobic [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] enzyme activities in selected skeletal muscles, ventricular and skeletal muscle masses and haematocrit. Compared to sedentary control animals, alligators regularly trained for 15 months on a treadmill (run group) or in a flume (swim group) exhibited peak oxygen consumption rates higher by 27 and 16%, respectively. Run and swim exercise training significantly increased ventricular mass (~11%) and haematocrit (~11%), but not the mass of skeletal muscles. However, exercise training did not alter CS or LDH activities of skeletal muscles. Similar to mammals, alligators respond to exercise training by increasing convective oxygen transport mechanisms, specifically heart size (potentially greater stroke volume) and haematocrit (increased oxygen carrying-capacity of the blood). Unlike mammals, but similar to squamate reptiles, alligators do not also increase citrate synthase activity of the skeletal muscles in response to exercise

Digital Gene Expression Profiling by 5′-End Sequencing of cDNAs during Reprogramming in the Moss Physcomitrella patens

Stem cells self-renew and repeatedly produce differentiated cells during development and growth. The differentiated cells can be converted into stem cells in some metazoans and land plants with appropriate treatments. After leaves of the moss Physcomitrella patens are excised, leaf cells reenter the cell cycle and commence tip growth, which is characteristic of stem cells called chloronema apical cells. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, a digital gene expression profiling method using mRNA 5′-end tags (5′-DGE) was established. The 5′-DGE method produced reproducible data with a dynamic range of four orders that correlated well with qRT-PCR measurements. After the excision of leaves, the expression levels of 11% of the transcripts changed significantly within 6 h. Genes involved in stress responses and proteolysis were induced and those involved in metabolism, including photosynthesis, were reduced. The later processes of reprogramming involved photosynthesis recovery and higher macromolecule biosynthesis, including of RNA and proteins. Auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways, which are activated during stem cell formation via callus in flowering plants, are also activated during reprogramming in P. patens, although no exogenous phytohormone is applied in the moss system, suggesting that an intrinsic phytohormone regulatory system may be used in the moss

Lifestyle impact and the biology of the human scrotum

The possession of a scrotum to contain the male gonads is a characteristic feature of almost all mammals, and appears to have evolved to allow the testes and epididymis to be exposed to a temperature a few degrees below that of core body temperature. Analysis of cryptorchid patients, and those with varicocele suggest that mild scrotal warming can be detrimental to sperm production, partly by effects on the stem cell population, and partly by effects on later stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Recent studies on the effects of clothing and lifestyle emphasize that these can also lead to chronically elevated scrotal temperatures. In particular, the wearing of nappies by infants is a cause for concern in this regard. Together all of the evidence indirectly supports the view that lifestyle factors in addition to other genetic and environmental influences could be contributing to the secular trend in declining male reproductive parameters. The challenge will be to provide relevant and targeted experimental results to support or refute the currently circumstantial evidence.Richard Ivel

Investigation of hospital discharge cases and SARS-CoV-2 introduction into Lothian care homes

Background The first epidemic wave of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Scotland resulted in high case numbers and mortality in care homes. In Lothian, over one-third of care homes reported an outbreak, while there was limited testing of hospital patients discharged to care homes. Aim To investigate patients discharged from hospitals as a source of SARS-CoV-2 introduction into care homes during the first epidemic wave. Methods A clinical review was performed for all patients discharges from hospitals to care homes from 1st March 2020 to 31st May 2020. Episodes were ruled out based on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test history, clinical assessment at discharge, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and an infectious period of 14 days. Clinical samples were processed for WGS, and consensus genomes generated were used for analysis using Cluster Investigation and Virus Epidemiological Tool software. Patient timelines were obtained using electronic hospital records. Findings In total, 787 patients discharged from hospitals to care homes were identified. Of these, 776 (99%) were ruled out for subsequent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into care homes. However, for 10 episodes, the results were inconclusive as there was low genomic diversity in consensus genomes or no sequencing data were available. Only one discharge episode had a genomic, time and location link to positive cases during hospital admission, leading to 10 positive cases in their care home. Conclusion The majority of patients discharged from hospitals were ruled out for introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into care homes, highlighting the importance of screening all new admissions when faced with a novel emerging virus and no available vaccine