New CP-violation and preferred-frame tests with polarized electrons

We used a torsion pendulum containing $\sim 9 \times 10^{22}$ polarized electrons to search for CP-violating interactions between the pendulum's electrons and unpolarized matter in the laboratory's surroundings or the sun, and to test for preferred-frame effects that would precess the electrons about a direction fixed in inertial space. We find $|g_{\rm P}^e g_{\rm S}^N|/(\hbar c)< 1.7 \times 10^{-36}$ and $|g_{\rm A}^e g_{\rm V}^N|/(\hbar c) < 4.8 \times 10^{-56}$ for $\lambda > 1$AU. Our preferred-frame constraints, interpreted in the Kosteleck\'y framework, set an upper limit on the parameter $|\bm{\tilde {b}}^e| \leq 5.0 \times 10^{-21}$ eV that should be compared to the benchmark value $m_e^2/M_{\rm Planck}= 2 \times 10^{-17}$ eV.Comment: 4 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter

Timing the tides: Genetic control of diurnal and lunar emergence times is correlated in the marine midge Clunio marinus

Background The intertidal zone of seacoasts, being affected by the superimposed tidal, diurnal and lunar cycles, is temporally the most complex environment on earth. Many marine organisms exhibit lunar rhythms in reproductive behaviour and some show experimental evidence of endogenous control by a circalunar clock, the molecular and genetic basis of which is unexplored. We examined the genetic control of lunar and diurnal rhythmicity in the marine midge Clunio marinus (Chironomidae, Diptera), a species for which the correct timing of adult emergence is critical in natural populations. Results We crossed two strains of Clunio marinus that differ in the timing of the diurnal and lunar rhythms of emergence. The phenotype distribution of the segregating backcross progeny indicates polygenic control of the lunar emergence rhythm. Diurnal timing of emergence is also under genetic control, and is influenced by two unlinked genes with major effects. Furthermore, the lunar and diurnal timing of emergence is correlated in the backcross generation. We show that both the lunar emergence time and its correlation to the diurnal emergence time are adaptive for the species in its natural environment. Conclusions The correlation implies that the unlinked genes affecting lunar timing and the two unlinked genes affecting diurnal timing could be the same, providing an unexpectedly close interaction of the two clocks. Alternatively, the genes could be genetically linked in a two-by-two fashion, suggesting that evolution has shaped the genetic architecture to stabilize adaptive combinations of lunar and diurnal emergence times by tightening linkage. Our results, the first on genetic control of lunar rhythms, offer a new perspective to explore their molecular clockwork

Tests of the Gravitational Inverse-Square Law below the Dark-Energy Length Scale

We conducted three torsion-balance experiments to test the gravitational inverse-square law at separations between 9.53 mm and 55 micrometers, probing distances less than the dark-energy length scale $\lambda_{\rm d}=\sqrt[4]{\hbar c/\rho_{\rm d}}\approx 85 \mu$m. We find with 95% confidence that the inverse-square law holds ($|\alpha| \leq 1$) down to a length scale $\lambda = 56 \mu$m and that an extra dimension must have a size $R \leq 44 \mu$m.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

Thermodynamic graph-rewriting

We develop a new thermodynamic approach to stochastic graph-rewriting. The ingredients are a finite set of reversible graph-rewriting rules called generating rules, a finite set of connected graphs P called energy patterns and an energy cost function. The idea is that the generators define the qualitative dynamics, by showing which transformations are possible, while the energy patterns and cost function specify the long-term probability $\pi$ of any reachable graph. Given the generators and energy patterns, we construct a finite set of rules which (i) has the same qualitative transition system as the generators; and (ii) when equipped with suitable rates, defines a continuous-time Markov chain of which $\pi$ is the unique fixed point. The construction relies on the use of site graphs and a technique of `growth policy' for quantitative rule refinement which is of independent interest. This division of labour between the qualitative and long-term quantitative aspects of the dynamics leads to intuitive and concise descriptions for realistic models (see the examples in S4 and S5). It also guarantees thermodynamical consistency (AKA detailed balance), otherwise known to be undecidable, which is important for some applications. Finally, it leads to parsimonious parameterizations of models, again an important point in some applications

Leveraging Semantic Web Service Descriptions for Validation by Automated Functional Testing

Recent years have seen the utilisation of Semantic Web Service descriptions for automating a wide range of service-related activities, with a primary focus on service discovery, composition, execution and mediation. An important area which so far has received less attention is service validation, whereby advertised services are proven to conform to required behavioural specifications. This paper proposes a method for validation of service-oriented systems through automated functional testing. The method leverages ontology-based and rule-based descriptions of service inputs, outputs, preconditions and effects (IOPE) for constructing a stateful EFSM specification. The specification is subsequently utilised for functional testing and validation using the proven Stream X-machine (SXM) testing methodology. Complete functional test sets are generated automatically at an abstract level and are then applied to concrete Web services, using test drivers created from the Web service descriptions. The testing method comes with completeness guarantees and provides a strong method for validating the behaviour of Web services

Evolution of reproductive isolation of spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm, is a noctuid moth occurring in North and South America. In this species, two host strains have been identified in the late 1980s (Pashley et al. 1985; Pashley 1986), a so-called corn-strain and a so-called rice-strain. The two strains differ in mitochondrial DNA sequences in the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase 1(ND1) genes. There are also strain-specific amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), restriction length fragment polymorphisms (RFLP), a so-called Frugiperda Rice (FR) repetitive nuclear DNA sequence, present in high copy number in the rice-strain and mostly lower copy number in the corn-strain and nucleotide polymorphisms within the triose phosphate isomerase gene (Tpi). Recently, sex pheromone differences have been found between populations of the two strains. However, these differences were not consistent between the studies, suggesting that geographic variation may be confounded with strain-specific variation, or that pheromones may vary within strains as well. The relative importance of the pheromone differences between the two strains still needs to be established, i.e. are males of the two strains differentially attracted to the different pheromone blends. Since other physiological, developmental, and behavioral differences have been found between the strains, in this overview we integrate strain-specific variation in sexual communication with other possible pre- and postmating barriers that are likely involved in the differentiation between the two strains.Fil: Groot, Astrid T.. University of Amsterdam; Países BajosFil: Unbehend, Melanie. Instituto Max Planck Institut für Chemische Okologie; AlemaniaFil: Hänniger, Sabine. Instituto Max Planck Institut für Chemische Okologie; AlemaniaFil: Juárez, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Tucumán. Unidad Ejecutora Lillo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Tucumán. Unidad Ejecutora Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Kost, Silvia. Instituto Max Planck Institut für Chemische Okologie; AlemaniaFil: Heckel, David G.. Instituto Max Planck Institut für Chemische Okologie; Alemani

Development of a LAMP-based molecular species diagnosis method for four major agricultural pests in the genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Four major Spodoptera pests, S. exigua, S. frugiperda, S. litura, and S. littoralis, are widely distributed polyphagous pests affecting various crops. Despite different distribution areas, these four species cause serious damage to agriculture worldwide. As these species are morphologically similar at the larval stage, diagnostic methods have been developed and utilized for their identification. Here, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid and effective species diagnosis, along with PCR, to identify Korean field-collected or overseas samples. The optimal conditions for the LAMP assay were 61 °C for 60 min with four LAMP primers. Additional loop primers increased the amplification efficiency in S. exigua, whereas increased non-specific amplification was found in other species. A broad range of DNA concentrations was observed in the LAMP assay, and the minimum detectable DNA concentration was 1 pg. The DNA release method for LAMP involved incubation of larval or adult tissue samples for 5 min at 95 °C, without a DNA extraction step. Considering the gradual diversification invasive pest incidence, this simple and accurate LAMP assay can be used for intensive field monitoring of invasive pests and integrated management of these species. ABSTRACT: Molecular-based species identification tools are helpful to identify tiny insect and lepidopteran pests that show morphological similarities in the larval stage and are essential for quarantine as well as agricultural research. Here, we focused on four major Spodoptera pests: S. exigua, S. frugiperda, S. litura, and S. littoralis. S. exigua and S. litura mitochondrial genome sequences were newly identified and species-specific sequence regions were identified in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and III regions. Species primers were designed and applied in loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and PCR to identify Korean field-collected or overseas samples. The optimal incubation conditions for LAMP were 61 °C for 60 min with four LAMP primers. Additional loop primers increased the amplification efficiency for S. exigua, and the nonspecific amplification for other species. The LAMP assay could detect a wide range of DNA concentrations, with the range 1 ng–1 pg in dependence of four LAMP primers. The DNA-releasing technique, without DNA extraction, in the LAMP assay involved larval or adult tissue sample incubation at 95 °C for 5 min. The entire process takes approximately 70 min. This new molecular diagnostic method is simple and accurate, with application in the field and laboratory and for monitoring and ecological studies

8-HQA adjusts the number and diversity of bacteria in the gut microbiome of Spodoptera littoralis

Quinolinic carboxylic acids are known for their metal ion chelating properties in insects, plants and bacteria. The larval stages of the lepidopteran pest, Spodoptera littoralis, produce 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid (8-HQA) in high concentrations from tryptophan in the diet. At the same time, the larval midgut is known to harbor a bacterial population. The motivation behind the work was to investigate whether 8-HQA is controlling the bacterial community in the gut by regulating the concentration of metal ions. Knocking out the gene for kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) in the insect using CRISPR/Cas9 eliminated production of 8-HQA and significantly increased bacterial numbers and diversity in the larval midgut. Adding 8-HQA to the diet of knockout larvae caused a dose-dependent reduction of bacterial numbers with minimal effects on diversity. Enterococcus mundtii dominates the community in all treatments, probably due to its highly efficient iron uptake system and production of the colicin, mundticin. Thus host factors and bacterial properties interact to determine patterns of diversity and abundance in the insect midgut