Global patterns in genomic diversity underpinning the evolution of insecticide resistance in the aphid crop pest Myzus persicae

Abstract: The aphid Myzus persicae is a destructive agricultural pest that displays an exceptional ability to develop resistance to both natural and synthetic insecticides. To investigate the evolution of resistance in this species we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly and living panel of >110 fully sequenced globally sampled clonal lines. Our analyses reveal a remarkable diversity of resistance mutations segregating in global populations of M. persicae. We show that the emergence and spread of these mechanisms is influenced by host–plant associations, uncovering the widespread co‐option of a host-plant adaptation that also offers resistance against synthetic insecticides. We identify both the repeated evolution of independent resistance mutations at the same locus, and multiple instances of the evolution of novel resistance mechanisms against key insecticides. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the genomic responses of global insect populations to strong selective forces, and hold practical relevance for the control of pests and parasites.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Modelling the reliability of distribution line structures

Distribution and sub-transmission line structures invariably makes use of deterministic design criteria. The reasons are basically ease of application. It is argued that the method can be wasteful of resources and will not always meet the contingencies of the environment. This paper looks at the use of probabilistic methods utilising extreme value theory. The approach is to combine deterministic partial factors (where data is not available) with the probabilistic assessment of wind loads and structure degradation over a design life. The methodology utilises a iterative technique to model the pole strength - load parameters and define the limits of risk. A sensitivity analysis in the form of a case study is presented which compares the two methodologies

A modified prony algorithm for estimating sinusoidal frequencies

We investigate the modified Prony algorithm of Osborne and Smyth (1991, 1993) applied to the estimation of the frequency of oscillation of a sinusoidal signal with added white noise. and compare it with the algorithms usually associated with the names of Prony and Pisarenko. We show that the Pisarenko algorithm returns O(N-1/2) consistent estimates and that the modified Prnoy algorithm returns the least squares estimates which are O(N-3/2) consistent. The transfer function parameter estimates that are retured by these algorithms converge to the true values at the same rate as the frequency estimates in each case. A concise expression for the asymptotic covariance matrix of these estimates is given in thesimplest case. Small sample properties, starting values and the importance of correctly specifying the number of sinusoids, are investigated in a simulation study

Plural imagination: diversity in mind and making

This is the author accepted manuscriptThe experience of visual mental imagery—seeing in the mind’s eye—varies widely between individuals, but perhaps because we tend to assume our own way of thinking to be everyone’s, how this crucial variation impacts art practice, and indeed art history, has barely been addressed. We seek to correct this omission by pursuing the implications of how artists with aphantasia (the absence of mental imagery) and hyperphantasia (imagery of extreme vividness) describe their working processes. The findings remind us of the need to challenge normative, universalizing models of art making and art maker.Arts and Humanities Research Counci