bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of crop residue management on damage by Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), its egg parasitoids and the ants associated with sugarcane
Authors: Pérez María L. del P. , Isas Marcos G. , Goebel Francois R. , Ayup Ma. Marta , Padilla Agustín E. , Salvatore Analía R. , Gastaminza Gerardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the American continent, the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (F.) is the main pest in sugarcane producing areas. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of crop residue management on damage by D. saccharalis, its egg parasitoids and the ants associated with sugarcane. The study was carried out during 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 crop cycles, in three commercial fields located in different regions of Tucumán state, Argentina. Two types of crop residue management (= treatments) were compared: conservation of trash at the soil surface (CT) and trash burning (TB). In ‘trash conservation’ treatment, crop residue was allowed to remain over the soil surface during the whole sugarcane growing season, while the second treatment consisted of complete burning of trash blanket approximately 2 weeks after harvest. The injury level was measured by recording the number of stalks bored and internodes bored. Parasitism was estimated by counting the total number of eggs and number of black eggs (which indicates the occurrence of egg parasitoids). Ants (Formicidae) richness was calculated by two estimators; abundance-based coverage estimator and incidence-based coverage estimator, using the non-parametric richness estimators: Chao 2 and Jackknife. Finally, the indicator value was estimated through the measurement of specificity and fidelity. In all the parameters studied no significant difference was found between TB and CT treatments.
Pest status, bio-ecology and management of the false codling moth,Thaumatotibia leucotreta(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its implication for international trade
Authors: Adom M. , Fening K. O. , Billah M. K. , Wilson D. D. , Hevi W. , Clottey V. A. , Ansah-Amprofi F. , Bruce A. Y. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe false codling moth (FCM),Thaumatotibia leucotreta(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an insect pest which represents an important threat to the production and marketing of a wide range of agricultural crops in the African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries. The FCM reduces not only the yield and quality of the crop but also as a quarantine insect pest, restricts the trade of susceptible agricultural produce on the international market. In addition, little research has been conducted in the ACP countries on the bio-ecology and sustainable management of this pest, especially on vegetables for export. Thus, action-oriented research aimed at understanding the bio-ecology of this important pest is essential to achieve effective management. Various management interventions against this pest have been used in some parts of the world, especially in South Africa on citrus. Currently, farm sanitation is regarded as the key management strategy. Exploring and improving on other interventions such as Sterile Insect Technique, monitoring and mass trapping of male moths, augmentative biological control, use of bio-pesticides, protected cultivation and cold treatment may help to mitigate the expansion of FCM into other countries, especially in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization region where it has become a regulated insect pest since 2014. This review discussed the bio-ecology of FCM and highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities for its effective management and its implication for international trade, especially the export of chillies from the ACP countries into the European Union market which requires strict phytosanitary regulations.
Molecular evidence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in equines and ticks in Nigeria: prevalence and risk factors analysis
Authors: Onyiche ThankGod E. , Taioe Moeti O. , Ogo Ndudim I. , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Biu Abdullahi A. , Mbaya Albert W. , Xuan Xuenan , Yokoyama Naoaki , Thekisoe Oriel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBabesia caballi and Theileria equi are biological agents responsible for equine piroplasmosis (EP). We conducted a robust and extensive epidemiological study in Nigeria on the prevalence and risk factors of EP. Blood (468, both horses and donkeys) and ticks (201 pools) were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA of equine piroplasms was observed in tick pools with B. caballi amplified in Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi only [minimum infection rate (MIR) of 7.6%] while T. equi was observed in R. e. evertsi (MIR, 61.6%), Hyalomma dromedarii (MIR, 23.7%) and H. truncatum (MIR, 50.0%). Overall results showed that 196/468 (41.9%) animals were positive for equine piroplasms (both B. caballi and T. equi). The prevalence for T. equi was 189/468 (40.4%) compared to 7/468 (1.5%) for B. caballi. In the horses and donkeys, respectively, the prevalence for T. equi was (39.9%; 112/281) and (41.2%; 77/187) compared with (1.4%; 4/281) and (1.6%; 3/187) due to B. caballi. Our analysis showed that location (Jigawa state), Talon breed, horses used for work and reproduction, unsatisfactory husbandry practices, contact with other mammals are risk factors that associated positivity to T. equi infection in horses, whilst horses kept on intensive management appeared to be less prone to infection. On the other hand, Jangora breed of donkeys and location (Jigawa state) are risk factors to infection with T. equi in donkeys. Findings suggest the persistence of EP in equids and ticks in Nigeria.
Did natural selection select for true religious beliefs?
Authors: VAN EYGHEN HANS , BENNETT CHRISTOPHER T. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlthough it is commonly accepted that Darwinian evolution could select for true common-sense beliefs, it is altogether less certain that the same can be said for other classes of beliefs, such as moral or religious beliefs. This issue takes centre stage in debates concerning evolutionary debunking arguments against religious beliefs, where the rationality of beliefs is often dependent upon their production by an evolved faculty that is sensitive to truth. In this article, we consider whether evolution selected for true religious beliefs. We begin by highlighting the relevance of this question for broader philosophy of religion, then present a dialogue of arguments and counter-arguments for and against the proposition that true religious beliefs generate pragmatic success and hence can be selected for by evolution.
Pride and Purpose: reflections on timebanking practice for fostering social networks in wellbeing improvement schemes
Authors: GREGORY LEE 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the relationship between social capital and a community initiative known as timebanking. Its purpose is to offer a more critical account of the literature to date, which suggests timebanking generates improved health outcomes because it facilitates bridging social capital. Drawing on Cattell’s (2011) analysis of social networks the paper offers an alternative account. It suggests a more nuanced view of social networks shows the development of different networks by members, resulting from gendered forms of participation. The consequences of this is that whilst different network forms provide sources of pride and coping mechanisms for members, for women they inhabit more diverse networks which offer greater benefits whilst men may still experience some forms of exclusion and isolation through their participation.
Effect of Road Safety Laws on Deaths and Injuries from Road Traffic Collisions in Colombia
Authors: Argote-Aramendiz Killiam , Molloy Michael S. , Hart Alexander , Voskayan Amalia , Sarin Ritu , Ciottone Gregory R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroduction:Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. It is an upper middle-income country with an estimated population of 49.2 million people, and road traffic collisions (RTCs) are the second most common cause of traumatic death. The United Nations (UN) proclaimed 2011 to 2020 as the “Decade of Action for Road Safety.” In this context, the government of Colombia established the National Road Safety Plan (PNSV) for the period 2011-2021, aiming to reduce RTC-related deaths by 26%. Some road safety laws (RSLs) were implemented before the PNSV, but their impact on deaths and injuries is still not known.Study Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these RSLs have had a long-term effect on road safety in the country.Methods:Data on RTC casualties, deaths, and injuries from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2017 were collated from official Colombian governmental publications. Three different periods were considered for analysis: 2001-2010 to evaluate the Transit Code; 2011-2017 to evaluate the PNSV; and 2001-2017 to evaluate a composite of the full study period. Analyses of trends in deaths and injuries were related to dates of new RSLs.Results:A total of 102,723 deaths (12.7%) and 707,778 injuries (87.3%) were reported from 2001 through 2017. The Transit Code period (2001-2010) showed a 10.1% decline in deaths, 16.6% decline in injuries, and rates per 100,000 inhabitants and per 10,000 registered vehicles also declined. During the period of the PNSV (2011-2017), there was an increase in the number of deaths by 16.6%, injuries decreased by 1.7%, and death rates per 100,000 inhabitants also increased. During the total study period, a 12.4% reduction in the total number of casualties was achieved, and death and injury rates per 100,000 inhabitants decreased by 12.4% and 27.5%, respectively.Discussion:Despite the introduction of the PNSV, RTCs remain the second most common cause of preventable death in Colombia. Overall, while the absolute number of RTCs and deaths has been increasing, the rate of RTCs per 10,000 registered vehicles has been decreasing. This suggests that although the goals of the PNSV may not be realized, some of the laws emanating from it may be having a beneficial effect. Further study is required over a protracted period to determine the longer-term impact of these initiatives.
Drafting the Dutch: Selection Biases in Dutch Conscript Records in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Quanjer Björn , Kok Jan 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTConscription records are considered to be the best sources for studying heights over cohorts. This article discusses the various steps and selection mechanisms involved in the conscription system of the Netherlands, which was more or less similar to the systems found in other European countries. Starting with a birth cohort of 4,436 boys, we run a series of regressions on the likelihood to be registered at all and to have one’s height recorded. We discuss the effects of cohort attrition through mortality and migration, and explore familial, social, and religious reasons for evading registration and (medical) examination. We find various kinds of selections, but their effects on the distribution and averages of heights are limited. Thus, heights culled from conscripts records are indeed an excellent indicator of a cohort’s biological standard of living. However, researchers focusing on social variation in height need to be aware of the unequal opportunities to evade registration and measurement.
Quantitatively Deciphering Paleostrain From Digital Outcrops Model and its Application in the Eastern Tian Shan, China
Authors: Wang Xin , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe knowledge of the strain/stress field evolution in time is fundamental to the understanding of the dynamic system. Based on the principle that past tectonic stress should have left traces in the rocks, geologists have been trying to determine the paleostress history from evidence found in rocks for decades. Recent development of techniques for automatic extraction of fracture surfaces from digital outcrop models and estimation of historical shear deformation on rock fractures provide an efficient way of quantitatively acquiring large amounts of high‐quality fracture/fault slip data from outcrops. Unlike traditional paleostress inversion methods whose data are manually collected in the field, the new techniques provide much more detailed information about the strain of the outcrop and a good opportunity to develop quantitative methods for deciphering more realistic paleostrains. In this study, instead of fitting the slip data from several fractures to calculate the overall strain tensor, the local strain tensor is calculated for slip on each fracture from the outcrop. Then, the local strain tensors are grouped into populations corresponding to different strain events using a clustering analysis technique. Theoretical advantages of this new method over the traditional ones are discussed. The applications on outcrops in the eastern Tian Shan area give a clear picture of the late Cenozoic paleostrain variation over space and time and also throw light on the cause for the change in the strain regime in time, the fracture development patterns, and the distribution of shear displacements in fracture networks.
Profiling cytotoxic microRNAs in pediatric and adult glioblastoma cells by high-content screening, identification, and validation of miR-1300
Authors: Boissinot M. , King H. , Adams M. , Higgins J. , Shaw G. , Ward T. A. , Steele L. P. , Tams D. , Morton R. , Polson E. , da Silva B. , Droop A. , Hayes J. L. , Martin H. , Laslo P. , Morrison E. , Tomlinson D. C. , Wurdak H. , Bond J. , Lawler S. E. , Short S. C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMicroRNAs play an important role in the regulation of mRNA translation and have therapeutic potential in cancer and other diseases. To profile the landscape of microRNAs with significant cytotoxicity in the context of glioblastoma (GBM), we performed a high-throughput screen in adult and pediatric GBM cells using a synthetic oligonucleotide library representing all known human microRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was used to refine this list and the top seven microRNAs were validated in a larger panel of GBM cells using state-of-the-art in vitro assays. The cytotoxic effect of our most relevant candidate was assessed in a preclinical model. Our screen identified ~100 significantly cytotoxic microRNAs with 70% concordance between cell lines. MicroRNA-1300 (miR-1300) was the most potent and robust candidate. We observed a striking binucleated phenotype in miR-1300 transfected cells due to cytokinesis failure followed by apoptosis. This was also observed in two stem-like patient-derived cultures. We identified the physiological role of miR-1300 as a regulator of endomitosis in megakaryocyte differentiation where blockade of cytokinesis is an essential step. In GBM cells, where miR-1300 is normally not expressed, the oncogene Epithelial Cell Transforming 2 (ECT2) was validated as a direct key target. ECT2 siRNA phenocopied the effects of miR-1300, and ECT2 overexpression led to rescue of miR-1300 induced binucleation. We showed that ectopic expression of miR-1300 led to decreased tumor growth in an orthotopic GBM model. Our screen provides a resource for the neuro-oncology community and identified miR-1300 as a novel regulator of endomitosis with translatable potential for therapeutic application.
Cell Atlas of The Human Fovea and Peripheral Retina
Authors: Yan Wenjun , Peng Yi-Rong , van Zyl Tavé , Regev Aviv , Shekhar Karthik , Juric Dejan , Sanes Joshua R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMost irreversible blindness results from retinal disease. To advance our understanding of the etiology of blinding diseases, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the transcriptomes of ~85,000 cells from the fovea and peripheral retina of seven adult human donors. Utilizing computational methods, we identified 58 cell types within 6 classes: photoreceptor, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, retinal ganglion and non-neuronal cells. Nearly all types are shared between the two retinal regions, but there are notable differences in gene expression and proportions between foveal and peripheral cohorts of shared types. We then used the human retinal atlas to map expression of 636 genes implicated as causes of or risk factors for blinding diseases. Many are expressed in striking cell class-, type-, or region-specific patterns. Finally, we compared gene expression signatures of cell types between human and the cynomolgus macaque monkey, Macaca fascicularis. We show that over 90% of human types correspond transcriptomically to those previously identified in macaque, and that expression of disease-related genes is largely conserved between the two species. These results validate the use of the macaque for modeling blinding disease, and provide a foundation for investigating molecular mechanisms underlying visual processing.
The earliest Tyrannida (Aves, Passeriformes), from the Oligocene of France
Authors: Riamon Ségolène , Tourment Nicolas , Louchart Antoine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPasseriformes is the most diverse bird order. Nevertheless, passerines have a remarkably poor early fossil record. In addition, high osteological homoplasy across passerines makes partial specimens difficult to systematically assign precisely. Here we describe one of the few earliest fossil passerines, from the early Oligocene (ca 30 Ma) of southern France, and one of the best preserved and most complete. This fossil can be conservatively assigned to Tyrannida, a subclade of the New World Tyranni (Suboscines), i.e. of the Tyrannides. A most probably stem-representative of Tyrannida, the new fossil bears strong resemblance with some manakins (Pipridae), possibly due to plesiomorphy. Furthermore, it yields a new point of calibration for molecular phylogenies, already consistent with the age of the fossil. Tyrannida, and the more inclusive Tyrannides, are today confined to the New World. Therefore, the new fossil calls for scenarios of transatlantic crossing during or near the Oligocene. Later, the European part of the distribution of the Tyrannida disappeared, leading to a relictual modern New World distribution of this clade, a pattern known in other avian clades. The history of Tyrannida somehow mirrors that of the enigmatic Sapayoa aenigma, sole New World representative of the Eurylaimides (Old World Tyranni), with transatlantic crossing probably caused by similar events.
Old World Monkeys are less than ideal transplantation models for testing pig organs lacking three carbohydrate antigens (Triple-Knockout)
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Iwase Hayato , Patel Diyan , Jagdale Abhijit , Ayares David , Anderson Douglas , Eckhoff Devin E. , Cooper David K. C. , Hara Hidetaka 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTriple-knockout (TKO) pigs (with added protective human transgenes) are likely to be optimal sources of organs for clinical organ xenotransplantation because many humans have minimal or no natural antibody to TKO pig cells. However, Old World monkeys (OWMs) have naturally-existing antibodies directed to TKO cells. We measured anti-pig IgM/IgG binding, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity to wild-type (WT), α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO), and TKO pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using sera from humans, several OWMs, and two New World monkeys (NWMs). Furthermore, we compared survival of GTKO (n = 5) and TKO (n = 3) pig kidneys in baboons. OWMs had significantly greater IgM binding and cytotoxicity to TKO PBMCs than humans or NWMs. Mean anti-TKO IgM was significantly higher in OWMs and significantly lower in NWMs than in humans. Cytotoxicity of OWM sera to TKO PBMCs was significantly greater than of human serum, but there was no significant difference between human and NWM sera. The median survival of TKO pig kidneys (4 days) in baboons was significantly shorter than that of GTKO kidneys (136 days) (p < 0.05). Even though considered ideal for clinical xenotransplantation, the presence of naturally-existing antibodies to TKO pig cells in OWMs complicates the transplantation of TKO pig kidneys in OWMs.
Slow evolution under purifying selection in the gamete recognition protein bindin of the sea urchin Diadema
Authors: Geyer L. B. , Zigler K. S. , Tiozzo S. , Lessios H. A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBindin is a sperm protein that mediates attachment and membrane fusion of gametes. The mode of bindin evolution varies across sea urchin genera studied to date. In three genera it evolves under positive selection, in four under mostly purifying selection, and in one, results have been mixed. We studied bindin evolution in the pantropical sea urchin Diadema, which split from other studied genera 250 million years ago. We found that Diadema bindin is structurally similar to that of other genera, but much longer (418 amino acids). In seven species of Diadema, bindin evolves under purifying selection, more slowly than in any other sea urchin genus. Only bindin of the recently rediscovered D. clarki shows evidence of positive selection. As D. clarki is sympatric with D. setosum and D. savignyi, positive selection could arise from avoidance of maladaptive hybridization. However, D. setosum and D. savignyi overlap in the Indo-West Pacific, yet their bindins show no evidence of positive selection, possibly because the two species spawn at different times. Bindin in the East Pacific D. mexicanum, the West Atlantic D. antillarum, the East Atlantic D. africanum, and the Indo-Pacific D. paucispinum also evolves slowly under purifying selection.
Active structural acoustic illusions
Authors: Eggler Daniel , Kessissoglou Nicole 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present active manipulation of the structural vibrations of an elastic body to generate an acoustic illusion. The resultant illusion misrepresents the nature, size and number of objects in the exterior acoustic domain. We demonstrate our technique, herein termed active structural acoustic illusion, using an elastic cylindrical shell. The radial motion of the shell at its cavity resonance frequencies is actively modified using localised mechanical forces. Acoustic illusions are generated to resemble the scattered acoustic field by one or more rigid cylinders of different size and location.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid channel regulates fibroblast differentiation and airway remodeling by modulating redox signals through NADPH Oxidase 4
Authors: Al-Azzam Nosayba , Teegala Lakshminarayan Reddy , Pokhrel Sabita , Ghebreigziabher Samrawit , Chachkovskyy Tatiana , Thodeti Sathwika , Gavilanes Ignacio , Covington Kayla , Thodeti Charles K. , Paruchuri Sailaja 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAsthma is characterized by pathological airway remodeling resulting from persistent myofibroblast activation. Although transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), mechanical signals, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in fibroblast differentiation, their integration is still elusive. We identified that Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a mechanosensitive ion channel mediates lung fibroblast (LF) differentiation and D. farinae-induced airway remodeling via a novel TRPV4-NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) interaction. NOX4-mediated ROS production is essential for TGFβ1-induced LF differentiation via myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Importantly, TRPV4 inhibition prevented TGFβ1-induced NOX4 expression and ROS production. Both TRPV4 and NOX4 are activated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) downstream of TGFβ1, and signals from both TRPV4 and Rac are necessary for NOX4 upregulation. Notably, NOX4 expression is higher in fibroblasts derived from asthmatic patients (disease human LF; DHLF) in comparison to non-asthmatics (normal human LF; NHLF). Further, NOX4 expression is up-regulated in the lungs of D.farinae-treated wild type mice (WT) relative to saline-treated WT, which was attenuated in TRPV4 knockout (KO) mice. Our findings suggest that TRPV4 integrates TGFβ1 and ROS signaling through NOX4 and, TRPV4-NOX4 interaction is amenable to target lung remodeling during asthma.