bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological and molecular insights into alternate bearing in mango using next-generation sequencing approaches
Authors: Sharma Nimisha , Vittal Hatkari , Dubey Anil K , Sharma Radha M , Singh Sanjay K , Sharma Neha , Singh Nisha , Khandelwal Ashish , Gupta Deepak K , Mishra Gyan P , Meena Mahesh Chand , Pandey Rakesh , Singh Nagendra Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The productivity of the mango crop in India is hindered by many factors, one of the most important factors is our limited understanding of the genomic complexities behind the regular versus alternate bearing habit of fruit. In this study, we quantified carbohydrate fractions, protein content, and macro- and micronutrient storage pools together with their transportation and contributions to a regular bearing variety, Totapuri, and to an alternate-bearer, Bombay Green during the ‘off’ year. RNA-sequencing was used to assess gene expression dynamics between buds and flowers of these varieties. Differential pathway analysis showed the greatest number of differentially expressed genes in metabolic processes, followed by oxidoreductase, hormone, oxidative stress, starvation, alternate bearing, flowering, meristem, and cellular component pathways. Bioinformatics analysis showed that, among 15 highly differentially expressed genes between varieties representing alternate bearing, hormone, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways, 12 were up-regulated in Totapuri and 3 in Bombay Green, and this was confirmed by qRT-PCR. In addition, 202 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in 32 genes related to alternate bearing. Our results confirmed the strong ability of reproductive buds to import sugars, proteins, and starch in the regular-bearer variety, thereby enhancing flowering and fruiting during ‘off’ years. Thus, our study shows a potential role for the mineral nutrient and biochemical constituents of buds and leaves in determining the regular versus alternate bearing fruiting habit in mango.
Double-stranded DNA antibody test using BioPlex220 system: unacceptable option for SLE diagnosis and follow-up
Authors: Kadkhoda Kamran , Schroeder Gordon , Boyert Nicole , Dee Matthew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibody test is an integral part of diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus when the entry criterion is satisfied. We investigated the sensitivity of the BioPlex 2200 instrument compared with the serological gold standard and other tests and clinical information. The results showed an unacceptable sensitivity for this method. Laboratories should be cognizant of this shortcoming when selecting this platform for dsDNA antibody testing.
Unlocking the Potential of the CICERO Spinning Disk System: Exploring Diverse Applications
Authors: Ferrucci Laura , Brighi Carlo , Giubettini Maria 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
CrestOptics aims to make their products accessible to researchers, enabling a variety of applications, and to create products that are both efficient and user-friendly. The CICERO confocal spinning disk system embodies these principles, designed for easy integration into any imaging setup. Its compactness and flexibility make advanced fluorescence microscopy accessible to laboratories worldwide. This article will focus on the great versatility and strengths of the CICERO system, which is a complete widefield (WF) and spinning disk confocal (CF) solution. It will demonstrate its key features, namely its use on both inverted and upright microscopy configurations, its wide spectral range, the high resolution and sectioning power, and its large field of view (FOV). Microscopy Today has awarded CICERO a 2024 Innovation Award for these features.
Kalman tracking and parameter estimation of continuous gravitational waves with a pulsar timing array
Authors: Kimpson Tom , Melatos Andrew , O’Leary Joseph , Carlin Julian B , Evans Robin J , Moran William , Cheunchitra Tong , Dong Wenhao , Dunn Liam , Greentree Julian , O’Neill Nicholas J , Suvorova Sofia , Thong Kok Hong , Vargas Andrés F 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Continuous nanohertz gravitational waves from individual supermassive black hole binaries may be detectable with pulsar timing arrays. A novel search strategy is developed, wherein intrinsic achromatic spin wandering is tracked simultaneously with the modulation induced by a single gravitational wave source in the pulse times of arrival. A two-step inference procedure is applied within a state-space framework, such that the modulation is tracked with a Kalman filter, which then provides a likelihood for nested sampling. The procedure estimates the static parameters in the problem, such as the sky position of the source, without fitting for ensemble-averaged statistics such as the power spectral density of the timing noise, and therefore complements traditional parameter estimation methods. It also returns the Bayes factor relating a model with a single gravitational wave source to one without, complementing traditional detection methods. It is shown via astrophysically representative software injections in Gaussian measurement noise that the procedure distinguishes a gravitational wave from pure noise down to a characteristic wave strain of $h_0 \approx 2 \times 10^{-15}$. Full posterior distributions of model parameters are recovered and tested for accuracy. There is a bias of $\approx 0.3$ rad in the marginalized one-dimensional posterior for the orbital inclination $\iota$, introduced by dropping the so-called pulsar terms. Smaller biases $\lesssim 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ are also observed in other static parameters.
Analysis of a thermal correction method for infrared spectroscopy: preparation for the future observations of the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos with the MIRS instrument
Authors: David Gaël , Delbo Marco , Barucci Maria Antonietta , Merlin Frédéric , Fraeman Abigail A , Fornasier Sonia , Poggiali Giovanni , Beck Pierre , Leyrat Cédric 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The MIRS (MMX InfraRed Spectrometer) infrared spectrometer is part of the scientific payload of JAXA’s (Japanese Space Agency) Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) mission. From the reflected sunlight by the planetary surfaces, MIRS will provide information on the Mars atmosphere and the mineralogy and chemistry of its moons. Spectra carried out by the instrument (0.9–3.6 $\mu$m) include the thermal emission from the surface, which needs to be modelled and removed to extract the compositional information. In this study, to find an efficient and rapid way to thermally correct infrared data, we developed a simple thermal emission correction based on blackbody fits, and quantify its relative error. To test the method, we generated synthetic spectra of Phobos by using a thermophysical model. We found that the method can produce reflectance spectra with only a few per cent errors, although some undercorrection of the thermal contribution is observed. Compositional information may still be retrieved through the position of absorption bands, despite the thermal emission correction can leave some uncertainties in its strength. We conclude that the method could be used for a first and quick analysis for interpretation of the MIRS data. We also applied our thermal correction methodology to real CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars) observations of Phobos. The method looks reliable with a satisfactory removal of the thermal contribution, confirms the presence of an absorption band centred around 2.8 $\mu$m, and reveals an apparent absorption at 3.2 $\mu$m. However, we are not able to confirm the reality of the 3.2 $\mu$m band at this stage, because of the presence of an artefact in CRISM data.
The Interaction Jigsaw: investigating star formation in interacting galaxies
Authors: Robin T , Kartha Sreeja S , Akhil Krishna R , Krishnan Ujjwal , Mathew Blesson , Cysil T B , Patra Narendra Nath , Shridharan B 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Interaction between galaxies plays a pivotal role in their evolution. Ongoing star formation in spiral galaxies can be affected by these processes. Interacting galaxy pairs provide an opportunity to study these effects. We select a sample of interacting galaxies in field environments at various interaction stages and are nearly face-on and chose galaxy pairs NGC 2207/IC 2163, NGC 4017/4016 (ARP 305), and NGC 7753/7752 (ARP 86). We use the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) onboard AstroSat to characterize the star-forming regions in the galaxy with a superior resolution of $\mathrm{\sim 1.4\,\,\mathrm{ arcsec}}$. We identified and characterized star-forming regions in the UVIT images of the sample and correlated them with the neutral hydrogen (H i) distribution. We detected localized regions of enhancement in star formation surface density ($\mathrm{\Sigma _{SFR}}$) and distortions in the sample of galaxies. We found this consistent with the distribution of H i in the galaxy. These are possible evidence of past and ongoing interactions affecting the star formation properties in the galaxies. We then conducted a study to understand whether the observed enhancements hold true for a wider sample of interacting galaxies. We observe a moderate enhancement in the star formation rate (SFR) with the interaction class, with a maximum of 1.8 being in the merger class of galaxies. We studied the SFR enhancement for the main galaxies in our sample as a function of pair mass ratio and pair separation. We observe a strong anticorrelation between the SFR enhancement and pair mass ratio and no linear correlation between the enhancement and pair separation. This suggests that the enhancement in interaction-induced star formation may be more strongly influenced by the pair mass ratios, rather than the pair separation. We also infer that the pair separation can possibly act as a limiting parameter for the SFR enhancement.
The association of azole antifungals with overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Sebastian Nikhil T , Stokes William A , Behera Madhusmita , Jiang Renjian , Gutman David A , Huang Zhonglu , Burns Abigail , Sukhatme Vidula , Lowe Michael C , Ramalingam Suresh S , Sukhatme Vikas P , Moghanaki Drew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Preclinical data suggest antifungal azole derivatives have antitumor efficacy that may modulate response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to evaluate the association of azole drugs with overall survival (OS) in a population of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICI within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods
In this retrospective study, the VA Corporate Data Warehouse was queried for patients diagnosed with NSCLC and treated with ICI from 2010 to 2018. Concomitant oral azole use was defined as dispensation by a VA pharmacy within 90 days of the first ICI infusion. Patients who received azole after 30 days were excluded from the analysis to mitigate immortal time bias. OS was measured from the start of ICI. Cox regression and propensity score matching were used to adjust for confounders.

Results
We identified 3413 patients with NSCLC receiving ICI; 324 (9.5%) were exposed to concomitant azoles. As a group, azole use was not associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.84-1.09; P = .51). After stratification by azole type, clotrimazole had an association with better OS on univariable (HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.96; P = .024) and multivariable analysis (HR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.91; P = .007). Propensity score matching of patients who received clotrimazole vs no azole yielded 101 patients per matched cohort. Clotrimazole was associated with improved OS, although this did not meet the threshold for statistical significance (HR = 0.74; 0.54-1.01; P = .058).

Conclusion
This observational study demonstrated an association between clotrimazole and OS among patients with advanced NSCLC receiving ICI. These findings build upon preclinical evidence and support further investigation into the potential for clotrimazole as a repurposed FDA drug to improve cancer outcomes.
No difference in reproductive investment or success across urban and rural breeding pairs in an urban-adapted songbird
Authors: Guindre-Parker Sarah , Acosta Arianna , Bourque Cole , Cook Amberlee , Corimanya Joanna , Kaplan Rachel , Kilgour Denyelle A V , Linkous Courtney R , Ross Michelle , Smith Trinity , Titus Careyjo 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Species classified as “urban-adapters” are often assumed to thrive in cities because they are commonly found across the urbanization gradient. However, urban-living populations of many urban-adapted species have been found to have lower reproductive success relative to their rural counterparts. Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling) is a common urban-adapted species found across most of the globe. While S. vulgaris have lowered reproductive success in urban areas in their native range, less is known about how urbanization impacts reproduction in their invasive ranges. We tested for differences in reproductive investment and success across urban and rural S. vulgaris populations in Georgia, which is part of their North American invasive range. We found few differences in reproductive output for urban vs. rural S. vulgaris—clutch size, egg mass, egg volume, incubation behavior, provisioning rates, brooding behavior, and nestling wing chord were all similar across S. vulgaris populations from more urban and more rural study sites. Although urban birds produced a higher number of hatchlings and rural birds produced young in higher body condition, neither of these factors influenced reproductive success because the number of fledglings produced were similar for urban and rural breeding S. vulgaris. Overall, S. vulgaris in their invasive range performed similarly well in more urban vs. more rural habitats. Future work should explore whether urbanization affects other components of fitness in starlings (e.g., adult survival).
Growing the image: Generative AI and the medium of gardening
Authors: Young Nick , Terrone Enrico 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we argue that Midjourney—a generative AI program that transforms text prompts into images—should be understood not as an agent or a tool, but as a new type of artistic medium. We first examine the view of Midjourney as an agent, considering whether it could be seen as an artist or co-author. This perspective proves unsatisfactory, as Midjourney lacks intentionality and mental states. We then explore the notion of Midjourney as a tool, highlighting its unpredictability and the limited fine-grained control users have over its outputs, which sets it apart from traditional artistic tools. We propose that creating images with Midjourney parallels a gardener's interaction with natura naturans—nature's autonomous generative processes. Similarly, Midjourney acts as machina naturans, where users engage with its dynamic recalcitrance to influence, but not fully control, the creative process. This approach presents Midjourney as an artistic medium shaped by its inherent unpredictability.
Aging increases lightness of grass-fed beef
Authors: Wicks Jordan C , Wivell Alexis L , Beline Mariane , Zumbaugh Morgan D , Bodmer Jocelyn S , Yen Con-Ning , Wilson Thomas B , Greiner Scott P , Johnson Sally E , Shi Tim H , Silva Saulo L , Gerrard David E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Grass-fed beef is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to be a $14 billion industry by 2024. Even so, grass-fed beef is typically darker in appearance than that of conventional grain-fed beef. Aging has been shown to improve lean color (L*, a*) of dark-cutting beef however little work has focused on aging as it relates to improving the lean color of grass-fed beef. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry aging on grass-fed beef compared to varying lengths of grain-feeding. Thirty commercial Angus crossbred steers were randomly assigned to either pasture finishing (CON), short (SF), or long fed (LF) programs. The SF and LF treatments ranged from 90 to 114 d (average: 98 d) and 118 to 134 d (average: 125 d) on ad libitum high concentrate feeding, respectively. Cattle were randomly identified from each treatment group and harvested over a consecutive 3-wk span. Carcass evaluation and longissimus lumborum samples were collected 24 h postmortem. Carcasses were aged for 21 d, and steaks were collected on 1-, 3-, 7-, 10-, 14-, and 21-d postharvest, and objective color was evaluated following 1 h bloom. Our data show color (L*, a*, b*) was improved with aging regardless of treatment. However, grass-fed (CON) showed the greatest improvement in both lightness (L*) and redness (a*) ultimately making grass-fed comparable to that of grain-fed beef by day 21. These data argue that dry-aging grass-fed beef improves color development similar to that of grain-fed beef.
Age-adjusted Baseline Neck Disability Index Values
Authors: Lipson Patricia , Bansal Aiyush , Leveque Jean-Christophe , Kumar Rakesh , Fujii Takeshi , Nemani Venu M. , Louie Philip K. 
Published: September 2024

Study Design.
Survey-based, prospective study.

Objective.
Identify age-adjusted baseline neck disability index (NDI) values in the American population.

Background.
The NDI is the most widely used tool for assessing self-rated disability in patients with neck pain. Establishing baseline NDI values can aid in understanding the clinical impact of cervical spine pathologies and treatment interventions.

Materials and Methods.
An internet-based survey was distributed using the Connect (TM) platform powered by CloudResearch. Based on the latest U.S. census, this survey was designed to engage a demographically representative sample of the U.S. adult population. We captured 699 individuals, aiming for 100 people per each 10-year age group between 18 and 89. Participants scored their disability using the NDI survey. Mean NDI scores stratified by age group and sex were calculated for each cohort.

Results.
A total of 699 participants were included with 352 (50.4%) males and 347 (49.6%) females and an age distribution closely aligning with national demographics. The overall mean NDI for the combined age groups was 16.5 with a 95% CI of 15.5 to 17.5. The 18 to 29 age group had the lowest mean NDI of 12.3 (95% CI: 10.4, 14.2). Mean NDI scores increased until the 60 to 69 age group with a mean of 20.1 (95% CI: 17.3, 23.0) with women having a mean NDI of 22.2 (95% CI: 18.8, 25.7) compared with men with 15.4 (95% CI: 10.3, 20.4). Mean NDI scores decreased in the 70 to 79 and 80 to 89 age groups.

Conclusion.
This is the first study to assess age-adjusted baseline values of NDI in the U.S. population. Our findings demonstrate a disproportionate distribution of disability ratings across age groups. These data are important for health care professionals as it provides age and sex-specific levels of disability.

Level of Evidence.
Level III.
Percutaneous coronary intervention vs. medical therapy in patients on dialysis with coronary artery disease in China
Authors: Xie Enmin , Wu Yaxin , Ye Zixiang , He Yong , Zeng Hesong , Luo Jianfang , Chen Mulei , Pang Wenyue , Xu Yanmin , Gao Chuanyu , Guo Xiaogang , Cai Lin , Ji Qingwei , Yang Yining , Wu Di , Yuan Yiqiang , Wan Jing , Ma Yuliang , Zhang Jun , Du Zhimin , Yang Qing , Cheng Jinsong , Ding Chunhua , Ma Xiang , Yin Chunlin , Fan Zeyuan , Tang Qiang , Li Yue , Sun Lihua , Lu Chengzhi , Chi Jufang , Yao Zhuhua , Gao Yanxiang , Yu Changan , Ren Jingyi , Zheng Jingang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China.

Methods:
This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences.

Results:
Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [n = 278] vs. 43.7% [n = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs. 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82–2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses.

Conclusion:
This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
The first magnetic resonance imaging compatible 3D printer
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Evripidou Nikolas , Giannakou Marinos , Damianou Christakis 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The current study presents the development of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible silicone-based 3D printer capable of producing patient-specific implants within MRI scanners.

Methods:
The printing device incorporates 3 piezoelectrically-actuated linear motion stages assigned for navigating a custom-made silicone extruder to develop the desired 3D model based on preoperative MRI scans of the damaged anatomy. The structural components were manufactured on a rapid prototyping machine with thermoplastic and compactly assembled utilizing non-magnetic materials to ensure fit and safe functioning of the system within the MRI bore.

Results:
The printing system was successfully integrated with a high-field MRI scanner and operated safely while maintaining sufficient imaging quality. The robotic motion mechanism exhibited excellent repeatability and achieved submillimeter accuracy, demonstrating its capability for precise positioning of the extruder.

Conclusion:
The proposed 3D printer may hold promise as valuable tool for personalized tissue reconstruction by real-time printing with biocompatible silicone on the MRI table. However, challenges such as prolonged processing times and related high costs will possibly hinder its adoption in clinical practice.