bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of Mangifera indica (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) cultivars to fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in 2 agroecological zones of Cameroon
Authors: Mokam Didi Gaëlle , Atougour Ndakabo , Tadu Zephirin , Aléné Désirée Chantal , Awono Ezechiel , Lontsi Tapeo Serge , Ngamo Tinkeu Leonard Simon , Djieto-Lordon Champlain 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Sudano-Sahelian and the high Guinea savannahs agroecological zones of Cameroon are suitable for the full development of tree crops, including mango. Unfortunately, fresh fruits exported to local and international markets are frequently rejected due to the presence of fruit fly larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae), resulting in drastic income losses and overuse of chemical control products. To promote sustainable management strategies, a 2-yr study (2020–2021) was conducted in 4 and 3 mixed orchards, respectively. Attacked mangoes showing signs of fruit fly damage were collected and taken to the laboratory to rear and identify fruit flies. Repeated grafting and agroclimatic differences were responsible for dissimilarities between the 2 zones, with 18 and 16 cultivars, respectively. From 2,857 attacked mangoes, 26,707 fruit flies belonging to 4 species were identified: Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis fasciventris, and Ceratitis anonae. Climate change was the factor determining the distribution of the 2 most important mango fruit flies: B. dorsalis was a wetland species (dominance/occurrence &gt; 70%), while C. cosyra was a dry-land species (dominance/occurrence &gt; 75%). Both species were responsible for high levels of infestations. Bactrocera dorsalis preferred 3 mango cultivars, namely Palmer and Smith in Zone 1, and Ifack 1 in Zone 2 (infestation &gt; 20 individuals/100 g of mango). The host-plant spectrum of C. cosyra was modified by alternative host plants. Both C. fasciventris and C. anonae were rare. Findings from this study could guide researchers in the development of monitoring tools for fruit fly populations and, subsequently, in reducing the damage they cause to mangoes.
A comprehensive sampling of mitogenomes shows the utility to infer phylogeny of termites (Blattodea: Termitoidae)
Authors: Wang Miao-Miao , Song Nan , Guo Shi-Bao , Yin Xin-Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mitogenome sequence data have been widely used in inferring the phylogeny of insects. In this study, we determined the complete mitogenome for Macrotermes sp. (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) using next-generation sequencing. Macrotermes sp. possesses a typical insect mitogenome, displaying an identical gene order and gene content to other existing termite mitogenomes. We present the first prediction of the secondary structure of ribosomal RNA genes in termites. The rRNA secondary structures of Macrotermes sp. exhibit similarities to closely related insects and also feature distinctive characteristics in their helical structures. Together with 321 published mitogenomes of termites as ingroups and 8 cockroach mitogenomes as outgroups, we compiled the most comprehensive mitogenome sequence matrix for Termitoidae to date. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using datasets employing different data coding strategies and various inference methods. Robust relationships were recovered at the family or subfamily level, demonstrating the utility of comprehensive mitogenome sampling in resolving termite phylogenies. The results supported the monophyly of Termitoidae, and consistent relationships within this group were observed across different analyses. Mastotermitidae was consistently recovered as the sister group to all other termite families. The families Hodotermitidae, Stolotermitidae, and Archotermopsidae formed the second diverging clade, followed by the Kalotermitidae. The Neoisoptera was consistently supported with strong node support, with Stylotermitidae being sister to the remaining families. Rhinotermitidae was found to be non-monophyletic, and Serritermitidae nested within the basal clades of Rhinotermitidae and was sister to Psammotermitinae. Overall, our phylogenetic results are largely consistent with earlier mitogenome studies.
Cascading impacts of overstory structure in managed forests on understory structure, microclimate conditions, and Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) densities
Authors: Hurd Stephanie N , Kenefic Laura S , Leahy Jessica E , Sponarski Carly C , Gardner Allison M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Forest management practices designed to meet varied landowner objectives affect wildlife habitat and may interrupt the life-cycle stages of disease vectors, including the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). Ixodes scapularis transmits multiple pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, which is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. There is evidence that a range of active forest management practices (e.g., invasive plant removal, prescribed burning) can alter tick densities and pathogen transmission. However, few studies have investigated relationships between forest stand structural variables commonly manipulated by timber harvesting and tick ecology. Foresters may harvest timber to create certain forest structural conditions like the mean number of trees, or basal area, per hectare. This study used a spatially replicated experiment in a blocked design to compare forest stands with a range of overstory structures and document variations in the midstory, understory, and forest floor, as well as microclimate conditions within tick off-host habitat. Greater numbers of trees or basal area per hectare correlated with greater canopy closure but less understory cover, stabilized microclimate temperature, higher microclimate humidity, and greater I. scapularis nymph densities. A random forest model identified understory forest structure as the strongest predictor of nymph densities. There was no relationship between the number of trees or basal area per hectare and daily deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) activity or nymphal infection prevalence. These findings provide a deeper understanding of tick-habitat associations within a forest stand and have the potential to inform forest management decisions.
Measuring the dynamical length of galactic bars
Authors: Petersen Michael S , Weinberg Martin D , Katz Neal 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
We define a physically motivated measure for galactic bar length, called the dynamical length. The dynamical length of the bar corresponds to the radial extent of the trapped orbits that are the backbone supporting the bar feature. We propose a direct observational technique well suited to integral field unit spectroscopy to measure it. Identifying these orbits and using the dynamical length is a more faithful tracer of the secular evolution and influence of the bar. We demonstrate the success of our observational technique for recovering the maximal bar-parenting orbit in a range of simulations, and to show its promise we perform its measurement on a real galaxy. We also study the difference between traditionally used ellipse fit approaches to determine bar length and the dynamical length proposed here in a wide range of bar-forming N-body simulations of a stellar disc and dark matter halo. We find that ellipse fitting may severely overestimate measurements of the bar length by a factor of 1.5–2.5 relative to the extent of the orbits that are trapped and actually comprise the bar. This bias leads to overestimates of both bar mass and the ratio of corotation radius to bar length, i.e. the bar speed, affecting inferences about the evolution of bars in the real Universe.
Effects of grain magnetic properties and grain growth on synthetic dust polarization of MHD simulations of low-mass Class 0/I YSOs
Authors: Giang Nguyen Chau , Hoang Thiem 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Thermal dust polarization is a powerful tool to probe magnetic fields ($\boldsymbol{B}$) and grain properties. However, a systematic study of the dependence of dust polarization on grain properties in protostellar environments is not yet available. In this paper, we post-process a non-ideal MHD simulation of a collapsing protostellar core with our updated POLARIS code to study in detail the effects of iron inclusions and grain growth on thermal dust polarization. We found that superparamagnetic (SPM) grains can produce high polarization degree of $p \sim 10\!-\!40~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ beyond ∼500 au from the protostar because of their efficient alignment by magnetically enhanced radiative torque mechanism. The magnetic field turbulence in the envelope causes the decrease in p with increasing emission intensity I as p ∝ Iα with the slope α ∼ −0.3. But within 500 au, SPM grains tend to have inefficient internal alignment and be aligned with $\boldsymbol{B}$ by RATs only, producing lower $p \sim 1~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and a steeper slope of α ∼ −0.6. For paramagnetic (PM) grains, the alignment loss of grains above $1\, {\mu \rm {m}}$ in the inner ∼200 au produces $p \lt \lt 1~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and the polarization hole with α ∼ −0.9. Grain growth can increase p in the envelope for SPM grains, but cause stronger depolarization for SPM grains in the inner ∼500 au and for PM grains in the entire protostellar core. Finally, we found the increase of polarization angle dispersion function S with iron inclusions and grain growth, implying the dependence of B-field strength measured using the David–Chandrasekhar–Fermi technique on grain alignment and grain properties.
A new kinematic model of the Galaxy: analysis of the stellar velocity field from Gaia Data Release 3
Authors: Akhmetov V S , Bucciarelli B , Crosta M , Lattanzi M G , Spagna A , Re Fiorentin P , Bannikova E Yu 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
This work presents the results of a kinematic analysis of the Galaxy that uses a new model as applied to the newest available Gaia data. We carry out the Taylor decomposition of the velocity field up to second order for 18 million high luminosity stars (i.e. OBAF-type stars, giants, and subgiants) from the Gaia DR3 data. We determine the components of mean stellar velocities and their first and second partial derivatives (relative to cylindrical coordinates) for more than 28 thousand points in the plane of our Galaxy. We estimate Oort’s constants A, B, C, and K and other kinematics parameters and map them as a function of Galactocentric coordinates. The values found confirm the results of our previous works and are in excellent agreement with those obtained by other authors in the solar neighbourhood. In addition, the introduction of second order partial derivatives of the stellar velocity field allows us to determine the values of the vertical gradient of the Galaxy azimuthal, radial, and vertical velocities. Also, we determine the mean of the Galaxy rotation curve for Galactocentric distances from 4 to 18 kpc by averaging Galactic azimuths in the range −30° &lt; θ &lt; + 30° about the direction Galactic Centre – Sun – Galactic anticentre. Maps of the velocity components and of their partial derivatives with respect to coordinates within 10 kpc of the Sun reveal complex substructures, which provide clear evidence of non-axisymmetric features of the Galaxy. Finally, we show evidence of differences in the Northern and Southern hemispheres stellar velocity fields.
(Dis)confirming theories of consciousness and their predictions: towards a Lakatosian consciousness science
Authors: Negro Niccolò 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The neuroscience of consciousness is undergoing a significant empirical acceleration thanks to several adversarial collaborations that intend to test different predictions of rival theories of consciousness. In this context, it is important to pair consciousness science with confirmation theory, the philosophical discipline that explores the interaction between evidence and hypotheses, in order to understand how exactly, and to what extent, specific experiments are challenging or validating theories of consciousness. In this paper, I examine this intricate relationship by adopting a Lakatosian lens. I propose that Lakatos’ philosophy of science can aid consciousness scientists to better interpret adversarial collaborations in consciousness science and, more generally, to develop a confirmation-theoretic model of theory-appraisal in this field. I do so by suggesting that such a model be built upon three Lakatos-inspired criteria for assessing the relationship between empirical evidence and theoretical predictions: (i) the model should represent the ‘distinction between prediction and accommodation’; (ii) the model should represent the ‘structural relevance’ of predictions; (iii) the model should represent the ‘boldness’ of the predictions. I argue that a Lakatosian model of theory-appraisal has both normative and descriptive virtues, and can move the debate forward by acknowledging that theory-appraisal needs to consider the diachronic development of theories, their logical structure, and their relationship with background beliefs and knowledge.
Preclinical evaluation of protein synthesis inhibitor omacetaxine in pediatric brainstem gliomas
Authors: Chen Yongjuan , Khan Aaminah , Katsinas Christopher , Michniewicz Filip , Goldberg Jessie , Franshaw Laura , Tsoli Maria , Ziegler David S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) pose a significant challenge as a highly aggressive and currently incurable form of pediatric brain cancer, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Omacetaxine, an FDA-approved protein synthesis inhibitor for treating certain hematological malignancies, was investigated for its potential antitumor effects against preclinical DIPG models.

Methods
We employed primary DIPG cultures to study omacetaxine’s cytotoxicity and its impact on colony formation. Annexin V staining and flow cytometry assessed apoptosis. Wound healing assays evaluated migration, while western blotting determined inhibition of oncogenic proteins. We tested omacetaxine’s therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic DIPG model and assessed brain penetration using mass spectrometry.

Results
We found a pronounced cytotoxic activity of omacetaxine against DIPG neurospheres, with low IC50 values of approximately 20 nM. Omacetaxine exerted its anti-proliferative effect by inhibiting protein synthesis and the induction of apoptotic pathways, evidenced by significant elevated levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, both key markers of apoptosis. Omacetaxine effectively targeted oncogenic players such as PDGFRα and PI3K without additional effects on the mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, our study revealed the inhibitory effects of omacetaxine on cell migration, and a significant reduction in integrin/FAK signaling, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis.

Conclusions
Despite these promising in vitro effects, omacetaxine’s efficacy in an orthotopic DIPG model was limited due to inadequate penetration across the blood-brain barrier. As such, further research and advancements are crucial to improve the drug’s brain penetration, thus enhancing its overall therapeutic potential.
Christmas Bird Count data are a reliable harvest-independent index for Ruffed Grouse monitoring in the eastern United States
Authors: Geary Brock , Williams Lisa , Long C Robert , Tyl Reina M , Gagne Roderick B 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Using data from the mid-1990s to the present, we assessed correlations of Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) hunter cooperator reports from seven states to Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, and eBird data to determine which program’s trends best reflected patterns seen in hunter-sourced data that has historically been used for monitoring purposes. Christmas Bird Count data most closely reflected state-wide long-term trends in cooperator flush rates. Using an analytical approach that accounts for sources of bias and examines abundance at a finer spatial scale, we observed a pattern of decline across our study area. In recent decades, Ruffed Grouse populations in the eastern United States are thought to have suffered persistent declines due to a combination of young forest habitat loss and West Nile virus mortality. Declining hunter participation in much of the species’ range has highlighted the need to identify harvest-independent indices of grouse abundance to enable continued monitoring of regional long-term trends. Recent analytical methods can better capture complex trends in population dynamics, account for biases inherent to community-sourced data, and potentially inform designs of future survey efforts aimed at fulfilling priority monitoring and research needs. Comparable results across varying statistical methodologies suggest that our inferences are robust, demonstrating that Christmas Bird Count data can be used to inform regional monitoring efforts for grouse and other cryptic game bird populations, but require careful consideration of program designs and protocols to identify and implement data appropriately.
Leveraging open science machine learning challenges for data constrained planetary mission instruments
Authors: Da Poian Victoria , Lyness Eric I , Qi Jay Y , Shah Isha , Lipstein Greg , Archer Jr. P Doug , Chou Luoth , Freissinet Caroline , Malespin Charles A , McAdam Amy C , Knudson Christine A , Theiling Bethany P , Hörst Sarah M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We set up two open-science machine learning (ML) challenges focusing on building models to automatically analyse mass spectrometry (MS) data for Mars exploration. ML challenges provide an excellent way to engage a diverse set of experts with benchmark training data, explore a wide range of ML and data science approaches, and identify promising models based on empirical results, as well as to get independent external analyses to compare with those of the internal team. These two challenges were proof-of-concept projects to analyse the feasibility of combining data collected from different instruments in a single ML application. We selected MS data from (1) commercial instruments and (2) the Sample Analysis at Mars (an instrument suite that includes a mass spectrometer subsystem onboard the Curiosity rover) testbed. These challenges, organized with DrivenData, gathered more than 1150 unique participants from all over the world, and obtained more than 600 solutions contributing powerful models to the analysis of rock and soil samples relevant to planetary science using various MS data sets. These two challenges demonstrated the suitability and value of multiple ML approaches to classifying planetary analogue data sets from both commercial and flight-like instruments. We present the processes from the problem identification, challenge set-ups, and challenge results that gathered creative and diverse solutions from worldwide participants, in some cases with no backgrounds in MS. We also present the potential and limitations of these solutions for ML application in future planetary missions. Our longer term goal is to deploy these powerful methods onboard the spacecraft to autonomously guide space operations and reduce ground-in-the-loop reliance.
A forward-modelling approach to overcome point spread function smearing and fit flexible models to the chemical structure of galaxies
Authors: Metha Benjamin , Birrer Simon , Treu Tommaso , Trenti Michele , Ding Xuheng , Wang Xin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Historically, metallicity profiles of galaxies have been modelled using a radially symmetric, two-parameter linear model, which reveals that most galaxies are more metal-rich in their central regions than their outskirts. However, this model is known to yield inaccurate results when the point spread function (PSF) of a telescope is large. Furthermore, a radially symmetric model cannot capture asymmetric structures within a galaxy. In this work, we present an extension of the popular forward-modelling Python package lenstronomy, which allows the user to overcome both of these obstacles. We demonstrate the new features of this code base through two illustrative examples on simulated data. First, we show that through forward modelling, lenstronomy is able to recover accurately the metallicity gradients of galaxies, even when the PSF is comparable with the size of a galaxy, as long as the data are observed with a sufficient number of pixels. Additionally, we demonstrate how lenstronomy is able to fit irregular metallicity profiles to galaxies that are not well-described by a simple surface brightness profile. This opens up pathways for detailed investigations into the connections between morphology and chemical structure for galaxies at cosmological distances using the transformative capabilities of JWST. Our code is publicly available and open source, and can also be used to model spatial distributions of other galaxy properties that are traced by its surface brightness profile.
Data analytics-based evaluation of blood indices and adaptation of medicated and non-medicated broiler chickens under humid tropical conditions
Authors: Alabi Olufemi M , Aworinde Halleluyah O , Adebayo Segun , Akinwumi Akinwale O , Ayandiji Adebamiji , Tatar Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The growth performance and blood indices of medicated and non-medicated broiler chickens have been the subject of this research coupled with a paucity of comparative information on what can actually happen to broiler chickens if not medicated when reared under humid tropical conditions. One hundred unsexed day-old broilers were randomly and equally allotted into two treatment groups of TM (medicated) and TN (non-medicated) in a completely randomized design each treatment with five replicates having ten birds each. The birds were reared on deep litter system for 56 d which was divided into two phases of 28 d each (starter and finisher), during which data were collected with respect to daily feed intake, final body weight, body weight gained (BWG), mortality rate while blood analysis was carried out on 28th and 56th d for starter and finisher phases, respectively. Non-medicated group served as control. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE), were later calculated. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance statistically. There was no significant difference between the medicated and non-medicated broilers for daily feed intake, final body weight, and BWG and also for the blood parameters investigated at starter phase. However, at finisher phase, no significant difference was observed in the daily feed intake of Tm and Tn but there was significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference in the final body weight, BWG, FCR, FCE, and mortality rate between the two groups. Birds on Tm attained higher weight significantly (P &lt; 0.05) than those on TN. BWG, FCR, and FCE followed the same trend and also the mortality rate. White blood cells count of TN was higher significantly (P &lt; 0.05) than TM while TM birds recorded higher packed cell volume, red blood counts, and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) significantly (P &lt; 0.05) than TM birds. Effect of medication was much noticeable at finisher phase as it improved the growth rate though mortality rate was close to that of TN group. These results suggest that broilers can be produced free of medication with good feeding without loss of birds while the growth rate can be enhanced with the use of prebiotics and prebiotics.