bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinsecticidal effect of lantana camara and urtica dioïca grown in northeast Algeria against plodia interpunctella (lepidopterae; pyralidae)
Authors: Hami Manel , Zidi Sourour , Hamdiken Malika , Grara Nedjoud , Atoki Ayomide Victor , Messaoudi Mohammed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

To valorize both medicinal and aromatic Algerian flora, the present study was performed to assess the effective bio-insecticidal effect of essential oils extracted from the leaves of two aromatic and medicinal plants; L. camara, and U. dioica grown in northeast Algeria, on the development and the reproduction of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidopterae; pyralidae) found in the stored foodstuffs. The yield, organoleptic properties, and toxicity of essential oils were determined. The effectiveness of essential oils was examined using the median lethal concentration (LC50) and 90% lethal concentration (LC90) on some reproductive parameters of adult females of P. interpunctella aged between 0 and 24 hours. The crushed leaves were administered separately to adult insects via ingestion route at increasing doses to estimate the mortality rate for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. L. camara extracts were found to have a higher level of essential oils (1.78%) than that of U. dioica (0.95%). In addition, the essential oils of U. dioica and L. camara revealed a significant insecticidal activity with a mortality rate of 84.44±5.09% (U. dioica) and 72.22±6.94% (L. camara). The lethal doses (LC50; LC90) for U. dioica and L. camara were respectively, 5µL/insect; 33µL/insect, and 9.12 µL/insect; 16.94µL/insect. The reproductive effects of essential oils of U. dioica were evidenced by the extended duration of nymphal development and the preoviposition period since those of L. camara were shown by an extension of the preoviposition period, a reduction of the oviposition rate and the duration of nymphal development. Further, results showed a marked decrease in the fertility and viability of the eggs laid by females, resulting in a reduction in reproductive efficiency. The analysis of the leaf powders revealed a potential insecticidal effect proved by an increased mortality rate up to 100% at 72 and 96 hours of exposure. Essential oils and powders of U. dioica and L. camara exhibited considerable bio-insecticide properties against P. interpunctella, and hence they are promised as effective alternatives to synthetic pesticides during the conservation of stored foodstuffs.
Unlocking the Potential of Phloroglucinol and Tocopherol in Improving the Photosynthetic Efficiency, Membrane Stability, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Cryopreserved In Vitro Raised Plantlets of Citrus maxima Merr. And Citrus jambhiri Lush
Authors: Sanglyne M Wanlambok , Kurbah Lavinia Alexis , Das Meera Chettri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study examined the effects of tocopherol (Vitamin E) and phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene) on cryopreserved plantlets of Citrus jambhiri Lush and Citrus Maxima Merr., two important Citrusspecies used in citrus breeding and variety development. After undergoing cryopreservation using conventional desiccation methods, the seeds of these two species were propagated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with various concentrations of tocopherol and phloroglucinol. Plantlets raised from both cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved seeds were multiplied using clonal propagation on MS medium supplemented with the specified two chemicals. The clones were subsequently assessed by a range of procedures, including the quantification of chlorophyll levels, measurement of electrolyte leakage, and evaluation of specific antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. Cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved C. jambhiri and C. maxima clones subjected to 2.0 µM and 15.0 µM tocopherol showed improved membrane stability compared to their control counterparts. Increased photosynthetic efficiency was attained by supplementing 0.3 µM and 4.0 µM phloroglucinol to C. jambhiri and C. maxima, respectively. Both cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved C. jambhiri clones had their maximum antioxidant enzyme activity when cultured in a medium with 2.0 µM tocopherol and 0.3 µM phloroglucinol. In C. maxima, cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved clones had higher antioxidant enzyme activity in medium with 15.0 µM tocopherol and 4.0 µM phloroglucinol. In conclusion, the use of vitamin E and phloroglucinol in cryopreservation can greatly improve the important developmental traits of cryopreserved citrus plantlets.
Complete genome sequences of three Prunus-infecting nepoviruses: apricot latent ringspot virus, myrobalan latent ringspot virus and a novel virus from smooth stone peach (Prunus mira Koehne)
Authors: Khalili Maryam , Candresse Thierry , Faure Chantal , Brans Yoann , Marais Armelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The complete genome sequence of two poorly known Prunus-infecting nepoviruses, apricot latent ringspot virus (ALRSV) and myrobalan latent ringspot virus (MLRSV) was determined, confirming they are subgroup C members. Serological, biological and molecular data, in particular a low, 58.8% amino acid coat protein identity suggest ALRSV and MLRSV should be considered distinct. In addition, datamining of wild and ornamental Prunus public RNASeq data identified two contigs representing the nearly complete genome of a new subgroup A Nepovirus from a smooth stone peach (Prunus mira) dataset (SRR8369794) from the Himalayas for which the name Prunus mira virus A is proposed.
Temperature shocks and household credit access: Investigating impacts and potential channels
Authors: Munyanyi Musharavati Ephraim , Churchill Sefa Awaworyi , Feeny Simon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We contribute to the literature by providing the first study to examine the effect of temperature shocks on household credit access. We use three waves of Malawian household data from the World Bank Microdata Library and weather data from the University of Delaware’s climate database. Estimating a panel fixed effects model, we find that temperature shocks have a negative and statistically significant effect on household credit access. Next, we investigate the heterogeneous effects of temperature shocks and explore the channels through which these shocks influence household credit access. The heterogeneity analysis results suggest that when exposed to temperature shocks, female-headed and rural households have a lower likelihood of accessing credit, while informal lenders are less inclined to extend credit to households. Our channel analysis results identify district-level economic growth, household income, and local conflict as mediating channels.
JEL codes: Q54; G5; G2
Transcriptomic profiling and discovery of key transcription factors involved in adventitious root formation from root cuttings of mulberry
Authors: Dou Hao , Sun Jiajia , Wang Tiantian , Bi Shuwen , Feng Xi , Sun Huijuan , Quan Jin’e 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Adventitious rooting is a critical aspect of plant morphogenesis and development, and the challenges associated with the limited and inefficient rooting of scions represent a significant impediment to the rapidity and caliber of clonal propagation of forest trees in silvicultural practices. Building upon the findings of prior investigations conducted by our team, it was determined that the application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at a concentration of 1000 mg/L− 1 had the most profound effect on the promotion of mulberry rooting. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, this study involved the analysis of RNA sequencing data from mulberry phloem pre- and post-treatment with 1000 mg/L− 1 IBA across time intervals of 10, 20, 30, and 40 days, revealing 5226 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were subsequently categorized into Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, with a pronounced enrichment observed in categories pertinent to hormone signaling processes. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was applied to all identified DEGs, resulting in the delineation of eight co-expression modules. Of these, two modules exhibited significant correlations with the 1000 mg/L− 1 IBA treatment. Furthermore, 18 transcription factors implicated in the facilitation of adventitious root formation in mulberry were identified. An exploratory analysis was also conducted on the cis-regulatory elements associated with these transcription factors. The outcomes of this research not only lay the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of adventitious rooting in mulberry but also provide theoretical support for the discovery and harnessing of exceptional genetic resources within the species.
Effect of heat exposure on prostaglandin production and expression of COX-2, PGES, PGFS, ITGAV and LGALS15 mRNAs in endometrial epithelial cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Mondal S. , Mor A. , Reddy I. J. , Nandi S. , Gupta P. S. P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the influence of heat stress on prostaglandin production and the expression of key genes, including COX-2, PGES, PGFS, ITGAV, and LGALS15, in buffalo endometrial epithelial cells. Buffalo genitalia, containing ovaries with corpus luteum (CL), were collected immediately post-slaughter and transported to the laboratory. The stages of estrous cycle were determined based on macroscopic observations of the ovaries, and uteri from the mid luteal phase (days 6–10 of the estrous cycle) were utilized. Uterine lumens were washed and treated with trypsin to isolate epithelial cells, which were then cultured at control temperature (38.5°C for 24 hr) or exposed to elevated temperatures (38.5°C for 6 hr, 40.5°C for 18 hr; HS). The supernatant and endometrial epithelial cells were collected at various time points (0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr) from both control and treatment group. Despite the elevated temperature (40.5°C) not affecting the in vitro production of PGF2α and PGE2 in epithelial cells, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in COX-2, PGES, and PGFS transcripts in response to heat stress. Interestingly, the expression of ITGAV and LGALS15 mRNAs in endometrial epithelial cells remained unaltered under elevated temperature conditions. In conclusion, this study suggests that while elevated temperature did not directly modulate prostaglandin production, it promoted the expression of COX-2, PGES, and PGFS mRNA in buffalo endometrial epithelial cells. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular responses of buffalo reproductive cells to heat stress, potentially informing strategies for mitigating the impact of environmental factors on reproductive outcomes in this species.
Vertical distribution of picocyanobacteria in deep lakes: the influence of inorganic turbidity
Authors: Schenone Luca , Modenutti Beatriz , Balseiro Esteban 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Picocyanobacteria (Pcy) represent the dominant photosynthetic fraction in aquatic systems, contributing significantly to global primary production and playing a key role in global biogeochemical cycles. Based on a 20-years dataset of in situ observations in four deep Andean North-Patagonian lakes, we analyzed and presented a simple model to understand how the input of inorganic particles affects light penetration and influences the vertical distribution of freshwater Pcy during summer stratification. The analyzed temporal series includes two important events (volcanic eruption and glacial recession) that substantially affected lake turbidity. Thus, our mechanistic model was constructed as a function of changes in light extinction coefficient (KdPAR) and mean irradiance of the mixing layer (Im). Our modeling approach using Bayesian inference and a continuous non-monotonic function successfully predicted changes in Pcy vertical distribution. The obtained model was successful in fitting data of different minerogenic particles (volcanic ashes and glacial clay) and in predicting changes under sharp increases in turbidity (volcanic eruptions) as well as in more steady changes (glacial recession). Pcy maximum abundance increased with transparency (lower KdPAR values) and the amplitude of the vertical profile increased with higher Im values. Using our model, we achieved a full prediction of Pcy vertical distribution under different scenarios of lake transparency and lake thermal structures.
A modified PRP conjugate gradient method with inertial extrapolation for sparse signal reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yuanshou , Sun Min , Liu Jing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

It is widely known that the inertial technique of the heavy ball method can accelerate its convergence speed. In this paper, by embedding the inertial technique in the famous PRP conjugate gradient method, we propose a modified PRP conjugate gradient method with inertial extrapolation (PRPCG-IE) for sparse signal reconstruction. Its direction satisfies the sufficient descent property, which is independent of any line search. Global convergence of PRPCG-IE is established under some standard conditions. Finally, PRPCG-IE is applied to two sparse signal reconstruction problems with noise. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of PRPCG-IE.
MSC. 90C25, 90C30
Optimum mix design for quarry waste-based masonry blocks with alkali-activated rice husk ash and eggshell ash as a binder
Authors: Sathiparan Navaratnarajah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Using suitable waste materials as a replacement for cement and natural sand presents a viable and pragmatic approach to tackle the challenges associated with the construction sector's scarcity of building materials and environmental issues. Additionally, this approach aids in conserving a substantial quantity of waste. This study explored the possibility of geopolymer technology in manufacturing masonry blocks by utilizing eggshell ash, rice husk ash, quarry waste, and caustic soda. Various permutations of the mixture were evaluated to ascertain the components' optimal blending ratios. The ideal composition for block manufacturing was determined by studying many factors, including compressive strength, water absorption rate, energy demand, and carbon dioxide emissions during production. It was found that a geopolymer mortar comprising 2.5% eggshell ash, 7.5% rice husk ash, and 4% caustic soda mixed with quarry waste yielded the most favourable results. The findings indicate that the geopolymer blocks could meet the strength requirements of 1.2 MPa outlined in the SriLankan standard SLS 855 for non-load-bearing masonry when combined in specific ways. Yet, it should be noted that the geopolymer mortar's compressive strengths were relatively lower than those of the cement-quarry waste mortar. The geopolymer mortar with the optimum mix showed 14.1% less energy embodied per unit strength and 15.4% less CO2 emission per unit strength, respectively, compared to the control mortar.
Anti-soiling transparent sol-gel coating with fast curability at room temperature
Authors: MEDURI Angelo , BEZZON Alessia , DONATO Demetrio Massimiliano , IUFFRIDA Marco , BERGO Andrea , TULUI Mario 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

An innovative hydrophobic (WCA ≥ 90°), transparent thin film is reported. It is applicable on any glass, ceramic, or metallic surface. Notably, it can be applied on photovoltaic panels, providing a solution for the soiling phenomena, and increasing their efficiency, in fact in pursuing the energy efficiency, the importance of careful maintenance of cleaned photovoltaic fields to preserve their efficiency is a key factor.
The proposed new coating is based on organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel formulations having two major advantages: (a) being applicable on any glass surface (photovoltaic, building glasses, automotive, marine, …); (b) being applicable directly in the field thanks to their fast-curing times (120 seconds or less) at ambient temperature.
The good physical and chemical behaviour of the new coating has been verified by measures and tests such as Water Contact Angle (WCA), anti-soiling properties and durability.
Segregation pattern in a four-component reaction-diffusion system with mass conservation
Authors: Morita Yoshihisa , Oshita Yoshihito 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We deal with a four-component reaction-diffusion system with mass conservation in a bounded domain with the Neumann boundary condition. This system serves as a model describing the segregation pattern which emerges during the maintenance phase of asymmetric cell devision. By utilizing the mass conservation, the stationary problem of the system isreduced to a two-component elliptic system with nonlocal terms, formulated as the Euler-Lagrange equation of an energy functional. We first establish the spectral comparison theorem, relating the stability/instability of equilibrium solutions to the four-component system to that of the two-component system. This comparison follows from examining the eigenvalue problems of the linearized operators around equilibrium solutions. Subsequently, with an appropriate scaling, we prove a Γ-convergence of the energy functional. Furthermore, in a cylindrical domain, we prove the existence of equilibrium solutions with monotone profile representing a segregation pattern. This is achieved by applying the gradient flow and the comparison principle to the reduced two-component system.
MSC Classification: 35A15 , 35B35 , 35B36 , 35B40 , 35K57
Genome-Wide Identification of the Q-type C2H2 Zinc Finger Protein Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stress in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Authors: Liu Huan , Liu YiDan , Zeng Lihong , Liu Fangyu , Xu Yingchun , Jin Qijiang , Wang Yanjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Q-type C2H2 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) play an important role in plant growth development and environmental stress responses. Although the Q-type C2H2 gene family has been identified in some plants, limited reports has been carried out it in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).
Results
In this study, we identified 45 Q-type NnZFP members in lotus. Based on the phylogenetic tree, these Q-type NnZFP gene family members were divided into 4 groups, including C1-1i, C1-2i, C1-3i and C1-4i. Promoter cis-acting elements analysis indicated that most Q-type NnZFP gene family members in lotus are associated with response to abiotic stresses. Through collinearity analyses, no tandem duplication gene pairs and 14 segmental duplication gene pairs were identified, and it showed that duplication events play a key role in the expansion of the Q-type NnZFP gene family. The synteny results showed that 54 and 28 Q-type NnZFP genes were orthologous to Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. The expression patterns of these Q-type NnZFP genes showed that 30 Q-type NnZFP genes were expressed in at least one lotus tissue. Nn5g30550 showed relatively high expression levels in all tested tissues. The expression of 12 randomly selected gene from each phylogenetic clade was confirmed by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), and it indicated that Q-type NnZFP genes are extensively involved in cadmium, drought, salt and cold stress responses. Among them, 11 genes responded to at least three different stress treatments, especially Nn2g12894 was induced by all four treatments.
Conclusions
These results could increase our understanding of the characterization of the Q-type NnZFP gene family and provide relevant information for further functional analysis of Q-type NnZFP genes in plant development, and abiotic stress tolerance in lotus.
How effective are mood stabilizers in treating bipolar patients comorbid with cPTSD? Results from an observational study
Authors: Iazzolino Anna Maria , Valenza Marta , D’Angelo Martina , Longobardi Grazia , Stefano Valeria , Luca Steardo , Scuderi Caterina , Steardo Luca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Multiple traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). Unfortunately, individuals with bipolar disorder (BP) are more likely to have suffered traumatic events than the general population. Consequently, cPTSD could be comorbid with BD, and this may negatively affect psychopathological manifestations. To date, no one has explored whether such comorbidity also affects the response to treatment with mood stabilizers in BD patients.
Results: Here, a cross-sectional study was carried out by comparing the response to treatment, measured by the Alda scale, in a cohort of 344 patients diagnosed with BD type I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire. The main result that emerged from the present study is the poorer response to mood stabilizers in BD patients with comorbid cPTSD compared with BD patients without cPTSD.
Conclusions: The results collected suggest the need for an add-on therapy focused on trauma in BD patients. This could represent an area of future interest in clinical research, capable of leading to more precise and quicker diagnoses as well as suggesting better tailored and more effective treatments.
Two novel genomes of fireflies with different degrees of sexual dimorphism reveal insights into sex-biased gene expression and dosage compensation
Authors: Catalan Ana , Gygax Daniel , Rodriguez-Montes Leticia , Hinzke Tjorven , Hoff Katharina , Duchen Pablo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism arises because of divergent fitness optima between the sexes. Phenotypic divergence between sexes can range from mild to extreme, as observed in various species of bioluminescent beetles - fireflies. Fireflies present various degrees of sexual dimorphism, including female neoteny, posing a unique framework to investigate the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits across species. In this work, we present novel assembled genomes of two firefly species, Lamprohiza splendidula and Luciola italica, species with different degrees of sexual dimorphism. We uncovered high synteny conservation of the X-chromosome across ~ 150 Mya. We also found full X-chromosome dosage compensation in our two fireflies hinting at common mechanism upregulating the single male X-chromosome. Different degrees of sex-biased expressed genes were found across two body parts showing different proportions of expression congruence between species. Interestingly, we did not find X-chromosome enrichment of sex-biased genes, but retrieved autosomal enrichment of sex-biased genes. We further uncovered higher nucleotide diversity in the intronic regions of sex-biased genes, hinting at a maintenance of heterozygosity through sexual selection. We identified different levels of sex-biased gene expression divergence including sex-biased genes conserved between species. Divergent and conserved sex-biased genes are candidate to test their role in sexually dimorphic traits.