bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exogenous application of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid on the physiological and molecular response of ‘Dusa®’ avocado to Rosellinia necatrix
Authors: Moreno-Pérez Ana , Martínez-Ferri Elsa , Berg Noelani van den , Prieto Maria Clara Pliego 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Elicitors are compounds that induce defense responses in plants similar to those induced by pathogens. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) are two of the most used elicitors due to their importance in mediating plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Elicitor recognition involves the triggering of various biochemical mechanisms and physiological responses that can provide plants with long-term protection against a wide range of pathogens. In this sense, exogenous application of MeJA and SA could protect susceptible avocado plants, such as 'Dusa®' rootstock, against white root rot (WRR) disease caused by the necrotrophic fungus Rosellinia necatrix, one of the main biotic stresses affecting avocado orchards in southern Spain and other countries. Thus, this work evaluated the effects of MeJA or SA on the physiological and molecular response of 'Dusa®' plants, and their ability to provide some protection against R. necatrix.
Results: MeJA and SA application in ‘Dusa®’ plants increased photoprotective mechanisms (NPQ) and upregulated the glutathione S-transferase, suggesting the triggering of mechanisms closely related to oxidative stress relief and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. In contrast to SA, MeJA effects in avocado were more pronounced at the morpho-anatomical level, including functional traits such as high leaf mass area (LMA), high stomatal density, high root/shoot ratio, closely related to strategies to cope with harsh environments, such as water scarcity and WRR disease. In addition, MeJA upregulated a greater number of defense-related genes than SA, most notably overexpression of a glu protease inhibitor, a key gene in avocado defense against R. necatrix. The overall effects of MeJA on ‘Dusa®’ avocado rootstock improved its performance after R. necatrix inoculation, as indicated by delayed WRR disease progression. In all plants, R. necatrix infection led to impaired rubisco carboxylation activity in the early stages of disease progression.
Conclusions: MeJA increased avocado tolerance to the necrotrophic pathogen R. necatrix by inducing a primed state that delayed WRR disease symptoms in susceptible avocado ‘Dusa®’. These findings point towards the use of MeJA application as an environmentally friendly strategy to mitigate the impact of this disease on susceptible rootstocks in avocado orchards.
CYB561 is a potential therapeutic target for BC and is associated with immune cell infiltration
Authors: Zhuo Jian , Zhao Yanchun , Hao Ruiying , Li He , Zheng Zilin , Dai Luxian , Sheng Ankang , Yao Hanyu , Tang Yubao , Wang Rao , Yang Xiaohong , Liu Weiguang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Breast Cancer (BC), a prevalent malignant tumor originating from the terminal ductal lobular unit of the breast, poses a significant health risk to women. Previous studies have associated Cytochrome b561 (CYB561) with poor prognosis in BC, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Methods: We investigated the expression value of CYB561 mRNA in BC using databases such as TCGA, GEO, TNMplot, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The prognostic value of CYB561 protein in BC was assessed in relation to CYB561 protein expression levels in tissue samples from 158 BC patients. The influence of CYB561 on BC progression was confirmed through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The biological functions and related signaling pathways of CYB561 in BC were explored using gene microarray combined with IPA analysis, GO enrichment analysis, and KEGG enrichment analysis. The correlation between CYB561 and the BC tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated based on the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-cell analysis, and further validated by immunohistochemistry of serial sections.
Results: Our study demonstrated that CYB561 expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in BC patients. CYB561 was found to promote BC progression in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. CYB561 was observed to modulate downstream Tropomyosin 1 (TPM1) expression. Furthermore, CYB561 expression was associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC immune microenvironment.
Conclusions: Elevated CYB561 expression suggests a poor prognosis for BC patients and is associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC microenvironment. Therefore, CYB561 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for BC.
Gut microbial interactions based on network construction and bacterial pairwise cultivation
Authors: Jiang Min-Zhi , Liu Chang , Xu Chang , Jiang He , Wang Yulin , Liu Shuang-Jiang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Association networks are widely applied to predict bacterial interactions in the human gut microbiome studies. However, experimental validation of the predicted interactions is challenging due to the complexity of microbial composition and the limited number of cultivated bacteria.Results: In this study, we addressed this challenge by integratingin vitrotime series network association inference and co-culture of taxon pairs in network. Fecal samples were cultivated on YCFA agar plates for 13 days. Cells from agar were temporally harvested for DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing. A total of 198 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered and 360 bacterial isolates were cultivated belonging to 59 species. Temporal dynamics of bacteria growing on the YCFA agar were used to infer microbial association networks. To experimentally validate the interactions of taxon pairs in networks, we selected 43 bacterial strains that represented 43 MAGs. Among these, 19 strains were collected from the human Gut Microbial Biobank (hGMB) and 24 were isolated from this study. The co-culture experiments revealed that the majority of the interactions between taxa in networks were identified as neutralism (51.67%), followed by commensalism (21.67%), amensalism (18.33%), competition (5%) and exploitation (3.33%). Genome-centric analysis further revealed that the commensal members in human gut extensively involved the exchange of amino acids with greatest biosynthesis cost, short-chain fatty acids, and vitamins. We also validated the 12 beneficiaries by adding 16 additives into the basic YCFA medium. As a result, we found that the growth of 66.7% of the strains was significantly promoted.Conclusions: We have established a method that infers microbial interactions from association networks and validates these interactions using representative strains. This approach provides new insights into reducing the complexity of gut community and confirming microbial interactions in association networks through co-culture experimental. Our work highlights that the inferred gut microbial association networks tend to overestimate positive relationships in the real-world gut microbial communities. Moreover, the confirmed positive relationships between gut microbes are likely mediated by the exchange of amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins.
Composition and biological activities of Prunus mahaleb L. (Rosaceae) Leaf extract; antibiofilm effect on clinical strains
Authors: Dashtizadeh Zahra , Kashi fereshteh Jookar , Toluei Zeinab 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this work, leaves of Prunus mahaleb L. plant were extracted using methanol solvent. The chemical constituents of the n-hexane fraction of the methanol extract were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of the extract was measured. The antioxidant and anticancer activities were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and brine shrimp method, respectively. Then the ability of biofilm inhibition of the extract was evaluated. The results showed that octadecenoic acid (26.13%) and 14-methyl-8-hexadecyn-1-ol (18.54%) were the main constituents of the extract. The extract also contains significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds (100.31 ± 0.004 and 42.07 ± 0.014 µg/mg, respectively). DPPH test showed that the extract had high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 53.09 ± 0.13 µg/ml), but the brine shrimp test showed that the extract had no anticancer effect. The evolution of biofilm inhibition showed that the extract had good inhibitory effect on multidrug resistance E. coli strains. This study was performed for the first time on the leaf extract of P. mahaleb L. plant (collected from the Marivan, Iran) which showed that the leaves of the plant have significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and have good anti-biofilm and antioxidant properties.
A New Performance-Based Measure of Personality Functioning Impairment: Development and Preliminary Evaluation of Reliability and Validity
Authors: Natoli Adam P. , Rodriguez Chloe M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Personality functioning impairment is at the center of many dimensional models of personality. Available measures of personality functioning impairment are limited to self-report, clinician-/informant-rated, and interview methods. Although researchers have begun investigating established performance-based instruments’ potential for assessing personality functioning impairment, administration and scoring of these instruments is complex and the latent variables they measure diverge from personality functioning impairment as described in the ICD-11 and the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) of the DSM. We address this absence by developing and psychometrically evaluating the Level of Personality Functioning Scale – Questionnaire-based Implicit Association Test (LPFS-qIAT). The LPFS-qIAT’s psychometric properties were evaluated across four studies, producing initial evidence supporting the new instrument’s reliability as well as its convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity. As the first performance-based measure of personality functioning impairment that aligns with the ICD-11 and AMPD that is easily administered, scored, and interpreted, the LPFS-qIAT shows potential to become a valuable tool in both research and clinical practice.
Distinct effects of dietary Chitosan, ZnO, and Chitosan–ZnO nanocomposite on the performance and diet economic efficiency of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Asadi Mohammad Sheikh , Naji Abolfazl , Sourinejad Iman , Gharaei Ahmad , Niroomand Mohammad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with chitosan, zinc oxide (ZnO), and chitosan–ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth, survival, body composition, digestive enzymes activities, and hemato-immunity of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), alongside its impact on diet economic efficiency. Shrimps with an initial weight of 3.27 ± 0.11 g were exposed to eight diets: a control basal diet without additives, and experimental diets containing 36 mg kg− 1 chitosan, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg− 1 ZnO, and chitosan–ZnO NPs over a 90-day period. All experimental diets led to enhancements in final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain (%), survival rate, and feed conversion ratio. The most significant improvements in growth performance and survival rate were observed with chitosan–ZnO NPs at the 10 mg kg− 1 dosage. Furthermore, experimental treatments resulted in elevated whole-body lipid and protein contents, as well as heightened activities of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to the control group. Substantially increased digestive enzymes activities were noted in shrimps fed chitosan–ZnO NPs at 10 mg kg− 1 concentration (P < 0.05). In addition, shrimp fed with chitosan–ZnO NPs at 10 mg kg− 1 exhibited lower levels of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, along with higher levels of acid phosphatase (P < 0.05). Notably, total and differential hemocyte counts showed a gradual increase from the control group to experimental treatments, peaking with chitosan–ZnO NPs at the 10 mg kg− 1 concentration. The findings highlight the potential of bionanocomposites, specifically chitosan–ZnO NPs, in improving shrimp nutrition and subsequently its diet economic efficiency. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable approaches for optimizing the performance of Penaeus vannamei in aquaculture systems.
Beyond Traditional RK3: Exploring the Stability and Convergence of Efficient Explicit Modified Runge-Kutta Techniques
Authors: Kouser Salima , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Ahmad Fayyaz , Shahid Humayoun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We introduce and comprehensively discuss two third-order Efficient Explicit Modified Runge-Kutta (EEMRK) methods designed to address the computational challenges often faced in traditional methods. The first of these, termed as EEMRK-I, is characterized by its 3-stage process, complemented by 2 functional evaluations. In contrast, the EEMRK-II method is streamlined further, utilizing just 2 stages, yet retaining the same number of functional evaluations for each integration step. One of the foremost benefits of adopting the EEMRK methods is their appreciably reduced computational expenditure, which promises greater efficiency in various applications. To support our propositions, we present a meticulous proof detailing the order of convergence, and further delineate the regions in which these methods maintain their stability. We have also conducted rigorous numerical tests on both scalar and system initial value problems. The results from these tests provide compelling evidence that the EEMRK methods not only hold their own but also surpass the efficiency of traditional RK3 methods. This paper, thus, aims to shed light on these novel methods, offering a promising direction for those seeking enhanced computational efficiency.
Assessing nitrate groundwater hotspots in Europe reveals a severely inadequate designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones
Authors: Serra João , Marques-dos-Santos Cláudia , Marinheiro Joana , Cruz Soraia , Cameira Rosário , de Vries Wim , Dalgaard Tommy , Hutchings Nicholas , Graversgaard Morten , Giannini-Kurina Franca , Lassaletta Luis , Sanz-Cobena Alberto , Quemada Miguel , Aguilera Eduardo , Medinets Sergiy , Einarsson Rasmus , Garnier Josette 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Monitoring networks show that the European Union Nitrates Directive (ND) has had mixed success in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater. By combining machine learning and monitored nitrate concentrations (1992-2019), we estimate the nitrate hotspot area in Europe to be 401,000 km2, with 47% occurring outside of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). We also found contrasting increasing or decreasing trends, varying per country and time periods. We estimate that only 5% of the 122,000 km2 of hotspots in 2019 will meet nitrate quality standards by 2040 and that these may be offset by the appearance of new hotspots. Our results reveal that the effectiveness of the ND is limited by time-lags between the implementation of good practices and pollution reduction and an inadequate designation of NVZs. Significant improvements in the designation and regulation of NVZs are necessary, if the objectives of EU legislation to protect groundwater are to be achieved.
Bibliography Review of Recent Definition Research on Myanmar Southwest Monsoon
Authors: oo KYAW Than 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The monsoon system determines the seasonal climate patterns over most parts of Asia, mainly the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia, and large parts of East Asia. Research on the monsoon has a history dating back more than a hundred years, since the 1890s. This review analyzes the previous research about Asian monsoons, especially in Myanmar regions, that has been published internationally. Based on the Scopus database, bibliometric analysis was also conducted to explore research trends in monsoon rainfall studies. The accurate determination of onset and withdrawal dates has implications for various sectors. However, determining precise onset and withdrawal dates poses challenges due to interannual and spatial variability. The Myanmar Southwest Monsoon (MSwM) index is the most popular tool to determine the onset and withdrawal dates of the southwest monsoon over its regions. Advancements in satellite remote sensing, climate modeling, and data assimilation techniques provide opportunities for refining monsoon intensity indices. Additionally, efforts to better understand the interactions between the monsoon and climate teleconnections can contribute to improved monsoon intensity assessment. The MSwM is a separate system from the major South Asian monsoon system, and its cycle of seasons is closely connected to the seasonal cycle in mainland Indochina. The Tibetan Plateau's thermal influence accentuates the meridional land-sea thermal contrast and the zonal land-sea thermal contrast, making it important to monitor and anticipate monsoons. The MSwM is outcome of interactions between the earth, ocean, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere. Thus, it has a significant impact on the region's plantation, bio-earth, chemistry, economics, and society. The current coupled model of the land-sea-atmosphere system has limitations, so advancement in the study of models is highly anticipated. Research on this topic aids in regulating human activity, recognizing harmony between people and nature, and safeguarding the human habitat.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli to convert ethanol into L-tyrosine
Authors: LIANG Hong , ZHOU Kang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Utilizing ethanol derived from waste streams could establish shorter biosynthetic metabolic pathways to produce target metabolites, such as acetyl-CoA-derived chemicals. We have previously designed and constructed a two-step heterologous ethanol utilization pathway (EUP) in Escherichia coli that converts ethanol into acetyl-CoA derived compounds, including polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and prenol. In this study, we engineered E. coli to produce tyrosine efficiently by using ethanol as a major carbon source. Ethanol was converted into acetyl-CoA and then metabolized to generate biomass, provide energy, and produce tyrosine. The engineered strain produced 1.6 g/L tyrosine from 10 g/L ethanol. We hypothesized that the glyoxylate shunt was activated when ethanol was used as sole carbon source, and it was confirmed by transcriptome analysis. The key node gene aceA, encoding isocitrate lyase was upregulated 74-fold compared with the strain growing on glucose. To our knowledge, this is the first report of producing tyrosine from ethanol. The results support that ethanol has the potential to become a renewable feedstock to produce structurally complex chemicals.
Some new invariant sum tests and MAD tests for the assessment of Benford's Law
Authors: Kössler Wolfgang , Lenz Hans-J. , Wang Xing David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Benford Law is used world-wide for detecting non-conformance or data fraud of numerical data. It says that the significand of a data set from a universe is not uniformly, but logarithmically distributed. Especially, the first non-zero digit D1 is One with probability P (D1 = 1) = log10 2 ≈ 0.3. There are several tests available for testing Benford, the best known are Pearson’s χ2 -test, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the MAD-test suggested by Nigrini (2012). The latter test was enhanced to significance tests in K¨ossler, Lenz and Wang (2021) and in Cerqueti and Lupi (2021). In the present paper we propose some tests, three of the four invariant sum tests are new and they are motivated by the sum invariance property of the Benford Law. Two distance measures are investigated, Euclidean and Mahalanobis distance of the standardized sums to the orign. We use the significands corresponding to the first significant digit as well as the second significant digit, respectively. Moreover, we suggest inproved versions of the MAD-test and obtain critical values that are independent from the sample size. For illustration the tests are applied to specifically selected data sets where prior knowledge is available about being or not being Benford. Furthermore we discuss the role of truncation of distributions.
Demystifying CNN with Mathematical Insights: A Prelude with Application to an AI-based Sustainable Solution for Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis
Authors: Ali Amjad , Kazmi Syeda Zahra , Shahzadi Gullnaz , Rashid Muneeb , Ahsan Muhammad Umer 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), as a computational framework for deep learning, have gained preference over traditional machine learning techniques and simple, fully- connected neural networks due to their remarkable performance for AI applications related to images and videos, in general, computer vision. Recent advancements in CNN architectures pave the way for significant contributions across various application domains, including disease diagnosis, object detection, and image classification systems. This article elaborates on the fundamental process of CNN with mathematical insights. It provides a brief overview of the mathematical and computational intricacies that underpin CNNs. It presents streamlined derivations of key components, focusing on the pivotal mechanism of the backpropagation. A pseudo-code of the generic algorithm for CNN is presented both in component form and vectorized form, alongside an exhaustive explanation of the relevant data structures to foster comprehensive understanding. The article includes an application of classifying retinal images for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (DR). Having started the discussion about implementation from scratch, the article sheds light on transfer learning using pre-trained models for sustained efficiency. For this, performance gains are demonstrated using state-of-the-art CNN architecture for the DR classification. This way, the article aims to equip learners, researchers, and practitioners with mathematical insights into the working of CNN for proper comprehension and stepping towards efficient model development for sustainable advancements, especially for disease diagnosis. The understanding and expertise related to CNN would add to the development of large-scale and sustainable solutions based on AI in the health sector, supporting the United Nations’ agenda 2030 for sustainability.
ACM Classification Codes (ccs98): I.2.6, I.5.1, K.3.2. MSC Codes (2020): 68T07, 68T45, 92B20
Generalized group inverse in Banach *-algebras
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Sheibani Marjan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of the generalized group inverse in a *-Banach algebra.
This is a natural generalization of weak group inverse for a complex matrix and bounded linear operator over a Hilbert space. We present polar-like property for the generalized group inverse and characterize it by the generalized Drazin inverse. Furthermore, the relations between generalized group inverse and generalized core-EP inverse are investigated.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 15A09, 16U90, 46H05.