Improving Expressivity of Graph Neural Networks using Localization

In this paper, we propose localized versions of Weisfeiler-Leman (WL) algorithms in an effort to both increase the expressivity, as well as decrease the computational overhead. We focus on the specific problem of subgraph counting and give localized versions of $k-$WL for any $k$. We analyze the power of Local $k-$WL and prove that it is more expressive than $k-$WL and at most as expressive as $(k+1)-$WL. We give a characterization of patterns whose count as a subgraph and induced subgraph are invariant if two graphs are Local $k-$WL equivalent. We also introduce two variants of $k-$WL: Layer $k-$WL and recursive $k-$WL. These methods are more time and space efficient than applying $k-$WL on the whole graph. We also propose a fragmentation technique that guarantees the exact count of all induced subgraphs of size at most 4 using just $1-$WL. The same idea can be extended further for larger patterns using $k>1$. We also compare the expressive power of Local $k-$WL with other GNN hierarchies and show that given a bound on the time-complexity, our methods are more expressive than the ones mentioned in Papp and Wattenhofer[2022a]

Plant growth promoting activities of P solubilizing bacteria and their impact on disease resistance in groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L. against soil borne fungal pathogens

Plant growth promoting (PGP) activities of soil bacteria directly help plants in taking up the nutrients, attuning the growth hormones and indirectly safeguard by inhibiting diverse groups of fungal pathogens. In this study, we explored the native P solubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolated from the acid soils (pH < 5.5) of Odisha for selection of efficient PGPR with antifungal potential. Five PSB strainswere checked for their P solubilization efficiencies with Ca3(PO4)2,AlPO4,FePO4 and Fe3(PO4)2. The bioconversion of P by all the five strains in the broth medium followed the order Ca-P > Fe(III)-P > Fe(II)-P >Al-P. The strains interestingly showed potential plant growthpromoting properties including indole acetic acid (IAA) andsiderophore production in in vitro tests. These five strains also exhibited antifungal activities against fungal pathogens(Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium debaryanum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Aspergillus niger)of groundnut. A field study was carried out with two of the above PSB strains [identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(KT633845) and Burkholderia cepacia (KT717633)] with groundnut. Both the stains significantly influenced the plantgrowth (plant height, nodule no. and nodule dry weight) and pod yield. However, these two strains inoculated along withdoses of inorganic phosphate (SSP, single super phosphate) resulted in significantly higher pod yield as well as residual soil P.Additionally; the prevalence of both seedling mortality and plant mortality due to collar rot and stem rot were found to bereduced significantly in the inoculated plots. The findings substantiate the growth promoting ability of the two P solubilizingstrains, and thus qualifies to be used as biofertilizers either alone or as components of INM practice

Plant growth promoting activities of P solubilizing bacteria and their impact on disease resistance in groundnut, <i>Arachis hypogaea</i> L. against soil borne fungal pathogens

606-616Plant growth promoting (PGP) activities of soil bacteria directly help plants in taking up the nutrients, attuning the growth hormones and indirectly safeguard by inhibiting diverse groups of fungal pathogens. In this study, we explored the native P solubilizing bacteria (PSB) isolated from the acid soils (pH 3(PO4)2,AlPO4,FePO4 and Fe3(PO4)2. The bioconversion of P by all the five strains in the broth medium followed the order Ca-P > Fe(III)-P > Fe(II)-P >Al-P. The strains interestingly showed potential plant growthpromoting properties including indole acetic acid (IAA) andsiderophore production in in vitro tests. These five strains also exhibited antifungal activities against fungal pathogens(Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium debaryanum, Thanatephorus cucumeris and Aspergillus niger)of groundnut. A field study was carried out with two of the above PSB strains [identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(KT633845) and Burkholderia cepacia (KT717633)] with groundnut. Both the stains significantly influenced the plantgrowth (plant height, nodule no. and nodule dry weight) and pod yield. However, these two strains inoculated along withdoses of inorganic phosphate (SSP, single super phosphate) resulted in significantly higher pod yield as well as residual soil P.Additionally; the prevalence of both seedling mortality and plant mortality due to collar rot and stem rot were found to bereduced significantly in the inoculated plots. The findings substantiate the growth promoting ability of the two P solubilizingstrains, and thus qualifies to be used as biofertilizers either alone or as components of INM practices

A Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) screen detects an AMPK inhibitor with selective toxicity toward human colon tumor cells

AMPK is a serine threonine kinase composed of a heterotrimer of a catalytic, kinase-containing α and regulatory β and γ subunits. Here we show that individual AMPK subunit expression and requirement for survival varies across colon cancer cell lines. While AMPKα1 expression is relatively consistent across colon cancer cell lines, AMPKα1 depletion does not induce cell death. Conversely, AMPKα2 is expressed at variable levels in colon cancer cells. In high expressing SW480 and moderate expressing HCT116 colon cancer cells, siRNA-mediated depletion induces cell death. These data suggest that AMPK kinase inhibition may be a useful component of future therapeutic strategies. We used Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) to screen a natural product library to identify compounds that were inhibitors of AMPK to test its potential for detecting small molecules with preferential toxicity toward human colon tumor cells. FUSION identified 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine, which competitively inhibits AMPK. Human colon cancer cell lines are notably more sensitive to 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine than are non-transformed human colon epithelial cells. This study serves as proof-of-concept for unbiased FUSION-based detection of small molecule inhibitors of therapeutic targets and highlights its potential to identify novel compounds for cancer therapy development

Using social network analysis to plan, promote and monitor intersectoral collaboration for health in rural India.

BackgroundAs population health and well-being are influenced by multiple factors that cut across sectoral boundaries, an intersectoral approach that acknowledges and leverages the multiple determinants, actors and sectors at play is increasingly seen as critical for achieving meaningful and lasting improvements. In this study, we utilize social network analysis (SNA) to characterize the intersectoral collaboration between the organizations working on maternal & child health (MCH) and water & sanitation (WASH) before and immediately after the implementation of HCL Foundation (HCLF)-funded HCL Samuday Project (2015-2017) in a rural block of Uttar Pradesh state, India. While SNA has been used to examine public health issues, few have used it monitor stakeholder relationships, intervene, improve and facilitate project implementation involving intersectoral partnerships, particularly in the context of a low-and middle-income countries.MethodAn organization-level SNA was conducted with 31 key informants from 24 organizations working on MCH and/or WASH in Kachhauna, Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were collected using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews between June and September 2017. Density, centrality and homophily were calculated to describe the network and a qualitative analysis was also conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of collaboration between organizations working on MCH and WASH.ResultsOverall, our findings showed that the network of organizations working on MCH and WASH in Kachhauna grew in number since the implementation of Samuday. HCLF rapidly achieved centrality, thus positioning the organization to serve as a gatekeeper of information and enabling it to play a coordinator role within the network. Direct collaboration between other organizations working on MCH and WASH was low at both time points. Interviews with key informants indicated widespread interest in increasing interorganizational interactions and engagement throughout the network.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility and practical application of SNA for projects like Samuday that involve intersectoral collaboration. It also provides lessons about the use of SNA with organizations as the unit of analysis and in the context of rural India, including challenges, practical considerations, and limitations

Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Immunocharacterization of Placental Protein-14

Human placental protein-14 (PP-14), a member of the lipocalin superfamily, shares homology at the level of the primary and secondary structures with bovine $\beta$-lactoglobulin. It is the most prominent endometrial protein synthesized by the glandular cells of endometrium under estrogen priming and progesterone stimulation. The temporal and spatial expression of PP-14 in the female reproductive tract combined with its biological activities ex vivo suggest that this glycoprotein probably plays an essential physiological role in the regulation of fertilization, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy. We proposed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the function of this protein. A prerequisite to such investigations on any protein is the availability of sufficient amounts of the same in a homogenous form. Therefore, recombinant DNA technology was employed. The PP-14 cDNA was obtained from the first-trimester endometrial tissue RNA by RT-PCR using unique primers. After confirming the identity of the gene, the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The gene was also cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris to obtain the protein product in a glycosylated form. The recombinant proteins were immunocharacterized using a cross-reactive antibody raised to bovine $\beta$-lactoglobulin. Polyclonal antiserum raised to the E coli expressed PP-14 also bound to the native PP-14 from amniotic fluid suggesting that recombinant PP-14 may be exploited to elucidate functional aspects of the protein

Report on association of plant parasitic nematodes in large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) at Sikkim, Himalaya region of India: Plant parasitic nematodes in large cardamom in Sikkim

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), is a major cash crop grown in Sikkim Himalaya region. The crop is found to be affected by many pests (insects and diseases); which hinders the production, productivity as well as quality of the produce. Based on symptoms in this crop, similar to nematode infestation, soil and root samples were collected from the rhizosphere of different large cardamom fields and analyzed for presence of nematodes. Laboratory analysis revealed the association of six nematode species with large cardamom viz., Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus sp., Tylenchorhynchus  annulatus, Pratylenchus sp. and Macroposthonia spp., of which  Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus sp. were recorded in roots also and the percentage of occurance was 59.09. Apart from Meloidogyne incognita, all other five nematode species were recorded for the first time in large cardamom. Helicotylenchus spp. was the dominant genera among the six genera with 50% occurrence, 61.56 % relative abundance and 60 nematodes per 200 cc soil