bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for 3D virtual histology of unstained human brain tissue using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast microtomography
Authors: Lee Ju Young , Donato Sandro , Mack Andreas F. , Mattheus Ulrich , Tromba Giuliana , Longo Elena , D’Amico Lorenzo , Mueller Sebastian , Shiozawa Thomas , Bause Jonas , Scheffler Klaus , Longo Renata , Hagberg Gisela E.
Published: January 2024

X-ray phase-contrast micro computed tomography using synchrotron radiation (SR PhC-µCT) offers unique 3D imaging capabilities for visualizing microstructure of the human brain. Its applicability for unstained soft tissue is an area of active research. Acquiring images from a tissue block without needing to section it into thin slices, as required in routine histology, allows for investigating the microstructure in its natural 3D space. This paper presents a detailed step-by-step guideline for imaging unstained human brain tissue at resolutions of a few micrometers with SR PhC-µCT implemented at SYRMEP, the hard X-ray imaging beamline of Elettra, the Italian synchrotron facility. We present examples of how blood vessels and neurons appear in the images acquired with isotropic 5 μm and 1 µm voxel sizes. Furthermore, the proposed protocol can be used to investigate important biological substrates such as neuromelanin or corpora amylacea. Their spatial distribution can be studied using specifically tailored segmentation tools that are validated by classical histology methods. In conclusion, SR PhC-µCT using the proposed protocols, including data acquisition and image processing, offers viable means of obtaining information about the anatomy of the human brain at the cellular level in 3D.
Higher-resolution wavefront sensing based on sub-wavefront information extraction
Authors: Guan Hongli , Zhao Wang , Wang Shuai , Yang Kangjian , Zhao Mengmeng , Liu Shenghu , Guo Han , Yang Ping
Published: January 2024

The limited spatial sampling rates of conventional Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensors (SHWFSs) make them unable to sense higher-order wavefront distortion. In this study, by etching a known phase on each microlens to modulate sub-wavefront, we propose a higher-resolution wavefront reconstruction method that employs a modified modal Zernike wavefront reconstruction algorithm, in which the reconstruction matrix contains quadratic information that is extracted using a neural network. We validate this method through simulations, and the results show that once the network has been trained, for various atmospheric conditions and spatial sampling rates, the proposed method enables fast and accurate high-resolution wavefront reconstruction. Furthermore, it has highly competitive advantages such as fast dataset generation, simple network structure, and short prediction time.
Comparison of effects of modafinil and caffeine on fatigue-vulnerable and fatigue-resistant aircrew after a limited period of sleep deprivation
Authors: Wingelaar-Jagt Yara Q. , Wingelaar Thijs T. , Riedel Wim J. , Ramaekers Johannes G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Literature suggests pilots experience fatigue differently. So-called fatigue-resistant or -vulnerable individuals might also respond differently to countermeasures or stimulants. This study, which is part of a larger randomized controlled clinical trial, aims to investigate the effect of caffeine and modafinil on fatigue-resistant and -vulnerable pilots.

Methods: This study included 32 healthy employees of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, who completed three test days, separated by at least 7 days. After a regular work day, the subjects were randomly administered either 300 mg caffeine, 200 mg modafinil or placebo at midnight. Hereafter the subjects performed the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), vigilance and tracking test (VigTrack) and Stanford sleepiness scale (SSS) six times until 8 a.m. the next day. Subjects were ranked on the average number of lapses on the PVT during the placebo night and divided into three groups: fatigue-vulnerable (FVUL), -intermediate (FINT) and -resistant (FRES), with 11, 10 and 11 subjects in each group, respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) of the PVT, VigTrack and SSS during the test nights were calculated, which were used in univariate factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests were used to differentiate between the groups.

Results: A significant effect of treatment was found in the ANOVA of both PVT parameters, VigTrack mean reaction time and SSS. There was a statistically significant effect of fatigue group on all PVT parameters and VigTrack mean percentage omissions, where FINT and FRES scored better than FVUL. There was a significant interaction effect between treatment and fatigue group for PVT number of lapses. This is congruent for the AUC analyses in which for all parameters (except for the SSS) the performance of the FVUL group was consistently worse than that of the FINT and FRES groups.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that the performance of individuals with different fatigue tolerances are differently affected by simulants after a limited period of sleep deprivation. The classification of fatigue tolerance through PVT lapses when sleep deprived seems to be able to predict this.
Effects of photon irradiation in the presence and absence of hindlimb unloading on the behavioral performance and metabolic pathways in the plasma of Fischer rats
Authors: Raber Jacob , Holden Sarah , Kessler Kat , Glaeser Breanna , McQuesten Chloe , Chaudhari Mitali , Stenzel Fiona , Lenarczyk Marek , Leonard Scott Willem , Morré Jeffrey , Choi Jaewoo , Kronenberg Amy , Borg Alexander , Kwok Andy , Stevens Jan Frederik , Olsen Christopher , Willey Jeffrey S. , Bobe Gerd , Minnier Jessica , Baker John E.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The space environment astronauts experience during space missions consists of multiple environmental challenges, including microgravity. In this study, we assessed the behavioral and cognitive performances of male Fisher rats 2 months after sham irradiation or total body irradiation with photons in the absence or presence of simulated microgravity. We analyzed the plasma collected 9 months after sham irradiation or total body irradiation for distinct alterations in metabolic pathways and to determine whether changes to metabolic measures were associated with specific behavioral and cognitive measures.

Methods: A total of 344 male Fischer rats were irradiated with photons (6 MeV; 3, 8, or 10 Gy) in the absence or presence of simulated weightlessness achieved using hindlimb unloading (HU). To identify potential plasma biomarkers of photon radiation exposure or the HU condition for behavioral or cognitive performance, we performed regression analyses.

Results: The behavioral effects of HU on activity levels in an open field, measures of anxiety in an elevated plus maze, and anhedonia in the M&M consumption test were more pronounced than those of photon irradiation. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism and biosynthesis showed very strong pathway changes, following photon irradiation and HU in animals irradiated with 3 Gy. Here, 29 out of 101 plasma metabolites were associated with 1 out of 13 behavioral measures. In the absence of HU, 22 metabolites were related to behavioral and cognitive measures. In HU animals that were sham-irradiated or irradiated with 8 Gy, one metabolite was related to behavioral and cognitive measures. In HU animals irradiated with 3 Gy, six metabolites were related to behavioral and cognitive measures.

Discussion: These data suggest that it will be possible to develop stable plasma biomarkers of behavioral and cognitive performance, following environmental challenges like HU and radiation exposure.
Active vitamin D increases myogenic differentiation in C2C12 cells via a vitamin D response element on the myogenin promoter
Authors: Alliband Kathryn H. , Parr Tim , Jethwa Preeti H. , Brameld John M.
Published: January 2024

Background: Skeletal muscle development during embryogenesis depends on proliferation of myoblasts followed by differentiation into myotubes/multinucleated myofibers. Vitamin D (VD) has been shown to affect these processes, but there is conflicting evidence within the current literature on the exact nature of these effects due to a lack of time course data. With 20%–40% of pregnant women worldwide being VD deficient, it is crucial that a clearer understanding of the impact of VD on myogenesis is gained.

Methods: A detailed 8-day differentiation time course was used where C2C12 cells were differentiated in control media (2% horse serum) or with different concentrations of active VD, 1,25 (OH)2D3 (10−13 M, 10−11 M, 10−9 M or 10−7 M), and measurements were taken at 6 time points. DNA, creatine kinase and protein assays were carried out as well as quantitative PCR to determine expression of Myf5, MyoD, myogenin, MHC I, and MHC neonatal, MHC embryonic, MHC IIa, MHC IIx, and MHC IIb mRNAs. Transfections were carried out using one vector containing the myogenin promoter and another containing the same promoter with a 3 base mutation within a putative vitamin D response element (VDRE) to determine effects of 1,25 (OH)2D3 on myogenin transcription. Finally, a ChIP assay was performed to determine whether the VD receptor (VDR) binds to the putative VDRE.

Results: 1,25(OH)2D3 caused an inhibition of proliferation and an increase in differentiation in C2C12 cells. Myf5, myogenin, MHC I, and MHC neonatal, MHC embryonic, MHC IIa, MHC IIx, and MHC IIb expression were all increased by 1,25(OH)2D3. Myotube size was also increased by VD. When the putative VDRE on the myogenin promoter was mutated, the increase in expression by VD was lost. ChIP analysis revealed that the VDR does bind to the putative VDRE on the myogenin promoter.

Conclusion: Active VD directly increases myogenin transcription via a functional VDRE on the myogenin promoter, resulting in increased myogenic differentiation, increased expression of both the early and late MHC isoforms, and also increased myotube size. These results highlight the importance of VD status during pregnancy for normal myogenesis to occur, but further in vivo work is needed.
Tomato plant response to heat stress: a focus on candidate genes for yield-related traits
Authors: Graci Salvatore , Barone Amalia
Published: January 2024

Climate change and global warming represent the main threats for many agricultural crops. Tomato is one of the most extensively grown and consumed horticultural products and can survive in a wide range of climatic conditions. However, high temperatures negatively affect both vegetative growth and reproductive processes, resulting in losses of yield and fruit quality traits. Researchers have employed different parameters to evaluate the heat stress tolerance, including evaluation of leaf- (stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, Fv/Fm), flower- (inflorescence number, flower number, stigma exertion), pollen-related traits (pollen germination and viability, pollen tube growth) and fruit yield per plant. Moreover, several authors have gone even further, trying to understand the plants molecular response mechanisms to this stress. The present review focused on the tomato molecular response to heat stress during the reproductive stage, since the increase of temperatures above the optimum usually occurs late in the growing tomato season. Reproductive-related traits directly affects the final yield and are regulated by several genes such as transcriptional factors, heat shock proteins, genes related to flower, flowering, pollen and fruit set, and epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling and non-coding RNAs. We provided a detailed list of these genes and their function under high temperature conditions in defining the final yield with the aim to summarize the recent findings and pose the attention on candidate genes that could prompt on the selection and constitution of new thermotolerant tomato plant genotypes able to face this abiotic challenge.
High-throughput assays to identify archaea-targeting nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Beeckman Fabian , Drozdzecki Andrzej , De Knijf Alexa , Audenaert Dominique , Beeckman Tom , Motte Hans
Published: January 2024

Nitrification is a microbial process that converts ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrate (NO3-). The first and rate-limiting step in nitrification is ammonia oxidation, which is conducted by both bacteria and archaea. In agriculture, it is important to control this process as high nitrification rates result in NO3- leaching, reduced nitrogen (N) availability for the plants and environmental problems such as eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrification inhibitors can be used to block nitrification, and as such reduce N pollution and improve fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) in agriculture. Currently applied inhibitors target the bacteria, and do not block nitrification by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). While it was long believed that nitrification in agroecosystems was primarily driven by bacteria, recent research has unveiled potential significant contributions from ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), especially when bacterial activity is inhibited. Hence, there is also a need for AOA-targeting nitrification inhibitors. However, to date, almost no AOA-targeting inhibitors are described. Furthermore, AOA are difficult to handle, hindering their use to test or identify possible AOA-targeting nitrification inhibitors. To address the need for AOA-targeting nitrification inhibitors, we developed two miniaturized nitrification inhibition assays using an AOA-enriched nitrifying community or the AOA Nitrosospaera viennensis. These assays enable high-throughput testing of candidate AOA inhibitors. We here present detailed guidelines on the protocols and illustrate their use with some examples. We believe that these assays can contribute to the discovery of future AOA-targeting nitrification inhibitors, which could complement the currently applied inhibitors to increase nitrification inhibition efficiency in the field and as such contribute to a more sustainable agriculture.
Spatial prediction of winter wheat yield gap: agro-climatic model and machine learning approaches
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Rohollah , Jahandideh Mahjenabadi Vahid Alah , Khoshru Bahman , Rezaei Meisam
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to identify the most influential soil and environmental factors for predicting wheat yield (WY) in a part of irrigated croplands in southwest Iran, using the FAO-Agro-Climate method and machine learning algorithms (MLAs). A total of 60 soil samples and wheat grain (1 m × 1 m) in 1200 ha of Pasargad plain were collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Attainable WY was assessed using the FAO method for the area. Pearson correlation analysis was used to select the best set of soil properties for modeling. Topographic attributes and vegetation indices were used as proxies of landscape components and cover crop to map actual WY in the study area. Two well-known MLAs, random forest (RF) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), were utilized to prepare an actual continuous WY map. The k-fold method was used to determine the uncertainty of WY prediction and quantify the quality of prediction accuracy. Results showed that soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) had a positive and significant correlation with WY. The SOC, TN, normalized different vegetation index (NDVI), and channel network base level (CHN) were recognized as the most important predictors and justifying more than 50% of actual WY. The ANNs outperformed the RF algorithm with an R2 of 0.75, RMSE of 400 (kg ha−1), and RPD of 2.79, according to statistical indices. The uncertainty analysis showed that the maximum uncertainty of the prediction map [400 (kg ha−1)] was very low compared to the mean value [4937 (kg ha−1)] of WY map. Calculation yield gap using the FAO-agro-climatic model showed that the average yield gap of the region was about 50% of actual yield. The findings of this study demonstrated that integrating simulated attainable crop growth using crop model and a set of soil and environmental covariates with the ANNs algorithm can effectively predict WY gaps in large areas with acceptable and reasonable accuracy. The study emphasizes that the implementation of efficient management practices has the potential to enhance agricultural production in the study area and similar regions. These results represent a significant advancement of sustainable agriculture and provide valuable insights for ensuring global food security.
Heat stress during male meiosis impairs cytoskeletal organization, spindle assembly and tapetum degeneration in wheat
Authors: Fábián Attila , Péntek Barbara Krárné , Soós Vilmos , Sági László
Published: January 2024

The significance of heat stress in agriculture is ever-increasing with the progress of global climate changes. Due to a negative effect on the yield of staple crops, including wheat, the impairment of plant reproductive development triggered by high ambient temperature became a restraint in food production. Although the heat sensitivity of male meiosis and the following gamete development in wheat has long been recognized, a detailed structural characterization combined with a comprehensive gene expression analysis has not been done about this phenomenon. We demonstrate here that heat stress severely alters the cytoskeletal configuration, triggers the failure of meiotic division in wheat. Moreover, it changes the expression of genes related to gamete development in male meiocytes and the tapetum layer in a genotype-dependent manner. ‘Ellvis’, a heat-tolerant winter wheat cultivar, showed high spikelet fertility rate and only scarce structural aberrations upon exposure to high temperature. In addition, heat shock genes and genes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species were significantly upregulated in ‘Ellvis’, and the expression of meiosis-specific and major developmental genes showed high stability in this cultivar. In the heat-sensitive ‘Mv 17-09’, however, genes participating in cytoskeletal fiber nucleation, the spindle assembly checkpoint genes, and tapetum-specific developmental regulators were downregulated. These alterations may be related to the decreased cytoskeleton content, frequent micronuclei formation, and the erroneous persistence of the tapetum layer observed in the sensitive genotype. Our results suggest that understanding the heat-sensitive regulation of these gene functions would be an essential contribution to the development of new, heat-tolerant cultivars.
LysM protein BdLM1 of Botryosphaeria dothidea plays an important role in full virulence and inhibits plant immunity by binding chitin and protecting hyphae from hydrolysis
Authors: Zhang He , Wen Sheng-hui , Li Pei-hang , Lu Liu-yi , Yang Xu , Zhang Chuan-jie , Guo Li-yun , Wang Dongli , Zhu Xiao-qiong
Published: January 2024

Botryosphaeria dothidea infects hundreds of woody plants and causes a severe economic loss to apple production. In this study, we characterized BdLM1, a protein from B. dothidea that contains one LysM domain. BdLM1 expression was dramatically induced at 6 h post-inoculation in wounded apple fruit, strongly increased at 7 d post-inoculation (dpi), and peaked at 20 dpi in intact shoots. The knockout mutants of BdLM1 had significantly reduced virulence on intact apple shoots (20%), wounded apple shoots (40%), and wounded apple fruit (40%). BdLM1 suppressed programmed cell death caused by the mouse protein BAX through Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, reduced H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, downregulated resistance gene expression, and promoted Phytophthora nicotianae infection in N. benthamiana. Moreover, BdLM1 inhibited the active oxygen burst induced by chitin and flg22, bound chitin, and protected fungal hyphae against degradation by hydrolytic enzymes. Taken together, our results indicate that BdLM1 is an essential LysM effector required for the full virulence of B. dothidea and that it inhibits plant immunity. Moreover, BdLM1 could inhibit chitin-triggered plant immunity through a dual role, i.e., binding chitin and protecting fungal hyphae against chitinase hydrolysis.
Characterization and mechanism of seed dormancy in Symplocos paniculata
Authors: Tang Qiaoyu , Chen Yunzhu , Jiang Lijuan , Chen Jingzhen , Li Changzhu , Zeng Wenbin , Liu Qiang , Li Peiwang
Published: January 2024

Symplocos paniculata is a highly desirable oil species for biodiesel and premium edible oil feedstock. While germplasm preservation and breeding are crucial, the severity of seed dormancy poses a challenge to successful germination. We employed S. paniculata seeds as experimental materials and conducted an investigation into the types and causes of seed dormancy by analyzing the morphology and developmental characteristics of its embryo, exploring the water permeability property of the endocarp, and examining the presence of endogenous inhibitors, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for overcoming seed dormancy and maximizing germplasm resource utilization. The findings revealed that the seed embryo had matured into a fully developed embryo, and no dormancy in terms of embryo morphology was observed. Upon reaching maturity, the endocarp of seeds undergoes significant lignification, resulting in notable differences in water absorption between cracked and intact seeds. The impermeability of the endocarp is one of the factors contributing to mechanical restriction. The different phases of endosperm extraction exerted varying effects on the germination of Chinese cabbage seeds, with the methanol phase exhibiting the most potent inhibitory effect. The presence of endogenous inhibitors emerged as the primary factor contributing to physiological dormancy in seeds. GC-MS analysis and validation trials revealed that fatty acids and phenolics, including hexadecanoic acid, oxadecanoic acid, and m-cresol, constituted the main types of endogenous inhibitory compounds found within the endosperm. These findings suggest that the seed dormancy in S. paniculata seeds has endocarp mechanical restriction, and the presence of endogenous inhibitors causes physiological dormancy.
Genome-wide analysis of transmembrane 9 superfamily genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and their expression in the roots under nitrogen limitation and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PDR1 treatment conditions
Authors: Li Fei , Xi Kuanling , Li Yuke , Ming Tang , Huang Yufeng , Zhang Lijun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Transmembrane 9 superfamily (TM9SF) proteins play significant roles in plant physiology. However, these proteins are poorly characterized in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The present study aimed at the genome-wide analysis of putative wheat TM9SF (TraesTM9SF) proteins and their potential involvement in response to nitrogen limitation and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PDR1 treatments.

Methods

TraesTM9SF genes were retrieved from the wheat genome, and their physiochemical properties, alignment, phylogenetic, motif structure, cis-regulatory element, synteny, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and transcription factor (TF) prediction analyses were performed. Transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to detect gene expression in roots under single or combined treatments with nitrogen limitation and B. amyloliquefaciens PDR1.

Results and discussion

Forty-seven TraesTM9SF genes were identified in the wheat genome, highlighting the significance of these genes in wheat. TraesTM9SF genes were absent on some wheat chromosomes and were unevenly distributed on the other chromosomes, indicating that potential regulatory functions and evolutionary events may have shaped the TraesTM9SF gene family. Fifty-four cis-regulatory elements, including light-response, hormone response, biotic/abiotic stress, and development cis-regulatory elements, were present in the TraesTM9SF promoter regions. No duplication of TraesTM9SF genes in the wheat genome was recorded, and 177 TFs were predicted to target the 47 TraesTM9SF genes in a complex regulatory network. These findings offer valued data for predicting the putative functions of uncharacterized TM9SF genes. Moreover, transcriptome analysis and validation by qRT-PCR indicated that the TraesTM9SF genes are expressed in the root system of wheat and are potentially involved in the response of this plant to single or combined treatments with nitrogen limitation and B. amyloliquefaciens PDR1, suggesting their functional roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses.

Conclusion

These findings may be vital in further investigation of the function and biological applications of TM9SF genes in wheat.
Effect of calcium and magnesium on starch synthesis in maize kernels and its physiological driving mechanism
Authors: He Zhaoquan , Shang Xue , Zhang Tonghui , Yun Jianying
Published: January 2024

The content of kernel starch (STC), which is a fundamental indicator of the nutritional value of maize, is directly correlated with the grain’s taste and aroma. Both calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are critical nutrients that play a significant role in the growth and development of maize, as well as in the synthesis of STC. To determine the physiological driving mechanisms of Ca and Mg effects on the accumulation of STC synthesis in maize kernels and the characteristics of their effects on endogenous hormones and enzymes of STC synthesis in maize leaves, our study applied foliar Ca and Mg fertilizers at various levels to maize prior to pollination. (1) The levels of Ca, Mg, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), and zeatin riboside (ZR) in maize leaves increased and then decreased after the supplementation of Ca and Mg. They peaked on the 32nd day after pollination. In contrast, the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) initially decreased and then increased. Ca and Mg had a negative correlation with ABA and a positive correlation with IAA, GA, and ZR. (2) As the levels of Ca and Mg increased, correspondingly rose the activities of enzymes responsible for STC synthesis and the content of STC and its components. Principally influencing the synthesis of STC were ABA, IAA, uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPG), granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), and soluble starch synthase (SSS). (3) “IAA–UDPG or GBSS–STC” was the predominant physiological regulation pathway of Ca on kernel STC, whereas “IAA–GBSS–STC” was the dominant physiological regulation pathway of Mg on kernel STC. The regulatory impact of STC by UDPG and GBSS was positive, as were the effects of IAA on UDPG and GBSS. In conclusion, the accumulation of kernel starch was significantly enhanced by Ca and Mg supplementation via the modulation of endogenous hormone levels and key enzyme activities. This research identifies a viable approach to improve the nutritional composition of maize.
The impact of far-right political orientation and cultural values on conservative attitudes toward life and death in Europe: a multilevel approach
Authors: Ramos Alice , Pereira Cícero Roberto , Soboleva Natalia , Vaitonytė Meda
Published: January 2024

Belief systems are core organizing factors of social attitudes and behaviors, and their study has highlighted the role of conservatism as a contributing mechanism in mitigating concerns associated with change avoidance, as well as the reduction of uncertainty and ambiguity in life. Moreover, these aspects seem to be consistently used as powerful tools in the political and social discourse of the far-right. Life and death ethics are an example of issues that deal with the need for stability and control over personal and social life that people endorsing conservative values seek to attain. There is a rich line of studies on the individual and social explanatory factors of political conservatism, but less attention has been dedicated to moral conservatism as an autonomous and meaningful concept. The current research follows a multilevel approach to disentangle the individual and contextual correlates of conservative attitudes toward life and death. Thus, besides looking at the influence of individual choices related to religion and political orientation, this study also seeks to analyse the impact of the context, introducing in the model variables measuring economic performance, social and gender inequality, religious diversity and the prevalence of materialism and post-materialism values. Multilevel models using data from the 34 countries that participated in the last wave of the European Values Study (2017–2020), revealed an association between far-right orientation and conservative attitudes toward life and death, and that this relationship is moderated by materialism/post-materialism values, economic performance, and social inequality. Our findings reinforce the role of democracy as an environment where freedom of choice and thought are indisputable rights, cherished by most of the populations, regardless of their political position or their stance on moral issues.
Strategies of state penetration: a network analysis of community governance in Shanghai
Authors: Tian Felicia F. , Chen Lin , Wang Yihan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Chinese state has been found to penetrate community participation to strengthen state infrastructure power, but understanding of these strategies remains equivocal.

Methods

This paper collect complete network data from a sample of 112 residents who were active in community activities in Kang community in Shanghai, China. Kang is an award-winning community for its active participation and excellent governance. We examine the strategies of state penetration on the relation between residents' committee (RC) and the thick network through routine community activities.

Results

The network is indeed horizontal (rather than hierarchical) around the RC. Instead of manifesting state power, popularity within the network translates to decision-making power in deciding routine community activities. However, residents with high network popularity are affiliated with the state, and this association may be generated by the state itself through a deliberate process of cultivation and co-optation.

Discussion

These findings shed light on the nuanced strategies of state penetration. Rather than overt suppression or infiltration, the state exerts authority over a horizontal network, which ensures that self-organized community participation occurs under state domination.
Individual differences in scientists’ aesthetic disposition, aesthetic experiences, and aesthetic sensitivity in scientific work
Authors: Jacobi Christopher , Varga Peter J. , Jessani Zohaib , Vaidyanathan Brandon
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The role of personality in shaping engagement with aesthetics in science has been almost entirely unexplored. Whereas artists and arts settings (e.g., museums) are well-studied from a psychological perspective, the practice of science has often been seen as purely rational or dry. In response, this study presents novel findings on the critical role of scientists’ individual differences, which shape their engagement with aesthetics, such as the frequency of their experiences of beauty, wonder, and awe in their scientific work.

Methods

Based on a very large and representative four-country study of scientists in the fields of biology and physics (N = 3,092), this study analyzed the associations of Big Five personality traits among scientists with (i) dispositional aesthetics (DPES-awe), (ii) the frequency of aesthetic experiences in scientific work, and (iii) aesthetic sensitivity in science. These survey-weighted OLS regression models included extensive statistical controls for sociodemographic factors.

Results

As hypothesized, openness is positively, and neuroticism is negatively linked with dispositional aesthetics, the frequency of aesthetic experiences in scientific work, and aesthetic sensitivity in science. Unexpectedly, agreeableness and conscientiousness (but not extraversion) are highly significant and strong predictors of the three trait and state aesthetic engagement variables.

Discussion

The aesthetic engagement and personality framework of this paper is empirically supported and demonstrates the importance of personality types of scientists in the practice of science. The unexpectedly strong association of agreeableness with aesthetic engagement points to the importance of cooperation, collaboration, and communication to maximize scientific creativity.
Review of studies applying Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory in international and intercultural education research
Authors: Tong Peiru , An Irene Shidong
Published: January 2024

The Russian-born American psychologist Bronfenbrenner's bioecological perspective on human development is an ideal framework for understanding how individuals negotiate the dynamic environment and their own identities in international and intercultural education settings. However, a review of the current literature shows that most studies either adopted the earlier version of the theory (i.e., the ecological systems theory) or inadequately presented the most recent developments of the bioecological model (i.e., the process-person-context-time model). The construct of proximal processes—the primary mechanisms producing human development according to Bronfenbrenner—has seldom been explored in depth, which means the true value of bioecological theory is largely underrepresented in international and intercultural education research. This article first presents a review of studies that adopt Bronfenbrenner's theory and then offers future directions for the scope and design of international and intercultural education research.
Developing the concept of maternal in teenage mothers: a hybrid model
Authors: Hoseini Akram Sadat Sadat , Maleki Maryam , Mardani Abbas , Abbasi Soheila
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Maternal transition is a challenging developmental process requiring physical, mental, social, and cognitive preparedness. Therefore, the transition to motherhood is even more challenging for teenagers who are exposed to both the maturation process and adaptation to the parenting role. Therefore, the present study was conducted to provide a deeper understanding of the maternal role in Iranian teenage mothers.

Methods

A three-phase hybrid model was adopted for concept analysis. In the theoretical phase, 50 articles were analyzed. In the fieldwork phase, 10 participants were interviewed. In the final phase, the findings of the previous two stages were analyzed. This study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022. After determining the attributes, antecedents, and consequences, a final definition was presented for parenting in teenage mothers.

Results

The concept of motherhood for teenage mothers was described as “a process-oriented phenomenon in nature,” “complex, challenging and multidimensional,” “development with immature transition,” “a turning point in life,” “a stressful event,” “affected by several factors,” and “bidirectional effects on life” according to antecedents, including “the level of received social support,” “reaction to teenage motherhood,” “teenage mother’s characteristics,” and “family structure” leading to “positive psychological consequences,” “negative psychological consequences,” and “loss of educational and career opportunities.”

Conclusion

This study provides a suitable ground for evaluating the concept of motherhood in teenage mothers and employing it in nursing care of teenage mothers and children by identifying this concept.
Communication models in a foreign language in relation to cognitive style category width and power distance
Authors: Munkova Dasa , Stranovska Eva , Munk Michal
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Understanding how category width of cognitive style and power distance impact language use in cultures is crucial for improving cross-cultural communication. We attempt to reveal how English foreign language students, affected by high-context culture, communicate in English as a foreign language. What models of foreign communicative competence do they create?

Methods

We applied association rule analysis to find out how the category width of cognitive style affects the foreign communication competence in relation to culture and language.

Results

The requester tends to be more formal and transfers conventional norms of the culture of the mother tongue into English, which mainly affects the use of alerters and external modifications of the head act of request.

Discussion

A broad categorizer, regardless of social distance, prefers to formulate the request in a conditional over the present tense form, contrary to narrow categorizers who, in a situation of social proximity, prefer the request form in the present tense. A similar finding was shown in the case of external modifications of the head act, where we observed the inversion between broad and narrow categorizers, mainly in the use of minimizers and mitigating devices.
The impact of self-directed learning experience and course experience on learning satisfaction of university students in blended learning environments: the mediating role of deep and surface learning approach
Authors: Hua Meng , Wang Lin , Li Jun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

With the rapid development of technology and the evolution of educational ideas, the blended learning model has become the new norm in higher education. Therefore, based on Biggs’ learning process theory, this study aims to investigate the relationships between learning experience, learning approaches, and learning satisfaction of university students within the Chinese blended learning context to explore the dynamic process and mechanism of blended learning.

Methods

The Chinese modified versions of the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning, the Course Experience Questionnaire, and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire were administered to 939 Chinese university first-grade students (444 men, 495 women). The data were analyzed by using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) technique.

Results

The results demonstrated that, among Chinese university students, there were significant correlations between the self-directed learning experience, the course experience, the deep learning approach, the surface learning approach, and learning satisfaction. Additionally, the learning approaches mediated the association between the self-directed learning experience and learning satisfaction and between the course experience and learning satisfaction.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the facilitative effect of university students’ self-directed learning experience and course experience on their learning satisfaction and how this effect is triggered through the mediating role of different learning approaches with the blended learning context. This study shows the learning behaviors and psychology in a blended learning environment, thus revealing the new learning characteristics of university students by integrating the self-learning characteristics of blended learning into the framework of learning process theory. The findings contribute to assisting blended learning providers in delivering targeted interventions to enhance students’ learning satisfaction.
Risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jie , Ping Zhiheng , Hu Deying , Wang Jiaqing , Liu Yilan
Published: January 2024

Objective

The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients.

Methods

This review adhered to the PICO/S framework and guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework (PROSPERO CRD42023433639). We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library from the establishment date of the databases until June 9, 2023 for observational studies that reveal risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among cancer patients. Software Review Manager 5 (vision 5.4) was used for Meta-analyses.

Results

4,921 studies were obtained through the search of the databases, 40 of which were eligible. Meta-analysis revealed that suicidal ideation in cancer patients was significantly associated with marital status, living alone, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, education, psychiatric illness history, social functioning, childhood adversity experience, financial problems, pain, depression, demoralization, vomiting, residence and anxiety.

Conclusion

Being unmarried, living alone, less educated, living in rural, financial problems, pain, vomiting, PTSD, psychiatric illness history, lower social functioning, childhood adversity experience, anxiety, depression, demoralization, panic disorder were risk factors for suicidal ideation among cancer patients. This review provided evidence-based information for identifying and reducing the risk of suicide in cancer survivors.

Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023433639.
Personal and family factors for emotional distress in adolescents with chronic disease
Authors: Postigo-Zegarra Silvia , Schoeps Konstanze , Pérez-Marín Marián , Lacomba-Trejo Laura , Valero-Moreno Selene
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Physical and psychological comorbidity is a challenge for public health, especially in the adolescent stage due to the difficulties of this age. The salutogenic perspective emphasizes general psychological resources such as self-esteem but also highlights the role of contextual factors such as family members in promoting health. From this perspective, the objective of this study was to analyze the joint influence of demographic factors (sex, age and type of chronic disease), personal factors (self-esteem and perception of threat of the disease) and family factors (affection and communication, psychological and behavioral control) of risk of emotional distress (anxiety-depressive symptoms) in chronically ill adolescents.

Methods

The study is a cross-sectional design with 495 adolescents with chronic disease aged 12–16 years. In order to obtain the results, a linear methodology was used to compare means and perform regressions to predict belonging to the anxiety and depression typologies. Four typologies were constructed: typology I (high anxiety and depression scores); typology II (high anxiety and low depression scores); typology III (low anxiety and high depression scores) and typology IV (low anxiety and depression scores).

Results

The results were consistent with the salutugenic theory. Potential mediating or moderating roles of age, sex, self-esteem, perceived threat and psychological and behavioral control marked the differences between the typologies.

Discussion

This population could benefit from interventions focused on family flexibility.
The influence of teacher–student relationship on Chinese high school students' academic motivation for the ideological and political subject: the mediating role of academic emotions
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Jiang Guohai , Yao Zhendong , Liu Lei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study investigated the influence of teacher–student relationship on Chinese high students' academic motivation for the ideological and political subject and the parallel mediating roles of positive and negative academic emotions on this influence.

Method

The participants of this study were 425 Chinese high school students. This study measured teacher–student relationship, academic motivation, and academic emotions through several self-reported questionnaires. Structural equation models were used to analyze data and investigate the direct and indirect influence of teacher–student relationship on Chinese high school students' academic motivation for the ideological and political subject.

Results

Teacher–student relationship had a significant, positive, and direct impact on Chinese high school students' academic motivation for the ideological and political subject. Moreover, positive and negative academic emotions, in parallel, mediated the relationship between these two factors.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the important influence of teacher–student relationships on Chinese high school students' academic motivation for the ideological and political subject. A positive teacher–student relationship can directly increase students' academic motivation for this subject and indirectly enhance their motivation by generating positive academic emotions. Therefore, teachers should express care for their students, make friends with them, and be their partners in learning and life. Additionally, teachers need to pay close attention to students' academic emotions and provide them emotional support so that they can develop positive academic emotions while learning, and strive to establish and maintain a good teacher–student relationship.
Academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support as predictors of psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students
Authors: Tang Lin , Zhu Xiaojing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study explores the determinants of psychological well-being among 968 Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students by employing structural equation modeling (SEM). Focusing on academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support, this research aims to illuminate their roles in shaping the psychological well-being of EFL students within the Chinese educational context.

Methods

Data from a robust sample of Chinese EFL students were analyzed using SEM techniques to investigate the relationships between academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and psychological well-being. Validated instruments were utilized to measure these constructs, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The study employed meticulous data collection procedures over a three-month period, maintaining strict ethical standards and anonymity for participants.

Results

The SEM analysis revealed intricate connections among academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Academic self-efficacy and grit emerged as direct predictors of psychological well-being, highlighting their significance in fostering students’ overall well-being. Additionally, teacher support was identified to play a mediating role in this relationship, emphasizing its critical influence on enhancing academic self-efficacy and grit, thereby contributing to students’ psychological well-being.

Discussion

These findings underscore the crucial importance of nurturing academic self-efficacy and grit to enhance the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Furthermore, teacher support stands out as a pivotal factor in elevating students’ academic self-efficacy and grit, emphasizing the need for educational interventions centered on fostering these attributes among Chinese EFL learners. The implications of these results extend to educational practices, emphasizing the indispensable role of teacher support and interventions aimed at cultivating academic self-efficacy and grit to promote the psychological well-being of EFL students within the learning environment.