bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analysis of m5C Methylation Regulatory Genes and Tumor Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yu Guopeng , Bao Jiahao , Zhan Ming , Wang Jiangyi , Li Xinjuan , Gu Xin , Song Shangqing , Yang Qing , Liu Yushan , Wang Zhong , Xu Bin
Published: June 2022

Background

5-Methylcytidine (m5C) methylation is an emerging epigenetic modification in recent years, which is associated with the development and progression of various cancers. However, the prognostic value of m5C regulatory genes and the correlation between m5C methylation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in prostate cancer remain unknown.

Methods

In the current study, the genetic and transcriptional alterations and prognostic value of m5C regulatory genes were investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Then, an m5C prognostic model was established by LASSO Cox regression analysis. Gene set variation analyses (GSVA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), clinical relevance, and TME analyses were conducted to explain the biological functions and quantify the TME scores between high-risk and low-risk subgroups. m5C regulatory gene clusters and m5C immune subtypes were identified using consensus unsupervised clustering analysis. The Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts algorithm was used to calculate the contents of immune cells.

Results

TET3 was upregulated at transcriptional levels in PCa compared with normal tissues, and a high TET3 expression was associated with poor prognosis. An m5C prognostic model consisting of 3 genes (NSUN2, TET3, and YBX1) was developed and a nomogram was constructed for improving the clinical applicability of the model. Functional analysis revealed the enrichment of pathways and the biological processes associated with RNA regulation and immune function. Significant differences were also found in the expression levels of m5C regulatory genes, TME scores, and immune cell infiltration levels between different risk subgroups. We identified two distinct m5C gene clusters and found their correlation with patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration characteristics. Naive B cells, CD8+ T cells, M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages were obtained and 2 m5C immune subtypes were identified. CTLA4, NSUN6, TET1, and TET3 were differentially expressed between immune subtypes. The expression of CTLA4 was found to be correlated with the degree of immune cell infiltration.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive analysis of m5C regulatory genes in PCa demonstrated their potential roles in the prognosis, clinical features, and TME. These findings may improve our understanding of m5C regulatory genes in the tumor biology of PCa.
Risk Prediction Models for Early ICU Admission in Patients With Autoimmune Encephalitis: Integrating Scale-Based Assessments of the Disease Severity
Authors: Wu Chunmei , Fang Yongkang , Zhou Yingying , Wu Huiting , Huang Shanshan , Zhu Suiqiang
Published: June 2022

Background

In patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE), the prediction of progression to a critically ill status is challenging but essential. However, there is currently no standard prediction model that comprehensively integrates the disease severity and other clinical features. The clinical assessment scale in autoimmune encephalitis (CASE) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) have both been applied for evaluating the severity of AE. Here, by combining the two scales and other clinical characteristics, we aimed to investigate risk factors and construct prediction models for early critical care needs of AE patients.

Methods

Definite and probable AE patients who were admitted to the neurology department of Tongji Hospital between 2013 and 2021 were consecutively enrolled. The CASE and mRS scores were used to evaluate the overall symptom severity at the time of hospital admission. Using logistic regression analysis, we analyzed the association between the total scores of the two scales and critical illness individually and then we evaluated this association in combination with other clinical features to predict early intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Finally, we constructed four prediction models and compared their performances.

Results

Of 234 patients enrolled, forty developed critical illness and were early admitted to the ICU (within 14 days of hospitalization). Four prediction models were generated; the models were named CASE, CASE-plus (CASE + prodromal symptoms + elevated fasting blood glucose + elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count), mRS and mRS-plus (mRS + prodromal symptoms + abnormal EEG results + elevated fasting blood glucose + elevated CSF WBC count) and had areas under the ROC curve of 0.850, 0.897, 0.695 and 0.833, respectively. All four models had good calibrations. In general, the models containing “CASE” performed better than those including “mRS”, and the CASE-plus model demonstrated the best performance.

Conclusion

Overall, the symptom severity at hospital admission, as defined by CASE or mRS, could predict early ICU admission, especially when assessed by CASE. Adding other clinical findings, such as prodromal symptoms, an increased fasting blood glucose level and an increased CSF WBC count, could improve the predictive efficacy.
Loss of Lipocalin 10 Exacerbates Diabetes-Induced Cardiomyopathy via Disruption of Nr4a1-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Response in Macrophages
Authors: Li Qianqian , Li Yutian , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaohong , Liu Zhenling , Chen Jing , Fan Yanbo , Peng Tianqing , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Wang Yigang , Fan Guo-Chang
Published: June 2022

Metabolic disorders (i.e., hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperinsulinemia) cause increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, leading to gradual loss of cardiac resident macrophage population and increased accumulation of inflammatory monocytes/macrophages in the heart. Such self-perpetuating effect may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy during diabetes. Recent meta-analysis data reveal that lipocalin 10 (Lcn10) is significantly downregulated in cardiac tissue of patients with heart failure but is increased in the blood of septic patients. However, the functional role of Lcn10 in cardiac inflammation triggered by metabolic disorders has never been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of Lcn10 in macrophages was significantly decreased under multiple metabolic stress conditions. Furthermore, Lcn10-null macrophages exhibited pro-inflammatory phenotype in response to inflammation stimuli. Next, using a global Lcn10-knockout (KO) mouse model to induce type-2 diabetes (T2D), we observed that loss of Lcn10 promoted more pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration into the heart, compared to controls, leading to aggravated insulin resistance and impaired cardiac function. Similarly, adoptive transfer of Lcn10-KO bone marrow cells into X-ray irradiated mice displayed higher ratio of pro-/anti-inflammatory macrophages in the heart and worsened cardiac function than those mice received wild-type (WT) bone marrows upon T2D conditions. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that Nr4a1, a nuclear receptor known to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, is involved in Lcn10-mediated macrophage activation. Indeed, we found that nuclear translocation of Nr4a1 was disrupted in Lcn10-KO macrophages upon stimulation with LPS + IFNγ. Accordingly, treatment with Cytosporone B (CsnB), an agonist of Nr4a1, attenuated the pro-inflammatory response in Lcn10-null macrophages and partially improved cardiac function in Lcn10-KO diabetic mice. Together, these findings indicate that loss of Lcn10 skews macrophage polarization to pro-inflammatory phenotype and aggravates cardiac dysfunction during type-2 diabetes through the disruption of Nr4a1-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in macrophages. Therefore, reduction of Lcn10 expression observed in diabetic macrophages may be responsible for the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. It suggests that Lcn10 might be a potential therapeutic factor for diabetic heart failure.
Towards Incorporation of Blue Carbon in Falkland Islands Marine Spatial Planning: A Multi-Tiered Approach
Authors: Bax Narissa , Barnes David K. A. , Pineda-Metz Santiago E. A. , Pearman Tabitha , Diesing Markus , Carter Stefanie , Downey Rachel V. , Evans Chris D. , Brickle Paul , Baylis Alastair M. M. , Adler Alyssa M. , Guest Amy , Layton Kara K. S. , Brewin Paul E. , Bayley Daniel T. I.
Published: June 2022

Ecosystem-based conservation that includes carbon sinks, alongside a linked carbon credit system, as part of a nature-based solution to combating climate change, could help reduce greenhouse gas levels and therefore the impact of their emissions. Blue carbon habitats and pathways can also facilitate biodiversity retention, aiding sustainable fisheries and island economies. However, robust blue carbon research is often limited at the scale of regional governance and management, lacking both incentives and facilitation of policy-integration. The remote and highly biodiverse coastal ecosystems and surrounding continental shelf can be used to better inform long-term ecosystem-based management in the vast South Atlantic Ocean and sub-Antarctic, to synergistically protect both unique biodiversity and inform on the magnitude of nature-based benefits they provide. Understanding key ecosystem information such as their location, extent, and condition of habitat types, will be critical in understanding carbon pathways to sequestration, threats to this, and vulnerability. This paper considers the current status of blue carbon data and information available, and what is still required before blue carbon can be used as a conservation management tool integrated in national Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiatives. Our research indicates that the data and information gathered has enabled baselines for a number of different blue carbon ecosystems, and indicated potential threats and vulnerability that need to be managed. However, significant knowledge gaps remain across habitats, such as salt marsh, mudflats and the mesophotic zones, which hinders meaningful progress on the ground where it is needed most.
Accumulation of Cytotoxic Skin Resident Memory T Cells and Increased Expression of IL-15 in Lesional Skin of Polymorphic Light Eruption
Authors: Patra VijayKumar , Strobl Johanna , Atzmüller Denise , Reininger Bärbel , Kleissl Lisa , Gruber-Wackernagel Alexandra , Nicolas Jean-Francois , Stary Georg , Vocanson Marc , Wolf Peter
Published: June 2022

Patients with polymorphic light eruption (PLE) develop lesions upon the first exposure to sun in spring/summer, but lesions usually subside during season due to the natural (or medical) photohardening. However, these lesions tend to reappear the following year and continue to do so in most patients, suggesting the presence of a disease memory. To study the potential role of skin resident memory T cells (Trm), we investigated the functional phenotype of Trm and the expression of IL-15 in PLE. IL-15 is known to drive Trm proliferation and survival. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used to quantify the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD69, CD103, CD49a, CD11b, CD11c, CD68, granzyme B (GzmB), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-15 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lesional skin samples from PLE patients and healthy skin from control subjects. Unlike the constitutive T cell population in healthy skin, a massive infiltration of T cells in the dermis and epidermis was observed in PLE, and the majority of these belonged to CD8+T cells which express Trm markers (CD69, CD103, CD49a) and produced cytotoxic effector molecules GzmB and IFN-γ. Higher numbers of CD3+T cells and CD11b+CD68+macrophages produced IL-15 in the dermis as compared to healthy skin. The dominant accumulation of cytotoxic Trm cells and increased expression of IL-15 in lesional skin of PLE patients strongly indicates the potential role of skin Trm cells in the disease manifestation and recurrence.
Metagenomic and Microscopic Analysis of Magnetotactic Bacteria in Tangyin Hydrothermal Field of Okinawa Trough
Authors: Chen Si , Yu Min , Zhang Wenyan , He Kuang , Pan Hongmiao , Cui Kaixuan , Zhao Yicong , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Xiao Tian , Zhang Wuchang , Wu Long-Fei
Published: June 2022

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have been found in a wide variety of marine habitats, ranging from intertidal sediments to deep-sea seamounts. Deep-sea hydrothermal fields are rich in metal sulfides, which are suitable areas for the growth of MTB. However, MTB in hydrothermal fields have never been reported. Here, the presence of MTB in sediments from the Tangyin hydrothermal field was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis, metagenomics, and transmission electron microscopy. Sequencing 16S rRNA gene yielded a total of 709 MTB sequences belonging to 20 OTUs, affiliated with Desulfobacterota, Alphaproteobacteria, and Nitrospirae. Three shapes of magnetofossil were identified by transmission electron microscopy: elongated-prismatic, bullet-shaped, and cuboctahedron. All of these structures were composed of Fe3O4. A total of 121 sequences were found to be homologous to the published MTB magnetosome-function-related genes, and relevant domains were identified. Further analysis revealed that diverse MTB are present in the Tangyin hydrothermal field, and that multicellular magnetotactic prokaryote (MMPs) might be the dominant MTB.
Astrocytes: GABAceptive and GABAergic Cells in the Brain
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Feng Xuanran , Wang Yi , Xia Xiaohuan , Zheng Jialin C.
Published: June 2022

Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cells in the brain, play an important role in preserving normal neural functions and mediating the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes are GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes express GABAA receptors, GABAB receptors, and GABA transporter proteins to capture and internalize GABA. GABAceptive astrocytes thus influence both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission by controlling the levels of extracellular GABA. Furthermore, astrocytes synthesize and release GABA to directly regulate brain functions. In this review, we highlight recent research progresses that support astrocytes as GABAceptive and GABAergic cells. We also summarize the roles of GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes that serve as an inhibitory node in the intercellular communication in the brain. Besides, we discuss future directions for further expanding our knowledge on the GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocyte signaling.
Rapid Spectral Dynamics in Hippocampal Oscillons
Authors: Zobaer M. S. , Domenico Carli M. , Perotti Luca , Ji Daoyun , Dabaghian Yuri
Published: June 2022

Neurons in the brain are submerged into oscillating extracellular potential produced by synchronized synaptic currents. The dynamics of these oscillations is one of the principal characteristics of neurophysiological activity, broadly studied in basic neuroscience and used in applications. However, our interpretation of the brain waves' structure and hence our understanding of their functions depend on the mathematical and computational approaches used for data analysis. The oscillatory nature of the wave dynamics favors Fourier methods, which have dominated the field for several decades and currently constitute the only systematic approach to brain rhythms. In the following study, we outline an alternative framework for analyzing waves of local field potentials (LFPs) and discuss a set of new structures that it uncovers: a discrete set of frequency-modulated oscillatory processes—the brain wave oscillons and their transient spectral dynamics.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia—A Dynamic Simulation Model
Authors: Susta Marek , Šonka Karel , Bizik Gustav , Petranek Svojmil , Nevsimalova Sona
Published: June 2022

Aims of the study:

Commonly used approach to illness assessment focuses on the patient's actual state supplemented by binary records of past events and conditions. This research project was designed to explain subjective experience in idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) patients influenced by their clinical symptoms and comorbidities.

Material and Methods

Forty-three IH patients of both sexes (female 60.5%, male 39.5%) were assessed using a detailed structured examination. The interview covered neurologic, psychiatric, and internal medicine anamnesis, medication past and current, substance abuse, work impairment, detailed sleep-related data, specific sleep medication, and a full-length set of questionnaires including depression, quality of life, sleepiness, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and sleep inertia. The data were digitized and imported into statistical software (SPSS by IBM), and dynamic simulation software (Vensim by Ventana Systems Inc.) was used to build a causal loop diagram and stocks and flows diagram as a simulation structure.

Results

The overall raw data and simulation-based patterns fit at 76.1%. The simulation results also identified the parameters that contribute the most to patients' subjective experience. These included sleep inertia, the refreshing potential of naps, the quality of nocturnal sleep, and the social aspects of the patient's life. Psychiatric disorders influence the overall pattern at a surprisingly low level. The influence of medication has been studied in detail. Although its contribution to the dynamics looks marginal at first sight, it significantly influences the contribution of other variables to the overall patient experience of the disease.

Conclusion

Even the simplified dynamic structure designed by the research team reflects the real-life events in patients with IH at the acceptable level of 76.1% and suggests that a similar structure plays an important role in the course of the disease. Therapeutic focus on the parameters identified by the model should enhance the patients' subjective experience throughout illness duration and might even turn the progress from negative into positive. Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of idiopathic hypersomnia in greater detail to better understand the causes and design therapeutic approaches to improve patients' quality of life.
Case Report: New Application of a Gufoni Maneuver Variation for Apogeotropic Lateral Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Dong Jiaoxuan , Li Ling , He Songbin , Liu Haipeng , Dai Fangyu
Published: June 2022

Background

Several canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs) such as Gufoni maneuver have been proposed to treat the apogeotropic lateral semicircular canal variant of BPPV (LC-BPPV). The reported success rate varied widely in different studies. Research showed that there was a risk of treatment failure due to insufficient repositioning of the debris. So far, there is insufficient evidence to recommend a preferable CRP for apogeotropic LC-BPPV.

Case description

A 49-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man diagnosed with apogeotropic LC-BPPV relapse were treated with original Gufoni maneuver for apogeotropic variant but no satisfactory result was obtained. A variation of Gufoni maneuver originally proposed for the geotropic variant was applied to detach otoconia toward the utricle or the non-ampullary arm. Apogeotropic nystagmus was successfully transformed into the geotropic variant. The subsequent Gufoni maneuver was successful. On a 64-year-old male with untreated apogeotropic LC-BPPV, we performed the Gufoni maneuver variation and observed a change in nystagmus direction. In all the three cases, no relapse of vertigo was reported after 1 month.

Conclusion

The new application of Gufoni maneuver variation may improve the treatment of apogeotropic LC-BPPV. Treatment efficacy and patient-specific optimization such as head rotation angle deserve a large-scale validation and further investigation.
A Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Framework to Address Cognitive and Neurobehavioral Impairments After Strokes to the Anterior Communicating Artery
Authors: Cruces Ramiro , Muñoz-García Indhira , Palmer-Cancel Santiago J. , Salas Christian
Published: June 2022

Patients with strokes to the Anterior Communicating Artery (ACoA) pose an important challenge to rehabilitation teams due to a particular mix of cognitive and behavioral impairments (anosognosia, anterograde amnesia, prospective memory problems, and executive dysfunction). These deficits often compromise engagement with rehabilitation, learning and generalization. The goal of this article is to describe the long-term presentation of a patient with an ACoA stroke (Mrs. B, a 60-year-old electric engineer) as well as her rehabilitation needs and the many challenges experienced by the rehabilitation team when attempting to facilitate functional, vocational and psychosocial recovery. Based on this case, and the existing literature, a neuropsychological rehabilitation framework to understand and address the specific problems and needs of this population is proposed. This framework demands rehabilitation teams to consider: the slow pattern of recovery of this population, the interaction between cognitive and behavioral impairments, the relevance of physical and social environments, the value of personal projects and the need to include psychological and relational interventions.
Emotion or Evaluation: Cultural Differences in the Parental Socialization of Moral Judgement
Authors: Senzaki Sawa , Cowell Jason M. , Shimizu Yuki , Calma-Birling Destany
Published: June 2022

Moral reasoning develops rapidly in early childhood. Recent evidence from cognitive neuroscience literature suggests that the development of moral reasoning is supported by an integration of cognitive and affective components. However, the role of culture in the development of moral reasoning in young children is under-investigated. Previous cross-cultural research suggests that culture shapes how people interpret other’s behaviors. In particular, people raised in independent cultures, such as the United States, tend to form impressions of others and attribute others’ behaviors to their personal dispositions more quickly than people raised in interdependent cultures, such as Japan. In the present cross-cultural study, we examined parents’ discourse with children in Japan and the United States. Parents and their 3- to 4-year-old children were asked to view and discuss cartoon characters depicting prosocial and antisocial acts. Results indicated that in both cultures, parents discussed about moral actions (e.g., helping, harming) of characters. Furthermore, United States parents were more likely to evaluate dispositional characteristics of characters based on their pro-social and anti-social acts, whereas Japanese parents were more likely to refer to emotion of the characters who got hurt. We discuss implications of cross-cultural differences and similarities in parental moral socialization and the development of moral reasoning in young children.
Bulk and Single-Nucleus Transcriptomics Highlight Intra-Telencephalic and Somatostatin Neurons in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Consens Micaela E. , Chen Yuxiao , Menon Vilas , Wang Yanling , Schneider Julie A. , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Tripathy Shreejoy J. , Felsky Daniel
Published: June 2022

Cortical neuron loss is a pathological hallmark of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains unclear which neuronal subtypes beyond broad excitatory and inhibitory classes are most vulnerable. Here, we analyzed cell subtype proportion differences in AD compared to non-AD controls using 1037 post-mortem brain samples from six neocortical regions. We identified the strongest associations of AD with fewer somatostatin (SST) inhibitory neurons (β = −0.48,pbonf= 8.98 × 10–9) and intra-telencephalic (IT) excitatory neurons (β = -0.45,pbonf= 4.32 × 10–7). Replication in three AD case-control single-nucleus RNAseq datasets most strongly supported the bulk tissue association of fewer SST neurons in AD. In depth analyses of cell type proportions with specific AD-related neuropathological and cognitive phenotypes revealed fewer SST neurons with greater brain-wide post-mortem tau and beta amyloid, as well as a faster rate of antemortem cognitive decline. In contrast, greater IT neuron proportions were associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline as well as greater residual cognition–a measure of cognitive resilience–but not canonical AD neuropathology. Our findings implicate somatostatin inhibitory and intra-telencephalic excitatory neuron subclasses in the pathogenesis of AD and in cognitive resilience to AD pathology, respectively.
Integrating a Group-Based, Early Childhood Parenting Intervention Into Primary Health Care Services in Rural Bangladesh: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mehrin Syeda Fardina , Hasan Mohammed Imrul , Tofail Fahmida , Shiraji Shamima , Ridout Deborah , Grantham-McGregor Sally , Hamadani Jena D. , Baker-Henningham Helen
Published: June 2022

Background

Over 250 million children globally do not reach their developmental potential. We tested whether integrating a group-based, early childhood parenting program into government healthcare clinics improved children’s development, growth, and behavior.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 40 community clinics in the Kishorganj district of Bangladesh. We randomly assigned clinics (1:1) to deliver a group-based parenting interventions or to a comparison group that received no intervention. Participants were children aged 5–24 months, with weight-for-age z-score of ≤ −1.5 SDs of the WHO standards, living within a thirty-minute walking distance from the clinic (n = 419 intervention, 366 control). Government health staff facilitated parenting sessions in the clinic with groups of four mother/child dyads fortnightly for one year as part of their routine duties. Primary outcomes measured at baseline and endline were child development assessed using the Bayley scales, child behaviors during the test by tester ratings, and child growth. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02208531.

Findings:

91% of children were tested at endline (396 intervention, 319 control). Multilevel analyses showed significant benefits of intervention to child cognition (effect size 0.85 SDs, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.11), language (0.69 SDs, 0.43, 0.94), and motor development (0.52 SDs, 0.31, 0.73), and to child behaviors during the test (ranging from 0.36 SDs, 0.14, 0.58, to 0.53 SDs, 0.35, 0.71). There were no significant effects on growth.

Conclusion

A scalable parenting intervention, integrated into existing government health services and implemented by government health staff, led to significant benefits to child development and behavior.
Assessment of the Characteristics of Waxy Rice Mutants Generated by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Fu Yuhao , Luo Tingting , Hua Yonghuan , Yan Xuehai , Liu Xu , Liu Ying , Liu Yiping , Zhang Baoli , Liu Rui , Zhu Zizhong , Zhu Jun
Published: June 2022

The cooking and eating quality of rice grains is a major focus from a consumer’s perspective and is mainly determined by the apparent amylose content (AAC) of the starch. Waxy rice, a type of rice with an AAC of less than 2%, is an important goal for the breeding of high-quality rice. In recent years, the cloning of the Waxy (Wx) gene has revealed the molecular mechanism of the formation of waxy traits in rice. However, there have been limited studies on the physicochemical properties, such as gelatinization temperature, rapid viscosity analyzer profile, and amylopectin fine structure of wx mutants. In the current study, a rapid and highly efficient strategy was developed through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system for generating wx mutants in the background of five different rice varieties. The wx mutation significantly reduced the AAC and starch viscosity but did not affect the major agronomic traits (such as plant height, panicle number per plant, grain number per panicle, and seed-setting frequency). Incorporation of the wx mutation into varieties with low initial AAC levels resulted in further reduction in AAC, but without significantly affecting the original, desirable gelatinization traits and amylopectin structure types, suggesting that parents with low initial AAC should be preferred in breeding programs.
Quantitative Relationship Between Solar Radiation and Grain Filling Parameters of Maize
Authors: Yang Yunshan , Liu Guangzhou , Guo Xiaoxia , Liu Wanmao , Xue Jun , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Li Shaokun
Published: June 2022

A quantitative understanding of the factors driving changes in grain filling is essential for effective prioritization of increasing maize yield. Grain filling is a significant stage in maize yield formation. Solar radiation is the energy source for grain filling, which is the ultimate driving factor for final grain weight and grain filling capacity that determine maize yield. Here, we first confirmed the quantitative relationships between grain filling parameters and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by conducting field experiments using different shading and plant density conditions and cultivars in 2019 and 2020 in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that with every 100 MJ m−2 increase in PAR, the average grain filling rate (Gave), maximum grain-filling rate (Gmax), and the kernel weight at the time of maximum grain-filling rate (Wmax) increased by 0.073 mg kernel−1 day−1, 0.23 mg kernel−1 day−1, and 0.24 mg kernel−1, and the time of maximum grain-filling rate (Tmax) delayed by 0.91 day. Relative changes in PAR were significantly and positively correlated with relative changes in yield and Gave. With every 1% change in PAR, yield and Gave changed by 1.16 and 0.17%, respectively. From the perspective of grain filling capacity, DH618 was a more shade-resistant cultivar than XY335 and ZD958. It is urgent to breed maize cultivars with low light tolerance and high grain yield in the face of climate change, particularly the decrease in solar radiation.
Genome-Wide Association Studies Provide Insights Into the Genetic Architecture of Seed Germination Traits in Maize
Authors: Li Yuntong , Liang Yameng , Liu Meiling , Zhang Qiyuan , Wang Ziwei , Fan Jinjuan , Ruan Yanye , Zhang Ao , Dong Xiaomei , Yue Jing , Li Cong
Published: June 2022

Seed germination is an important agronomic trait that affects crop yield and quality. Rapid and uniform seed germination traits are required in agricultural production. Although several genes are involved in seed germination and have been identified in Arabidopsis and rice, the genetic basis governing seed germination in maize remains unknown. Herein, we conducted a genome-wide association study to determine the genetic architecture of two germination traits, germination speed, and consistency, in a diverse panel. We genotyped 321 maize inbred populations with tropical, subtropical, or temperate origins using 1219401 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. We identified 58 variants that were associated with the two traits, and 12 of these were shared between the two traits, indicating partial genetic similarity. Moreover, 36 candidate genes were involved in seed germination with functions including energy metabolism, signal transduction, and transcriptional regulation. We found that favorable variants had a greater effect on the tropical subpopulation than on the temperate. Accumulation of favorable variants shortened germination time and improved uniformity in maize inbred lines. These findings contribute significantly to understanding the genetic basis of maize seed germination and will contribute to the molecular breeding of maize seed germination.
Breast Cancer Stigma Scale: A Reliable and Valid Stigma Measure for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Bu Xiaofan , Li Shuangshuang , Cheng Andy S. K. , Ng Peter H. F. , Xu Xianghua , Xia Yimin , Liu Xiangyu
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a stigma scale for Chinese patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Patients admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, for breast cancer treatment participated in this study. Development of the Breast Cancer Stigma Scale involved the following procedures: literature review, interview, and applying a theoretical model to generate items; the Breast Cancer Stigma Scale’s content validity was assessed by a Delphi study (n = 15) and feedback from patients with breast cancer (n = 10); exploratory factor analysis (n = 200) was used to assess the construct validity; convergent validity was assessed with the Social Impact Scale (n = 50); internal consistency Cronbach’s α (n = 200), split-half reliability (n = 200), and test–retest reliability (N = 50) were used to identify the reliability of the scale.

Results

The final version of the Breast Cancer Stigma Scale consisted of 15 items and showed positive correlations with the Social Impact Scale (ρ = 0.641, P < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed four components of the Breast Cancer Stigma Scale: self-image impairment, social isolation, discrimination, and internalized stigma, which were strongly related to our perceived breast cancer stigma model and accounted for 69.443% of the total variance. Cronbach’s α for the total scale was 0.86, and each subscale was 0.75–0.882. The test–retest reliability with intra-class correlation coefficients of the total scale was 0.947 (P < 0.001), and split-half reliability with intra-class correlation coefficients of the total scale was 0.911 (P < 0.001). The content validity index (CVI) was 0.73–1.0.

Conclusion

The newly developed Breast Cancer Stigma Scale offers a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the perceived stigma of patients with breast cancer in clinical and research settings. It may be helpful for stigma prevention in China.
The Use of Social Capital in Teacher Research: A Necessary Clarification
Authors: Coppe Thibault , Thomas Laura , Pantić Nataša , Froehlich Dominik E. , Sarazin Marc , Raemdonck Isabel
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a critical reflection on the concept of social capital. We argue that there is no such idea of an umbrella concept of social capital. Instead, two overarching conceptualizations of social capital exist, namely individual social capital and collective social capital. As these conceptualizations of social capital are completely different, we emphasize that studies using social capital as a theoretical lens should clarify the concept as well as be consistent in the interpretation of the concept, from its definition to its methodological operationalization. In this article, we first map the two different conceptualizations of social capital. Next, these conceptualizations are illustrated with well-known teacher research studies, followed by examples of studies in which individual and collective social capital are mixed. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the use and the mix of these different conceptualizations in terms of measurement methods. Additionally, implications for teacher education are presented.
Emotional Intelligence Not Only Can Make Us Feel Negative, but Can Provide Cognitive Resources to Regulate It Effectively: An fMRI Study
Authors: Deak Anita , Bodrogi Barbara , Orsi Gergely , Perlaki Gabor , Bereczkei Tamas
Published: June 2022

Neuroscientists have formulated the model of emotional intelligence (EI) based on brain imaging findings of individual differences in EI. The main objective of our study was to operationalize the advantage of high EI individuals in emotional information processing and regulation both at behavioral and neural levels of investigation. We used a self-report measure and a cognitive reappraisal task to demonstrate the role of EI in emotional perception and regulation. Participants saw pictures with negative or neutral captions and shifted (reappraised) from negative context to neutral while we registered brain activation. Behavioral results showed that higher EI participants reported more unpleasant emotions. The Utilization of emotions scores negatively correlated with the valence ratings and the subjective difficulty of reappraisal. In the negative condition, we found activation in hippocampus (HC), parahippocampal gyrus, cingulate cortex, insula and superior temporal lobe. In the neutral context, we found elevated activation in vision-related areas and HC. During reappraisal (negative-neutral) condition, we found activation in the medial frontal gyrus, temporal areas, vision-related regions and in cingulate gyrus. We conclude that higher EI is associated with intensive affective experiences even if emotions are unpleasant. Strong skills in utilizing emotions enable one not to repress negative feelings but to use them as source of information. High EI individuals use effective cognitive processes such as directing attention to relevant details; have advantages in allocation of cognitive resources, in conceptualization of emotional scenes and in building emotional memories; they use visual cues, imagination and executive functions to regulate negative emotions effectively.
Developing Teaching Practice in Computational Thinking in Palestine
Authors: Ghani Abdel , Griffiths David , Salha Soheil , Affouneh Saida , Khalili Fakher , Khlaif Zuheir N. , Burgos Daniel
Published: June 2022

Sporadic efforts have been made to introduce computational thinking methods into K-12 education in Palestine, but these have been held back by the challenging educational environment. However, a recent in-service training initiative, funded and organized by the Ministry or Education of Palestine, constitutes a significant effort to embed computational thinking in K-12 practice. The middle school teachers who participated in the training course were invited to participate in the present study, and 38 did so. A qualitative approach involving both interviews with teachers and classroom observations was used in data collection. All the teachers agreed to be observed in their classrooms, while 20 of the 38 also agreed to participate in the interviews. The findings showed that teachers of a range of topics, including social sciences and languages, employed computational thinking skills in teaching their students, but they were confronted by a number of challenges, including technical infrastructure and support, and a lack of time to prepare CT classes and space in the curriculum to deliver them. The results indicate that the most appropriate action to support teachers’ delivery of CT would be to provide peer exchanges and expert coaching in the integration of CT in the curriculum.
Modality Switching in Landmark-Based Wayfinding
Authors: Schwarz Mira , Hamburger Kai
Published: June 2022

This study investigates switching costs in landmark-based wayfinding using olfactory and visual landmark information. It has already been demonstrated that there seem to be no switching costs, in terms of correct route decisions, when switching between acoustically and visually presented landmarks. Olfaction, on the other hand, is not extensively focused on in landmark-based wayfinding thus far, especially with respect to modality switching. The goal of this work is to empirically test and compare visual and olfactory landmark information with regard to their suitability for wayfinding including a modality switch. To investigate this, an experiment within a virtual environment was conducted in which participants were walked along a virtual route of 12 intersections. At each intersection, landmark information together with directional information was presented, which was to be memorized and recalled in the following phase, either in the same or in the other modality (i.e., visual or olfactory). The results of the study show that, in contrast to the no-switching costs between auditory and visual landmarks in previous studies, switching costs occur when switching modality from visual to olfactory and vice versa. This is indicated by both longer decision times and fewer correct decisions. This means that a modality switch involving olfactory landmark information is possible but could lead to poorer performance. Therefore, olfaction may still be valuable for landmark-based-wayfinding. We argue that the poorer performance in the switching-condition is possibly due to higher cognitive load and the separate initial processing of odors and images in different cognitive systems.
Processing Attenuating NPIs in Indicative and Counterfactual Conditionals
Authors: Schwab Juliane , Liu Mingya
Published: June 2022

Both indicative and counterfactual conditionals are known to be licensing contexts for negative polarity items (NPIs). However, a recent theoretical account suggests that the licensing of attenuating NPIs like Englishall thatin the conditional antecedent is sensitive to pragmatic differences between various types of conditionals. We conducted three behavioral experiments in order to test key predictions made by that proposal. In Experiment 1, we tested hypothetical indicative and counterfactual conditionals with the English NPIall that, finding that the NPI is degraded in the former compared to the latter. In Experiment 2, we compared hypothetical indicative conditionals and premise conditionals with the same NPI, again finding a degradation only for the former. Both results align with theoretically derived predictions purporting that hypothetical indicative conditionals are degraded due to their susceptibility to conditional perfection. Finally, Experiment 3 provides empirical evidence that comprehenders readily strengthen counterfactual conditionals to biconditionals, in line with theoretical analyses that assume that conditional perfection and counterfactual inferences are compatible. Their ability to still host attenuating NPIs in the conditional antecedent, by contrast, falls into placeviathe antiveridical inference to the falsity of the antecedent. Altogether, our study sheds light on the interplay between NPI licensing and the semantic and pragmatic properties of various types of conditionals. Moreover, it provides a novel perspective on the processing of different kinds of conditionals in context, in particular, with regard to their (non)veridicality properties.
Predictors of International Entrepreneurial Intention Among Young Adults: Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Jannesari Milad T.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the psychological mechanism by which parents’ socioeconomic status, including income and social class, influences the international entrepreneurship intentions of young adults. Two datasets, self-reported (survey) and objective, were collected from 372 undergraduate students across 19 universities in China. Parents’ income and social class had a positive effect on international entrepreneurship intentions. Sense of power and motivational cultural intelligence (CQ) played mediating roles in this relationship, and work experience moderated this relationship. The mediation tests revealed that sense of power and motivational CQ comprise a serial mediation process, in that order. The effect of motivational CQ on international entrepreneurship intentions was strengthened by young adults’ work experience. We identified the underlying mechanism and moderator of the relationship between socioeconomic factors and international entrepreneurship intentions.
Dancing in Shackles: The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Felt Accountability on Work Outcomes and Individual Wellbeing
Authors: Li You , Liu Wei , Yu Guangtao
Published: June 2022

Accountability is a core element for groups and societies to operate efficiently. However, there have been confusing findings in previous studies on felt accountability, and few efforts have been made to clarify its complicated role. Drawing on self-determination theory, we developed an integrative model to examine the double-edged sword effect of felt accountability on work outcomes and individual wellbeing. We utilized a three-wave sample of 294 employees to test our hypotheses. The findings supported our hypotheses. Specifically, felt accountability is positively related to both task performance and emotional exhaustion, and obsessive passion mediates the positive relationship between felt accountability and task performance, while work overload mediates the positive relationship between felt accountability and emotional exhaustion. This study integrates the positive and dark sides of felt accountability, provides new insights into its mechanism and expands the application of self-determination theory.
Sadder but Wiser: The Role of SARS Imprinting and Firms’ Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yao Haitang , Wang Jiayang , Bo Qingwen , Li Mingliang
Published: June 2022

Our study provides a new research perspective on firms’ recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., can similar events experienced by firms in the past have an imprinting effect on the improvement of firm’s recovery? We focus on firms’ Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) imprints. Based on four quarters of panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies in 2020, our study finds that SARS imprints are positively related to firms’ recovery ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, if the more severe the SARS pandemic experienced by a firm, the more significant the effect of SARS imprint on the firm’s recovery ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the higher the level of digitization of firms during the COVID-19 pandemic, the more it contributed to the enhancing effect of the SARS seal on firm recovery. Our study makes an important theoretical contribution to the recovery literature as well as to imprinting theory, while providing practical guidance for improving the recovery of firms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lack of Emotional Experience, Resistance to Innovation, and Dissatisfied Musicians Influence on Music Unattractive Education
Authors: Zhang Dongjun , Akhter Shamim , Kumar Tribhuwan , Nguyen Nhat Tan
Published: June 2022

Music education is frequently growing around the globe and needs emotional attachments and adoption innovation for the attractive music education that needs researcher’s emphasis. Thus, the current article investigates the impact of lack of emotional experience and resistance to innovation on unattractive music education in China. The current research also investigates the mediating impact of dissatisfied musicians among the association of lack of emotional experience, resistance to innovation, and unattractive music education in China. The study has used the primary data collected using questionnaires. The current article examines the validity and reliability using the measurement assessment model and also tests the hypotheses using the structural assessment model with the help of smart-PLS. The results indicated that the lack of emotional experience and resistance to innovation has a positive and significant impact on unattractive music education in China. The findings also revealed that dissatisfied musicians significantly mediate among lack of emotional experience, resistance to innovation, and unattractive music education in China. This article helps policymakers establish policies about making music education attractive for musicians by adopting innovation.