bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Activity of Ammonia-Oxidizers on the Size-Fractionated Particles in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Ma Li , Tan Shangjin , Liu Hongbin , Kao Shuh-Ji , Dai Minhan , Yang Jin-Yu Terence
Published: August 2021

To distinguish between the distribution and activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in the Pearl River estuary (PRE), we investigated the DNA- and cDNA-based β-proteobacterial and archaeal amoA genes on three size-fractionated particles of >3.0 μm, 0.45–3.0 μm, and 0.22–0.45 μm. Results showed that AOB were more abundant in the freshwater with high concentrations of ammonium (NH4+) and low dissolved oxygen, whereas AOA were dominant in the NH4+-depleted seawater and sensitive to temperature. Obvious shifts in ammonia-oxidizing communities were found along the salinity gradient in the PRE. AOB clearly presented a particle-associated nature, as evidenced by higher relative abundance of amoA genes attached to the large particles (>3.0 μm) and their transcripts exclusively detected on this fraction. Moreover, higher transcriptional activity (indicated by the cDNA/DNA ratio) of AOB on the large particles, suggesting AOB were actively involved in ammonia oxidation despite their lower abundance in the mid- and lower estuarine regions. In contrast, AOA exhibited higher transcriptional activity on the 0.45–3.0 μm and 0.22–0.45 μm particles, implying the free-living strategy of these microbes. Together, these findings from field observations provide useful information on the ecological strategies of ammonia-oxidizing communities in response to different environmental conditions.
Antimicrobial Activity and Identification of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of X-14952B From Streptomyces sp. 135
Authors: Li Na , Chen Simin , Yan Zhiqiang , Han Jinhua , Ta Yongquan , Pu Taixun , Wang Yonghong
Published: August 2021

The bacterial genus Streptomyces is an important source of antibiotics, and genome mining is a valuable tool to explore the potential of microbial biosynthesis in members of this genus. This study reports an actinomycete strain 135, which was isolated from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China and displayed broad antimicrobial activity. The fermentation broth of strain 135 displayed strong antifungal activity (>70%) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Valsa mali, Phytophthora capsici, Glomerella cingulata, Magnaporthe grisea, Bipolaris maydis, Exserohilum turcicum in vitro, meanwhile possessed significant preventive and curative efficacy against S. sclerotiorum, Gaeumannomyces graminis, and P. capsici on rape leaves (54.04 and 74.18%), wheat (90.66 and 67.99%), and pepper plants (79.33 and 66.67%). X-14952B showed the greatest antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum which the 50% inhibition concentration (EC50) were up to 0.049 and 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. Characterization of strain 135 using a polyphasic approach revealed that the strain displayed typical features of the genus Streptomyces. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolate was most closely related to and formed a clade with Streptomyces huasconensis HST28T (98.96% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values in strain 135 and related type strains were both below the threshold of species determination (91.39 and 56.5%, respectively). OrthoANI values between strain 135 and related type strains are under the cutoff of determining species (<95%). The biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) designated to X-14952B biosynthesis was identified through genome mining and the possible biosynthesis process was deduced.
Passive Clearing and 3D Lightsheet Imaging of the Intact and Injured Spinal Cord in Mice
Authors: McCreedy Dylan A. , Jalufka Frank L. , Platt Madison E. , Min Sun Won , Kirchhoff Megan A. , Pritchard Anna L. , Reid Shelby K. , Manlapaz Ronald , Mihaly Eszter , Butts Jessica C. , Iyer Nisha R. , Sakiyama-Elbert Shelly E. , Crone Steven A. , McDevitt Todd C.
Published: August 2021

The spinal cord contains a diverse array of sensory and motor circuits that are essential for normal function. Spinal cord injury (SCI) permanently disrupts neural circuits through initial mechanical damage, as well as a cascade of secondary injury events that further expand the spinal cord lesion, resulting in permanent paralysis. Tissue clearing and 3D imaging have recently emerged as promising techniques to improve our understanding of the complex neural circuitry of the spinal cord and the changes that result from damage due to SCI. However, the application of this technology for studying the intact and injured spinal cord remains limited. Here, we optimized the passive CLARITY technique (PACT) to obtain gentle and efficient clearing of the murine spinal cord without the need for specialized equipment. We demonstrate that PACT clearing enables 3D imaging of multiple fluorescent labels in the spinal cord to assess molecularly defined neuronal populations, acute inflammation, long-term tissue damage, and cell transplantation. Collectively, these procedures provide a framework for expanding the utility of tissue clearing to enhance the study of spinal cord neural circuits, as well as cellular- and tissue-level changes that occur following SCI.
Mechanism of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Han Yu , Yuan Mei , Guo Yi-Sha , Shen Xin-Ya , Gao Zhen-Kun , Bi Xia
Published: August 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main organelle for protein synthesis, trafficking and maintaining intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. The stress response of ER results from the disruption of ER homeostasis in neurological disorders. Among these disorders, cerebral ischemia is a prevalent reason of death and disability in the world. ER stress stemed from ischemic injury initiates unfolded protein response (UPR) regarded as a protection mechanism. Important, disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis resulted from cytosolic Ca2+ overload and depletion of Ca2+ in the lumen of the ER could be a trigger of ER stress and the misfolded protein synthesis. Brain cells including neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells are involved in the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. This is generally important for protein underfolding, but even more for cytosolic Ca2+ overload. Mild ER stress promotes cells to break away from danger signals and enter the adaptive procedure with the activation of pro-survival mechanism to rescue ischemic injury, while chronic ER stress generally serves as a detrimental role on nerve cells via triggering diverse pro-apoptotic mechanism. What’s more, the determination of some proteins in UPR during cerebral ischemia to cell fate may have two diametrically opposed results which involves in a specialized set of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways. A reasonable understanding and exploration of the underlying molecular mechanism related to ER stress and cerebral ischemia is a prerequisite for a major breakthrough in stroke treatment in the future. This review focuses on recent findings of the ER stress as well as the progress research of mechanism in ischemic stroke prognosis provide a new treatment idea for recovery of cerebral ischemia.
Parent Language Input Prior to School Forecasts Change in Children’s Language-Related Cortical Structures During Mid-Adolescence
Authors: Demir-Lira Ö. Ece , Asaridou Salomi S. , Nolte Collin , Small Steven L. , Goldin-Meadow Susan
Published: August 2021

Children differ widely in their early language development, and this variability has important implications for later life outcomes. Parent language input is a strong experiential factor predicting the variability in children’s early language skills. However, little is known about the brain or cognitive mechanisms that underlie the relationship. In addressing this gap, we used longitudinal data spanning 15 years to examine the role of early parental language input that children receive during preschool years in the development of brain structures that support language processing during school years. Using naturalistic parent–child interactions, we measured parental language input (amount and complexity) to children between the ages of 18 and 42 months (n = 23). We then assessed longitudinal changes in children’s cortical thickness measured at five time points between 9 and 16 years of age. We focused on specific regions of interest (ROIs) that have been shown to play a role in language processing. Our results support the view that, even after accounting for important covariates such as parental intelligence quotient (IQ) and education, the amount and complexity of language input to a young child prior to school forecasts the rate of change in cortical thickness during the 7-year period from 5½ to 12½ years later. Examining the proximal correlates of change in brain and cognitive differences has the potential to inform targets for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Role of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Mediating the Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Acupuncture on Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Dou Baomin , Li Yanan , Ma Jie , Xu Zhifang , Fan Wen , Tian Lixin , Chen Zhihan , Li Ningcen , Gong Yinan , Lyu Zhongxi , Fang Yuxin , Liu Yangyang , Xu Yuan , Wang Shenjun , Chen Bo , Guo Yongming , Guo Yi , Lin Xiaowei
Published: August 2021

Inflammatory pain is caused by peripheral tissue injury and inflammation. Inflammation leads to peripheral sensitization, which may further cause central sensitization, resulting in chronic pain and progressive functional disability. Neuroimmune crosstalk plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of inflammatory pain. Studies in recent years have shown that acupuncture can exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by regulating peripheral (i.e., involving local acupoints and inflamed regions) and central neuroimmune interactions. At the local acupoints, acupuncture can activate the TRPV1 and TRPV2 channels of mast cells, thereby promoting degranulation and the release of histamine, adenosine, and other immune mediators, which interact with receptors on nerve endings and initiate neuroimmune regulation. At sites of inflammation, acupuncture enables the recruitment of immune cells, causing the release of opioid peptides, while also exerting direct analgesic effects via nerve endings. Furthermore, acupuncture promotes the balance of immune cells and regulates the release of inflammatory factors, thereby reducing the stimulation of nociceptive receptors in peripheral organs. Acupuncture also alleviates peripheral neurogenic inflammation by inhibiting the release of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide from the dorsal root ganglia. At the central nervous system level, acupuncture inhibits the crosstalk between glial cells and neurons by inhibiting the p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK signaling pathways and regulating the release of inflammatory mediators. It also reduces the excitability of the pain pathway by reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and promoting the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters from neurons and glial cells. In conclusion, the regulation of neuroimmune crosstalk at the peripheral and central levels mediates the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of acupuncture on inflammatory pain in an integrated manner. These findings provide novel insights enabling the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Content of Adult Enteral Tube Feeding Formulas and Clinical Outcomes. A Systematic Review
Authors: Muscaritoli Maurizio , Pradelli Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Available data on the effect of lipid composition of enteral formulas on clinical outcomes are controversial. The present systematic review was performed in order to verify whether the presence of specific lipidic substrates, namely medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), in enteral tube feeding formulas is associated to measurable clinical benefits in patients receiving enteral nutrition in different clinical settings, including home enteral nutrition (HEN). The results of this systematic review highlight a lack of robust evidence supporting the use of specific types of lipids in standard or disease-specific formulas. Evidence exists, however, that MCT-containing formulas are safe and well-tolerated. Further, well-designed, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials would be needed in order to assess the superiority of MCT- containing enteral formulas over other standard or disease-specific commercially available enteral products.
Lymphocyte Doubling Time As A Key Prognostic Factor To Predict Time To First Treatment In Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Morabito Fortunato , Tripepi Giovanni , Moia Riccardo , Recchia Anna Grazia , Boggione Paola , Mauro Francesca Romana , Bossio Sabrina , D’Arrigo Graziella , Martino Enrica Antonia , Vigna Ernesto , Storino Francesca , Fronza Gilberto , Di Raimondo Francesco , Rossi Davide , Condoluci Adalgisa , Colombo Monica , Fais Franco , Fabris Sonia , Foa Robin , Cutrona Giovanna , Gentile Massimo , Montserrat Emili , Gaidano Gianluca , Ferrarini Manlio , Neri Antonino
Published: August 2021

The prognostic role of lymphocyte doubling time (LDT) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was recognized more than three decades ago when the neoplastic clone’s biology was almost unknown. LDT was defined as the time needed for the peripheral blood lymphocyte count to double the of the initial observed value. Herein, the LDT prognostic value for time to first treatment (TTFT) was explored in our prospective O-CLL cohort and validated in in two additional CLL cohorts. Specifically, newly diagnosed Binet stage A CLL patients from 40 Italian Institutions, representative of the whole country, were prospectively enrolled into the O-CLL1-GISL protocol (clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT00917540). Two independent cohorts of newly diagnosed CLL patients recruited respectively at the Division of Hematology in Novara, Italy, and at the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain, were utilized as validation cohorts. In the training cohort, TTFT of patients with LDT >12 months was significantly longer related to those with a shorter LDT. At Cox multivariate regression model, LDT ≤ 12 months maintained a significant independent relationship with shorter TTFT along with IGHV unmutated (IGHVunmut) status, 11q and 17p deletions, elevated β2M, Rai stage I-II, and NOTCH1 mutations. Based on these statistics, two regression models were constructed including the same prognostic factors with or without the LDT. The model with the LTD provided a significantly better data fitting (χ2 = 8.25, P=0.0041). The risk prediction developed including LDT had better prognostic accuracy than those without LDT. Moreover, the Harrell’C index for the scores including LDT were higher than those without LDT, although the accepted 0.70 threshold exceeded in both cases. These findings were also confirmed when the same analysis was carried out according to TTFT’s explained variation. When data were further analyzed based on the combination between LDT and IGHV mutational status in the training and validation cohorts, IGHVunmut and LDT>12months group showed a predominant prognostic role over IGHVmut LTD ≤ 12 months (P=0.006) in the O-CLL validation cohort. However, this predominance was of borden-line significance (P=0.06) in the Barcelona group, while the significant prognostic impact was definitely lost in the Novara group. Overall, in this study, we demonstrated that LDT could be re-utilized together with the more sophisticated prognostic factors to manage the follow-up plans for Binet stage A CLL patients.
Pharmacological Activation of Autophagy Restores Cellular Homeostasis in Ultraviolet-(B)-Induced Skin Photodamage
Authors: Umar Sheikh Ahmad , Shahid Naikoo Hussain , Nazir Lone Ahmad , Tanveer Malik Ahmad , Divya Gupta , Archoo Sajida , Raghu Sharma Rai , Tasduq Sheikh Abdullah
Published: August 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the skin causes photo-damage and acts as the primary etiological agent in photo-carcinogenesis. UV-B exposure induces cellular damage and is the major factor challenging skin homeostasis. Autophagy allows the fundamental adaptation of cells to metabolic and oxidative stress. Cellular dysfunction has been observed in aged tissues and in toxic insults to cells undergoing stress. Conversely, promising anti-aging strategies aimed at inhibiting the mTOR pathway have been found to significantly improve the aging-related disorders. Recently, autophagy has been found to positively regulate skin homeostasis by enhancing DNA damage recognition. Here, we investigated the geno-protective roles of autophagy in UV-B-exposed primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We found that UV-B irradiation to HDFs impairs the autophagy response in a time- and intensity-independent manner. However, improving autophagy levels in HDFs with pharmacological activators regulates the UV-B-induced cellular stress by decreasing the induction of DNA photo-adducts, promoting the DNA repair process, alleviating oxidative and ER stress responses, and regulating the expression levels of key cell cycle regulatory proteins. Autophagy also prevents HDFs from UV-B-induced nuclear damage as is evident in TUNEL assay and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide co-staining. Salubrinal (an eIF2α phosphatase inhibitor) relieves ER stress response in cells and also significantly alleviates DNA damage and promotes the repair process in UV-B-exposed HDFs. P62-silenced HDFs show enhanced DNA damage response and also disturb the tumor suppressor PTEN/pAKT signaling axis in UV-B-exposed HDFs whereas Atg7-silenced HDFs reveal an unexpected consequence by decreasing the UV-B-induced DNA damage. Taken together, these results suggest that interventional autophagy offers significant protection against UV-B radiation-induced photo-damage and holds great promise in devising it as a suitable therapeutic strategy against skin pathological disorders.
Heterogeneity in Price Elasticity of Medicine Demand in China: Moderate Effect From Economic Incentive and Quality Difference
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Nie Peng , Wu Jing
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Previous studies have shown a wide range of drug price elasticity, but the price response to demand among various therapeutic drug categories and drug types (generic/originator) is still unexplored in China. This study estimates the price elasticity of medicine demand with regard to quality differences, unfair competition, and a regulated market.

Methods: Product-level data on anti-tumor, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and antimicrobial drugs were collected from the Tianjin Urban Employees’ Basic Medical Insurance database (2008–2010). The moderating effects of quality, profit incentive, and illegal rebates are considered in a dynamic panel model.

Findings: Our results suggest that the price elasticity of drug demand varies across drug categories, with least elasticity for anti-tumor drugs and most elasticity for CVD drugs (−0.192 for anti-tumor drugs vs. −0.695 for antimicrobials vs. −1.100 for CVD drugs, p < 0.01). Moreover, the absolute value of price elasticity of generic drugs is higher than that of originator drugs in anti-tumor and CVD therapeutic classes (interact: 0.716 for anti-tumor; -0.630 for CVD, p < 0.001). We believe that quality difference plays a dominant role in the interaction between quality and illegal rebates for these two kinds of generic drugs. In the antimicrobial sub-group, the absolute value of price elasticity of generic medicine is lower than that of originator drugs. We believe that, owing to the high level of unfair competition among enterprises, the role of illegal kickbacks is dominant, which reduces the price elasticity of demand for generic antimicrobial drugs.

Conclusion: Our study provides an overview of the result of interaction between quality and illegal rebates in different medicine markets in China and shows that disease type is a primary factor that impacts price elasticity.
Ferroptosis, a New Insight Into Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Yin Xiaofang , Zhu Guisong , Wang Qian , Fu Yuan Dong , Wang Juan , Xu Biao
Published: August 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI), a common and critical illness with high morbidity and mortality, is caused by multiple causes. It has been confirmed that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of ALI. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered programmed cell death in 2012, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and involved in many diseases. To date, compelling evidence reveals the emerging role of ferroptosis in the pathophysiological process of ALI. Here, we review the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of ALI and its therapeutic potential in ALI.
Numerical Study of Divergence Cleaning and Coronal Heating/Acceleration Methods in the 3D COIN-TVD MHD Model
Authors: Liu Chang , Shen Fang , Liu Yousheng , Zhang Man , Liu Xiaojing
Published: July 2021

In the solar coronal numerical simulation, the coronal heating/acceleration and the magnetic divergence cleaning techniques are very important. The coronal–interplanetary total variation diminishing (COIN-TVD) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model is developed in recent years that can effectively realize the coronal–interplanetary three-dimensional (3D) solar wind simulation. In this study, we focus on the 3D coronal solar wind simulation by using the COIN-TVD MHD model. In order to simulate the heating and acceleration of solar wind in the coronal region, the volume heating term in the model is improved efficiently. Then, the influence of the different methods to reduce the ∇⋅B constraint error on the coronal solar wind structure is discussed. Here, we choose Carrington Rotation (CR) 2199 as a study case and try to make a comparison of the simulation results among the different magnetic divergence cleaning methods, including the diffusive method, the Powell method, and the composite diffusive/Powell method, by using the 3D COIN-TVD MHD model. Our simulation results show that with the different magnetic divergence cleaning methods, the ∇⋅B error can be reduced in different levels during the solar wind simulation. Among the three divergence cleaning methods we used, the composite diffusive/Powell method can maintain the divergence cleaning constraint better to a certain extent, and the relative magnetic field divergence error can be controlled in the order of 10−9. Although these numerical simulations are performed for the background solar corona, these methods are also suitable for the simulation of CME initiation and propagation.
Exercise, Nutrition, and Supplements in the Muscle Carnitine Palmitoyl-Transferase II Deficiency: New Theoretical Bases for Potential Applications
Authors: Negro Massimo , Cerullo Giuseppe , Parimbelli Mauro , Ravazzani Alberto , Feletti Fausto , Berardinelli Angela , Cena Hellas , D’Antona Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPTII) deficiency is the most frequent inherited disorder regarding muscle fatty acid metabolism, resulting in a reduced mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation during endurance exercise. This condition leads to a clinical syndrome characterized by muscle fatigue and/or muscle pain with a variable annual frequency of severe rhabdomyolytic episodes. While since the CPTII deficiency discovery remarkable scientific advancements have been reached in genetic analysis, pathophysiology and diagnoses, the same cannot be said for the methods of treatments. The current recommendations remain those of following a carbohydrates-rich diet with a limited fats intake and reducing, even excluding, physical activity, without, however, taking into account the long-term consequences of this approach. Suggestions to use carnitine and medium chain triglycerides remain controversial; conversely, other potential dietary supplements able to sustain muscle metabolism and recovery from exercise have never been taken into consideration. The aim of this review is to clarify biochemical mechanisms related to nutrition and physiological aspects of muscle metabolism related to exercise in order to propose new theoretical bases of treatment which, if properly tested and validated by future trials, could be applied to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Photoperiodic Flowering Response of Essential Oil, Grain, and Fiber Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars
Authors: Zhang Mengzi , Anderson Steven L. , Brym Zachary T. , Pearson Brian J.
Published: August 2021

Cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) in tropical and subtropical regions can be challenging if the flowering behavior of a given cultivar is unknown, poorly understood, or not accurately selected for the photoperiod. Identifying cultivars adapted to local environmental conditions is key to optimizing hemp vegetative and flowering performance. We investigated the effects of varying light cycles in regulating extension growth and flowering response of 15 essential oil and 12 fiber/grain hemp cultivars both indoors and outdoors. Plants were subjected to 11 photoperiods in the controlled rooms ranging from 12 to 18 h, and natural day length in the field. The critical photoperiod threshold was identified for seven essential oil cultivars and two fiber/grain cultivars. “Cherry Wine-CC,” “PUMA-3,” and “PUMA-4” had the shortest critical day length between 13 h 45 min and 14 h. The flowering of essential oil cultivars was generally delayed by 1–2 days when the photoperiod exceeded 13 h compared with 12 h, and flowering was further delayed by 7–8 days when the photoperiod exceeded 14 h. In fiber/grain cultivars, flowering was generally delayed by 1–3 days when the day length exceeded 14 h. Flowering for most essential oil cultivars was delayed by 5–13 days under a 14-h photoperiod compared with 13 h 45 min, suggesting a photoperiod difference as little as 15 min can significantly influence the floral initiation of some essential oil cultivars. Cultivars represented by the same name but acquired from different sources can perform differently under the same environmental conditions, suggesting genetic variation among cultivars with the same name. Average days to flower of fiber/grain cultivars was correlated with reported cultivar origin, with faster flowering occurring among northern cultivars when compared with southern cultivars. Plant height generally increased as the day length increased in essential oil cultivars but was not affected in fiber/grain cultivars. In addition, civil twilight of ~2 μmol·m−2·s−1was discovered to be biologically effective in regulating hemp flowering. Collectively, we conclude that most of the essential oil cultivars and some southern fiber/grain cultivars tested express suitable photoperiods for tropical and sub-tropical region cultivation.
Corn Yield Prediction With Ensemble CNN-DNN
Authors: Shahhosseini Mohsen , Hu Guiping , Khaki Saeed , Archontoulis Sotirios V.
Published: August 2021

We investigate the predictive performance of two novel CNN-DNN machine learning ensemble models in predicting county-level corn yields across the US Corn Belt (12 states). The developed data set is a combination of management, environment, and historical corn yields from 1980 to 2019. Two scenarios for ensemble creation are considered: homogenous and heterogenous ensembles. In homogenous ensembles, the base CNN-DNN models are all the same, but they are generated with a bagging procedure to ensure they exhibit a certain level of diversity. Heterogenous ensembles are created from different base CNN-DNN models which share the same architecture but have different hyperparameters. Three types of ensemble creation methods were used to create several ensembles for either of the scenarios: Basic Ensemble Method (BEM), Generalized Ensemble Method (GEM), and stacked generalized ensembles. Results indicated that both designed ensemble types (heterogenous and homogenous) outperform the ensembles created from five individual ML models (linear regression, LASSO, random forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM). Furthermore, by introducing improvements over the heterogenous ensembles, the homogenous ensembles provide the most accurate yield predictions across US Corn Belt states. This model could make 2019 yield predictions with a root mean square error of 866 kg/ha, equivalent to 8.5% relative root mean square and could successfully explain about 77% of the spatio-temporal variation in the corn grain yields. The significant predictive power of this model can be leveraged for designing a reliable tool for corn yield prediction which will in turn assist agronomic decision makers.
Consequences of Workplace Ostracism: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Xu Xiaofeng , Kwan Ho Kwong
Published: August 2021

Workplace ostracism, which is regarded as “social death,” is rampant in organizations and has attracted significant research attention. We extend the understanding of workplace ostracism by conducting a meta-analysis of studies of the relationships between workplace ostracism and its consequences. We also explore the moderating effects of national culture (i.e., collectivism vs. individualism) and the mediating effects of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE). The results of a meta-analysis of 95 independent samples (N= 26,767) reveal that exposure to workplace ostracism is significantly related to individuals’ attitudes, well-beings, and behaviors. Moreover, the effects of workplace ostracism on belongingness, job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) toward individuals (OCBI), organizational deviance, and interpersonal deviance are stronger in individualist contexts than in collectivist contexts. However, the relationships between workplace ostracism and organizational identification and OCB are stronger in collectivist contexts than in individualist contexts. Our meta-analytical structural equation modeling also provides evidence of the mediating effects of OBSE on the relationships between workplace ostracism and organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and job performance. The implications and limitations of our study and future research directions are also discussed.
A Probe Into the Psychological Mechanism of Generation Z College Students Using Network Buzzwords in the Internet Era
Authors: Dong Dandan
Published: August 2021

Network buzzwords are ubiquitous in the internet era. To explore the psychology of college students using network buzzwords, the development trend and characteristics of network buzzwords are analyzed first. A questionnaire survey is performed to learn how college students use network buzzwords currently; then, the obtained data are analyzed and discussed. Results demonstrate that 81.59% of college students can understand what the buzzwords mean. As for psychological factors, the average score of the identity dimension is the highest, and the average score of social support is the lowest. Among the behavioral factors, the communication factor scores the highest. Regarding the overall psychological and behavioral factors, in general, boys score higher than girls, and science and engineering students score higher than those majoring in literature, history, and art. Students of higher grades score lower than those of lower grades regarding using network buzzwords in communication and entertainment activities. The psychological mechanism of Generation Z college students using network buzzwords has been explored, which can provide scientific and practical reference materials for subsequent analysis and research on online behaviors of college students and is also of great significance for internet education of college students.
Stress and Coping in Youth With Spina Bifida: A Brief Longitudinal Study in a Summer Camp Setting
Authors: Ohanian Diana M. , Kritikos Tessa K. , Clark Olivia E. , Shirkey Kezia C. , Starnes Meredith , Holmbeck Grayson N.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

It is well established that youth with chronic conditions experience elevated levels of stress; the manner in which they respond to or cope with this stress is likely to impact both health and psychosocial outcomes. The current study examined stress and coping in youth and young adults with spina bifida (SB) using the response to stress questionnaire-SB version (RSQ-SB; Connor-Smith et al., 2000).

Methods

Data were collected as part of a camp-based psychosocial intervention for children (ages 7–13), adolescents (ages 14–19), and young adults (ages 20–38) with SB. Participants completed the RSQ-SB as well as questionnaires assessing demographics and condition severity. Data were collected prior to camp (T1) and 1 month (T2) after camp ended. Self-report data were collected from adolescents and young adults; parents of children and adolescents reported on their child’s stress and coping. Ratios of primary control coping, secondary control coping, disengagement coping, involuntary engagement, and involuntary disengagement coping were calculated. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were utilized to describe coping and stress responses and to determine potential change over time. T-tests were also used to compare youth and parent reported coping styles with those of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Associations between demographic/disease factors and coping styles were also examined.

Results

Parent and youth report indicated that youth with SB tend to use primary control coping. Youth with SB use more primary control coping and less disengagement coping compared to youth with SCD and youth with T1D. Few significant changes in coping were found between T1 and T2. IQ and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with coping styles.

Conclusion

Youth with SB use more primary control coping compared to other coping methods and as compared to other pediatric populations. Future studies should examine mechanisms by which primary control coping is advantageous for youth with SB. Future interventions should be more focused on promoting adaptive coping behaviors and be tailored to developmental age and access to resources.
Emotional Gaze: The Effects of Gaze Direction on the Perception of Facial Emotions
Authors: Liang Jing , Zou Yu-Qing , Liang Si-Yi , Wu Yu-Wei , Yan Wen-Jing
Published: August 2021

Previous research has found that when gaze direction matches the underlying behavioral intent communicated by the expression of a specific emotion, it enhances or facilitates the perception of that emotion; this is called the shared signal hypothesis (SSH). Specifically, a direct gaze shares an approach-orientated signal with the emotions of anger and joy, whereas an averted gaze shares an avoidance-orientated signal with fear and sadness. In this research, we attempted to verify the SSH by using different materials on Asian participants. In Experiment 1 we employed photos of models exhibiting direct and averted gazes for rating tasks, in order to study the effects of gaze direction on participants’ perception of emotion. In Experiment 2 we utilized smiling faces in a similar investigation. The results show that for neutral and smiling faces, a direct gaze (relative to a gaze of avoidance) increased the likelihood of a subject perceiving a happy mood; a gaze of avoidance increased the likelihood that anger and fear would be perceived. The effect of gaze direction on emotional expression perception was verified, but a “facilitating-impairing” pattern was not. The difference between our work and previous research may be attributable to the materials employed (which were more ecological), as well as the participants, who were from a different culture.
How Does Task Presentation Impact Motor Inhibition Performance in Young Children?
Authors: Mason Kathryn , Bowmer Alice , Welch Graham F.
Published: August 2021

Peg tapping tasks are commonly used as a measure of inhibitory skill in young children. However, differences in the way the task is presented may influence children’s performance. For example, if a peg tapping task is presented at regular intervals, children can entrain to the presentation pulse, which may in turn support their performance. This study assessed how speed and regularity of presentation may support or impair children’s responses. An experimenter was filmed delivering the tapping task at two different speeds (120 bpm/3,000 ms per trial and 150 bpm/2,400 ms per trial). Additionally, they were filmed delivering the task at regular intervals (i.e., the onset of each trial was predictable), or at irregular intervals (the onset of each trial was unpredictable). N = 103 children aged between 5 and 6 years old were tested on the task. They completed one block with 20 regular interval trials and another block with 20 irregular interval trials. Block presentation order was randomized. Children who achieved over 90% accuracy on the task were then presented with two more blocks at 150 bpm. Children’s response accuracy was measured. Our results show a difference in children’s accuracy across all conditions with trials presented in an irregular manner producing poorer performance on the task. The study demonstrates how speed and regularity of presentation can affect children’s scores on a tapping task used to measure inhibition. Demands on working memory, motor ability, and speed of processing are all affected by adjustments in presentation. Entrainment to a pulse is also a potential mechanism employed by children to support their performance on this task.
The Simple View of Reading in Children Acquiring a Regular Orthography (Italian): A Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Angelelli Paola , Romano Daniele Luigi , Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Macchitella Luigi , Zoccolotti Pierluigi
Published: August 2021

In the present study, we explored the unique contribution of reading accuracy, reading fluency and linguistic comprehension within the frame of Simple View of Reading (SVR). The experimental sample included 118 3rd to 5th grade children learning Italian, a language with a highly regular orthography. We adopted a flexible method of analysis, i.e., the Network Analysis (NA), particularly suited for exploring relations among different domains and where the direct relations between a set of intercorrelated variables is the main interest. Results indicated an independent and unique contribution of syntactic comprehension skills as well as reading fluency and reading accuracy in the comprehension of a written text. The decoding measures were not directly associated with non-verbal reasoning and the latter was not directly associated with reading comprehension but was strongly related to oral syntactic comprehension. Overall, the pattern of findings is broadly consistent with the predictions of SVR and underscores how, in an orthographically regular language, reading fluency and reading accuracy as well as oral comprehension skills directly influence reading comprehension. Data are discussed in a cross-linguistic perspective. Implications for education and rehabilitation are also presented.
Exploring Well-being at Work—An Interview Study on How IT Professionals Perceive Their Workplace
Authors: Zutavern Stefanie , Seifried Jürgen
Published: August 2021

The workplace is particularly important for promoting well-being at work and general life satisfaction, as performing a professional activity can be perceived as satisfying and motivating. In addition, employment opens up opportunities for individual development that employees may be perceived as fulfilling. By conducting an interview study with IT professionals of a German medium-sized company, we investigate which factors of the individual work environment are perceived as conducive to the performance of everyday job duties and thus increase well-being at work. Furthermore, we analyze the extent to which participants are satisfied with the implementation of the factors that are important to them, whether socio-demographic differences are relevant, and whether the perception of the work environment has an effect on employees' commitment. Results show that interpersonal factors in particular are considered to be important in everyday working life. About individual factors, a mixed picture emerged, whereby sociodemographic differences play only a minor role. Furthermore, there are indications of a positive relationship between the perception of the work environment and the IT professionals' commitment. In-depth analysis of the employee statements helps to determine which aspects of the work environment should be implemented, developed, or promoted. In the long term, this can support individual learning and development paths and generates a work environment that sustainably promotes employees' well-being at work and fosters long-term employment relationships.
Work Engagement of Employees in Moonlighting: A Moderated Mediation Model From a Boundaryless Career Perspective
Authors: Peng Zhen , Wang Qingsong , Wang Siwei
Published: August 2021

Using a panel of 324 Chinese employees in public sectors, this paper examines the work engagement of employees in moonlighting with the proxy of boundaryless career orientations. We divided work engagement into job engagement and organizational engagement and test their relation to boundaryless career orientations. The results demonstrate that boundaryless career orientations are positively related to job engagementviathe mediating effects of role conflicts, and negatively related to organizational engagement through the mediating effects of the relational psychological contracts. Moreover, organizational climate for openness moderates the negative correlation between boundaryless career orientations and role conflicts. There is no significant evidence provided for a moderating effect of organizational climate for openness between boundaryless career orientations and relational psychological contracts.
Thriving Through Relationships in Sport: The Role of the Parent–Athlete and Coach–Athlete Attachment Relationship
Authors: Davis Louise , Brown Daniel J. , Arnold Rachel , Gustafsson Henrik
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research was to examine whether attachment relationships to significant others, such as to parents and/or sports coaches, enable thriving and competition performance within sport. Two studies employing cross-sectional and prospective designs were carried out across different samples of athletes of varied skill levels and sports. In Study 1, we found athletes’ attachment to their sports coach was significantly associated with athlete thriving and mediated by psychological needs satisfaction. Results of Study 2 found that athletes’ secure attachment to their mother and/or father positively predicted the experience of thriving at the competition while athletes’ insecure attachment did not predict thriving. Furthermore, athletes’ attachment to both mother and father did not predict competition performance. Together, these two studies acknowledge the significant role that athletes’ secure attachment relationships with parents and coaches play in facilitating thriving in athletes. These findings have significant implications for research and practice.
Writing Abilities in Compulsive Prisoners
Authors: Muñoz-López Lucas , López-Torrecillas Francisca , Martín Ignacio , Sánchez-Barrera María Blasa , López-Torrecillas María del Carmen , Serrano Francisca
Published: August 2021

Research has found links between academic failure and criminal offending and suggest that many incarcerated young people have experienced significant behavioral and learning problems in school, which could result in criminal outcomes and poor academic performance. The objective of this study was to analyse writing disorders in impulsive and compulsive prisoners. The sample was composed of 194 male prisoners, of which 81 had been diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder and 113 with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. Male participants were recruited at the Granada Prison Center. They completed the Demographic, Crime, and Institutional Behavior Interview; the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE); The Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and Assessment Battery of Writing Processes (PROESC in its Spanish acronym). We found that prisoners with writing disorders generally have difficulties in the skills necessary to write properly due to impulsive and compulsive behavior.
Case Report: Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Comorbid With Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Ma Xiaoyan , Li Ranli
Published: August 2021

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that is associated with considerable morbidity, and ~90% of individuals with OCD have another psychiatric comorbidity. Patients with comorbid OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have limited insight and poor psychosocial function, respond poorly to drug treatment, and have an increased risk of suicide. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been attempted to improve symptoms of OCD when drug treatment does not have a satisfactory effect. This report describes a patient who had OCD comorbid with BDD that was successfully treated with modified ECT. Although the mechanism of its effect is unclear, modified ECT may be an alternative treatment for patients with comorbid OCD and BDD. Its efficacy and mechanism of action require further investigation in a large sample of patients with these comorbid disorders.
Telemedicine Assessment for the Mental Health of Rural Residents Based on the Safety Degree of Housing in Seismically Active Regions
Authors: Pan Yin , Xie Ruihang , Yan Qin , Zhou Tiejun
Published: August 2021

Earthquakes inevitably affect the mental health of local residents. In seismically active regions of Southwest China, local rural residents' dilapidated housing with poor seismic performance aggravates the impacts of earthquakes on their mental health. These residents' mental health is difficult to recognize because of the lack of appropriate assessment methods. In addition, rural residents in the area have a low socioeconomic status and cannot access adequate mental treatment. Thus, telemedicine could be an effective approach to assist mental health practice in such areas. However, the lack of telemedicine assessment factors in these areas makes it difficult to complete the correct triage and prioritization of rural residents' mental health quickly and effectively. To provide a foundation for applying telemedicine to assess the risk of mental health problems that rural residents in seismically active regions experience, this paper studied whether the degree of safety of housing can affect mental health. In this study, nine villages near the epicenter of the 2019 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Changning County, China were randomly selected, and 162 valid questionnaires were completed. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the collected data. First, the satisfaction of rural residents with the degree of safety of housing significantly affected the K6 score and whether they suffered from mental problems. Second, the mental health of rural residents living in reinforced concrete frame structure housing was obviously superior to that of those living in other types of housing. Next, the most significant factor affecting mental health was the degree of wall cracks. Finally, a new approach was developed to assess and prioritize the mental health of rural residents by using degrees of housing safety and smart technology in seismically active regions. The telemedicine assessment approach is expected to be used in the future for mental health evaluation and the large-scale data scoring of rural residents.