bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the Band Structure of InAs/GaSb Type II Superlattices Utilizing Multiple Energy Band Theories
Authors: Fang Shuiliu , Hao Ruiting , Zhang Longgang , Guo Jie , Liu Wuming
Published: April 2022

Antimonide type II superlattices is expected to overtake HgCdTe as the preferred materials for infrared detection due to their excellent photoelectric properties and flexible and adjustable band structures. Among these compounds, InAs/GaSb type II superlattices represent the most commonly studied materials. However, the sophisticated physics associated with the antimonide-based bandgap engineering concept started at the beginning of the 1990s gave a new impact and interest in the development of infrared detector structures within academic and national laboratories. InAs/GaSb superlattices are a type II disconnected band structure with electrons and holes confined in the InAs and GaSb layers, respectively. The electron miniband and hole miniband can be regulated separately by adjusting the thickness of InAs and GaSb layers, which facilitates the design of superlattice structures and optimizes the value of band offset. In recent years, both domestic and foreign researchers have made many attempts to quickly and accurately predict the bandgaps of superlattice materials before superlattice materials grow. These works constituted a theoretical basis for the effective utilization of the InAs/GaSb system in material optimization and designing new SL structures; they also provided an opportunity for the preparation and rapid development of InAs/GaSb T2SLs. In this paper, we systematically review several widely used methods for simulating superlattice band structures, including the k·p perturbation method, envelope function approximation, empirical pseudopotential method, empirical tight-binding method, and first-principles calculations. With the limitations of different theoretical methods proposed, the simulation methods have been modified and developed to obtain reliable InAs/GaSb SL energy band calculation results. The objective of this work is to provide a reference for designing InAs/GaSb type II superlattice band structures.
Protein Kinase C Life Cycle: Explained Through Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Aslam Naveed , Alvi Farah
Published: April 2022

Protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes are a family of kinases that mediate signal transduction originating at the cell surface. Most cell membranes can contain functional PKC enzymes. Aberrations in the PKC life cycle may result in cellular damage and dysfunction. For example, some cancerous cells exhibit alterations in PKC activity. Here, we use a systems biology approach to describe a molecular model of the PKC life cycle. Understanding the PKC life cycle is necessary to identify new drug targets. The PKC life cycle is composed of three key regulatory processes: maturation, activation, and termination. These processes precisely control PKC enzyme levels. This model describes the fate of PKC during de novo synthesis and PKC’s lipid-mediated activation cycle. We utilize a systems biology approach to show the PKC life cycle is controlled by multiple phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. PKC processing events can be divided into two types: maturation via processing of newly synthesized enzyme and secondary messenger-dependent activation of dormant, but catalytically competent enzyme. Newly synthesized PKC enzyme is constitutively processed through three ordered phosphorylations and stored in the cytosol as a stable, signaling-competent inactive and autoinhibited molecule. Upon extracellular stimulation, diacylglycerol (DAG) and calcium ion (Ca2+) generated at the membrane bind PKC. PKC then undergoes cytosol-to-membrane translocation and subsequent activation. Our model shows that, once activated, PKC is prone to dephosphorylation and subsequent degradation. This model also describes the role of HSP70 in stabilization and re-phosphorylation of dephosphorylated PKC, replenishing the PKC pool. Our model shows how the PKC pool responds to different intensities of extracellular stimuli? We show that blocking PHLPP dephosphorylation replenishes the PKC pool in a dose-dependent manner. This model provides a comprehensive understanding of PKC life cycle regulation.
Osmotic Adjustment and Antioxidant System Regulated by Nitrogen Deposition Improve Photosynthetic and Growth Performance and Alleviate Oxidative Damage in Dwarf Bamboo Under Drought Stress
Authors: Wu Shulan , Tian Jingqing , Ren Tingju , Wang Yanjie
Published: April 2022

Dwarf bamboo (Fargesia denudata) is a staple food for the endangered giant pandas and plays a critical role in the sub-alpine ecosystem. Characterized by shallow roots and expeditious growth, it is exceedingly susceptible to drought stress and nitrogen (N) deposition in the context of a changing global environment. However, a comprehensive picture about the interactive response mechanism of dwarf bamboo to the two factors, water regime and N deposition, is far from being given. Therefore, a completely randomized design with two factors of water regimes (well-watered and water-stressed) and N deposition levels (with and without N addition) of F. denudata was conducted. In view of the obtained results, drought stress had an adverse impact on F. denudata, showing that it destroyed ultrastructure integrity and induced oxidative damage and restricted water status in leaves and roots, as well as declined photosynthetic efficiency in leaves, especially in N non-deposition plants. Nevertheless, F. denudata significantly increased heat dissipation in leaves, regulated antioxidant enzymes activities, antioxidants contents, and osmoregulation substances concentrations in leaves and roots, as well as shifted biomass partitioning in response to drought stress. However, regardless of water availability, N deposition maintained better ultrastructure in leaves and roots, resulting in superior photosynthesis and growth of F. denudata. Additionally, although N deposition did not cause oxidative damage in well-watered plants, ameliorated the effects of drought stress on F. denudata through co-deploying heat dissipation in leaves, the antioxidant system in roots as well as osmotic adjustment in leaves and roots. Noticeably, the leaves and roots of F. denudata expressed quite distinct acclimation responses to drought resistance under N deposition.
High-Resolution Translatome Analysis Reveals Cortical Cell Programs During Early Soybean Nodulation
Authors: Song Jae Hyo , Montes-Luz Bruna , Tadra-Sfeir Michelle Zibetti , Cui Yaya , Su Lingtao , Xu Dong , Stacey Gary
Published: April 2022

Nodule organogenesis in legumes is regulated temporally and spatially through gene networks. Genome-wide transcriptome, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses have been used previously to define the functional role of various plant genes in the nodulation process. However, while significant progress has been made, most of these studies have suffered from tissue dilution since only a few cells/root regions respond to rhizobial infection, with much of the root non-responsive. To partially overcome this issue, we adopted translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) to specifically monitor the response of the root cortex to rhizobial inoculation using a cortex-specific promoter. While previous studies have largely focused on the plant response within the root epidermis (e.g., root hairs) or within developing nodules, much less is known about the early responses within the root cortex, such as in relation to the development of the nodule primordium or growth of the infection thread. We focused on identifying genes specifically regulated during early nodule organogenesis using roots inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. A number of novel nodulation gene candidates were discovered, as well as soybean orthologs of nodulation genes previously reported in other legumes. The differential cortex expression of several genes was confirmed using a promoter-GUS analysis, and RNAi was used to investigate gene function. Notably, a number of differentially regulated genes involved in phytohormone signaling, including auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellic acid (GA), were also discovered, providing deep insight into phytohormone signaling during early nodule development.
Response Strategies of Root System Architecture to Soil Environment: A Case Study of Single-Species Cupressus funebris Plantations
Authors: He Wenchun , Luo Chao , Wang Yang , Wen Xiaochen , Wang Yu , Li Tianyi , Chen Gang , Zhao Kuangji , Li Xianwei , Fan Chuan
Published: April 2022

The root system architecture (RSA), being a key characteristic of the root economic spectrum, describes the spatial arrangement and positioning of roots that determines the plant's exploration of water and nutrients in the soil. Still, it remains poorly understood how the RSA of woody plants responds to the demand for water and nutrients in different soil environments and how the uptake of these resources is optimized. Here we selected single-species plantations of Cupressus funebris and determined their topological index (TI), revised topological index (qa and qb), root link length (RLL), root branching rate (Rb and Ri:Ri+1), and in situ soil physicochemical properties to assess which root foraging strategies adopt in different soil environments among Guang'an City (GA), Suining City (SN), Mianyang City (MY), and Deyang City (DY) in China. We also tested the potential effects of different nutrients upon RSA according to its plastic phenotype. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that levels of soil nutrients were the highest at DY, followed by MY and SN, and lower at GA. A dichotomous branching pattern was observed for GA, SN, and MY, but a herringbone branching pattern for DY. The RLL was ranked as GA, > SN, > MY > DY. The Rb of GA, SN, and MY was significantly lower than that of DY (p < 0.05). Among the different city regions, values of R1/R2 were the largest in different regions and those of R4/R5 the smallest. The cross-sectional area of the root system did not differ between any two connected branch orders. The TI, qa, and RLL were significantly and negatively correlated with soil's water content, porosity, total nitrogen, total potassium, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus (p < 0.05), whereas they all had significant, positive relationships with soil temperature (p < 0.05). The Rb was significantly and positively correlated with total potassium in soil (p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis showed that total potassium was the main factor driving variation in RSA. Our results emphasize that the RSA is capable of corresponding plastic alterations by changing its number of internal or external links and the root link length of fine roots vis-à-vis a heterogeneous environment, thereby optimizing the rates of water capture and space utilization.
An Approach Using Emerging Optical Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Brings New Markers to Evaluate Peanut Seed Quality
Authors: Fonseca de Oliveira Gustavo Roberto , Mastrangelo Clíssia Barboza , Hirai Welinton Yoshio , Batista Thiago Barbosa , Sudki Julia Marconato , Petronilio Ana Carolina Picinini , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Amaral da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido
Published: April 2022

Seeds of high physiological quality are defined by their superior germination capacity and uniform seedling establishment. Here, it was investigated whether multispectral images combined with machine learning models can efficiently categorize the quality of peanut seedlots. The seed quality from seven lots was assessed traditionally (seed weight, water content, germination, and vigor) and by multispectral images (area, length, width, brightness, chlorophyll fluorescence, anthocyanin, and reflectance: 365 to 970 nm). Seedlings from the seeds of each lot were evaluated for their photosynthetic capacity (fluorescence and chlorophyll index, F0, Fm, and Fv/Fm) and stress indices (anthocyanin and NDVI). Artificial intelligence features (QDA method) applied to the data extracted from the seed images categorized lots with high and low quality. Higher levels of anthocyanin were found in the leaves of seedlings from low quality seeds. Therefore, this information is promising since the initial behavior of the seedlings reflected the quality of the seeds. The existence of new markers that effectively screen peanut seed quality was confirmed. The combination of physical properties (area, length, width, and coat brightness), pigments (chlorophyll fluorescence and anthocyanin), and light reflectance (660, 690, and 780 nm), is highly efficient to identify peanut seedlots with superior quality (98% accuracy).
Large-Scale Protein and Phosphoprotein Profiling to Explore Potato Resistance Mechanisms to Spongospora subterranea Infection
Authors: Balotf Sadegh , Wilson Calum R. , Tegg Robert S. , Nichols David S. , Wilson Richard
Published: April 2022

Potato is one of the most important food crops for human consumption. The soilborne pathogen Spongospora subterranea infects potato roots and tubers, resulting in considerable economic losses from diminished tuber yields and quality. A comprehensive understanding of how potato plants respond to S. subterranea infection is essential for the development of pathogen-resistant crops. Here, we employed label-free proteomics and phosphoproteomics to quantify systemically expressed protein-level responses to S. subterranea root infection in potato foliage of the susceptible and resistant potato cultivars. A total of 2,669 proteins and 1,498 phosphoproteins were quantified in the leaf samples of the different treatment groups. Following statistical analysis of the proteomic data, we identified oxidoreductase activity, electron transfer, and photosynthesis as significant processes that differentially changed upon root infection specifically in the resistant cultivar and not in the susceptible cultivar. The phosphoproteomics results indicated increased activity of signal transduction and defense response functions in the resistant cultivar. In contrast, the majority of increased phosphoproteins in the susceptible cultivar were related to transporter activity and sub-cellular localization. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms and systemic signals involved in potato resistance to S. subterranea infection and has identified new roles for protein phosphorylation in the regulation of potato immune response.
A Glucuronic Acid-Producing Endophyte Pseudomonas sp. MCS15 Reduces Cadmium Uptake in Rice by Inhibition of Ethylene Biosynthesis
Authors: Qian Lisheng , Song Fei , Xia Jinlin , Wang Rongfu
Published: April 2022

Dynamic regulation of phytohormone levels is pivotal for plant adaptation to harmful conditions. It is increasingly evidenced that endophytic bacteria can regulate plant hormone levels to help their hosts counteract adverse effects imposed by abiotic and biotic stresses, but the mechanisms underlying the endophyte-induced stress resistance of plants remain largely elusive. In this study, a glucuronic acid-producing endophyte Pseudomonas sp. MCS15 alleviated cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice plants. Inoculation with MCS15 significantly inhibited the expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes including OsACO3, OsACO4, OsACO5, OsACS2, and OsACS5 and thus reduced the content of ethylene in rice roots. In addition, the expression of iron uptake-related genes including OsIRT1, OsIRT2, OsNAS1, OsNAS2 and OsYSL15 was significantly downregulated in the MCS15-inoculated roots under Cd stress. Similarly, glucuronic acid treatment also remarkably inhibited root uptake of Cd and reduced the production of ethylene. However, treatment with 1-aminocyclopropyl carboxylic acid (ACC), a precursor of ethylene, almost abolished the MCS15 or glucuronic acid-induced inhibition of Cd accumulation in rice plants. Conversely, treatment with aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG), an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, markedly reduced the Cd accumulation in plants. Taken together, our results revealed that the endophytic bacteria MCS15-secreted glucuronic acid inhibited the biosynthesis of ethylene and thus weakened iron uptake-related systems in rice roots, which contributed to preventing the Cd accumulation.
Why Black Flowers? An Extreme Environment and Molecular Perspective of Black Color Accumulation in the Ornamental and Food Crops
Authors: Ahmad Sagheer , Chen Jinliao , Chen Guizhen , Huang Jie , Zhou Yuzhen , Zhao Kai , Lan Siren , Liu Zhongjian , Peng Donghui
Published: April 2022

Pollinators are attracted to vibrant flower colors. That is why flower color is the key agent to allow successful fruit set in food or ornamental crops. However, black flower color is the least attractive to pollinators, although a number of plant species produce black flowers. Cyanidin-based anthocyanins are thought to be the key agents to induce black color in the ornamental and fruit crops. R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) play key roles for the tissue-specific accumulation of anthocyanin. MYB1 and MYB11 are the key TFs regulating the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes for black color accumulation. Post-transcriptional silencing offlavone synthase II(FNS) gene is the technological method to stimulate the accumulation of cyanidin-based anthocyanins in black cultivars. Type 1 promoter ofDvIVStakes the advantage ofFNSsilencing to produce large amounts of black anthocyanins. Exogenous ethylene application triggers anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit skin at ripening. Environment cues have been the pivotal regulators to allow differential accumulation of anthocyanins to regulate black color. Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stimulus that regulates concentration gradient of anthocyanins in various plant parts, thereby affecting the color pattern of flowers. Stability of black anthocyanins in the extreme environments can save the damage, especially in fruits, caused by abiotic stress. White flowers without anthocyanin face more damages from abiotic stress than dark color flowers. The intensity and pattern of flower color accumulation determine the overall fruit set, thereby controlling crop yield and human food needs. This review paper presents comprehensive knowledge of black flower regulation as affected by high temperature stress, and the molecular regulators of anthocyanin for black color in ornamental and food crops. It also discusses the black color-pollination interaction pattern affected by heat stress for food and ornamental crops.
The Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales for Self and Others: Turkish Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability Study
Authors: Ari Ela , Cesur-Soysal Gizem , Basran Jaskaran , Gilbert Paul
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study aims to translate the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS) into Turkish and to test their subsequent validity, reliability, and psychometric properties. Turkey is one of the blended cultures with eastern and western elements under the influence of traditional religion. This cultural diversity brings about a rich context to study compassion and its relationship to mental health. The scales assess the ability to be sensitive to suffering and engage and then take helpful actions in compassion. The motivation for compassionate engagement and action is measured at three ‘flows’ as follows: (1) compassion for others; (2) compassion from others; and (3) compassion for self.

Methods

The sample consists of 525 college students aged 18 years or older. The participants completed the CEAS Turkish Form for Others, Self and from Others, Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, Compassionate Love Scale, and Self-Criticism Scale.

Results

The confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using AMOS version 27 to examine the validity of the three scales with two different factor structures each. All the three models show good fits to the data. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the CEAS for Others and for Self and from Others are good to excellent (between 0.70 and 0.95 for all subscales). Compassion for self, compassion for others, and compassion from others correlated modestly.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the Turkish version of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales for Others and Self and from Others has sufficient psychometric properties and can be used as a reliable and valid measure to assess compassionate engagement and action.
An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Temporal Satisfaction With Life Scale
Authors: Guitard Joline , Jarden Aaron , Jarden Rebecca , Lajoie Denis
Published: April 2022

The Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale measures judgements of life satisfaction using 15 items, according to three temporal dimensions: past, present, and future. However, only seven studies have looked at the psychometric properties of the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale, and this has been individually across vastly different countries and cultures (Canada, China, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and United-States), and with different populations, such as undergraduate students, adults, and older adults. In addition, these studies have highlighted issues regarding the replicability of the validity of the scale structure and optimal number of items. In this study we use a large international and multicultural sample (n = 6,912) from the International Wellbeing Study and investigate the scale structure of the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale, resulting in the recommendation that a shortened 12-item version provides a better model fit compared to the original 15-item version. More in-depth correlates with aspects of wellbeing and illbeing, in relation to past, present, and future life satisfaction, are also presented than have been previously, which found positive correlations between the temporal dimensions of the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale and wellbeing, as well as negative correlations with illbeing measures.
The Influence of Growth Mindset on the Mental Health and Life Events of College Students
Authors: Tao Weidong , Zhao Dongchi , Yue Huilan , Horton Isabel , Tian Xiuju , Xu Zhen , Sun Hong-Jin
Published: April 2022

Growth mindset refers to our core belief that our talents can be developed through practice, which may influence our thoughts and behaviors. Growth mindset has been studied in a variety of fields, including education, sports, and management. However, few studies have explored whether differences in individuals’ growth mindsets influence college students’ self-reported mental health. Using the Growth Mindset Scale, Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist, and SCL-90 Scale, data was collected from 2,505 freshmen in a University in China. Findings revealed that the students within the growth mindset group scored significantly lower on “mental health issues” and “stress due to life events” than the students in the fixed mindset group. Our findings suggest that individuals with a growth mindset are less prone to mental health problems than individuals with a fixed mindset.
Undergraduate Students’ Social Entrepreneurial Intention: The Role of Individual Environmental Responsibility and Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Chao Cheng-Min , Yu Tai-Kuei
Published: April 2022

As social entrepreneurial intention has received increasing attention from scholars and practitioners, no clear conclusions have been drawn regarding antecedent or external factors that influence social entrepreneurial intention. This study aims to develop a structural model to shape the social entrepreneurial intention of business administration students, which involves the theory of planned behavior (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms), social capital, individual environmental responsibility, and individual absorptive capacity (i.e., potential absorptive capacity and realized absorptive capacity). Furthermore, this study regards potential absorptive capability as a multi-dimensional construct of a higher-order structure. The participants were students from business administration colleges/universities (including general universities and science and technology universities) in Taiwan. The empirical data from 969 participants were analyzed using Smart PLS 3.0 to obtain the results. The results revealed that: (1) social capital had a significant positive effect on attitudes and subjective norms; (2) attitudes, subjective norms, individual environmental responsibility, and realized absorptive capability had a positive effect on social entrepreneurial intention; however, social capital and potential absorptive capability had a negative effect. The results were discussed, and some specific recommendations for practitioners of business administration education were proposed.
The Validity and Reliability of the Short Form of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Saito Junichi , Fujino Masahiro , Sato Masashi , Kumano Hiroaki
Published: April 2022

Background

A brief measure of dispositional mindfulness is important for applied research on mindfulness. Although short forms of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), which measures the five aspects of mindfulness (i.e., observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reactivity), have been developed worldwide, the validity and reliability of the Japanese version has not been examined. This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the 24-item and 15-item versions of the FFMQ in Japan, which are the most widely used versions worldwide.

Methods

Online surveys were conducted for 889 adults in Japan through an online survey company using self-reported questionnaires including the FFMQ to confirm the factor structure and validity. To examine construct validity, we examined the relationship between the short form of FFMQ and mind wandering, interoceptive awareness, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, openness, neuroticism, self-compassion, depression, and anxiety, which have been theoretically or empirically shown to be related to mindfulness. In addition, 137 adults responded to the FFMQ again, after four weeks, for the test-retest reliability.

Results

The correlated five-factor and four-factor (excluding observing) models and the higher-order factor hierarchical model did not show sufficient goodness of fit, while the 24-item version showed acceptable fit when uncorrelated method factors loaded on by the positive and negative (reverse-scored) items were added. However, the 15-item version did not show acceptable fits for any of the models. Regarding reliability, the 24-item version showed acceptable values. In terms of the relationship between the original and the shortened version of the FFMQ, the 24-item version shared approximately 80% of the variance with the original one. In addition, although the wording effects of positive and negative items seemed to affect the correlations between the FFMQ and the other scales, the associations with related concepts were as predicted generally, supporting the construct validity of the short form of the FFMQ.

Conclusion

In Japan, the 24-item version of FFMQ showed acceptable validity and reliability similar to the original version, and we recommend that the 24-item version be used.
Evaluation Scale or Output Format: The Attentional Mechanism Underpinning Time Preference Reversal
Authors: Zhou Yan-Bang , Li Qiang , Li Qiu-Yue , Liu Hong-Zhi
Published: April 2022

Time preference reversals refers to systematic inconsistencies between preferences and valuations in intertemporal choice. When faced with a pair of intertemporal options, people preferred the smaller-sooner option but assign a higher price to the larger-later one. Different hypotheses postulate that the differences in evaluation scale or output format between the choice and the bid tasks cause the preference reversal. However, these hypotheses have not been distinguished. In the present study, we conducted a hybrid task, which shares the same evaluation scale with the bid task and shares the same output format with the choice task. By comparing these three tasks, we can figure out the key reason for time preference reversal. The eye-tracking measures reflecting attention allocation, cognitive effort and information search pattern were examined. Results showed that participants' time preference and eye-tracking measures in the hybrid task were similar to those in the choice task, but different from those in the bid task. Our findings suggest that the output format is the core reason for time preference reversal and may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie time preference reversal.
Remembering a Virtual Museum Tour: Viewing Time, Memory Reactivation, and Memory Distortion
Authors: Daviddi Sarah , Mastroberardino Serena , St. Jacques Peggy L. , Schacter Daniel L. , Santangelo Valerio
Published: April 2022

A variety of evidence demonstrates that memory is a reconstructive process prone to errors and distortions. However, the complex relationship between memory encoding, strength of memory reactivation, and the likelihood of reporting true or false memories has yet to be ascertained. We address this issue in a setting that mimics a real-life experience: We asked participants to take a virtual museum tour in which they freely explored artworks included in the exhibit, while we measured the participants’ spontaneous viewing time of each explored artwork. In a following memory reactivation phase, participants were presented again with explored artworks (reactivated targets), followed by novel artworks not belonging to the same exhibit (activated lures). For each of these objects, participants provided a reliving rating that indexed the strength of memory reactivation. In the final memory recognition phase, participants underwent an old/new memory task, involving reactivated vs. baseline (i.e., non-reactivated) targets, and activated and baseline lures. The results showed that those targets that were spontaneously viewed for a longer amount of time were more frequently correctly recognized. This pattern was particularly true for reactivated targets associated with greater memory strength (a higher reliving rating). Paradoxically, however, lures that were presented after targets associated with higher reliving ratings in the reactivation phase were more often erroneously recognized as artworks encountered during the tour. This latter finding indicates that memory intrusions, irrespective of the viewing time, are more likely to take place and be incorporated into true memories when the strength of target memory is higher.
COVID-19 and Pro-environmental Behaviour at Destinations Amongst International Travellers
Authors: Calder Gary , Radic Aleksandar , Ryu Hyungseo Bobby , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on pro-environmental behaviour of individuals travelling internationally for leisure and recreational purposes. The aim of this manuscript is to investigate a conceptual framework created through the examination of current existing literature in the field of tourism science. The conceptual framework, consisting of certain constructs of the health belief model (HBM), and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), is applied and tested using a partial least-squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from participants who have travelled internationally before and during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who plan to travel post-COVID-19 pandemic. Results revealed that the conceptual framework tested positively against existing theory, highlighting the key influencing factors in which COVID-19 is likely to have on future pro-environmental behaviour of individuals travelling internationally for leisure and recreational purposes. Moreover, perceived safety threat and outcome expectations have a positive impact on attitude; attitude has a positive impact on behavioural intentions; subjective norm has a positive impact on behavioural intentions, and perceived behavioural control has a positive impact on behavioural intentions. The study results identify practical and theoretical implications for global and travel companies and organisations, presenting opportunities to adjust environmental policies and procedures accordingly, whilst identifying the most effective marketing and management strategies to rebuild a collapsed global travel industry.
The Validation Study of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics−6 Scale Among Patients With Cancer in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Hyeyeong , Kim Harin , Lee Hyuk Joo , Cho Eulah , Koh Su-Jin , Ahmed Oli , Chung Seockhoon
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

The study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) scale among patients with cancer who are in serious situations in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The survey included questions on the participants' demographic information, clinical history of cancer (including cancer type, stage, current treatment or diagnosis of complete remission), and scores on rating scales, including the SAVE-6 scale, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results determined that the model fits the single factor structure of the SAVE-6 scale among patients with cancer. The multi-group CFA showed that SAVE-6 can measure the anxiety response in a similar way across multiple variables, such as sex, presence of clinical depression, being in a state of complete remission, or currently undergoing cancer treatment. The SAVE-6 scale showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.819) and convergent validity with the rating scales, such as CAS [r = 0.348 (95% CI, 0.273–0.419), p < 0.001] and PHQ-9 items score [r = 0.251 (95% CI, 0.172–0.328), p < 0.001].

Conclusions

This study confirms SAVE-6 as a reliable and valid rating scale for measuring the anxiety response of patients with cancer during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Decision-Making Within Forensic Psychiatric Investigations: The Use of Various Information Sources by Different Expert Groups to Reach Conclusions on Legal Insanity
Authors: Göranson Lizel , Svensson Olof , Andiné Peter , Bromander Sara , Bagge Ann-Sophie Lindqvist , Karlén Malin Hildebrand
Published: April 2022

Background

Which type of information experts use to make decisions regarding legal insanity within forensic psychiatric investigations (FPI) is relatively unknown, both in general and when considering variations due to case context. It is important to explore this area to be able to counteract the effects of various kinds of cognitive bias.

Method

The aim was to explore whether FPI expert groups differed regarding case-specific as well as general use of information types required to make decisions on severe mental disorder (SMD). Three FPI case vignettes were presented to three professional groups involved in FPIs in Sweden (n = 41): forensic psychiatrists (n = 15), psychologists (n = 15), and social workers (n = 11). The participants reported which types of information they required to reach conclusions regarding SMD in each case. They also reported which types of information they had used within general FPI praxis during the previous year and the information types’ perceived usefulness.

Results

The expert groups differed somewhat regarding what type of information they required for the cases (e.g., results from cognitive testing), but some information was required in all cases (e.g., client’s self-report). Regarding the preliminary assessment of SMD in the three cases, minor differences were found. Within the general FPI praxis, experts reported using several information types, while the general perceived usefulness of these sources varied.

Discussion

The professional groups relied partly on a “core” of information sources, but some case-specific adaptations were found. The professional groups’ inclination to suspect SMD also varied somewhat. This indicates a need to explore the potential consequences of these similarities and differences.
A Scoping Review and Narrative Synthesis Comparing the Constructs of Social Determinants of Health and Social Determinants of Mental Health: Matryoshka or Two Independent Constructs?
Authors: Handerer Fritz , Kinderman Peter , Shafti Matina , Tai Sara
Published: April 2022

Background

Many health research policies invoke the construct of Social Determinants of Health, and more recently the construct of Social Determinants of Mental Health. While frequently referred to in the literature, it is unclear how these constructs relate to each other. Some commentators conceptualise the Determinants of Mental Health as a subgroup of the Determinants of general Health and others describe the Determinants of Mental Health as an autonomous construct. The current review investigates the relationship between both constructs.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted for both constructs separately within seven electronic databases. A template analysis was conducted to compare the conceptualisations of the Social Determinants of Health and the Social Determinants of Mental Health.

Results

Of 4250 search results, 50 papers (25 for each construct) fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were incorporated into a narrative synthesis. Discussions of the Social Determinants of both general and Mental Health listed the same determinants. Both constructs were conceptualised on multiple levels and factors. Stress and health behaviour were also described as mediators for both constructs. The constructs differed, however, with respect to two components of their aetiologies and epistemologies. First, the causal mechanisms invoked for the Determinants of general Health followed predominantly direct pathways, in contrast to indirect pathways for the Social Determinants of Mental Health. Second, the Social Determinants of Mental Health were reported to influence mental health mediated through individuals’ perceptions and appraisal processes. Appraisal processes were considered of far less relevance in the construct of Social Determinants of Health.

Conclusion

The constructs of Social Determinants of Health and Social Determinants of Mental Health align in many respects but differ on important aetiological and epistemological grounds. Similar social factors are considered important, but whereas physical health conditions are primarily conceptualised to be driven by objective realities, mental health is explained mainly in terms of perception of these realities. This differentiation between physical and mental health is in line with a modern understanding of mind-body-dualism, the naturalistic dualism after Chalmers. Differentiating the Social Determinants of Mental Health from the Social Determinants of Health might bear relevance for policy making and research.
Motor Cortex Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A MRS-TMS Approach
Authors: Bernardino Inês , Dionísio Ana , Violante Inês R. , Monteiro Raquel , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: April 2022

Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance has been suggested as a neurobiological substrate of the cognitive symptomatology in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) attempted to characterize GABA and Glutamate brain levels in ASD. However mixed findings have been reported. Here, we characterize both neurochemical and physiological aspects of GABA system in ASD by implementing a more comprehensive approach combining MRS and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A group of 16 young ASD adults and a group of 17 controls participated in this study. We employed one MRS session to assess motor cortex GABA+ and Glutamate+Glutamine (Glx) levels using MEGAPRESS and PRESS sequences, respectively. Additionally, a TMS experiment was implemented including paired-pulse (SICI, ICF and LICI), input-output curve and cortical silent period to probe cortical excitability. Our results showed a significantly increased Glx, with unchanged GABA+ levels in the ASD group compared with controls. Single TMS measures did not differ between groups, although exploratory within-group analysis showed impaired inhibition in SICI5ms, in ASD. Importantly, we observed a correlation between GABA levels and measures of the input-output TMS recruitment curve (slope and MEP amplitude) in the control group but not in ASD, as further demonstrated by direct between group comparisons. In this exploratory study, we found evidence of increased Glx levels which may contribute to ASD excitatory/inhibitory imbalance while highlighting the relevance of conducting further larger-scale studies to investigate the GABA system from complementary perspectives, using both MRS and TMS techniques.
Clinical and Genetic Correlates of Bipolar Disorder With Childhood-Onset Attention Deficit Disorder
Authors: Nunez Nicolas A. , Coombes Brandon J. , Romo-Nava Francisco , Bond David J. , Vande Voort Jennifer , Croarkin Paul E. , Leibman Nicole , Gardea Resendez Manuel , Veldic Marin , Betcher Hannah , Singh Balwinder , Colby Colin , Cuellar-Barboza Alfredo , Prieto Miguel , Moore Katherine M. , Ozerdem Aysegul , McElroy Susan L. , Frye Mark A. , Biernacka Joanna M.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Bipolar disorder (BD) with co-occurring attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with an unfavorable course of illness. We aimed to identify potential clinical and genetic correlates of BD with and without ADHD.

Methods

Among patients with BD (N = 2,198) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Biobank we identified those with ADHD diagnosed in childhood (BD+cADHD; N = 350), those with adult-onset attention deficit symptoms (BD+aAD; N = 254), and those without ADHD (N = 1,594). We compared the groups using linear or logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, and recruitment site. For genotyped patients (N = 1,443), logistic regression was used to compare ADHD and BD polygenic risk scores (PRSs) between the BD groups, as well as to non-BD controls (N = 777).

Results

Compared to the non-ADHD BD group, BD+cADHD patients were younger, more often men and had a greater number of co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders (all p < 0.001). Additionally, BD+cADHD patients had poorer responses to lithium and lamotrigine (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). In PRS analyses, all BD patient subsets had greater genetic risk for BD and ADHD when compared to non-BD controls (p < 0.001 in all comparisons). BD+cADHD patients had a higher ADHD-PRS than non-ADHD BD patients (p = 0.012). However, BD+aAD patients showed no evidence of higher ADHD-PRS than non-ADHD BD patients (p = 0.38).

Conclusions

BD+cADHD was associated with a greater number of comorbidities and reduced response to mood stabilizing treatments. The higher ADHD PRS for the BD+cADHD group may reflect a greater influence of genetic factors on early presentation of ADHD symptoms.
Glutamatergic System in Depression and Its Role in Neuromodulatory Techniques Optimization
Authors: Khoodoruth Mohamed Adil Shah , Estudillo-Guerra Maria Anayali , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Nyundo Azan , Chapa-Koloffon Gina , Ouanes Sami
Published: April 2022

Depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions and contribute to significant morbidity. Even though the use of antidepressants revolutionized the management of depression and had a tremendous positive impact on the patient's outcome, a significant proportion of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) show no or partial or response even with adequate treatment. Given the limitations of the prevailing monoamine hypothesis-based pharmacotherapy, glutamate and glutamatergic related pathways may offer an alternative and a complementary option for designing novel intervention strategies. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing interest in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of glutamatergic dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders and the development of new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. There is a growing body of evidence for the efficacy of neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and photo-biomodulation on improving connectivity and neuroplasticity associated with depression. This review attempts to revisit the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders and review the current neuroimaging, neurophysiological and clinical evidence of these neuromodulation techniques in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
The Social Meanings of Artifacts: Face Masks in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Schönweitz Franziska , Eichinger Johanna , Kuiper Janneke M. L. , Ongolly Fernandos , Spahl Wanda , Prainsack Barbara , Zimmermann Bettina M.
Published: April 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, research has explored various aspects of face mask use. While most of the research explores their effectiveness to prevent the spread of the virus, a growing body of literature has found that using face masks also has social meaning. But what social meaning does it have, and how does this meaning express itself in people's practice? Based on 413 qualitative interviews with residents in five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland), we found that the meanings of face masks have changed drastically during the first months of the pandemic. While in spring 2020 people wearing them had to fear stigmatization, in autumn of 2020 not wearing masks was more likely to be stigmatized. Throughout the first year of the pandemic, we found that mask wearing had multiple and partly seemingly contradictory meanings for people. They were perceived as obstacles for non-verbal communication, but also a way to affirm friendships and maintain social contacts. They also signaled specific moral or political stances on the side of face mask wearers and non-wearers alike, expressed their belonging to certain communities, or articulated concern. In sum, our findings show how face masks serve as scripts for people to navigate their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude that public and political discussions concerning face masks should include not only evidence on the epidemiological and infectiological effects of face masks, but also on their social meanings and their social effects.
Potential of N-CovSel for Variable Selection: A Case Study on Time-Series of Multispectral Images
Authors: Lopez-Fornieles Eva , Tisseyre Bruno , Cheraiet Anice , Gaci Belal , Roger Jean-Michel
Published: April 2022

Multispectral image time-series have been promising for some years; yet, the substantial advance of the technology involved, with unprecedented combinations of spatial, temporal, and spectral capabilities for remote sensing applications, raises new challenges, in particular, the need for methodologies that can process the different dimensions of satellite information. Considering that the multi-collinearity problem is present in remote sensing time-series, regression models are widespread tools to model multi-way data. This paper presents the results of the analysis of a high order data of Sentinel-2-time series, conducted in the framework of extreme weather event. A feature extraction method for multi-way data, N-CovSel was used to identify the most relevant features explaining the loss of yield in Mediterranean vineyards during the 2019 heatwave. Different regression models (uni-way and multi-way) from features extracted from the N-CovSel algorithm were calibrated based on available heat wave impact data for 107 vineyard blocks in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and multispectral time-series predictor data for the period May to August. The performance of the models was evaluated by the r2 and the root mean square of error (RMSE) as follows: for the temporal N-PLS model (r2 = 0.62—RMSE = 11%), for the spatial N-PLS model (r2 = 0.61—RMSE = 12%) and the temporal-spectral PLS model (r2 = 0.63—RMSE = 11%). The results validated the effectiveness of the proposed N-CovSel algorithm in order to reduce the number of total variables and restricting it to the most significant ones. The N-CovSel algorithm seems to be a suitable choice to interpret complex multispectral imagery by temporally discriminating the most appropriate spectral information.