Specific Traits Research Articles

Use of analytical strategies to understand spatial chemical variation in bacterial surface communities.

Not only do surface-growing microbes such as biofilms display specific traits compared to planktonic cells, but also they display many heterogeneous behaviors over many spatial and temporal contexts. While the application of molecular genetics tools to extract or visualize gene expression or regulatory function data is now common in studying surface growth, the use of analytical chemistry tools to visualize the spatiotemporal distribution of chemical products synthesized by these surface microbes is less common. Here, we review chemical imaging tools that have been used to inform our understanding of surface-growing microbes. We highlight the use of confocal Raman Microscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, secondary ion mass spectrometry, desorption electrospray ionization, and electrochemical imaging that have been applied to assess two-dimensional chemical profiles of bacteria. We specifically discuss the use of these tools to study rhamnolipids, alkylquinolones, and phenazines of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Personalizing AI tools for second language speaking: the role of gender and autistic traits

IntroductionIt is important to consider individual differences in research on educational technology. This study investigates the interplay between autistic traits, gender, and the perception of artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed for second language (L2) speaking practice, contributing to a deeper understanding of inclusive educational technology.MethodsA sample of 111 university students completed the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) to measure autistic traits (AU) and their sub-traits Aloof (AF), Rigid (RD), and Pragmatic Language (PL). Perceptions of AI tools were assessed across five dimensions: Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Attitude (AT), Behavioral Intention (BI), and Usage Behavior (UB). The study utilized correlation and regression analyses to examine relationships between these variables, while exploring gender-specific moderating effects.ResultsKey findings revealed no significant gender differences in autistic traits or overall perceptions of AI tools. Contrary to expectations, autistic traits were negatively correlated with perceptions of AI tools, suggesting that current AI designs may not adequately support individuals with pronounced autistic traits. Additionally, gender moderated some relationships, with males displaying stronger associations between autistic traits and both PEOU and UB.DiscussionThis research bridges critical gaps by linking neurodiversity and gender to technology acceptance, advancing the field’s understanding of individual differences in AI-based language learning. It underscores the importance of designing personalized and adaptive educational tools that address diverse learner needs, promoting inclusivity and effectiveness in L2 practice.

Rainfall seasonality shapes belowground root trait dynamics in an Amazonian tropical rainforest: A test of the stress‐dominance hypothesis

Abstract The stress‐dominance hypothesis (SDH) predicts that trait variation at the community level increases with the availability of limiting resources, driving spatial and temporal patterns in above‐ground plant functional trait expression. Here, we test the assumption that the SDH also applies to fine roots responding to spatial and temporal fluctuations in soil resource availability. We monitored fine root mass and functional root traits associated with resource acquisition, that is specific root length (SRL), specific root tip abundance (SRTA) and branching index (BI), and traits related to stress tolerance, such as root diameter (RD) and tissue density (RTD) in a Central Amazonian tree community. To test for spatial differences in root traits, we separated the uppermost organic (O‐A horizon, 0–5 cm) and mineral soil (B horizon, 5–15 cm) layers, and for temporal fluctuations, we investigated the relationship of precipitation on community‐level root variation over a period of 27 months. In accordance with the SDH, we found that fine roots in the O‐A horizon have on average 15% higher SRL, 23% higher BI, 32% higher SRTA and 15% lower RTD than those in the B horizon. Similarly, precipitation shifted the community over time to higher mean SRL, BI and SRTA (r = 0.92, 0.84 and 0.94, p < 0.0001 respectively), although trait shifts occurred in the trimester after the rainy season onset, revealing a time‐lag between rainfall patterns and community response. We also detected a positive increase in trait range for SRL and SRTA with lagged precipitation (r = 0.90 and 0.79, p < 0.0001). On the other hand, traits related to stress showed a weaker negative relationship with instantaneous precipitation (r = −0.7 and −0.57, p = 0.046 and p = 0.1 for RD and RTD, respectively). Our results supported the SDH predictions that root systems will become more acquisitive in areas with more resources, and that the community will shift to more acquisitive but also broader trait dispersion as hydric stress decreases. We conclude that although higher resource availability may increase competition for acquisition, trait overdispersion seems to promote species coexistence. Our results highlight how dynamic root systems can be in response to environmental cues, cautioning the common practice of making conclusions about root traits adaptations to environmental gradients based on a single sampling observation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

To label or not? A choice experiment testing whether labelled green bonds matter to retail investors

Green bonds are an important sustainable finance tool that can help reorient financial flows and influence public policy in addressing climate action across the global financial markets. However, this market is still in its infancy for the retail investor segment, and it has not been sufficiently examined from a behavioural policy lens. We fill this research gap by examining whether labelling and environmental benefits framing of a green bond can influence retail investor decision-making. By employing 1105 Amazon Mechanical Turk workers across three choice scenarios, we test whether alignment of pro-environmental personal norms or having specific personal traits can have a mediating effect on their green bond preferences. Using a mix of quantitative analyses, we find that most retail investors are influenced by the presence of a ‘green label effect’. For most retail investors, we find that the presence of a green label matters more than the ‘greenness’ of a green bond or the higher financial return of a non-green bond. However, for a very small sub-set of our sample, the alignment of environmental performance-related framing with their pro-environmental personal norms, enables greater investment into enhanced performance green bonds, even at the cost of losing financial returns. Finally, personal traits like individual risk tolerance (high), or previous investment experience with investment products (bonds, stocks), gender (non-binary individuals) and those having employment experience with financial industry, are more likely to invest in a labelled green bond. Our findings have timely implications for sustainable finance public policy, as it relates to regulating the growth of such products through labelling schemes like green taxonomies as well as addressing greenwashing risks through improved regulatory oversight.

Tracing human trait evolution through integrative genomics and temporal annotations.

Understanding the evolution of human traits is a fundamental yet challenging question. In a recent Cell Genomics article, Kun etal.1 integrate large-scale genomic and phenotypic data, including deep-learning-derived imaging phenotypes, with temporal annotations to estimate the timing of evolutionary changes that led to differences in traits between modern humans and primates or hominin ancestors.

Dissecting the genetic basis of fruiting efficiency for genetic enhancement of harvest index, grain number, and yield in wheat

BackgroundGrain number (GN) is one of the key yield contributing factors in modern wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties. Fruiting efficiency (FE) is a key trait for increasing GN by making more spike assimilates available to reproductive structures. Thousand grain weight (TGW) is also an important component of grain yield. To understand the genetic architecture of FE and TGW, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a panel of 236 US soft facultative wheats that were phenotyped in three experiments at two locations in Florida and genotyped with 20,706 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS).ResultsFE showed significant positive associations with GN, grain yield (GY), and harvest index (HI). Likewise, TGW mostly had a positive correlation with GY and HI, but a negative correlation with GN. Eighteen marker-trait associations (MTAs) for FE and TGW were identified on 11 chromosomes, with nine MTAs within genes. Several MTAs associated with other traits were found within genes with different biological and metabolic functions including nuclear pore complex protein, F-box protein, oligopeptide transporter, and glycoside vacuolar protein. Two KASP markers showed significant mean differences for FE and TGW traits in a validation population.ConclusionsKASP marker development and validation demonstrated the utility of these markers for improving FE and TGW in breeding programs. The results suggest that optimizing intra-spike partitioning and utilizing marker-assisted selection (MAS) can enhance GY and HI.

Domestication of medicinal plants (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) in China: comparison of morphological, resistance and biochemical traits between wild and cultivated populations

BackgroundMost studies on domesticated plants have focused on those utilized for sustenance purposes. This study provides valuable insights into the domestication processes of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), a semi-evergreen twining vine in the Caprifoliaceae family that is important in traditional Chinese medicine for its flower buds and potential as a dietary supplement. The definition of domestication syndrome for honeysuckle remains unclear due to its perennial and asexual reproduction mode, resulting in a lack of information on domestication-related traits. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze differences in morphology, resistance, and biochemical composition between wild and cultivated varieties.MethodsA total of 36 wild and 81 cultivated specimens were examined to compare plant morphology, flowering time, bud length, active ingredients, and resistance between wild and cultivated populations.ResultsThe cultivated honeysuckle exhibited several noteworthy characteristics, including more erect plant morphology, higher flower-to-leaf ratio, more obvious aggregation of flowers into clusters at the top of branches, higher frequency of flowering, and longer bud length compared to the wild type. Additionally, the cultivated specimen demonstrated significantly elevated levels of chlorogenic acid as a biochemical constituent. However, in terms of resistance against powdery mildew, wild individuals displayed evident advantages over their cultivated counterparts.ConclusionThe observed phenotypic variation within the honeysuckle field provides empirical support for the hypothesis that farmer management practices influence domestication syndrome, as indicated by the deliberate enhancement of specific desirable traits during species domestication.

Exploring the factors shaping microscopic morphological traits: insights from the chrysophycean genus Synura (Stramenopiles)

ABSTRACT Synura represents a common freshwater protist genus known for producing morphologically diverse silica scales with species-specific secondary structures. In this study, we analysed 19 scale-bearing morphological traits across over 700 genetically verified records, spanning a broad environmental gradient in Europe. Focusing on Synura from section Petersenianae, we identified 29 species-level lineages, 13 of which had not been previously described. Interestingly, while species diversity increased northwards, morphological trait diversity exhibited the opposite trend, being higher in southern Europe. This suggests that abiotic factors play a significant role in shaping these traits, which are differently responsive to gradients than taxonomic diversity. We observed non-random distribution of scale morphological traits, influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, precipitation and pH. Scale elongation appears to be an adaptation for living in oligotrophic waters with reduced sunlight availability, while the increasing distance between struts likely reflects an adaptation to low silica concentrations. Notably, specific morphological traits may provide more informative insights into environmental drivers than taxonomic units. The study sheds light on the intricate relationship between environmental conditions and the morphology of silica scales, emphasizing the importance of considering both taxonomic and morphological diversity in ecological research.

Gene drive-based population suppression in the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Gene drives are alleles that can bias the inheritance of specific traits in target populations for the purpose of modification or suppression. Here, we construct a homing suppression drive in the major urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi targeting the female-specific exon of doublesex, incorporating two gRNAs and a nanos-Cas9 to reduce functional resistance and improve female heterozygote fitness. Our results show that the drive was recessive sterile in both females and males, with various intersex phenotypes in drive homozygotes. Both male and female drive heterozygotes show only moderate drive conversion, indicating that the nanos promoter has lower activity in A. stephensi than in Anopheles gambiae. By amplicon sequencing, we detect a very low level of resistance allele formation. Combination of the homing suppression drive and a vasa-Cas9 line boosts the drive conversion rate of the homing drive to 100%, suggesting the use of similar systems for population suppression in a continuous release strategy with a lower release rate than SIT or fsRIDL techniques. This study contributes valuable insights to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control tools aimed at disrupting disease transmission.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Advanced Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] Interspecific Derivatives Using Mahalanobis D2 and Selection of Elite Lines Using Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index

The experiment was conducted during kharif (May–November, 2022) season at the field experimental area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and at Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India to assess the genetic diversity of 40 advanced BC1F8/F9 pigeonpea interspecific derivatives derived from a cross between Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars (ICP 15683) and C. cajan (L.) Millspaugh (ICPL 20329) using Mahalanobis D2. The data for 11 key productivity traits was statistically analysed using R software. The derivatives were grouped into five clusters. Intra-cluster distances varied from 0.00 (Cluster V) to 107.40 (Cluster IV), while inter-cluster distances ranged from 123.49 (Cluster II and V) to 511.00 (Cluster IV and V). The derivatives in the present study were mostly divergent for harvest index, pods plant-1, primary branches and seed yield plant-1. The MGIDI index was remarkably efficient in selecting superior derivatives, resulting in desired gains across numerous traits. The MGIDI index highlighted six high-performing genotypes—AL 2581, AL 2611, AL 2577, AL 2613, AL 2606 and AL 2597. This research laid the groundwork for forthcoming pigeonpea hybridization initiatives, enabling the selection of parents based on both diverse genetic backgrounds and specific traits. The study suggested a targeted screening of lines within promising clusters for utilization in ongoing breeding programs, facilitating the development of valuable populations and hybrids.

Risk factors associated with pain and pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Abdominal pain is one of the most prominent symptoms in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and can manifest intermittently or persistently. The mechanism of pain is not yet clear, and no effective treatment is currently available. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for pain in patients with CP, which may provide new insights for developing effective pain control modalities. This clinical study was based on a single-centre research database that included 570 patients with CP. We compared the differences in baseline data, clinical characteristics, and psychophysiology traits between patients with and without pain. Subsequently, patients will be followed up to assess changes in their risk factors and explore their relationship with pain. In the final risk factor model, young age (P = .031; odds ratio [OR] = 0.986 [0.973, 0.999]), prolonged disease duration (P < .001; OR = 1.307 [1.127, 1.516]), heavy smoking (P = .014; OR = 1.331 [1.060, 1.617]), alcohol consumption (P = .003; OR = 1.419 [1.127, 1.788]), low body mass index (P < .001; OR = 0.786 [0.703, 0.879]), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (P = .040; OR = 1.683 [1.024, 2.767]), acute pancreatitis attacks (P = .027; OR = 1.759 [1.067, 2.902]), anxiety, and depression (P = .016; OR = 1.047 [1.009, 1.088]; P = .014; OR = 1.068 [1.013, 1.126]) were associated with CP pain. Reducing tobacco and alcohol intake (P = .001; OR = 2.367 [1.525, 4.637]; P = .024; OR = 2.011 [1.085, 3.199]), increasing the body mass index (P = .005; OR = 1.968 [1.265, 3.805]), and improving anxiety (P = .001; OR = 1.164 [1.081, 1.340]) were identified to be beneficial for pain relief. Compared to the effects on persistent pain, pancreatic enzyme supplementation (P = .004; OR = 1.794 [1.186, 2.502]) had a clear effect on intermittent pain in patients with CP. We identified a multifactorial model of pain risk factors for CP and confirmed that modifying these risk factors could influence patient pain symptoms.

Age-related differences in borderline personality disorder traits and childhood maltreatment: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThis study investigates age-related differences in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits and childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences among adolescents, young adults, and older adults within a clinical sample.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, involving 2029 outpatients aged 15-50 years from the Shanghai Mental Health Center. BPD traits were assessed using the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th Edition Plus (PDQ-4+), and CM experiences were evaluated using the Child Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF). Participants were categorized into three age groups: adolescents (15-21 years), young adults (22-30 years), and older adults (31-50 years).ResultsAdolescents reported significantly higher frequencies of BPD traits and diagnoses compared to young adults and older adults (p=0.036). Specifically, identity disturbance and impulsivity were more pronounced in adolescents (p&amp;lt;0.001). Additionally, adolescents reported higher levels of emotional (F=15.987, p&amp;lt;0.001) and physical abuse (F=12.942, p=0.002), while older adults reported higher levels of emotional and physical neglect. Logistic regression analysis identified key BPD criteria and CM subtypes that differentiated adolescents from adults.DiscussionThe findings underscore the importance of age-specific interventions in treating BPD and addressing childhood maltreatment. Adolescents exhibit distinct patterns of BPD traits and CM experiences, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.

P0249 The Impact of Obesity on the Persistence of Advanced Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Obesity has emerged as a factor influencing outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet its effect on the persistence of advanced biologic therapies, especially in Asian populations, remains unclear. This study evaluates obesity’s impact on clinical outcomes and treatment persistence among Taiwanese IBD patients on advanced biologic therapies. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, involving IBD patients on advanced biologics between April 2017 and October 2024. Patients were categorized by BMI into obesity (≥27 kg/m²) and control (&amp;lt;27 kg/m²) groups. Outcomes included one-year therapy persistence, infections, IBD-related hospitalizations, surgeries, and flare-ups, with persistence compared across biologic agents. Results Among 555 IBD patients, 68 were obese. Obese patients had distinct characteristics: higher male prevalence (86.8% vs. 65.3%), smoking rates (20.6% vs. 7.8%), and comorbidities such as hypertension (30.6% vs. 13.6%) and cardiovascular disease (11.8% vs. 2.5%). Lab results indicated elevated white blood cells, hemoglobin, albumin, and triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol in the obesity group. While overall one-year persistence rates were similar, Ustekinumab showed a lower persistence in obese patients. Conclusion Obesity in Asian IBD patients is linked to specific clinical traits and comorbidities. Although obesity did not affect overall therapy persistence, Ustekinumab’s lower persistence among obese patients suggests the need for tailored treatments. Future studies should explore optimal therapies for obese IBD patients.

Folktales as a media for positive character building education in elementary schools (Case Study in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia)

The integration of literature into educational curricula has been recognized as a vital component in fostering positive character traits among students. However, many elementary schools in Indonesia have not fully utilized literature as a pedagogical tool, leading to a lack of awareness regarding the application of positive values in daily life. This study aims to investigate the impact of literature learning on the development of positive character traits in elementary school children, identify specific character traits that can be enhanced through literature, and propose effective teaching methods for literature that support character development. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving three public elementary schools in Karawang. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and thematic analysis to explore the relationship between literature learning and character development. The findings indicate that literature learning significantly contributes to the enhancement of positive character traits such as empathy, honesty, and social responsibility. The study highlights the effectiveness of using local literary works, such as folklore, to engage students and promote moral values. This research underscores the importance of integrating literature into the educational curriculum as a means of character education. By emphasizing the values embedded in literary texts, educators can foster not only academic skills but also the moral and social development of students, ultimately contributing to the formation of a more character-driven younger generation.

Ecological Trait Differences Are Associated with Gene Expression in the Primary Visual Cortex of Primates

Primate species differ drastically from most other mammals in how they visually perceive their environments, which is particularly important for foraging, predator avoidance, and detection of social cues. Background/Objectives: Although it is well established that primates display diversity in color vision and various ecological specializations, it is not understood how visual system characteristics and ecological adaptations may be associated with gene expression levels within the primary visual cortex (V1). Methods: We performed RNA-Seq on V1 tissue samples from 28 individuals, representing 13 species of primates, including hominoids, cercopithecoids, and platyrrhines. We explored trait-dependent differential expression (DE) by contrasting species with differing visual system phenotypes and ecological traits. Results: Between 4–25% of genes were determined to be differentially expressed in primates that varied in type of color vision (trichromatic or polymorphic di/trichromatic), habitat use (arboreal or terrestrial), group size (large or small), and primary diet (frugivorous, folivorous, or omnivorous). Conclusions: Interestingly, our DE analyses revealed that humans and chimpanzees showed the most marked differences between any two species, even though they are only separated by 6–8 million years of independent evolution. These results show a combination of species-specific and trait-dependent differences in the evolution of gene expression in the primate visual cortex.

Treatment effects of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on foliar traits in six northern hardwood tree species.

Foliar traits can reflect fitness responses to environmental changes, such as changes in nutrient availability. Species may respond differently to these changes due to differences in traits and their plasticity. Traits and community composition together can influence forest nutrient cycling. We compared five traits-foliar N, foliar P, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and leaf carbon isotope ratio (δ13C)-in six northern hardwood tree species (Acer rubrum, Acer saccharum, Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyrifera, Fagus grandifolia, and Prunus pensylvanica) in a nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization study across 10 mid- and late-successional forest stands in New Hampshire, USA. We also analyzed the response of tree growth to N and P addition. Nutrient addition shifted trait values towards the "acquisitive" side of the spectrum for all traits except δ13C, reflecting a tradeoff between water-use efficiency and nutrient-use efficiency. Treatment responses in relative basal area increment revealed that the Betula species were N-limited, but traits of all species responded to either or both N and P addition in ways that suggest N and P co-limitation. Two species displayed lower foliar P under N addition, and three species displayed lower foliar N under P addition, which also suggests co-limitation. These indications of co-limitation were reflected at the community level. Specific leaf area, LDMC, and δ13C differed with stand age within several species. Examining trait responses of tree species and communities to nutrient availability increases our understanding of biological mechanisms underlying the complex effects of nutrient availability on forests.

Phenotypic simulation for fruit-related traits in F1 progenies of chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) using genomic prediction based solely on parental information.

Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits are used as vegetables, spices, and ornamental plants, necessitating various fruit characteristics. However, their genetic improvement is challenging through conventional crossbreeding due to the quantitative traits, which makes it difficult to predict phenotypes in the progeny. As a breakthrough, we focused on phenotypic simulation via genomic prediction (GP) and aimed to clarify its utility for fruit-related traits in chili peppers. The present study used 291 C. annuum accessions, including two populations: inbred lines and F1 accessions derived from 20 inbred parents. We collected data of fruit length, width, shape index (length/width), weight, and pericarp thickness, and obtained single nucleotide polymorphism data via multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing. We simulated the fruit-related traits in the F1 accessions by inputting their estimated genotypes (based on their parents) into the GP model using the GBLUP-GAUSS model, which was shown to be the most accurate regardless of population or trait differences in the present study. As a result, we observed strong positive correlations (r = 0.833-0.908) between the simulated and observed phenotypic values across all traits, suggesting that accurate ranking of F1 progenies based on fruit-related traits can be achieved using parental information. This is the first report demonstrating the utility of phenotypic simulation via GP in chili pepper breeding, offering valuable insights for its application in this field.

Personality traits and their relationship with oral health related quality of life among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundPersonality traits are linked with different oral health outcomes. However, personality traits and their associations among children are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included male and female students aged 12–18 years from different schools in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire after providing informed consent. The questionnaire included demographic information and Arabic versions of the Big Five Personality Inventory and the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form to evaluate personality traits and OHRQoL, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsThis study included 231 (59.7%) males and 156 (40.3%) females. Regarding personality traits, conscientiousness had the highest mean score (15.31 ± 3.65), followed by agreeableness (14.94 ± 3.96) and openness (14.08 ± 3.98), whereas neuroticism had the lowest mean score (8.86 ± 3.34). Males had significantly higher mean scores for extraversion (14.28 ± 3.30) and conscientiousness (15.69 ± 3.62) compared to females, who had mean scores of 13.02 ± 3.35 and 14.75 ± 3.63, respectively (P < 0.05). Females, on the other hand, scored significantly higher in neuroticism (9.51 ± 3.71) and agreeableness (15.60 ± 3.75) compared to males, who had mean scores of 8.09 ± 2.94 and 14.49 ± 4.04, respectively (P < 0.05). Bivariate analyses showed that neuroticism was negatively correlated with OHRQoL (r = -0.455, P < 0.001), whereas extraversion (r = 0.182, P < 0.001) and conscientiousness (r = 0.110, P = 0.047) were positively correlated with OHRQoL. In multiple linear regression analyses, extraversion (B = 0.696, P = 0.012) and neuroticism (B=-2.229, P < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of OHRQoL.ConclusionThis study found that neuroticism was significantly and negatively correlated with OHRQoL, whereas extraversion was significantly and positively correlated with OHRQoL. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in personality traits between the male and female adolescents.

Small-scale genetic differentiation in mean flowering time, but not in plasticity, along a geothermal heating gradient.

Genetic differentiation in traits is assumed to frequently occur in response to divergent natural selection. For example, developmental traits might respond to differences in climate. However, little is known about when and at which spatial scales environmental differences lead to genetic differentiation, and to what extent there is genetic differentiation also in trait plasticity. Using a crossing design and a greenhouse heating experiment, we investigated genetic differentiation in thermal sensitivity of flowering time in a perennial herb along small-scale gradients in geothermal soil heating in Iceland. We found additive genetic variation in both flowering time and thermal plasticity of flowering time. Genetic differentiation in median flowering date of individuals showed a counter-gradient pattern; flowering being earlier at higher greenhouse temperatures, while at a given temperature individuals originating from warmer soils flowered later than individuals from colder soils. We found no corresponding pattern for plasticity, suggesting that genetic differentiation in phenology in response to soil heating has occurred through changes in trait means rather than in plasticity. Findings such as these, identifying genetic trait differentiation along an environmental gradient are key to understand how environmental variation can drive the process of local adaptation, and to predict responses to future environmental changes.

Phenotypic Plasticity of Grain Size-Related Traits in Main-Crop and Ratoon Rice.

Grain size and weight of main-crop are larger than those of ratoon rice, indicating that increasing grain size and weight of ratoon rice is an effective way to increase rice yield. Thus, grain length (GL), grain width (GW), and thousand-grain weight (TGW) of main-crop and ratoon rice in 159 indica rice accessions were used to associate with 2 017 495 SNP markers to detect quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and their interactions with meteorological factors (QMIs), such as temperature and sunlight hours. Around 59 QMIs identified for temperature and 80 QMIs identified for sunlight hours, first,candidate gene LOC_Os02g40840 for GW and LOC_Os04g45480 for TGW were found to interact with temperature, while LOC_Os01g19970 for GL, LOC_Os02g39360 and LOC_Os07g05720 for GW, and LOC_Os07g49460 for TGW were found to interact with sunlight hours. Based on the results of previous studies, LOC_Os04g45480 exhibits high expression levels in the main-crop under higher temperature, thereby enhancing the accumulation of the auxin receptor TIR1. TIR1, in turn, promotes starch accumulation in the endosperm, explaining why TGW is heavier in main-crop than in ratoon rice. Finally, the analysis of best linear unbiased prediction values revealed 1 (LOC_Os08g10350) and 3 (LOC_Os02g50860, LOC_Os08g28680, and LOC_Os08g29160) candidate genes responsible for GW and TGW, respectively. In addition, we discussed the four available and six unavailable candidate genes in ratoon rice breeding. This study provides new method and genes for studying differences in grain size-related traits between main-crop and ratoon rice.