Successive Developmental Stages Research Articles

Transcriptome Analyses at Specific Plastochrons Reveal Timing and Involvement of Phytosulfokine in Maize Vegetative Phase Change

Successive developmental stages of representative early and late juvenile, transition, and adult maize leaves were compared using machine-learning-aided analyses of gene expression patterns to characterize vegetative phase change (VPC), including identification of the timing of this developmental transition in maize. We used t-SNE to organize 32 leaf samples into 9 groups with similar patterns of gene expression. oposSOM yielded clusters of co-expressed genes from key developmental stages. TO-GCN supported a sequence of events in maize in which germination-associated ROS triggers a JA response, both relieving oxidative stress and inducing miR156 production, which in turn spurs juvenility. Patterns of expression of MIR395, which regulates sulfur assimilation, led to the hypothesis that phytosulfokine, a sulfated peptide, is involved in the transition to adult patterns of differentiation.

GABA promotes peroxisome proliferation in Triticum monococcum leaves.

Although peroxisomes are integral for both primary and secondary metabolism, how developmental changes affect activity of peroxisomes remains poorly understood. Here, we used published RNA-seq data to analyze the expression patterns of genes encoding 21 peroxisome metabolic pathways at successive developmental stages of Zea mays and Oryza sativa. Photorespiration was the most represented pathway in adult leaf relative to the juvenile stages. Components of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) metabolism, NADPH regeneration, and catabolism of polyamines were also enriched at later stages of leaf differentiation. The most commonly upregulated gene in differentiated leaves across all datasets of both species was BETAINE ALANINE DEHYDROGENASE (BADH). BADH functions in catabolism of polyamines where it converts 4-aminobutyraldehyde (ABAL) to 4-aminobutyrate (GABA). We tested the outcome of RNA-seq analysis by qRT-PCR in developing Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum (Einkorn) seedlings. Consistent with the outcomes of RNA-seq analysis, transcription of BADH and CATALASE3 (CAT3) were upregulated in older seedlings. CAT3 is an essential peroxisome biogenesis factor and a key enzyme of ROS homeostasis. Furthermore, exogenous application of GABA resulted in higher peroxisome abundance and transcriptional upregulation of BADH and a gene encoding another peroxisome biogenesis factor responsible for peroxisome fission, PEROXIN11C (PEX11C), in leaves. We propose that GABA contributes to regulation of peroxisome fission machinery during leaf differentiation.

Imaging of sports injuries in adolescents.

Musculoskeletal injuries in adolescents tend to occur in particular locations and have distinct characteristics, as they affect an immature skeleton. Increased engagement in sports, extended training and competition periods, and early specialization in specific sports, among other factors, have contributed significantly to the rise in musculoskeletal sports injuries in adolescents. Furthermore, females show a particularly pronounced increase in sports participation, where anatomical and hormonal factors play crucial roles in the development and increased frequency of sports-related injuries. Consequently, there is a growing demand for diagnostic imaging techniques. Musculoskeletal and pediatric radiologists require a comprehensive understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and the successive stages of skeletal development that can influence the specific characteristics of sports injuries in adolescents. These aspects are crucial for the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic management of these injuries and for mitigating chronic conditions that could compromise future sports participation. This review analyzes the primary musculoskeletal injuries in adolescent athletes and highlights the pivotal role of different imaging methods in their diagnosis and management.

Molecular anatomy of emerging Xenopus left-right organizer at successive developmental stages.

Vertebrate left-right symmetry breaking is preceded by formation of left-right organizer. In Amphibian, this structure is formed by gastrocoel roof plate, which emerges from superficial suprablastoporal cells. GRP is subdivided into medial area, which generates leftward flow by rotating monocilia and lateral Nodal1 expressing areas, which are involved in sensing of the flow. After successful symmetry breaking, medial cells are incorporated into a deep layer where they contribute to the axial mesoderm, while lateral domains join somitic mesoderm. Here, we performed detailed analysis of spatial and temporal gene expression of important markers and the corresponding morphology of emerging GRP. Endodermal marker Sox17 and markers of superficial mesoderm display complementary patterns at all studied stages. At early stages, GRP forms Tekt2 positive epithelial domain clearly separated from underlying deep layers, while at later stages, this separation disappears. Marker of early somitic mesoderm MyoD1 was absent in emerging GRP and was induced together with Nodal1 during early neurulation. Decreasing morphological separation is accompanied by lateral to medial covering of GRP by endoderm. Our data supports continuous link between superficial mesoderm at the start of gastrulation and mature GRP and suggests late induction of somitic fate in lateral GRP.

Research Note: SOCS2 contributes to reduction of the third digit during development of the chicken forelimb

The development of the avian wing pattern has been the subject of heated debate due to its special shape. The Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) gene encodes a negative regulator of growth hormone (GH) signaling and bone growth and is known to be strongly expressed in the third digit of chicken forelimbs. These observations suggest that SOCS2 might regulate the morphology of the avian wing, however, the function of SOCS2 in avian limb development remains unknown. Here, we reexamined SOCS2 expression in successive developmental stages of chicken limb development by in situ hybridization (ISH) and describe extended expression from the posterior of the stypolod to the third digit of the forelimbs. We used the RCAS avian retrovirus to overexpress SOCS2 in the developing chicken limb buds, which resulted in reduced or malformed chicken wings while hindlimbs developed normally. Transcriptome sequencing (mRNA-Seq) revealed changes in expression of genes known to be associated with growth and development in forelimbs with overexpressed SOCS2. This study highlights a pivotal role for SOCS2 during the development of the wing in the chicken and provides new insight into molecular mechanisms regulating avian limb development.

Multicomponent structure of conflictive in modern English fictional discourse

The current paper presents an overview of the multicomponent structure of conflictives as discursive constructs in modern English fictional discourse from the standpoint of pragmalinguistics, semiotics, multimodal discourse theory and paradigmatic and syntagmatic approach to the analysis of linguisticunits. The article elucidates the results of a linguosemiotic study of interpersonal conflicts in modern fictional discourse realized through the analysis of different multimodal semiotic modes, which collectively construct the meaning, communicated in conflict situations. This constructing is proceeded with the help of conflictives as emergent discursive constructs. Verbal, nonverbal and graphic semiotic resources are involved in this process at different stages of conflict communication. As a result of the multifaceted study of conflictives in modern English fictional discourse, the peculiarities of its multimodal and multicomponent structure have been revealed. Moreover, the detailed study of the successive stages of conflict development in fictional discourse involving the MDA method, linguosemiotic analysis, pragmatics and communicative linguistics allowed for singling out a conflictive as a discursive construct which in its form coincides with a certain phase of conflict communicative process, and structurally corresponds to the concept of a communicative act.The research also aims to establish a link between different approaches to the interpretation of conflict communication development and methods of their research in modern linguistic studies. The multimodal nature of conflictives comprises several modes of multimodality which are represented at least in onemode structure of conflictives constructed in a definite phase of the conflict communicative process. These patterns of meaning multiplication through different semiotic modes collectively construct the meaning, communicated and interpreted in the situations of interpersonal conflicts in modern Englishfiction discourse. Besides, the multicomponent structure of conflictives also includes its deep and surface elements involved in the process of construction and interpretation of these meanings. The obtained results show the decoding potential of interpreting conflict interpersonal communication at differentlevels of linguistic analysis to achieve the corresponding aims.

Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the main lignite-rich grabens in Poland. Part 1. Tectonic stages

Understanding the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of grabens rich in lignite is important in the context of the accumulation of ~40–650 m of peat, as well as the exploitation of later formed lignite seams with a thickness of ~20–250 m. Six such areas were selected for a detailed palaeotectonic analysis: the Gostyń, Szamotuły, Legnica, Zittau, Lubstów, and Kleszczów grabens. During the analysis, borehole data were used, taking into account the compaction of peat at the transition to lignite, in order to reconstruct the magnitude of the total subsidence. This made it possible to distinguish between regional (covering areas also outside the grabens) and local (occurring only in the grabens) tectonic movements, and among the latter, tectonic and compactional subsidence. The hypothetical palaeosurface of the mires was reconstructed based on the lignite decompaction. As a result, it was possible to determine whether the examined peat/lignite seams underwent post-depositional uplift and/or subsidence. Between one (Gostyń Graben) and four (Zittau Basin and Kleszczów Graben) stages of tectonic subsidence were distinguished in the studied lignite-bearing areas. In the case of the Zittau Basin, as well as the Lubstów and Kleszczów grabens, post-depositional stages of tectonic uplift were also indicated. Like the boundaries of lithostratigraphic units, the successive stages of the Cenozoic tectonic development of the examined grabens are diachronic.

Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the main lignite-rich grabens in Poland. Part 1. Tectonic stages

Understanding the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of grabens rich in lignite is important in the context of the accumulation of ~40–650 m of peat, as well as the exploitation of later formed lignite seams with a thickness of ~20–250 m. Six such areas were selected for a detailed palaeotectonic analysis: the Gostyń, Szamotuły, Legnica, Zittau, Lubstów, and Kleszczów grabens. During the analysis, borehole data were used, taking into account the compaction of peat at the transition to lignite, in order to reconstruct the magnitude of the total subsidence. This made it possible to distinguish between regional (covering areas also outside the grabens) and local (occurring only in the grabens) tectonic movements, and among the latter, tectonic and compactional subsidence. The hypothetical palaeosurface of the mires was reconstructed based on the lignite decompaction. As a result, it was possible to determine whether the examined peat/lignite seams underwent post-depositional uplift and/or subsidence. Between one (Gostyń Graben) and four (Zittau Basin and Kleszczów Graben) stages of tectonic subsidence were distinguished in the studied lignite-bearing areas. In the case of the Zittau Basin, as well as the Lubstów and Kleszczów grabens, post-depositional stages of tectonic uplift were also indicated. Like the boundaries of lithostratigraphic units, the successive stages of the Cenozoic tectonic development of the examined grabens are diachronic.

Dynamic Changes of Soil Microbial Communities During the Afforestation of Pinus Armandii in a Karst Region of Southwest China

Clarifying the response of soil microbial communities to vegetation restoration is essential to comprehend biogeochemical processes and ensure the long-term viability of forest development. To assess the variations in soil microbial communities throughout the growth of Pinus armandii plantations in the karst region, we utilized the “space instead of time” approach and selected four P. armandii stands with ages ranging from 10 to 47 years, along with a grassland control. The microbial community structure was determined by conducting Illumina sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene and the ITS gene, respectively. The results demonstrated that afforestation with P. armandii significantly influenced soil microbial communities, as indicated by notable differences in bacterial and fungal composition and diversity between the plantations and the control. However, soil microbe diversity did not display significant variation across stand ages. Moreover, the bacterial community exhibited higher responsiveness to age gradients compared to the fungal community. Soil physicochemical factors play a critical role in elucidating microbial diversity and community composition variations during restoration processes. TN, AN, TP, AP, SOC, AK, and pH were the most significant influencing factors for the composition of bacterial community, while TC, SOC, pH, and TCa were the most significant influencing factors for the composition of fungal community. Our findings indicate substantial changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities across successive stages of development. Additionally, the changes in dominant bacteria and fungi characteristics across the age gradient were primarily attributed to variations in the prevailing soil conditions and chemical factors.

РОЗГОРТАННЯ БАГАТОКАНАЛЬНОГО МАРКЕТИНГУ У ЦИФРОВОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ

The article has considered the interaction between a company/brand and consumer in the modern digital environment based on multichannel marketing by identifying the main stages of its development and defining their main characteristics. It has been determined that in the era of digital technologies, there is a fundamental transformation of the concepts of companies/brands’ marketing activities, among which is the emergence of new ways of interaction through online and offline channels. The stages of development of multichannel marketing have been considered according to the criteria of marketing channels of interaction, their integration by both the company and the consumer, and approximate time frames. The main distinctive features of multichannel, cross-channel, and omnichannel marketing as successive stages of development of multichannel marketing have been provided. According to the study results, it has been proposed to consider the characteristics of the identified stages in terms of the technological and ecosystem basis for the development of multichannel marketing, and the transformation of companies/brands’ marketing activities and the consumer journey. The technological basis reflects the development of the Internet, which enables further development of the interaction environment. The ecosystem basis reflects the transformation of the environment as a result of technical and technological means. It has been determined that the transformation of companies’ marketing activities takes place in the following aspects: integration of digital and physical channels into the company’s business model with the construction of relevant business processes, identification of touchpoints, and mapping a customer journey and contact chains, using push and pull marketing, formation of a seamless customer experience along with product/brand promotion. From the consumer’s point of view, the consumer journey is changing from a linear to a looped one, when previous experience and loyalty become the determining factors for decision-making. From the company’s perspective, a successful customer journey should include brand advocacy.

Evaluation of Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) as biological pesticides for control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Background & objectives: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are biological hormone analogue or mimics used as pesticides to inhibit the growth of larva during their molting and skin shedding. This study aimed to test the effect of IGRs on the eggs hatching and post-hatching inhibition of Aedes mosquitoes and understanding its effect in the mosquito breeding habitats for reduction in adult emergence. Methods: Experiments on the evaluation of three insect growth regulators (IGRs) for the control of different stages of Aedes aegypti was carried out during 2020-21. Each experiment consisted of four treatments viz., Pyriproxyfen, Novaluron, and Larvicol at 1.0 ppm and distilled water as a control. All experiments were carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) except eggs which were carried out in factorial design each with three replications. Results: All tested IGRs performed better in affecting eggs, larval and pupal stages of Ae. aegypti. Highest eggs hatching inhibition (80%) of fresh eggs occurred in Pyriproxyfen followed by Novaluron (66%) and lowest in Larvicol (62%). Eggs hatch inhibition of embryonated eggs was lower than fresh eggs. Pyriproxyfen caused 69%, Novaluron 59% and Larvicol 39% eggs hatch inhibition of embryonated eggs. Both Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron performed better in causing 98–100% larval mortality followed by Larvicol (39%). Larval development to pupal stage was completely prevented by both Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron. Although Larvicol resulted in lowest eggs hatch and larval inhibition but prevented pupae to emerge as adults. Results further showed 70–89% mortality of 3rd instar larvae of Ae. aegypti when exposed to Pyriproxyfen and Novaluron solutions after 30 days storage at lab. temperature (27±2°C), RH 70±5. Interpretation & conclusion: None of the IGRs was more effective at the pupal stage but showed carry-on activity of growth inhibition and mortality of the successive stages of development when used against eggs stages. Therefore, we recommend early application of IGRs at mosquito habitats during the beginning and onset of the season when very early stages of mosquitoes are available in the field.

Unique 3D preservation of Rhuddanian (Silurian) Callograptidae (Gorny Altai, Russia)

We studied a collection of the Silurian (Rhuddanian) multi-branched dendroids, including reticulate, benthic dendroid graptolites of the Callograptidae Hopkinson (in Hopkinson and Lapworth, 1875), from the Gorny Altai, Russia. Species of Dictyonema Hall, Koremagraptus Bulman, Callograptus Hall, and Desmograptus Hopkinson were identified and described. The graptolites are represented by in situ burial of colonies with 3D preservation of tubaria (= rhabdosomes). Complete (intact) colonies of dendroid graptolites are characterized by successive development stages: juvenile, neanic, ephebic (adults), while the general configuration of the tubarium changed from the proximal to distal. In a number of cases, later stage of colony development — the gerontic stage (senilis) is found. We carried out morphological analysis of dendroid graptolite tubaria (Callograptidae) of various development stages, showing eight morphotypes of the colonies, namely, the cylinder, disc, disc on a stem, hemisphere, cone, wineglass, blooming flower, and funnel type.

Possible mechanisms of phlebitis-like abnormal reaction (PLAR) after cyanoacrylate obliteration of varicose veins

Based on their own research and a review of the literature, the authors analyze the possible cellular mechanisms of the development of an inflammatory reaction after the obliteration of varicose veins with cyanoarylate adhesive compounds (CAO), which received the name phlebitis- Like abnormal Reaction (PLAR) in foreign sources. Despite the existing opinion about the “abnormal” nature of the inflammatory reaction, it is noted that the main stages of its development are fully consistent with the currently known molecular and cellular mechanisms of the response of biological tissues to contact with a foreign antigenic substance and are of a natural nature. The cause of the development of acute alterative inflammation in the vein wall is the direct contact of the endothelium with an aggressive environment, which is cyanoacrylate. A specific feature of the development of chronic inflammation in the vein wall is its productive interdaily character, which is replaced by proliferative processes. The main role in the development of successive stages of PLAR development is played by monocytic, mast and giant cells of foreign bodies, as well as the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the functional activity of these cells. During the period of cyanoacrylate biodegradation, its cellular environment corresponds to all morphological features of a phagocytoma, whose activity decreases with the biodegradation of cyanoacrylate with simultaneous connective tissue proliferation. The development of possible chronic granulomatous inflammation is based on a local autoimmune process associated with the formation of giant multinucleated epithelioid cells (Langerhans cells). In conclusion, it is emphasized that today, when using various cyanoacrylate compounds for the purpose of adhesive obliteration of veins, taking into account the accumulated clinical data and morphological studies, the final answers to the existing reasonable objections about the complete safety of the use of cyanoacrylates in clinical practice should be given by fundamental immunohistochemical and genetic studies.

Inoculation with Biofilm of Bacillus subtilis Promotes the Growth of Lactuca sativa

In Argentina, the excessive use of fertilizers is common in intensively cultivated zones around highly populated areas. Bioinoculants based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could be effective for crop production improvement without negative effects on the environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate an alternative inoculation method, namely the application of the biofilm produced by Bacillus subtilis as a growth promoter on seeds of three varieties of Lactuca sativa, and to compare it with the common planktonic approach. Biofilm was obtained under static culture conditions, while planktonic inoculum was produced at 150 rpm. The major biofilm effects were observed with Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, that showed antifungal activity against phytopathogens, synthesized plant growth regulators (IAA, cytokinin and ABA) and solubilized phosphates. The Grand Rapid variety inoculated with biofilm showed the best results, with 30% and 37% higher aerial and root biomass, respectively, compared to the planktonic form. Moreover, the biofilm positive effects were observed through successive plant development stages until harvest, when the bacterium was recovered from the interior of the roots. The biofilm of B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii behave as a superior growth-promoting inoculant compared to the traditional planktonic inoculation technique.

Improvement of Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Components of Pomegranate by Spraying with B2O3 and ZnO Nanoparticles

Pomegranate is one of the most important and widely distributed trees. Boron and zinc are important nutrients for plant growth and fruit quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific fields in agriculture. This study was conducted to describe the changes in the physiochemical characteristics (weight, diameter, length, firmness and color), as well as the phytochemicals attributes (total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and antioxidant %) and minerals contents, of pomegranates fruits of the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar as a result of spraying pomegranate trees using nanomaterials (zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and boron oxide (B2O3NPs)). In three successive developmental stages (full bloom, 6 weeks after full bloom and one month before harvest time), the trees were sprayed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L ZnONPs, as well as 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L B2O3NPs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The application of ZnONPs and B2O3NPs influenced the qualitative characteristics of the fruits in the studied seasons. The highest marketable % was observed for the 0.50 and 1 g/L ZnONPs and 1 g/L B2O3NPs compared to the other treatments. Also, a positive effect was recorded for the ZnONPs and B2O3NPs on the fruits’ physical properties. All of the ZnONP and B2O3NP treatments resulted in increasing the total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant activity in the pomegranate juices. In conclusion, our results suggest that spraying pomegranate trees with ZnONPs and B2O3NPs improves the marketable fruit, enhances the fruit quality and increases the bioactive components and antioxidant activity.

THE PRACTICE OF DETERMINING THE AGE OF FALLOW BASED ON THE PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT OF POSTAGROGENIC SUCCESSION

One of the tasks set when establishing the fact of inappropriate use of agricultural land in the framework of law enforcement practice is to determine the period of non-use of land for agricultural purposes. As the most accessible methods that can be used to determine the age of a fallow in the absence of documented data on the history of the land plot and aerial and space survey materials is the study of the vegetation cover formed on the studied sites during the postagrogenic succession and the transformation of the arable horizon.In the course of a study conducted on the territory of agricultural lands located within the Kurgan region, it was found that the exact determination of the period of non-use of land is possible using dendrochronology methods in the presence of trees on the site. In addition, the study of the species composition of grassy vegetation allowed us to identify a number of communities belonging to the successive stages of development of postagrogenic succession: weedy, the stage of rhizomatous cereals, the stage of transition from rhizomatous to loose-turf cereal grasses, how-ever, it is not possible to accurately determine the duration of these stages. At the same time, a comparative analysis of the species composition of various areas of grassy vegetation, as well as the thickness and composition of the sod, allows us to establish the similarity of two or more sites, one of which has woody vegetation, which is a marker of the age of the fallow and in neighboring areas. Th us, the main feature that allows you to determine the age of a fallow on the land plot is the age of the existing woody vegetation. As an additional feature that allows determining a single contour of a deposit of a certain age, the species composition of the herbaceous biocenosis, the degree of development and the composition of the sod can be used.

OceanBase Paetica: A Hybrid Shared-Nothing/Shared-Everything Database for Supporting Single Machine and Distributed Cluster

In the ongoing evolution of the OceanBase database system, it is essential to enhance its adaptability to small-scale enterprises. The OceanBase database system has demonstrated its stability and effectiveness within the Ant Group and other commercial organizations, besides through the TPC-C and TPC-H tests. In this paper, we have designed a stand-alone and distributed integrated architecture named Paetica to address the overhead caused by the distributed components in the stand-alone mode, with respect to the OceanBase system. Paetica enables adaptive configuration of the database that allows OceanBase to support both serial and parallel executions in stand-alone and distributed scenarios, thus providing efficiency and economy. This design has been implemented in version 4.0 of the OceanBase system, and the experiments show that Paetica exhibits notable scalability and outperforms alternative stand-alone or distributed databases. Furthermore, it enables the transition of OceanBase from primarily serving large enterprises to truly catering to small and medium enterprises, by employing a single OceanBase database for the successive stages of enterprise or business development, without the requirement for migration. Our experiments confirm that Paetica has achieved linear scalability with the increasing CPU core number within the stand-alone mode. It also outperforms MySQL and Greenplum in the Sysbench and TPC-H evaluations.

Does Cognition Continue to Develop Throughout Life?

Piaget's theory of cognitive development defines the successive and universal developmental stages of the cognitive system. The order of the stages is fixed and extends from birth to the end of adolescence. In the current study, we have investigated the development of logical and mathematical reasoning among a mature sample following Piaget's theory of cognitive development. The current study examines whether continued biological development (the increase in age) and continued accumulation of life experience, learning, and education can develop thinking that contributes to the transition to the stage of formal operational thinking. The sample consisted of 1,000 adults aged between 18 and 76. The main conclusion of these results is that the process of cognitive development is driven primarily by an innate factor. The current study's findings suggest that SPC (Sensorimotor, Preoperational, and Concrete) and FPF (Formal and Post Formal) control the development of cognitive thinking and that they need further study at the molecular biology level.

Essentialist and anti-essentialist meanings of place: A new scale and implications for place attachment and openness to outgroups

Place is usually defined as a meaningful location. However, there is ongoing debate about what kind of meaning makes a location meaningful—that is, what exactly transforms a neutral space into an object of people's emotions and attachments. Although there are many ways to approach meanings attributed to places, in this paper, we draw a distinction that originates in discussions between the early theorists of place—phenomenologists who focused on the stable features of locations and the concept of rootedness as the source of meaning (place as an enclosed entity with a historically shaped identity)—and the more recent constructivists, who conceive of such meaning as created during interactions between place users (place as open, dynamic, and changing). These two conceptualizations originate from different ontological assumptions: essentialist and anti-essentialist. We present a new place meaning scale that encompasses both types of features and has two versions—one that concerns real places and one that concerns ideal places. In three studies (N = 1146; N = 2198; N = 1096), we described successive stages of the scale's development. The final version of the scale has three factors, one covers all anti-essentialist items and the remaining two correspond to essentialist items: historical identity and sense of genius loci, and immutability. We tested the predictive validity of the scale for place attachment and place preference, openness to the presence of outgroups in the place, and differences between locations that differ in the dominance of essentialist versus anti-essentialist features. The findings show that, overall, people prefer places with essentialist features but that both essentialist and anti-essentialist features predict place attachment. In addition, the essentialist dimension of historical identity was a better positive predictor of the desire to stay in a place than the other two meanings. Finally, openness to outgroups was predicted mostly by ideal rather than real place meanings; it was higher in anti-essentialist ideal places, lower in immutable ideal places, and unrelated to historical identity. The structure of the scale and different patterns of correlations between the two essentialist dimensions and other place-related variables call into question the simple zero-one dichotomy (essentialist versus anti-essentialist) in conceptualizations of place meaning.

Fungal Diversity and Dynamics during Long-Term Immersion of Conventional and Biodegradable Plastics in the Marine Environment

Plastics are associated with a worldwide pollution crisis, with strong negative impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In marine environments, various organisms are colonizing plastic debris, but few studies have focused on fungal communities despite their non-trivial ecological roles in the marine environment. In this study, different types of plastics (biodegradable and conventional) immersed in marine natural environments and under laboratory controlled settings were collected after long-term colonization. Using a metabarcoding approach targeting two genetic markers, namely, the ITS2 region and the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene, we highlighted that fungal communities associated with plastic polymers were distinct from those found in the surrounding seawater. They also differed significantly between sampling locations and the nature of immersed polymers, indicating that fungal colonization was impacted by the sites and types of plastics, with clear dissimilarities between conventional and biodegradable polymers. Specifically for the conventional PVC polymer (Polyvinyl chloride), we also observed the successive stages of biofilm development and maturation after long-term immersion in seawater. A noticeable change in the fungal communities was observed around 30–40 days in natural settings, suggesting a colonization dynamic likely associated with a transition from biofilm formation to distinct communities likely associated with biofouling. Overall, this study strengthens the idea that the fungal kingdom is an integrated part of the “plastisphere”.