Stable Trait Research Articles

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Two Monokaryons of Auricularia heimuer Hei29

Auricularia heimuer is a valuable traditional Chinese fungus used as food and medicine. Hei29 is a strain derived from wild A. heimuer through systematic domestication and selection. It has been the primary A. heimuer variety in Northeast China for 30 years and offers the advantages of high yield, good commercial property, and stable traits. This study used protoplast nucleation on Hei29 to produce two amiable and paired monokaryons, Hei29-D1 and Hei29-D2. The genome of Hei29 was sequenced utilizing the Illumina PE150 and PacBio Sequel sequencing platforms. Hei29-D1 and Hei29-D2 had genomic sizes of 47.54 Mb and 47.49 Mb, GC contents of 56.95% and 56.99%, and an N50 of 2.37 Mb and 4.28 Mb, respectively. Hei29’s genome possessed two phytoene synthase (PSY) protein genes, one of which—PSY encoded by g894—has a transmembrane domain. The phylogenetic tree showed that Hei29 shared the closest evolutionary relationship with Auricularia subglabra TFB-10046 SS5. Collinearity analysis showed that the correlation between the two monokaryons was as high as 90.81%. Cluster analysis revealed that Hei29 contains 12,362 core genes, 223 unique genes in Hei29-D1, and 228 unique genes in Hei29-D2. This study is the first to sequence two related and paired monokaryons from A. heimuer, which is critical for fully understanding the genetic composition and information of the characteristic strain of A. heimuer in Northeast China. It establishes the data and theoretical foundation for gene mining, usage, and molecular breeding. It further promotes the genetic breeding and active substance utilization of A. heimuer.

Inheritance of Northern Corn Leaf Blight Resistance in Advanced Generations of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Developing genetically resistant maize varieties to mitigate yield losses would reduce reliance on chemical control measures. This study underlines the substantial genetic variability and heritability of northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) resistance within a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, highlighting the genetic basis of the trait. ANOVA revealed highly significant genetic variability among families at the 1% level, confirming the presence of sufficient variability for effective selection. The progression from F5 to F6 generations demonstrated the effectiveness of selection, as seen from reduced AUDPC scores in the F6 generation. A genetic gain of -7.74 and a heritability estimate of 48% further validated the success of selection based on lower AUDPC scores. The regression analysis supported by the significant positive correlation (r = 0.65) revealed a significant association between F5 selections and the F6 AUDPC scores, as seen from an R2 value of 0.42 and a moderate predictive slope of 0.52. These associations suggest that while selection is effective in predicting advanced-generation performance, the residual variability points to the need for incorporating additional genetic or environmental factors to improve predictive accuracy. These findings emphasize the predominance of genetic factors in NCLB resistance and the stability of resistance traits across the two generations, offering insights into the genetic control of the trait. By providing a solid foundation for breeding efforts targeting durable resistance, this study contributes to the development of maize varieties with enhanced NCLB resistance and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Multi-omics investigation of high-transglutaminase production mechanisms in Streptomyces mobaraensis and co-culture-enhanced fermentation strategies

Transglutaminase (TGase) has been widely applied in the food industry. However, achieving high-yield TGase production remains a challenge, limiting its broader industrial application. In this study, a high-yield strain with stable genetic traits was obtained through UV-ARTP combined mutagenesis, achieving a maximum TGase activity of 13.77 U/mL, representing a 92.43% increase. Using this strain as a forward mutation gene pool, comparative genomic research identified 95 mutated genes, which were mostly due to base substitutions that led to changes in codon usage preference. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant expression changes in 470 genes, with 232 upregulated and 238 downregulated genes. By investigating potential key regulatory factors, comprehensive analysis indicated that changes in codon usage preference, amino acid metabolism, carbon metabolism, protein export processes, TGase activation, and spore production pathways collectively contributed to the enhancement of TGase activity. Subsequently, the in vitro activation efficiency of TGase was further improved using co-cultivation techniques with neutral proteases secreted by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CICC10888, and a TGase activity of 16.91 U/mL was achieved, accounting for a 22.71% increase. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying high-yield TGase production and valuable insights and data references for future research.

Genome-wide association mapping and genomic prediction analyses reveal the genetic architecture of grain yield and agronomic traits under drought and optimum conditions in maize

BackgroundDrought is a major abiotic stress in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting maize growth and development leading to severe yield loss. Drought tolerance is a complex trait regulated by multiple genes, making direct grain yield selection ineffective. To dissect the genetic architecture of grain yield and flowering traits under drought stress, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on a panel of 236 maize lines testcrossed and evaluated under managed drought and optimal growing conditions in multiple environments using seven multi-locus GWAS models (mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, pLARmEB, pKWmEB, ISIS EM-BLASSO, and FARMCPU) from mrMLM and GAPIT R packages. Genomic prediction with RR-BLUP model was applied on BLUEs across locations under optimum and drought conditions.ResultsA total of 172 stable and reliable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified, of which 77 are associated with GY, AD, SD, ASI, PH, EH, EPO and EPP under drought and 95 are linked to GY, AD, SD, ASI, PH, EH, EPO and EPP under optimal conditions. Among these QTNs, 17 QTNs explained over 10% of the phenotypic variation (R2 ≥ 10%). Furthermore, 43 candidate genes were discovered and annotated. Two major candidate genes, Zm00001eb041070 closely associated with grain yield near peak QTN, qGY_DS1.1 (S1_216149215) and Zm00001eb364110 closely related to anthesis-silking interval near peak QTN, qASI_DS8.2 (S8_167256316) were identified, encoding AP2-EREBP transcription factor 60 and TCP-transcription factor 20, respectively under drought stress. Haplo-pheno analysis identified superior haplotypes for qGY_DS1.1 (S1_216149215) associated with the higher grain yield under drought stress. Genomic prediction revealed moderate to high prediction accuracies under optimum and drought conditions.ConclusionThe lines carrying superior haplotypes can be used as potential donors in improving grain yield under drought stress. Integration of genomic selection with GWAS results leads not only to an increase in the prediction accuracy but also to validate the function of the identified candidate genes as well increase in the accumulation of favorable alleles with minor and major effects in elite breeding lines. This study provides valuable insight into the genetic architecture of grain yield and secondary traits under drought stress.

A narrative review of psychopathy research: current advances and the argument for a qualitative approach

ABSTRACT Psychopathy has interested researchers since its conceptualization by Cleckley in 1941. This interest has come almost exclusively in the form of quantitative inquiries. Quantitative studies have provided valuable insights into the etiology, heterogeneity, and treatment of the disorder. At the same time, rich phenomenological descriptions of psychopathy have a role to play in the field since they can inform the development of variant-specific assessment instruments, as well as the development or tailoring of psychological interventions. Qualitative methods offer distinct advantages, since their flexibility and explorative nature allow the capture of unanticipated, novel, or nuanced psychopathy aspects, which can be overlooked when using pre-set hypotheses and structured measures. In light of these considerations, the present narrative review aims to (a) provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in psychopathy research, by combining insights from both quantitative and qualitative studies and (b) draw attention to the need for a qualitative approach in the field. It dives into conceptualization, etiology, youth psychopathy and temporal stability of psychopathic traits, the distinction between variants (primary versus secondary), and treatment, before reviewing qualitative studies and formulating an argument in favor of exploring the lived experience of psychopathy. The most recent developments in the field are also examined, including the first contemporary theory on secondary psychopathy etiology and the first-ever treatment studies exploring differential outcomes between variants.

대학생의 학업소진과 우울에 기여하는 심리적 메커니즘 연구: 평가염려 완벽주의, 학업지연행동, 실패공포, 자기구실 만들기를 중심으로

Objectives This study aims to elucidate the psychological mechanisms underlying academic burnout and depres sion among university students. To this end, it examines a multiple mediation model in which evaluative concerns perfectionism is linked to academic burnout and depression through the mediating roles of academic pro crastination, fear of failure, and self-handicapping. Methods The study surveyed a sample of 254 South Korean university students through an online self-report questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The significance of the spe cific indirect effects was confirmed using AMOS user-defined estimands. Results First, evaluation anxiety perfectionism had a significant positive effect on procrastination behaviors, fear of failure, and self-handicapping, and procrastination behaviors had a significant positive effect on fear of failure, self-handicapping, and depression. However, the direct path from procrastination behaviors to academic burnout was not significant. Second, evaluation anxiety perfectionism significantly predicted academic burnout and de pression through fear of failure and making excuses. Third, the individual mediation effects showed that the medi ating effects of fear of failure and making excuses were significant in the relationship between evaluation anxiety perfectionism and academic burnout. Finally, the mediating effects of procrastination behavior and fear of failure on the relationship between evaluation anxiety perfectionism and depression were significant, while the media ting effect of self-handicapping was not significant. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of examining evaluative concerns perfectionism, academic procrastination, fear of failure, and self-handicapping in tandem when seeking to understand the development of academic burnout and depression. Moreover, it implies that to effectively lower levels of academic burnout and depression, it is preferable to target maladaptive emotional and cognitive strategies associated with these con ditions, rather than focusing directly on the relatively stable personality traits.

Genotype by environment interactions and phenotypic traits stability of the EUCLEG faba bean collection

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop traditionally used for human nutrition and animal feeding. With a high protein content ranging from 24% to 35% of seed dry matter, considerable amounts of globulins, essential amino acids and minerals, faba bean is today an important source meeting the growing global demand for nutritious food. The objective of study was to investigate the variability of nine phenological, phenotypical and yield related traits in 220 faba bean accessions in multi-location trials across four representative European regions. Nine field trials were carried out from 2018 till 2020 in four representative European locations (Spain, Finland, Belgium and Serbia) using an augmented p-rep design containing 20 replicated checks. Significant differences among genotypes and environments were detected, being the genotype x environment interaction (GEI) the major source of variation in five of the nine evaluated traits. The “which-won-where” analyses identified two mega-environment namely South European mega environment (SE-ME) and North European mega environment (NE-ME), while the best performing and most stable genotypes according to the nine traits were identified using “means vs stability” analyses. According to the highest trait value in each mega environment several winning genotypes were identified showing better performances than some commercial varieties (controls) or checks. Our results suggest that the geographical locations falling into each mega-environment can be used as faba bean test locations. The genotype ranking for the multi-trait stability index (MTSI) revealed that the most stable and best ranking genotypes in SE-ME are G018, G086, G081, G170 and G015 while in the north mega-environment are G091, G171, G177 (Merkur), G029 and G027. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analyses showed a clear correlation between the traits analysed and the botanical type. These findings indicate that botanical type is one of the most significant factors affecting development in any environment, and it must be taken into account in faba bean breeding activities. The information derived from this study provides a chance for breeding new resilient faba bean cultivars adapted to different agroecological European regions, a critical point for addressing Europe’s reliance on protein imports and enhancing sustainable agriculture practices.

Selection criteria and yield stability in a large collection of African yam bean [Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Harms] accessions

Abstract African yam bean (AYB) is an underutilized legume with significant potential for food security in sub-Saharan Africa, yet limited research exists on optimizing its seed yield through selective breeding. In this study, the seed yield (SY) performance and relative importance of some yield-related traits on SY in AYB were assessed. One hundred and ninety-six accessions of AYB were evaluated for 2 years in three agro-ecologies of Nigeria. The experimental design was a 14 × 14 lattice design with three replicates. Data were recorded on SY and 13 SY-related traits. Positive significant genotypic correlations were found between SY and 11 of these traits. Pod length (PL) had a negative significant relationship (rg = −0.44**) with SY. Path coefficient analysis identified days to maturity (DM), pod weight (PW), shelling percentage (SP), number of seeds per pod (NSPD), 100-seed weight (HSW) and seed thickness (ST) as traits with positive direct effects on SY. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed highly significant accession, environment, accession × environment interaction and interaction principal components effects for SY. Accessions TSs-119, TSs-101, 138A, TSs-4, TSs-157A and TSs-61 were identified as superior and stable, and should be considered for further breeding purposes. Selection criteria for improved SY in AYB should include DM, PW, SP, NSPD, HSW and ST. The identified stable, high-yielding accessions and key yield-related traits provide a framework for accelerating AYB improvement across diverse agro-ecologies.

Deciphering of Genomic Loci Associated with Alkaline Tolerance in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] by Genome-Wide Association Study

Alkaline stress is one of the major abiotic constraints that limits plant growth and development. However, the genetic basis underlying alkaline tolerance in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] remains largely unexplored. In this study, an integrated genomic analysis approach was employed to elucidate the genetic architecture of alkaline tolerance in a diverse panel of 326 soybean cultivars. Through association mapping, we detected 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with alkaline tolerance. By examining the genomic distances around these significant SNPs, five genomic regions were characterized as stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs), which were designated as qAT1, qAT4, qAT14, qAT18, and qAT20. These QTLs are reported here for the first time in soybean. Seventeen putative candidate genes were identified within the physical intervals of these QTLs. Haplotype analysis indicated that four of these candidate genes exhibited significant allele variation associated with alkaline tolerance-related traits, and the haplotype alleles for these four genes varied in number from two to four. The findings of this study may have important implications for soybean breeding programs aimed at enhancing alkaline tolerance.

Integrating David Humes Philosophy with Contemporary Psychology: A Dynamic Approach to Understanding Self-Identity

The exploration of self-identity is a central theme in both philosophy and psychology, offering crucial insights into personal continuity and the nature of the self. David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature presents a groundbreaking view that challenges the traditional notion of a stable, enduring self. Hume argues that the self is not a singular, unchanging entity but a fluid collection of perceptions, including sensory experiences, thoughts, and emotions, all in constant flux. This contrasts sharply with traditional psychological theories, which emphasize a consistent self-concept and stable personality traits. This paper integrates Hume's philosophical insights with contemporary psychological frameworks to develop a more nuanced understanding of self-identity as a complex, fluid, and context-sensitive construct. Hume's ideas on memory, imagination, and reflexive impressions extend traditional models of self-identity, offering a dynamic perspective that aligns with modern psychological theories emphasizing the evolving nature of personal identity. The integration of Hume's perspective has significant implications for clinical practice, suggesting the need for more flexible therapeutic approaches that acknowledge the dynamic nature of self-identity. This includes supporting individuals through identity transitions and embracing the variability in self-concept. By merging philosophical and psychological perspectives, this paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of self-identity, providing valuable insights for both theoretical exploration and practical application in psychological practice.

Honesty threshold affects individuals’ resistance to monetary temptations

This study investigated whether honesty is a stable trait or varies depending on situational factors. Using a coin flip guessing paradigm with monetary rewards, 33 participants completed trials with rewards ranging from 0.01 to 3 yuan. Modeling of behavioral data showed individuals have varying “honesty thresholds” where they switch from honest to dishonest behavior. EEG analysis revealed increased P300 amplitude when resisting greater monetary temptation, and individuals with higher honesty thresholds had lower P300 amplitudes for the same rewards. A late positive component indicated greater cognitive conflict when the reward amount neared an individual’s honesty threshold. These findings challenge the conception of honesty as a stable trait, instead demonstrating it varies based on contextual factors like reward size. Computational modeling and EEG provide insight into the cognitive processes underlying contextual shifts in honest behavior.

Two shikimate dehydrogenases play an essential role in the biosynthesis of galloylated catechins in tea plants

Abstract Tea (Camellia sinensis) is widely cultivated throughout the world for its unique flavor and health benefits. Galloylated catechins in tea plants serve as important secondary metabolites that play a pivotal role in tea taste determination and pharmacological effects. However, the genetic basis of galloylated-catechins traits remains elusive. We identified a stable and major-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with galloylated catechins index (GCI), designated qGCI6.2. Within the QTL’s confidence interval, two shikimate dehydrogenases (CsSDH4, CsSDH3) were identified. These enzymes catalyze gallic acid (GA) production from 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase, thereby contributing to galloylated catechins accumulation. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that CsSDH4 and CsSDH3 expression levels and GA and galloylated catechins contents were positively correlated. Furthermore, overexpressing CsSDH4 and CsSDH3 in transgenic tomato plants markedly increased GA and galloylated catechin contents. RNA-seq analysis of transgenic tomato indicated that CsSDH4 and CsSDH3 primarily regulate genes related to shikimic acid and flavonoid pathways, and jointly promote galloylated catechins synthesis. Our findings have further elucidated the galloylated catechins synthesis pathway and provided a theoretical basis for cultivation of tea cultivars with high galloylated catechin contents.

Mitigating genetic instability caused by the excision activity of the phiC31 integrase in Streptomyces.

Over the past three decades, the integrase (Int) from Streptomyces phage phiC31 has become a valuable genome engineering tool across various species. phiC31 Int was thought to mediate unidirectional site-specific integration (attP × attB to attL and attR) in the absence of the phage-encoded recombination directionality factor (RDF). However, we have shown in this study that Int can also catalyze reverse excision (attL × attR to attP and attB) at low frequencies in Streptomyces lividans and Escherichia coli, causing genetic instability in engineered strains. To address this issue, we developed a two-plasmid co-conjugation (TPC) system. This system consists of an attP-containing integration vector and an Int expression suicide plasmid, both carrying oriT to facilitate efficient conjugation transfer from E. coli to Streptomyces. Using the TPC system, genetically stable integrants free of Int can be generated quickly and easily. The indigoidine-producing strains generated by the TPC system exhibited higher genetic stability and production efficiency compared to the indigoidine-producing strain generated by the conventional integration system, further demonstrating the utility of the TPC system in the field of biotechnology. We anticipate that the strategies presented here will be widely adopted for stable genetic engineering of industrial microbes using phage integrase-based integration systems.IMPORTANCELarge serine recombinases (LSRs), including the bacteriophage phiC31 integrase, were previously thought to allow only unidirectional site-specific integration (attP × attB to attL and attR). Our study is the first to show that the phiC31 integrase can also catalyze a low-efficiency reverse excision reaction in Streptomyces and E. coli without the involvement of the phage-encoded recombination directionality factor (RDF). The genetic instability caused by the low in vivo excisionase activity of the phiC31 integrase is a major challenge for biotechnological applications. Our study addresses this issue by developing a two-plasmid co-conjugation (TPC) system that facilitates the construction of Int-deficient genomic engineering strains. The Int-deficient integrants produced by this TPC system exhibit strong genetic stability for introduced genes and maintain stable production traits even in the absence of selection pressure, making them highly valuable for industrial applications.

QTL analysis in the Mianmai 902×Taichang 29 RIL population reveals the genetic basis for the high-yield of wheat cultivars Mianmai 902 in terms of spike and plant architecture

Spike-related traits and plant height (PH) are greatly associated with wheat yield. Identification of stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits is crucial for understanding the genetic basis for yield and their further application in breeding. In this study, QTL analysis for spikelet number per spike (SNS), spike length (SL), spike compactness (SC) and PH was performed using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between wheat cultivars Mianmai902 (MM902) and Taichang29 (TC29). Thirteen stably expressed QTLs were identified, and the most favorable alleles were contributed by MM902. The mjaor QTL, QSNS-MT.cib-2D, QSL-MT.cib-2D, QSC-MT.cib-2D, QSC-MT.cib-6 A, QPH-MT.cib-4B and QPH-MT.cib-4D, were repeatedly detected in multiple environments and explained 5.77-47.11% of the phenotypic variations. By employing the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR markers, the most major QTLs were successfully validated in multiple populations derived from different genetic backgrounds. Moreover, the individual and pyramiding effects of major QTLs on SNS, SL, SC, PH, grain number per spike (GNS) and thousand-grain weight (TGW) were investigated and their potential utilization value in breeding was showcased. Ppd-D1 was predicted as the candidate for QSNS/SL/SC/PH-MT.cib-2D, and MM902 carried the Ppd-D1d allele. Ppd-D1d is rare in Chinese winter wheat cultivars and may be an elite alternative allele of the Ppd-D1a allele. In summary, these QTLs revealed the genetic basis of the spike-related traits and PH of MM902, which partially contributed to the high yield of MM902 and have application potential in wheat breeding by optimizing spike morphology and PH to improve yield.

A case study on lentil to demonstrate the value of using historic data stored in genebanks to guide the selection of resources for research and development projects

Plant genetic resources are essential for sustainable agriculture and a secure and stable global food supply. One of the most important pulses and an integral part of a healthy diet is lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). The National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (NCPGRU), based in Kharkiv, manages a lentil collection of 1,140 accessions. In 2019, the first exchange of 37 lentil accessions between NCPGRU and a French research team took place. This exchange was accompanied by the transfer of phenotyping data for multiple traits. Considering that data collected in different environments provide important information on trait stability, the lentil accessions were phenotyped under new conditions through field research. This research allowed a comparative analysis of agroclimatic conditions for lentil cultivation in Ukraine (Kharkiv region) and France (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region). The possibility of using genebank information to guide plant material selection for research and development projects was assessed. As a result, six lentil genotypes that performed well in different environments were selected. This allowed the identification of genotypes with the highest yield potential: UD0600086, UD0600145, UD0600437, UD0600530, UD0600550 and UD0600638. Genotypes recommended for use in breeding to produce high-yielding, relatively stable lentil varieties were successfully selected in the application case of this study, confirming that the information in the trait database of the NCPGRU Genebank is an important resource for predicting the characteristics of lentil accessions. Of the eight accessions selected by GGE biplot analysis using field research, five were predicted to be more promising by previous genebank data.

Illusory traits: Wrong but sometimes useful.

Psychological measures frequently show trait-like properties, and the ontological status of stable psychological traits has been discussed for decades. We argue that these properties can emerge from causal dynamics of time-varying processes, which are omitted from the analysis model, potentially leading to the estimation of traits that are, at least in part, illusory. Theories positing the importance of a large set of dynamic psychological causes across development are consistent with the existence of illusory traits. We show via simulation that even a linear system with many processes can generate a covariance matrix with trait-like properties. We then attempt to examine how illusory traits affect our conclusions drawn from a common statistical model, which assumes stable traits to analyze longitudinal panel data-a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM). We find that the RI-CLPM sometimes falsely detects the existence of traits in the presence of omitted processes, even when the data-generating model does not include any traits. However, in this scenario, the RI-CLPM estimates less causally biased autoregressive and cross-lagged effects than an analysis model, which does not assume traits (i.e., the cross-lagged panel model). The results indicate that the detection of trait variance should not be inferred as strong evidence for the existence of time-invariant trait causes. On the other hand, even when traits are illusory, statistical models assuming stable traits may sometimes be useful for causal inference. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

АДАПТИВНАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ПРИРОДНЫХ ЦЕНОПОПУЛЯЦИЙ PRUNUS ARMENIACA L. ПО МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИМ ПРИЗНАКАМ ЛИСТА ВДОЛЬ ВЫСОТНОГО ГРАДИЕНТА (ДАГЕСТАН)

The article presents the results of a study of the adaptive variability of morphological traits of leaves of natu- ral cenopopulations of Prunus armeniaca L. (common apricot) along the altitudinal gradient using the example of Intramountain Dagestan. Three model cenopopulations of Intramountain Dagestan along the Avarskoye Koysu River basin, which differ most strongly along the altitudinal gradient (600–1420 m above sea level), were selected as reference points. Analysis of the adaptability of P. armeniaca cenopopulations in the conditions of Dagestan showed a significant role of the altitude above sea level on the variability of leaf morphological traits. It was found that the greatest dependence on the altitude gradient have the traits “width of the leaf blade” and “length to the wide part of the leaf,” as well as index indicators calculated on their basis. Analysis of the variability of quan- titative leaf traits by the variation coefficient (CV, %) showed that the variability of traits decreases along the alti- tude gradient, which may indicate a decrease in the population optimum of the species with altitude above sea level. The results of the comparative analysis were confirmed by the results of ANOVA and regression analyses. The variance components for the ovoidness indices were 62.8%, and roundness – 37.1%, leaf width – 22.5%, length to the wide part of the leaf – 17.4% and SLA – 15.6%. Based on the results of regression analysis, it was revealed that the altitudinal level negatively effects on the leaf size of natural coenopopulations of P. armeniaca by narrowing of the leaf width and shortening of the length to the wide part of the leaf, which ultimately results in the formation of oval-ovate leaves. The determination coefficients (r2 ) showed a noticeable linear relationship be- tween the selected traits and the altitudinal gradient, with the exception of leaf width. The index of vitality of cenopopulations (IVC) showed a deterioration in growing conditions in the direction from low-mountain cenopopulations to mid-mountain ones (from 1.04 to 0.96), while the low value of dimensional plasticity (ISP=1.08) indicates the relative stability of leaf traits along the altitudinal gradient.

Toward a Theory of Lifespan Personality Trait Development

The lifespan development of personality traits has evolved from a niche topic to a core subject of psychological science. Looking back at 20 years of research, I review the personality development literature against three criteria for strong psychological theories. Overall, the field has come a long way toward refining our theoretical understanding of lifespan personality trait development. Major accomplishments include the establishment of evidence-based trait measures, the identification of robust patterns of trait stability and change, and the documentation of both environmental and genetic contributions to lifespan personality development. These insights put the field in a position to make transformative advances toward stronger and more precise theories. However, there are still several open questions. I discuss ideas to overcome existing obstacles to the development of strong lifespan personality theories and close with an overall evaluation of the theoretical status of the field.

Personality traits and academic attitudes of medical students in the COVID-19 pandemic: a person-centered approach, empirical research, Korea.

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the educational environment has moved toward online-based education, which may significantly impact medical students' educational experiences. However, the same events may be understood differently by different individuals depending on their personalities. Therefore, the changing educational environment during the COVID-19 pandemic may not have been perceived equally by all students. This study aimed to investigate medical students' personality profiles and the difference between academic burnout and engagement according to their personality profiles. During the 2021-2022 academic year, when online-based education was implemented due to the pandemic, a survey was conducted among medical students in Korea (N=325). First, we used latent profile analysis to identify the sub-types of the Big Five personalities. Second, we used analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons to study the difference between academic burnout and engagement among these sub-types. The Big Five personality traits of medical students in our sample were classified into three profiles. Profiles with relatively high neuroticism, while other personality traits were low, had both the highest academic burnout and academic engagement. Alternatively, the profiles showing relatively low neuroticism, while other personality traits were high, had the lowest academic burnout and the highest academic engagement. Personality is a stable trait that affects an individual's behavior and response to the environment. Thus, individuals with specific personalities differ in their reactions to their environment. This may provide an advantage to some medical students' careers.

The impact of demoralization on the stability of personality traits in a clinical sample.

This study examined whether reductions in the severity of personality disorders (PD) mainly reflect changes in personality traits or rather an alleviation of a demoralized state involving nonspecific unpleasant affect. We used 4 years of longitudinal data from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, in which patients (N = 419) completed the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R) three times over 4 years (at baseline and at 6-month and 4-year follow-up assessments). We compared the NEO Demoralization scale with NEO-PI-R domain scales adjusted for demoralization-related items to determine whether changes in demoralization are more pronounced than changes in adjusted personality traits. Results showed that adjusted Neuroticism and Demoralization changed at similar rates and both changed more than other traits. These changes were most pronounced in the first 6 months and tapered thereafter. Rank-order correlations were somewhat lower for Demoralization than adjusted traits. Our findings suggest that decreases in PD symptoms over time have to do with reductions in negative affect and that Demoralization as assessed via a subset of NEO-PI-R items is limited in its ability to distinguish negative affect from trait Neuroticism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).