Identification and functional characterization of intermediate-size non-coding RNAs in maize.

BACKGROUND: The majority of eukaryote genomes can be actively transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are functionally important in development and evolution. In the study of maize, an important crop for both humans and animals, aside from microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, few studies have been conducted on intermediate-size ncRNAs. RESULTS: We constructed a homogenized cDNA library of 50-500 nt RNAs in the maize inbred line Chang 7-2. Sequencing revealed 169 ncRNAs, which contained 58 known and 111 novel ncRNAs (including 70 snoRNAs, 27 snRNAs, 13 unclassified ncRNAs and one tRNA). Forty of the novel ncRNAs were specific to the Panicoideae, and 24% of them are located on sense-strand of the 5' or 3' terminus of protein coding genes on chromosome. Target site analysis found that 22 snoRNAs can guide to 38 2'-O-methylation and pseudouridylation modification sites of ribosomal RNAs and small nuclear RNAs. Expression analysis showed that 43 ncRNAs exhibited significantly altered expression in different tissues or developmental stages of maize seedlings, eight ncRNAs had tissue-specific expression and five ncRNAs were strictly accumulated in the early stage of leaf development. Further analysis showed that 3 of the 5 stage-specific ncRNAs (Zm-3, Zm-18, and Zm-73) can be highly induced under drought and salt stress, while one snoRNA Zm-8 can be repressed under PEG-simulated drought condition. CONCLUSIONS: We provided a genome-wide identification and functional analysis of ncRNAs with a size range of 50-500 nt in maize. 111 novel ncRNAs were cloned and 40 ncRNAs were determined to be specific to Panicoideae. 43 ncRNAs changed significantly during maize development, three ncRNAs can be strongly induced under drought and salt stress, suggesting their roles in maize stress response. This work set a foundation for further study of intermediate-size ncRNAs in maize.

Altered T cell development in an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination and axonal degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of MS that has significantly improved our understanding of MS. Studies have observed early thymic involution in MS patients, suggesting the potential involvement of the thymus in CNS autoimmunity. However, our knowledge of the thymus's role in autoimmune disorders affecting the CNS remains limited. In this study, we examined the effects of EAE induction on thymopoiesis and observed alterations in T cell development. These changes were characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of thymocytes at the EAE peak stage. We also identified a blockade in the transition from CD4-CD8- double-negative thymocytes to CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells, as evidenced by the accumulation of double-negative stage 1 thymocytes at both the EAE onset and peak stages. Furthermore, positive selection was disrupted in the thymus of EAE mice at both stages, leading to an elevated proportion and number of CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ single-positive cells. Meanwhile, we observed an augmented production of regulatory T cells in the thymus of EAE mice. Moreover, peripheral blood analysis of EAE mice at the onset stage showed expanded T cell subsets but not at the peak stage. We also observed altered expression patterns in thymus-derived CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ single-positive cells between MS patients and healthy controls. Our findings demonstrate a modified T cell development in EAE/MS, providing valuable insights into the potential of modulating thymic function as a targeted therapeutic approach to MS/EAE.

The Impact Mechanism of Consumer's Initial Visit to an Automobile 4S Store on Test Drive Intention: Product Aesthetics, Space Image, Service Quality, and Brand Image.

[Purpose/Significance] Under the influence of various factors such as the pandemic, oil prices, and economic conditions, the global automotive industry has entered a period of downturn. Therefore, how to activate market potential and increase consumers' willingness to purchase cars has become an important research topic. Unlike many other products, test drives play a significant role in the car-buying process. [Method/Procedure] This study employs a questionnaire survey to explore how consumer perceptions of product aesthetics, space quality, and service quality during their initial visit to an automobile 4S store influence their test drive intention through two dimensions of brand image: symbolic and experiential. A structural equation model is used to establish a test drive intention impact model incorporating these dimensions. [Results/Conclusions] The study found that brand image, both symbolic and experiential, plays a significant mediating role in enhancing potential consumers' test drive intentions. Space image had the most significant impact on brand image. Although product aesthetics did not directly affect brand image experientially, they remained an important factor in enhancing brand image symbolically. [Contribution/Value] The results of this study can provide insights for automotive brand managers, automobile 4S store designers, and others aiming to promote the sustainable development of automotive consumption.

The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Animal Model.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous cell population that consists of mostly immature myeloid cells, are immunoregulatory cells mainly characterized by their suppressive functions. Emerging findings have revealed the involvement of MDSCs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MS is an autoimmune and degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination, axon loss, and inflammation. Studies have reported accumulation of MDSCs in inflamed tissues and lymphoid organs of MS patients and EAE mice, and these cells display dual functions in EAE. However, the contribution of MDSCs to MS/EAE pathogenesis remains unclear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of MDSC subsets and their possible roles in MS/EAE pathogenesis. We also discuss the potential utility and associated obstacles in employing MDSCs as biomarkers and cell-based therapies for MS.

Nanopore sequencing identifies differentially methylated genes in the central nervous system in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that might be triggered by aberrant epigenetic changes in the genome. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism that participates in MS pathogenesis. However, the overall methylation level in the CNS of MS patients remains elusive. We used direct long-read nanopore DNA sequencing and characterized the differentially methylated genes in the brain from mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. We identified 163 hypomethylated promoters and 327 hypermethylated promoters. These genomic alterations were linked to various biological processes including metabolism, immune responses, neural activities, and mitochondrial dynamics, all of which are vital for EAE development. Our results indicate a great potential of nanopore sequencing in identifying genomic DNA methylation in EAE and provide important guidance for future studies investigating the MS/EAE pathology.

Correction: The impact of reusable tableware packaging combined with environmental propaganda on consumer behaviour in online retail.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264562.].

Swine unconventional T cells.

Pigs are important domestic livestock and a comprehensive understanding of their immune system is critical to improve swine vaccine efficacy. Pig models represent an excellent animal model for immunological studies because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. A significant portion of pig immunological studies focused on characterizing the conventional T cell (Tconv) immune responses. These cells recognize peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. In contrast, unconventional T cells are non-MHC-restricted and profoundly regulate conventional T cells. Key subsets of unconventional T cells reviewed here include natural killer T (NKT) cells, γδ T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and two potential unconventional T cell subsets expressing NKp46 or CD11b. Unlike Tconvs, most of these cells recognize lipids, small molecule metabolites, or modified peptides, and they generally show simplified patterns of T cell receptor (TCR) expression and rapid effector responses. Here, we review that unconventional T cells are an abundant and critical component of the porcine immune system, summarize the current understanding of these cells, and highlight some of the key differences among mouse, human, and porcine unconventional T cells.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome and lung metabolome.

Gut microbiota is involved in maintaining homeostasis, and intestinal dysbiosis may lead to opportunistic infections and diseases. Pathogens can disrupt the gut homeostasis and establish colonization, but how they modulate the microbiome and metabolome along the gut-lung axis warrants further investigation. In the present study, we used a classical low virulence Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKp) strain to address this question. We assessed the gut microbiome and lung metabolome in cKp-infected mice by 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Our data revealed that cKp infection reduced gut microbiota diversity and altered microbiome composition. Specifically, cKp infection increased the abundance of MWH-CFBk5 and Actinomadura and reduced the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Clostridium sensu_stricto 1, Bifidobacterium, and Intestinimonas at the genus level. Notably, caffeine and caffeine metabolism were significantly affected in the lung by cKp infection. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis revealed remarkable correlations of specific lung metabolites and bacteria species at the genus level. These findings suggest that cKp infection is linked to gut dysbiosis and alterations in the lung metabolome. This study is of significance for developing innovative gut microbiota-directed therapy for respiratory diseases.

What do users care about? Research on user behavior of mobile interactive video advertising.

Mobile interactive video advertising is a relatively new type of media. A combination of interactivity and narrative is used to tell the video story to the audience. This study studied in three steps on mobile interactive video advertising to determine the design basis that should be paid attention to. Firstly, the research framework is proposed through expert interview and qualitative coding of the interview text. Secondly, research samples are made through surveys and conference discussions. The samples were designed into 30 types containing various interactive narrative and involvement. Finally, the qualitative results are verified in a quantitative way. The results show that in order to improve the audience's purchase intention, more attention should be paid to interactive narrative, subjective video quality assessment, immersion, satisfaction, and product involvement.

Effects of AR Picture Books on German Teaching in Universities.

In this paper, we discuss the teaching effects of augmented reality (AR) technology in German instruction. We conducted one prestudy and three formal studies on German learners in China's mainland and Taiwan region. In the formal studies, a total of 120 students participated in the survey, allowing us to compare the differences in interest in learning between AR picture books and traditional picture books. A total of 114 students took part in the survey, which enabled us to compare the contribution of AR picture books to teaching when students' satisfaction and German proficiency were different. To improve satisfaction, 514 students participated in the survey regarding the influence of the interactive narrative design effect and peer learning on satisfaction with using AR picture books. The results suggest that when learning German with AR picture books, satisfaction is the key construct that determines students' learning states.

The impact of reusable tableware packaging combined with environmental propaganda on consumer behaviour in online retail.

With the development of the takeaway industry, the demand for disposable cutlery is increasing, posing a heavy burden on the environment. Helping reusable tableware increase market share is important because it helps preserve the natural environment while making commercial gains. Given the additional cost to consumers of using reusable tableware in many settings, this article examines the impact of incorporating environmental propaganda into packaging design on consumer behaviour. The results show that the new packaging with high environmental propaganda satisfaction improves consumers' brand loyalty, purchase intention and continuance intention. The packaging of low environmental propaganda satisfaction may have negative effects and should be used with caution.

A study on the embarrassment of senders who missend emojis with opposite meanings on social apps: taking WeChat as an example.

With the increasing popularity of social apps, sending emojis has become a very common way of expressing one's emotions. However, situations often arise when people send the wrong emoji by mistake, or sometimes even an emoji with an opposite meaning, which can cause embarrassment to the sender. Taking WeChat as an example, which is widely used in Chinese communities, this study summarizes 10 types of dialogue situations in which the meaning of an emoji is wrongly sent and 12 types of emotional components that are related to embarrassment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent to which the 12 emotional components that are associated with embarrassment actually explain what embarrassment is, as well as the different degrees of embarrassment among the different genders and age groups. The results showed that (1) among the emotional components of embarrassment, shame has the highest explanation degree for embarrassment; (2) males are more likely to be affected by embarrassment than females; and (3) users aged 18-25 and 26-30 years are more likely to be affected by embarrassment than those aged between 31 and 40 when they mistakenly send WeChat emojis. This study provides a reference value for their sustainable psychological impact on social app users.

A study on the embarrassment of senders who missend emojis with opposite meanings on social apps: taking WeChat as an example

Abstract With the increasing popularity of social apps, sending emojis has become a very common way of expressing one's emotions. However, situations often arise when people send the wrong emoji by mistake, or sometimes even an emoji with an opposite meaning, which can cause embarrassment to the sender. Taking WeChat as an example, which is widely used in Chinese communities, this study summarizes 10 types of dialogue situations in which the meaning of an emoji is wrongly sent and 12 types of emotional components that are related to embarrassment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent to which the 12 emotional components that are associated with embarrassment actually explain what embarrassment is, as well as the different degrees of embarrassment among the different genders and age groups. The results showed that (1) among the emotional components of embarrassment, shame has the highest explanation degree for embarrassment; (2) males are more likely to be affected by embarrassment than females; and (3) users aged 18-25 and 26-30 years are more likely to be affected by embarrassment than those aged between 31 and 40 when they mistakenly send WeChat emojis. This study provides a reference value for their sustainable psychological impact on social app users. (AU)

The expression analysis of silk gland-enriched intermediate-size non-coding RNAs in silkworm Bombyx mori.

Small non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in development, stress response and other cellular processes. Silkworm is an important model for studies on insect genetics and control of Lepidopterous pests. We have previously identified 189 novel intermediate-size ncRNAs in silkworm Bombyx mori, including 40 ncRNAs that showed altered expression in different developmental stages. Here we characterized the functions of these 40 ncRNAs by measuring their expressions in six tissues of the fifth instar larvae using Northern blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. We identified nine ncRNAs (four small nucleolar RNAs and five unclassified ncRNAs) that were enriched in silk gland, including four ncRNAs that showed silk gland-specific expression. We further showed that three of nine silk gland-enriched ncRNAs were predominantly expressed in the anterior silk gland, whereas another three ncRNAs were highly accumulated in the posterior silk gland, suggesting that they may play different roles in fibroin synthesis. Furthermore, an unclassified ncRNA, Bm-152, exhibited converse expression pattern with its antisense host gene gartenzwerg in diverse tissues, and might regulate the expression of gartenzwerg through RNA-protein complex. In addition, two silk gland-enriched ncRNAs Bm-102 and Bm-159 can be found in histone modification complex, which indicated that they might play roles through epigenetic modifications. Taken together, we provided the first expression and preliminary functional analysis of silk gland-enriched ncRNAs, which will help understand the molecular mechanism of silk gland-development and fibroin synthesis.