Identifying phenotype-associated subpopulations through LP_SGL.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables the resolution of cellular heterogeneity in diseases and facilitates the identification of novel cell types and subtypes. However, the grouping effects caused by cell-cell interactions are often overlooked in the development of tools for identifying subpopulations. We proposed LP_SGL which incorporates cell group structure to identify phenotype-associated subpopulations by integrating scRNA-seq, bulk expression and bulk phenotype data. Cell groups from scRNA-seq data were obtained by the Leiden algorithm, which facilitates the identification of subpopulations and improves model robustness. LP_SGL identified a higher percentage of cancer cells, T cells and tumor-associated cells than Scissor and scAB on lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis, melanoma drug response and liver cancer survival datasets, respectively. Biological analysis on three original datasets and four independent external validation sets demonstrated that the signaling genes of this cell subset can predict cancer, immunotherapy and survival.

Motivating online language learning: exploring ideal L2 self, grit, and self-efficacy in relation to student satisfaction.

Introduction: This study delves into the intricate network of motivational factors that influence online learning satisfaction among intermediate-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in mainland China. Methods: A diverse sample of 496 EFL students participated in this research. Structural Equation Modeling was employed as the analytical method. Results: The results of the study reveal significant and positive relationships between ideal L2 self and L2 grit with online learning satisfaction. Additionally, online learning self-efficacy emerged as a crucial mediator between ideal L2 self and online learning satisfaction, as well as between L2 grit and online learning satisfaction. Discussion: These findings provide valuable insights into the motivational dynamics within online language learning contexts. They offer practical implications for educators and instructional designers seeking to enhance students' online learning experiences.

Effects of the Use of Different Temperature and Calcium Chloride Treatments during Storage on the Quality of Fresh-Cut "Xuebai" Cauliflowers.

This study revealed the effect of the use of different temperature and calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatments on the storage quality of fresh-cut "Xuebai" cauliflowers. Fresh-cut "Xuebai" cauliflowers were soaked with 2% CaCl2 solution at different temperatures. The change in the firmness, color, and ascorbic acid (ASA), total glucosinolates (TGLS), polygalacturonase (PG), and lipoxygenase (LOX) content of fresh-cut "Xuebai" cauliflowers during the cold storage period was assessed. In addition, the sensory quality was also evaluated. The results show that the combined treatments with CaCl2 at different temperatures could effectively maintain the storage quality of fresh-cut "Xuebai" cauliflowers. Then, a method based on factor analysis with comprehensive quality evaluation was proposed. A factor analysis with a principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on nine indicators of cauliflowers. Two principal components were extracted with a cumulative contribution rate of 97.513%. The results demonstrated that the treatment with the best fresh-keeping effect of cauliflowers in storage was the combination treatment at 40 °C with 2% CaCl2 solution, while the optimal storage period was 15 days.

Exogenous Melatonin Treatment Induces Disease Resistance against Botrytis cinerea on Post-Harvest Grapes by Activating Defence Responses.

Botrytis cinerea seriously affects the value of post-harvest grapes. Melatonin can act as an exogenous regulator in the resistance of exogenous pathogens due to its antioxidant activity. An artificial inoculation trial was conducted to research the induced resistance mechanism of melatonin treatment using the table grape "Muscat Hamburg" (Vitis vinifera L. cv). Grapes were immersed with 0.02, 0.2, and 2 mmol/L melatonin, followed by B. cinerea suspension injections after 48 h. The results showed that the mycelial growth and spore germination of B. cinerea was not significantly inhibited by melatonin at different concentrations (0.02-2 mmol/L). However, post-harvest melatonin treatment inhibited the increase of disease incidence and severity of grey mould, induced the synthesis and accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids, reduced malondialdehyde generation, and inhibited an increase in cell membrane permeability. Meanwhile, defensive enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidize (POD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), chitinase (CHI), and ß-1,3-glucanase, were significantly increased in fruits treated with exogenous melatonin. These results suggested that exogenous melatonin treatment could activate defence responses to combat the infection of B. cinerea in post-harvest grapes.