bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of gender-specific factors in the choice of specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology: results from a survey among medical students in Germany
Authors: Riedel Maximilian , Hennigs André , Dobberkau Anna Maria , Riedel Caroline , Bugaj Till Johannes , Nikendei Christoph , Amann Niklas , Karge Anne , Eisenkolb Gabriel , Tensil Maria , Recker Florian , Riedel Fabian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is facing growing competition for young professionals in Germany, with high interest rates among female graduates and a declining proportion of male students who choose residency training in the field. The aim of this study is to analyze general and gender-dependent factors that influence the decision for or against specialty training in OB/GYN among medical students in Germany.

Methods

Between February and November 2019, n = 346 medical students in their 5th and 6th year of undergraduate training at Heidelberg University received a questionnaire with 44 items.

Results

n = 286 students (61.3 female; 38.7% male) participated in the study. 28% of the female students and 9% of the male students had considered OB/GYN for their specialty training. The students reported different general and gender-specific influencing factors in their choice of a specialty. Both genders desired a good work-life-balance, however, in comparison with their female colleagues, male students had heavily weighted factors related to their later careers and professional success, including competition among colleagues. Male students had gained little practical experience during compulsory internships (26.9% for females vs. 8.8% for males) or had chosen their final-year elective in OB/GYN (15.9% for females vs. 5.5% for males). Female students had worried about the negative effects of their sex on their career (35.4% for females vs. 5.9% for males).

Conclusion

OB/GYN must become more appealing and attractive to young female and male professionals alike. A better compatibility of career and family should go hand in hand with the implementation of differentiated, (extra) curricular teaching approaches that take the different preferences of female and male students into account.
Complexity of skeletal muscle degeneration: multi-systems pathophysiology and organ crosstalk in dystrophinopathy
Authors: Ohlendieck Kay , Swandulla Dieter
Published: September 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disorder due to primary abnormalities in one of the largest genes in the human genome, the DMD gene, which encodes various tissue-specific isoforms of the protein dystrophin. Although dystrophinopathies are classified as primary neuromuscular disorders, the body-wide abnormalities that are associated with this disorder and the occurrence of organ crosstalk suggest that a multi-systems pathophysiological view should be taken for a better overall understanding of the complex aetiology of X-linked muscular dystrophy. This article reviews the molecular and cellular effects of deficiency in dystrophin isoforms in relation to voluntary striated muscles, the cardio-respiratory system, the kidney, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the immune system. Based on the establishment of comprehensive biomarker signatures of X-linked muscular dystrophy using large-scale screening of both patient specimens and genetic animal models, this article also discusses the potential usefulness of novel disease markers for more inclusive approaches to differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring that also take into account multi-systems aspects of dystrophinopathy. Current therapeutic approaches to combat muscular dystrophy are summarised.
Using citizen science for early detection of tree pests and diseases: perceptions of professional and public participants
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Slawson David D. , Moffat Andy J.
Published: September 2021

Early detection of new tree pests and diseases is a vital element of national strategies to prevent their establishment and spread into a country or region, based on the rationale that it increases the chances of successful eradication. Given the limited capacity and financial resources of most national plant protection authorities, the use of public participants has recently been explored in a range of citizen science projects for its ability to supplement official surveillance. However, little is known about the motivations, expectations and experiences of members of the public involved in such activities and even less about the views of professionals and officials. In this study, evidence was obtained from structured interviews with professionals and volunteers engaged in five projects related to tree health surveillance. Some differences were noted between the two groups with a greater focus on personal aspects by members of the public and on strategic and institutional aspects by professionals. A striking feature was the agreement of the two groups that the projects had met or exceeded their expectations, and provided the proof of concept that tree health surveillance capacity can be increased by engaging and training citizens. Many participants shared concerns about the importance of securing both project longevity and volunteer participation over the long term. The paper discusses ways in which the motivations of tree health surveillance participants can be sustained over long periods with particular attention to recognition and reward.
Left atrial-left ventricular angle, a new measure of left atrial and left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Al-Mohaissen Maha A. , Chow Benjamin J. W. , Lee Terry , Chan Kwan-Leung
Published: September 2021

We assessed the left atrial-left ventricular (LA-LV) long axis angulation value as a new measure of LA remodeling, and studied its predictors, its effect on two-dimensional LA volume (2D LAVol) estimation, and optimization techniques for 2D LAVol values. Retrospective electrocardiogram-gated coronary computed tomographic angiograms of 164 consecutive patients were reviewed. The LA–LV angle was measured in reconstructed 3-chamber views, and its predictors were determined. The LAVol measured by the area-length method after image optimization along the LV long axis (AL) and the LA long axis (AC–AL), was compared with that measured by the three-dimensional (3D)-volumetric method. LAVol calculation was modified to minimize differences from the 3D values. LA–LV angles ranged from 0° to 63°. In the univariate analysis, decreasing angulation was significantly associated with increasing LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), mitral regurgitation grade, LV and LA anteroposterior dimensions, and decreasing LV ejection fraction (LVEF). On multivariate analysis, increasing LVEDV, MR, and LA anteroposterior dimension inversely correlated with angulation; LVEF was positively correlated. The AL and 3D methods significantly differed only for patients with angles ≤ 29.9°. Conversely, LAVol was overestimated for all angules by AC–AL. Modification of AL LAVol using a regression equation, or by substituting the shortest with the longest and average LA lengths in patients with angles ≤ 29.9° and 30–39.9°, respectively neutralized the difference. The LA–LV angle is a new measure of LA and LV remodeling predicted by LV size and function, MR, and LA-anteroposterior dimension. AL formula modifications based on angulation in LV-optimized views better correlate with the 3D method than LA-view modification.
Innovative ionic liquids as functional agent for wood-polymer composites
Authors: Odalanowska Majka , Skrzypczak Andrzej , Borysiak Sławomir
Published: September 2021

Chemical modification of lignocellulosic fillers is a hydrophobization process that has been used for years in the production of wood-polymer composites (WPCs). However, finding new, more effective modifiers is still a big challenge and remains the subject of much research. This study involved the chemical modification of wood with the use of newly designed ammonium and imidazolium ionic liquids containing reactive functional groups. The effectiveness of the modification was confirmed using FTIR and XRD techniques. The effect of modification of wood on the supermolecular structure and morphology of wood-polymer composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction, hot stage optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. A significant influence of the modifier structure on the shaping of polymorphic varieties of the polymer matrix was demonstrated. The chemical modification also had significant effect on the nucleating properties of the wood fillers, which was confirmed by the determined crystallization parameters (crystallization half-time, crystallization temperature, crystal conversion). Moreover, the formation of a transcrystalline PP layer was noticed, which showed a large variation depending on the structure of the used ionic liquid. The obtained results correlated very well with the results of mechanical tests. It has been shown that it is possible to precisely design an ionic liquid containing a reactive functional group capable of interacting with hydroxyl groups of cellulose molecules. Moreover, the possibility of functionalizing the lignocellulosic material with innovative ionic liquids without the need to use organic solvents has not been demonstrated so far.

Graphic abstract
Automatic locking of a parametrically resonating, base-excited, nonlinear beam
Authors: Ben Shaya Nir , Bucher Izhak , Dolev Amit
Published: September 2021

Described is a closed-loop control scheme capable of stabilizing a parametrically excited nonlinear structure in several vibration modes. By setting the relative phase between the spatially filtered response and the excitation, the open-loop unstable solution branches are stabilized under a 2:1 parametric excitation of a chosen mode of vibration. For a given phase, the closed-loop automatically locks on a limit cycle, through an Autoresonance scheme, at any desired point on the solution branches. Axially driven slender beams and nanowires develop large transverse vibration under suitable amplitudes and frequency base-excitation that are sensitive to small potential coupled field. To utilize such a structure as a sensor, stable and robust operation are made possible by the control scheme. In addition, an optimal operating point with large sensitivity to the sensed potential field can be set using phase as a tunable parameter. Detailed analysis of the dynamical behavior, experimental verifications, and demonstrations sheds light on some features of the system dynamics.
The value of statistical life in the context of road safety: new evidence on the contingent valuation/standard gamble chained approach
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Fernando-Ignacio , Martínez-Pérez Jorge-Eduardo , Abellán-Perpiñán José-María , Pinto-Prades José-Luis
Published: September 2021

This study estimates the value of statistical life (VSL) on a road traffic accident using the Contingent Valuation/Standard Gamble chained approach. A large representative sample (n = 2020) is used to calculate a VSL for use in the evaluation of road safety programmes in Spain. The paper also makes some methodological contributions, by providing new evidence about the consistency of the chained method. Our main results are: (1) A range from 1.3 million euro to 1.7 million euro is obtained for the VSL in Spain in the context of road accidents. This range is in line with the values used in the same context in other European countries, although it is lower than those obtained in different contexts and with other methods. (2) The method performs much better in terms of scope sensitivity than the traditional contingent valuation method, which asks subjects about their willingness to pay for very small reductions in the risk of death. (3) We introduce a new ‘indirect’ chaining approach which reduces (but does not remove) the disparity between direct and indirect chaining approaches. More extreme VSL estimates are still obtained with this indirect method than with the direct one. (4) VSL estimates depend on the injury used. More specifically, we obtained a lower VSL when a more severe injury is used. (5) Framing the risk of death in the modified standard gamble question as “10nin 10,000” instead of “nin 1000” influences the value of VSL. We attribute this effect to the Ratio Bias.
The Day After the Bomb: Well-Being Effects of Terrorist Attacks in Europe
Authors: Colombo Emilio , Rotondi Valentina , Stanca Luca
Published: September 2021

We study the non-monetary costs of terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany between 2010 and 2017. Using four waves of the European Social Survey, we find that individual well-being is significantly reduced in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. We explore possible mechanisms, finding that terrorist attacks are negatively correlated with generalized trust, institutional trust, satisfaction with democracy and satisfaction with the government. Terrorist attacks are also found to be positively correlated with negative attitudes towards migrants and perceived discrimination. Contrary to expectations, the negative relationship between terrorism and well-being is less strong for Muslim immigrants. We interpret this finding as an indication that immigrants benefit more than natives from the institutional reaction following terrorist attacks.
DNA damage-induced degradation of Sp1 promotes cellular senescence
Authors: Swift Michelle L. , Sell Christian , Azizkhan-Clifford Jane
Published: September 2021

Persistent DNA damage (genotoxic stress) triggers signaling cascades that drive cells into apoptosis or senescence to avoid replicating a damaged genome. Sp1 has been found to play a role in double strand break (DSB) repair, and a link between Sp1 and aging has also been established, where Sp1 protein, but not RNA, levels decrease with age. Interestingly, inhibition ATM reverses the age-related degradation of Sp1, suggesting that DNA damage signaling is involved in senescence-related degradation of Sp1. Proteasomal degradation of Sp1 in senescent cells is mediated via sumoylation, where sumoylation of Sp1 on lysine 16 is increased in senescent cells. Taking into consideration our previous findings that Sp1 is phosphorylated by ATM in response to DNA damage and that proteasomal degradation of Sp1 at DSBs is also mediated by its sumoylation and subsequent interaction with RNF4, we investigated the potential contribution of Sp1’s role as a DSB repair factor in mediating cellular senescence. We report here that Sp1 expression is decreased with a concomitant increase in senescence markers in response to DNA damage. Mutation of Sp1 at serine 101 to create an ATM phospho-null mutant, or mutation of lysine 16 to create a sumo-null mutant, prevents the sumoylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation of Sp1 and results in a decrease in senescence. Conversely, depletion of Sp1 or mutation of Sp1 to create an ATM phosphomimetic results in premature degradation of Sp1 and an increase in senescence markers. These data link a loss of genomic stability with senescence through the action of a DNA damage repair factor.
Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Patients’ Gingiva
Authors: Li Mengyu , Wang Jiajia , Yu Yejia , Zhou Yuqiong , Shi Yueqi , Zhang Wenjie , Son Geehun , Ge Jing , Zhao Jun , Yang Chi , Wang Shaoyi
Published: September 2021

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a clinical condition that specifically occurs in the oral cavity, characterized by retarded wound healing in oral mucosa accelerating the exposure of bone. Moreover, the pathological mechanism remains poorly understood. Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) play a critical role in gingival healing and soft tissue regeneration. Although previous studies have showed that bisphosphonates (BPs) are highly toxic to healthy GMSC, there is overall lack of direct evidence demonstrating the characterization of GMSCs derived from BRONJ patients. In present study, we isolated GMSCs for the first time from the central area of BRONJ patients’ gingiva (center-BRONJ GMSCs) and the peripheral area (peri-BRONJ GMSCs), and found that they exhibited decreased proliferation, adhesion, migration capacities and underwent early apoptosis in vitro compared control GMSCs. Notably, the central and peripheral BRONJ GMSCs transplantation in a mice excisional skin model also displayed lower cell survival rate and poor healing effects than that of controls. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 signaling pathway was suppressed not only in BRONJ patients’ gingival lesions but also in BRONJ GMSCs transplantation animal model. The results above suggested that under the microenvironment of BRONJ patients, the dysfunction of GMSCs and the suppressed TGF-β1 signaling pathway may be the vital factors in impaired gingival healing, thus contributing to persistent exposure of underlying bone and development of BRONJ. This study provides new insights into the prevention for BRONJ by improving the functions of GMSCs and upregulating TGF-β1 in accelerating gingival wound healing.

Graphical Abstract

Schematic illustration of the dysfunction of BRONJ GMSCs in vitro and BRONJ GMSCs transplantation in a mice skin model delaying cutaneous wound healing mainly via suppressing TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
Navigating Contradictory Narratives on Sexuality Between the School and the Mosque in Four Muslim Communities in the Netherlands
Authors: Kosar Altinyelken Hulya , Akhtar Yusra , Selim Nazek
Published: September 2021

This qualitative study seeks to examine the sexuality-related values and norms that Muslim youth are taught and socialised into at non-formal Islamic education settings, compares these with values and norms conveyed at secondary schools, and then identifies the ways in which Muslim youth navigate these distinct messages and competing pressures around this subject. The data are based on 62 semi-structured in-depth interviews with young adults and secondary school students from four Muslim communities in the Netherlands (Turkish, Moroccan, Pakistani and Egyptian). The study reveals that explicit messaging as well as institutional practices in mosques convey a specific narrative about proper conduct between the sexes that prohibits sexual conduct before marriage, and in some cases, even any form of touching or socialising. This collides with the institutional practices and educational content in mainstream secondary schools, which are co-educational and provide sexuality education. Three strands of attitudinal choices young Muslims make are identified: opting for chastity, re-negotiating the norm, and embracing romantic entanglements, all having different ramifications for the wellbeing and relationships of these young people.
The Biopsychosocial Model and the Sex-Positive Approach: an Integrative Perspective for Sexology and General Health Care
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Galizia Roberta , Rossi Roberta , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Fontanesi Lilibeth , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Simonelli Chiara , Tambelli Renata
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The Biopsychosocial model (BPS) represents a comprehensive paradigm of consolidated practices. Although it has been outlined as the gold standard in sexology, its implementation is often challenging. The sex-positive approach is a ground-breaking movement that is gaining popularity all over and is focused on the recognition of different sexual expressions as valid, consensual, healthy, and meaningful. However, a pragmatic implementation of this approach is still missing.

Methods

A critical review was conducted based on bibliographic research on Medline, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science on relevant articles published from January 2011 to July 2021.

Results

A total of 116 papers were included in the following review, indicating an increasing body of research about BPS and sex-positive frameworks during the last 10 years. One of the main limitations in the BPS is the scarce attention paid to socio-cultural factors involved in sexual expressions, such as the role of negative attitudes towards sexuality that may affect health care professionals’ work. An application of the sex-positive approach to the BPS model may bring greater attention to the needs, values and desires of the individual, as well as allow a new knowledge and understanding of sexuality within a broader spectrum, including diversities and pleasures.

Conclusions

The sex-positive approach represents a viable path that entails the willingness of health care professionals to get involved actively; criticize their personal attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about sex and work hard to improve their practice in sexology.

Policy Implications

A discussion of the possible fruitful integration between the BPS and the sex-positive approach is presented, highlighting practical applications in research, clinical practice, training and sex education and giving possible directions for future studies and policies.
Case study on the environmental impact and efficiency of travel
Authors: Otero Evelyn , Ringertz Ulf
Published: September 2021

Traveling and possible impact on climate and environment are currently under intense debate, and air travel in particular is often in question due to the use of fossil fuels. Electric propulsion has therefore become very popular but the energy sources for electricity generation should as well be taken into consideration. On the other hand, the social aspect of traveling is usually forgotten and should be also included for a complete sustainability analysis. In this study, the business trip from Stockholm to Bordeaux experienced by airplane and train is analyzed. Though the journey by airplane generated six and a half times more CO2emissions than the journey by train on a per-passenger basis, this latter resulted in a 35-h journey compared to seven, and a cost up to eight and a half times more expensive than the airplane. The trip is defined as an optimization problem with focus on environmental, economic, and social impact to define acceptable trade-offs. The critical criteria for transportation mode choice were identified as the environment, time and comfort, and a value model for business travel mode optimization is proposed, integrating as well a personal value.
The Recording Industry as the Enemy? A Case Study of Early West German Metal Music
Authors: Herbst Jan-Peter
Published: September 2021

Rock and metal music have a complex relationship with the entertainment industries. They rely on commodified products but are also cautious towards the capitalist system with its instrumentalist mechanisms. This article examines early metal music from West Germany in the 1980s with its rock precursors in the 1970s to shed light on the music industry’s positive side other than the commonly portrayed enemy or villain image. Using journalistic sources, including magazines, biographies, documentaries, besides the music release database Discogs, the research reconstructs the independent recording industry for metal, examining key record companies, distribution channels and production staff, as well as their principles and intentions. The findings suggest that in the formative phase of German metal, the boundaries were blurred between fans, artists and entrepreneurs, most acting out of a passion for music. Fan practices, such as music-making, journalistic writing or tape trading, became serious leisure careers, eventually enabling some of the bands, journalists and entrepreneurs to make a living from their metal-related activities; others remained “semi-professional”. Communal spirit characterised German metal, and most of “the industry” worked together with the scene. The joint efforts made it possible for Germany to develop from a weak production location for subcultural rock music compared to the dominant cultures of the USA and UK to one of the leading recording industries for metal music. Rather than “the enemy” with manipulative intentions, the independent metal industry was a cultural intermediary and enabler of subcultural production and consumption.
Social Representations of Heroes: Triggers from the Past, Values in the Present, Patterns for the Future
Authors: Bigazzi Sára , Csernus Fanni , Siegler Anna , Bokrétás Ildikó , Serdült Sára , Ilea Izabella , Giourga Afroditi , Kahraman Melike , Takács Bálint
Published: September 2021

The representations of heroes and the heroic acts point to social values, norms, and morality of the present, creating a bridge between the past and a potential future. In this paper, a cross-cultural explorative study of heroes is presented aiming to explore general tendencies and possible patterns related to the different social contexts. Participants were reached from seven countries via social media (N = 974) for corpus construction. We asked by their choice of hero, national hero, and desired heroic action in their respective countries. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results show that there is a high rate of no choice, while among the chosen the prototypical hero is a lone moral man acting in the private (family) or public sphere (political actors). Both spheres offer the naturalization of the hero. There is a dialogical frame between the exceptional and the ordinary. Chosen heroes are dominantly contemporary males’ family members or political figures. While the purpose attributed to the personal hero is to maintain stability, the purpose attributed to the heroic actions of the public sphere is to obtain change. Similarities and differences between the seven subcorpuses are also described.
The effect of severe plastic deformation on the IF steel properties, evolution of structure and crystallographic texture after dual rolls equal channel extrusion deformation
Authors: Jabłońska M. B. , Kowalczyk K. , Tkocz M. , Chulist R. , Rodak K. , Bednarczyk I. , Cichański A.
Published: September 2021

This paper presents some results of the influence of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure evolution, grain refinement aspect, and mechanical properties of ultra-low carbon steel. Ti-stabilized experimental IF steel was deformed at a room temperature with unconventional SPD process—dual rolls equal channel extrusion (DRECE). Mechanical properties and structure of ferritic steel in initial state and after selected steps of deformation were investigated. The mechanical properties were determined by static tensile tests carried out at a room temperature and microhardness research. The structural investigations involved using scanning transmission electron microscopy observations, electron back scattered diffraction and measurements of the crystallographic texture. The DRECE process affects the evolution of the structure. The microstructural investigations revealed that the processed strips exhibited a dislocation cell and grain structures with mostly low angle grain boundaries. The electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) examination showed that the processed microstructure is homogeneous along the strips thickness. The mechanical properties of the DRECE-processed IF steel strips increased with an increase the number of passes.
Effective and responsible marketing of online sports gambling to young adults in the UK
Authors: Dunlop Patrick , Ballantyne Erica E. F.
Published: September 2021

In an industry that has experienced rapid growth for a number of years, where product differentiation is minimal, the marketing tactics of online sports gambling (OSG) bookmakers are likely to push the boundaries of what can be considered responsible, as companies seek to stand out from competitors and take advantage of industry growth. This research aims to explore how the marketing tactics of OSG companies shape the gambling habits of young adult consumers, and whether this demographic considers these tactics responsible. Recommendations are made on how online bookmakers can remain responsible in their marketing to young adults. Findings revealed that the primary motivation behind young adults’ recreational gambling was the excitement induced through participation. Further, young adults’ OSG bookmaker preference is influenced by promotional offers for existing customers. Results from the study indicate that in general, young adults do not deem the varied marketing techniques employed by OSG companies as irresponsible practices. However there were concerns regarding the potential impact of the continued increase in OSG marketing on problem gamblers and children (under 18).
Democratizing social studies teacher education through mediated field experiences and practice-based teacher education
Authors: Fitchett Paul G. , Moore Stacy B.
Published: September 2021

This dual methods study explored one social studies teacher education program as it attempted to incorporate a cycle of practice-based teacher education into a methods course for the purpose of democratizing the teacher education experience. In addition to detailing the pedagogical decisions of the course instructor, researchers followed two social studies teacher candidates into their student teaching experience. Findings suggested that promoting social studies practice through a pedagogy of enactment is not enough. Rather, mentor teachers, course instructors, and teacher candidates need to be aligned pedagogically as to the purposes and practices of social studies education.
Teaching in Challenging Circumstances
Authors: Sowton Chris
Published: September 2021

This book is an essential resource for teachers who work in challenging circumstances, which might include formal education systems in the developing or developed world and informal or non-formal teaching in areas with growing numbers of refugees or displaced people. It draws on academic and professional research to provide practical advice that will help teachers address concerns including teaching large classes, working with limited resources and supporting learners who have experienced interrupted education and who may be suffering from trauma. It offers suggestions for creating a positive learning environment and implementing effective teaching practice, and discusses the importance of resilience and wellbeing. Each chapter contains key takeaways, relevant case studies and classroom-ready teaching tips and the book also includes opportunities for teachers to reflect on their own knowledge and experience and develop their resilience and ability.
Strengthening producer organizations to increase market access of smallholder farmers in Uganda
Authors: Hill Ruth Vargas , Maruyama Eduardo , Olapade Markus , Frölich Markus
Published: September 2021

Smallholder agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is largely exposed to pervasive market failures, translating into missed opportunities and sub-optimal economic behavior. These failures can partly be traced to the importance of economies of scale in procuring inputs and marketing produce, where smallholders face disproportionately high transaction costs. Producer organizations could help to lessen transaction costs; however, only a few farmers in Uganda sell through them. We introduce two interventions aimed at promoting marketing via producer organizations: cash on delivery, and information on sales, and analyze their impacts in an RCT design: We find that providing cash on delivery increases the probability that a member chooses to sell through the group, and hence the volumes bulked by each group. This increase in volumes appears to have enabled groups to secure higher prices for their produce. No significant effect could be found for providing information on sales.
Relatedness within and between Agta residential groups
Authors: Dyble Mark , Migliano Andrea Bamberg , Page Abigail E. , Smith Daniel
Published: September 2021

Theoretical models relating to the evolution of human behaviour usually make assumptions about the kinship structure of social groups. Since humans were hunter–gatherers for most of our evolutionary history, data on the composition of contemporary hunter–gatherer groups has long been used to inform these models. Although several papers have taken a broad view of hunter–gatherer social organisation, it is also useful to explore data from single populations in more depth. Here, we describe patterns of relatedness among the Palanan Agta, hunter–gatherers from the northern Philippines. Across 271 adults, mean relatedness to adults across the population isr =0.01 and to adult campmates isr =0.074, estimates that are similar to those seen in other hunter–gatherers. We also report the distribution of kin across camps, relatedness and age differences between spouses, and the degree of shared reproductive interest between camp mates, a measure that incorporates affinal kinship. For both this this measure (s) and standard relatedness (r), we see no major age or sex differences in the relatedness of adults to their campmates, conditions that may reduce the potential for conflicts of interest within social groups.
Solidity effects on the performance of vertical-axis wind turbines
Authors: Miller Mark A. , Duvvuri Subrahmanyam , Hultmark Marcus
Published: September 2021

The variety of configurations for vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) make the development of universal scaling relationships for even basic performance parameters difficult. Rotor geometry changes can be characterized using the concept of solidity, defined as the ratio of solid rotor area to the swept area. However, few studies have explored the effect of this parameter at full-scale conditions due to the challenge of matching both the non-dimensional rotational rate (or tip speed ratio) and scale (or Reynolds number) in conventional wind tunnels. In this study, experiments were conducted on a VAWT model using a specialized compressed-air wind tunnel where the density can be increased to over 200 times atmospheric air. The number of blades on the model was altered to explore how solidity affects performance while keeping other geometric parameters, such as the ratio of blade chord to rotor radius, the same. These data were collected at conditions relevant to the field-scale VAWT but in the controlled environment of the lab. For the three highest solidity rotors (using the most blades), performance was found to depend similarly on the Reynolds number, despite changes in rotational effects. This result has direct implications for the modelling and design of high-solidity field-scale VAWTs.
ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCF2 and ABCG9 regulate rice black-streaked dwarf virus infection in its insect vector, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén)
Authors: Yang Yuanxue , Wang Aiyu , Wang Man , Zhang Yun , Zhang Jianhua , Zhao Ming
Published: September 2021

The majority of plant viral disease is transmitted and spread by insect vectors in the field. The small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), is the only efficient vector for rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a devastating plant virus that infects multiple grain crops, including rice, maize, and wheat. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters participate in various biological processes. However, little is known about whether ABC transporters affect virus infection in insects. In this study, RBSDV accumulation was significantly reduced in L. striatellus after treatment with verapamil, an effective inhibitor of ABC transporters. Thirty-four ABC transporter genes were identified in L. striatellus and expression analysis showed that LsABCF2 and LsABCG9 were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after RBSDV infection. LsABCF2 and LsABCG9 were expressed during all developmental stages, and LsABCG9 was highly expressed in the midgut of L. striatellus. Knockdown of LsABCF2 promoted RBSDV accumulation, while knockdown of LsABCG9 suppressed RBSDV accumulation in L. striatellus. Our data showed that L. striatellus might upregulate the expression of LsABCF2 and downregulate LsABCG9 expression to suppress RBSDV infection. These results will contribute to understanding the effects of ABC transporters on virus transmission and provide theoretical basis for virus management in the field.
PLATO,STATESMAN275D8–E1
Authors: Politis Vasilis
Published: September 2021

In his dialogueStatesman(=Plt.), Plato first sets out one way of thinking of the statesperson, on the model of a nurturer of a herd such as a shepherd; then he sets out a very different way of thinking of him, on the model of a weaver of a social fabric. Critics have long been wondering whether Plato wants to combine the two models or, on the contrary, to abandon the nurturing model in favour of the weaving model.

This article shows that a particular passage in the dialogue, 275d8–e1, is crucial for this question. As this passage is understood by all commentators and translators, it says that the statesperson is not a nurturer. This ought to have settled the question. But the article argues that we cannot read the passage like that. For an adjacent passage, 275b1–7, says that the statesperson is a nurturer. There is no way out of this contradiction, unless we reconsider the traditional reading of 275d8–e1.

The article defends a different reading of 275d8–e1, which avoids the contradiction. On this new reading, the passage does not say that the statesperson is not a nurturer, it says that her/his being a nurturer is not the grounds for her/him deserving the title ‘statesperson’.
NOTHING BUT RHETORIC? RHETORIC, PRAGMATICS AND MYTH-MAKING IN THE AGŌN OF EURIPIDES’ ALCESTIS
Authors: Martin Gunther
Published: September 2021

This paper draws on Euripides’ Alcestis to propose a new way of approaching the tragic agōn. It reads the debate scene of that play not as a rhetorical showpiece but as a piece of dialogue and an interaction that follows the principles of communicative pragmatics. In this interpretation Admetus and Pheres do not aim to persuade each other about whether it would have been right for Pheres to sacrifice his life for his son; instead, father and son are engaged in redefining their relationship, at the same time hurting each other as much as possible. Therefore, analyses that focus on ethical arguments concerning Pheres’ refusal to die and on how they reflect on the two persons' characters fail to capture an essential aspect of the quarrel. If, however, the communicative nature of the agōn is taken into consideration, illogical and seemingly idiosyncratic passages of the speeches can be explained as functional, and its transformed purpose chimes with Euripides’ rearrangement of the traditional myth, as he places the debate after Alcestis’ death.
A tutorial on radio frequency sheath physics for magnetically confined fusion devices
Authors: Myra J. R.
Published: September 2021

Radio frequency (RF) sheaths occur under a wide variety of conditions when RF waves, material surfaces and plasma coexist. RF sheaths are of special importance in describing the interaction of ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) waves with the boundary plasma in tokamaks, stellarators and other magnetic confinement devices. In this article the basic physics of RF sheaths is discussed in the context of magnetic fusion research. Techniques for modelling RF sheaths, their interaction with RF wave fields and the resulting consequences are highlighted. The article is intended as a guide for the early-career ICRF researcher, but it may equally well serve to provide an overview of basic RF sheath concepts and modelling directions for any interested fusion scientist.
Complex photobiont diversity in the marine lichen Lichina pygmaea
Authors: Chrismas Nathan A. M. , Allen Ro , Hollingsworth Anita L. , Taylor Joe D. , Cunliffe Michael
Published: September 2021

Lichens are a well-known symbiosis between a host mycobiont and eukaryote algal or cyanobacterial photobiont partner(s). Recent studies have indicated that terrestrial lichens can also contain other cryptic photobionts that increase the lichens’ ecological fitness in response to varying environmental conditions. Marine lichens live in distinct ecosystems compared with their terrestrial counterparts because of regular submersion in seawater and are much less studied. We performed bacteria 16S and eukaryote 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding surveys to assess total photobiont diversity within the marine lichen Lichina pygmaea (Lightf.) C. Agardh, which is widespread throughout the intertidal zone of Atlantic coastlines. We found that in addition to the established cyanobacterial photobiont Rivularia, L. pygmaea is also apparently host to a range of other marine and freshwater cyanobacteria, as well as marine eukaryote algae in the family Ulvophyceae (Chlorophyta). We propose that symbiosis with multiple freshwater and marine cyanobacteria and eukaryote photobionts may contribute to the ability of L. pygmaea to survive the harsh fluctuating environmental conditions of the intertidal zone.
Truly Cross-fit: The Association of Exercise and Clinical Outcomes: Introduction to a JINS Special Section
Authors: Smith Glenn E , Okonkwo Ozioma C.
Published: September 2021

We introduce a JINS special section inspired by a symposium presented at INS 2020 in Denver. The symposium was entitled Truly Cross-fit: The Association of Exercise and Cognitive Reserve. The collection of papers herein spans diverse methods, a range of developmental and clinical conditions, and a variety of outcomes all reflecting on the association of exercise and cognition-related outcomes. Taken together, the studies in this Special Section direct us to the variety of dimensions to be considered in understanding this association including what mode, intensity, duration, and timing of physical activity and aspects of age, sex, genetics, baseline characteristics, and disease status moderate these findings. We hope this Special Section will not only provide a framing for important future research on exercise and clinical outcomes but also inspiration to pursue them.
The Effect of Self-Paced Exercise Intensity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Frontal Grey Matter Volume in Cognitively Normal Older Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Frost Natalie J. , Weinborn Michael , Gignac Gilles E. , Xia Ying , Doré Vincent , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Markovic Shaun , Gordon Nicole , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Laws Simon M. , Martins Ralph N. , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Brown Belinda M.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Exercise has been found to be important in maintaining neurocognitive health. However, the effect of exercise intensity level remains relatively underexplored. Thus, to test the hypothesis that self-paced high-intensity exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (peak aerobic capacity; VO2peak) increase grey matter (GM) volume, we examined the effect of a 6-month exercise intervention on frontal lobe GM regions that support the executive functions in older adults.

Methods:

Ninety-eight cognitively normal participants (age = 69.06 ± 5.2 years; n = 54 female) were randomised into either a self-paced high- or moderate-intensity cycle-based exercise intervention group, or a no-intervention control group. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and fitness assessment pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 12-months post-intervention.

Results:

The intervention was found to increase fitness in the exercise groups, as compared with the control group (F = 9.88, p = <0.001). Changes in pre-to-post-intervention fitness were associated with increased volume in the right frontal lobe (β = 0.29, p = 0.036, r = 0.27), right supplementary motor area (β = 0.30, p = 0.031, r = 0.29), and both right (β = 0.32, p = 0.034, r = 0.30) and left gyrus rectus (β = 0.30, p = 0.037, r = 0.29) for intervention, but not control participants. No differences in volume were observed across groups.

Conclusions:

At an aggregate level, six months of self-paced high- or moderate-intensity exercise did not increase frontal GM volume. However, experimentally-induced changes in individual cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with frontal GM volume in our sample of older adults. These results provide evidence of individual variability in exercise-induced fitness on brain structure.
Der Testungseffekt beim Lernen mit Texten
Authors: Rummer Ralf
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Da der Testungseffekt in der evidenzbasierten Lehr- / Lernforschung als einer der am besten gesicherten Befunde gilt (z. B. Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan & Willingham, 2013 ), ist er in besonderer Weise dazu geeignet, grundlegende Probleme bei der Nutzbarmachung von in der experimentellen Forschung gut gesicherten Befunden zu verdeutlichen. Im Zentrum dieses Beitrags stehen das Verhältnis zwischen Lernresultaten und metakognitiven Erwartungen, die Komplexität von Lernmaterialien als Moderator für den Testungseffekt sowie Unterschiede zwischen Feld- und Laborexperimenten.
Strong Quarterdiurnal Tides in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere During the 2019 Arctic Sudden Stratospheric Warming Over Mohe, China
Authors: Gong Yun , Xue Junwei , Ma Zheng , Zhang Shaodong , Zhou Qihou , Huang Chunming , Huang Kaiming , Yu You , Li Guozhu
Published: September 2021

We present an analysis of a quarterdiurnal tide (QDT) during the 2019 Arctic sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event. The analysis is based on data obtained from a meteor radar located at Mohe (MH, 53.5°N, 122.3°E), China. The enhancement of the QDT amplitude is observed during the SSW and the maximum QDT amplitude is about 10 m/s in both neutral wind components. Using the meter radar measurements at MH in the period from August 2011 to April 2019, a probability density function of the QDT amplitude is estimated. The probability of the QDT amplitude larger than 8 m/s is less than 1% at MH. A clear seasonal variability of the QDT amplitude is apparent with the maximum amplitudes that appeared in winter. Based on our analysis, the seasonal variability of the QDT is not the main reason that amplified the QDT. According to the bispectral and bicoherence analyses, nonlinear interaction between tidal waves may contribute to the enhancement of the ODTs. The nonlinear interaction between two semidiurnal tides (SDTs) is important, while the effect of the nonlinear interaction between the diurnal tide and the terdiurnal tide is secondary. It may be possible that the effect of the 2019 SSW amplifies the SDT first and then the QDT is generated via nonlinear interaction of SDTs.
Fault Segmentation Pattern Controlled by Thickness of Brittle Crust
Authors: Jiao L. , Klinger Y. , Scholtès L.
Published: September 2021

During large earthquakes, seismic sources tend to split in several sub‐events that rupture neighboring fault patches called fault segments. The scaling of such segmentation plays a decisive role in earthquake rupture dynamics, especially for strike‐slip events. Using numerical modeling we demonstrate that when a pristine layer of brittle material is sheared, the first oblique Riedel fractures nucleate with a regular spacing that is controlled by the thickness of that layer. During later localization of the deformation, those initial fractures control the spatial structuration of the entire fault system. Analyzing the horizontal stress distribution in fault‐parallel direction for different ratios between inter‐Riedel distance and material thickness, we identify a threshold at 1.5, beyond which the stress switches from compressional to tensional and leads to the nucleation of a new Riedel fracture. Thus, the inter‐Riedel segment length appears to be controlled by the vertical distribution of stress along the fault.