bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese Contemporary Christian Arts and the Bible
Authors: Zhou Clover Xuesong
Published: March 2021

This essay explores the burgeoning intersection of Chinese culture, contemporary art, and Christianity through a brief historiography and by introducing three paradigmatic Chinese contemporary Christian artists. Historically, there have been tensions in all three dimensions. The advent of modernity brought with it enmity between Christian traditions and a newly liberated art world. Similarly, contemporary artists in China found themselves at odds with the government beginning in the 1980s. All the while, Christianity has had a torrid relationship with Chinese government and culture. The artists whose lives and art practices are unifying these sundry orientations are thus quintessential trailblazers. Pastor Feng Chun Lan’s award-winning photography series is an outlet for evangelism and worship, video artist Li Ran exhibits and instigates cultural dialogue about church experience and modern Chinese political history, and Gao Lei’s installations evoke subtle but potent biblical themes often with an eye to Chinese or global issues of justice.
De Poirot’s Chinese Bible and Its Influence
Authors: Haijuan Zheng
Published: March 2021

Louis de Poirot’s Chinese translation of the Bible is the first attempt among Catholic missionaries to translate the Bible systematically into vernacular Chinese. Based upon a circumstantial introduction to de Poirot’s version, this essay explores the motivation behind the translator’s idiosyncratic choice of vernacular Chinese in translation, at a time when classical Chinese was still the dominant written language in China. Also, influences of de Poirot’s version upon later translated versions of the Bible in China, including Morrison’s version and the Studium Biblicum version, are investigated and discussed in detail.
The Eastern Orthodox Bible in China
Authors: Zhengrong Li
Published: March 2021

This essay surveys the arrival of the Eastern Orthodox Church by Russian Orthodox missionaries to China. It examines how, in the development of the Eastern Orthodox Church in China, the Chinese Orthodox Bible came into being from the Church Slavonic Bible: the 1864 Xin Yi Zhao Sheng Jing (The New Testament), the 1879 Sheng Yong Jing (The Psalms), the 1910 Xin Yue Sheng Jing (The New Testament), the 1911 Ma Te Fei Yi Sheng Fu Yin Jing (The Gospel of Matthew). Other biblically related materials are discussed, such as the catechesis and liturgies: Tian Shen Hui Ke (Conversation of the Angels), Dong Jiao Zong Jian (Mirror of Orthodox Confession), Jiao Yi Wen Da (Catechesis), Quan Gao Jie Wen (The Catechetical Instruction on Confession).
Catholic Tracts and Parabolic Stories in Ming-Qing China
Authors: Li Sher-shiueh
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to survey the development of the Chinese Bible and related Christian tracts, especially those showing parabolic interests, in the transitional period between the Ming and the Qing dynasties. The nomenclature of the Bible as the “Shengjing” does not come automatically; it went through a long period of development before it finally distinguished itself as Chinese Christian terminology referring to the Bible, their sacred scripture. During the long period of transition, many Christian tracts appeared to help shape the formation of the Chinese Bible. Stories with parabolic significance appeared in such process as canon formation in Chinese in the steps of translation and engagement with Chinese cultures. Members of the Society of Jesus played a major role in the process.
The Socio-Political Impact of the Bible in China
Authors: Vermander Benoît
Published: March 2021

The China of today has been shaped partly by two centuries of Bible translations and by an even longer period of Christian propagation. This essay looks at the socio-political impact of the Bible on twentieth- and twenty-first-century China. Far beyond the religious sphere, China’s society and culture absorbed biblical narratives and teaching, spread through channels that have been circuitous, ambiguous, and controversial. This essay seeks to offer insights as to what extent the Bible has become part and parcel of Chinas’ socio-political references and controversies. The variety of social settings, political stances and hermeneutical strategies has characterized biblical readings from the time the Bible was introduced into China, and particularly since it became part of the general debate on national essence and modernity.
Inculturation of Christian Pictures in the Republic of China
Authors: Chu Xiaobai
Published: March 2021

During the Chinese Christianity inculturation movement of the 1920–1930s in the Republic of China, many Christian pictures were produced and spread quite widely, including the icons “painted” (actually written as spiritual exercise through paintings) by teachers and students in Fu Jen Catholic University, the comic-strip book published by the Chinese Christian Painting Press of the Gospel, the pictures in the Kung Kao Po (a Catholic newspaper), and in the books published by Tou-se-we Painting House. On the basis of particular characteristics of these images, this essay attempts an artistic and theological analysis of the paintings, analyzing the painters’ effort to foster the inculturation of Christian pictures in China.
The Bible in Contemporaneous Struggles for Basic Legal Freedoms
Authors: Halliday Terence
Published: March 2021

What are the biblical foundations on which Protestant Christian activist lawyers build not only their practices but their vision of a renewed China? This chapter examines the biblical premises and understandings that motivate and sustain Protestant activist lawyers in the pursuit of their legal and religious ideals in an increasingly repressive political context. Drawing on extensive sociological research on leading rights lawyers between 2009–2015, the chapter shows how the Bible is integral to their academic and spiritual callings; how they draw on core doctrines of human nature, dignity, equality, freedom, justice, love, fairness, and forgiveness to shape their practices; and the ways that biblical understandings infuse their pursuit of basic legal freedoms, an open civil society, and a restraint on power in a transformed China.
Unearthing Historical Violence in the Lives of Filipino Istambays Using Rizal’s Theory of the Colonial Philippines
Authors: Batan Clarence M.
Published: March 2021

This essay introduces the concept of ‘historical violence’ in the lives of young Filipinos, especially those who are unemployed and referred to locally as the istambay (on standby) phenomenon. Drawing on the work of José Rizal, a nineteenth-century Filipino social thinker and activist, the essay offers a dialogue between the past and present locating the istambay phenomenon in the colonial experience of a nation. It argues for the necessity of historicizing violence, and recognizing the violent effects of colonialism, in order to understand and challenge stereotypes such as those regarding young Filipinos’ attitudes toward work. Historical accounts demonstrate how colonization continues to affect life stages such as youth. Rizal’s narratives of sustainability, precolonial history, and globalization are linked to current sociologies of youth, religion, and public policy.
Global South Youth Studies, Its Forms and Differences among the South, and between the North and South
Authors: Batan Clarence M. , Cooper Adam , Côté James E. , France Alan , Gilbert-Roberts Terri-Ann , Hettige Siri , Miranda Ana , Nilan Pam , Philipps Joschka , Ugor Paul
Published: March 2021

This essay comprises reflections of scholars in and originating from the Global South, plus some comments from Northern scholars, forming an integrated dialogue. It focuses on the development of youth studies in Africa, Latin America, parts of Asia, and the Caribbean, illuminating how youth studies in, from, and for the South emerge as a result of struggle—to get recognition, to theorize beyond dominant Northern frameworks, and state-led developments, and to be heard. Paradoxically, youth studies from the South are strongly influenced by the work of Northern scholars. Despite these influences, Northern ideas struggle to grasp local contexts and conditions and consequently there is a need for more localized knowledge and theorizing to make sense of young people’s lives outside the Global North. The reflections provide a reminder that struggles over the meaning and situation of youth, within particular contexts, are highly political.
Representations of Young People and Neoliberal Developmentalism in the Global South
Authors: Bessant Judith
Published: March 2021

Negative representations of young people as ‘troublemakers,’ ‘idle’ or ‘politically disinterested’ have been commonplace. More recently, newer representations include seemingly positive labels such as ‘change agent,’ ‘politically engaged’ and ‘youth entrepreneurs.’ This essay explores the politics of representing young people, particularly in the Global South, and highlights how young people are represented by political elites and how they represent themselves. The central argument is that the neoliberal development model promotes representations of young people that do not best serve their interests. Stuart Hall’s work is used to understand how these representations conceal the chasm between contemporary discourses such as that of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution,’ ‘Youth participation’ and ‘Sustainability,’ and the lived experiences of young people in Southern contexts. Hall’s theory of representations also highlights the politics operating between dominant discourses aimed at coopting so-called subordinate groups into a shared consensus, and the possibilities of disrupting that consensus.
Introduction
Authors: Farias Miguel , Brazier David , Lalljee Mansur
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, it explores the different meanings of meditation and its varieties across Eastern and Western traditions, including the more recent therapeutic developments. Using a Meditation Tree image, specifically created for this volume, the chapter gives examples of practices from these traditions that rely on multiple techniques, such as concentration, recitation, breathing, singing, and visualization of physical or mental objects, among others. It highlights the richness of practices but equally of experiences and expected goals, which have led to debates and tensions among meditation experts and movements for over two thousand years. Second, the chapter summarizes the structure of this volume and the major achievements in the study of meditation, as well as current limitations and controversies.
The Symbolic Revolution
Authors: Power Camilla , Watts Ian , Knight Chris
Published: March 2021

This chapter presents a Darwinian account of how humans became the symbolic species. It challenges the widely held idea that symbolic culture did not emerge until long after our African speciation. Red ochre use appears as a cumulative cultural tradition emerging prior to modern humans, becoming ubiquitous with modern Homo sapiens. One argument for the evolution of within-group cooperation has been inter-group conflict, but this is unlikely to result in sexual morality. An alternative model of “reverse dominance” or “gender” warfare is explored, generating playful, ritual contest between the sexes. As a reproductive strategy, women in coalitions resisted dominant male attempts to monopolize fertile females without providing adequate investment. Ritual bodypaint performances established symbolic culture, morality, kinship, and the sexual division of labor. Investor males drove the success of this symbolic strategy through sexual selection of ritually decorated females, linked to the plateau of encephalization in modern humans.
Animal Signals and Symbolism
Authors: Griebel Ulrike , Oller D. Kimbrough
Published: March 2021

Human languages are symbolic. If we accept a broadly gradualist account of evolution, forerunners of the symbolism found in human languages should be observable in our closest relatives. After intensive training by humans, animals as different as great apes, dogs, sea lions, parrots, and dolphins have been shown to be able to learn, and in some cases to use, linguistic symbols with both humans and conspecifics. However, there is an absence of convincing and widely accepted evidence for symbolism in the use by non-human animals of natural communication systems in the wild. In addressing this apparent paradox, we provide definitions of fundamental differences between human symbolism and non-human communication systems and discuss foundational capacities for symbolism in non-humans. We argue that animal signals sometimes thought to resemble symbols are more likely (as proposed by Darwin) emotional expressions. We offer arguments about the evolutionary pressures that may have led to increasingly complex communication in the hominin line.
The Evolution of Language and Speech
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Dediu Dan
Published: March 2021

The ability to learn and use languages (also known as our language-readiness) relies on a complex cognitive and biomechanical machinery that is deeply rooted in our biology and evolutionary history, but which has nevertheless been recently reshaped in our lineage. To some extent, this reshaping resulted from changes in the sequence and/or the expression patterns of selected genes. Some of these genetic changes further facilitated cultural processes that have also played a major role in language evolution. In this chapter we review some of the key candidate genes for these changes, with a focus on our language-ready brain, our speech-ready organs, and our self-domestication. We discuss the shortcomings of present-day genetic approaches to language evolution and advance some avenues of future research.
Changes in TMS measures induced by transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation
Authors: Nitsche Michael A. , Paulus Walter , Thut Gregor
Published: March 2021

Brain stimulation with weak electrical currents (transcranial electrical stimulation, tES) is known already for about 60 years as a technique to generate modifications of cortical excitability and activity. Originally established in animal models, it was developed as a noninvasive brain stimulation tool about 20 years ago for application in humans. Stimulation with direct currents (transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) induces acute cortical excitability alterations, as well as neuroplastic after-effects, whereas stimulation with alternating currents (transcranial alternating current stimulation, tACS) affects primarily oscillatory brain activity but has also been shown to induce neuroplasticity effects. Beyond their respective regional effects, both stimulation techniques have also an impact on cerebral networks. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been pivotal to helping reveal the physiological effects and mechanisms of action of both stimulation techniques for motor cortex application, but also for stimulation of other areas. This chapter will supply the reader with an overview about the effects of tES on human brain physiology, as revealed by TMS.
Long-read sequence assembly: a technical evaluation in barley
Authors: Mascher Martin , Wicker Thomas , Jenkins Jerry , Plott Christopher , Lux Thomas , Koh Chu Shin , Ens Jennifer , Gundlach Heidrun , Boston Lori B , Tulpová Zuzana , Holden Samuel , Hernández-Pinzón Inmaculada , Scholz Uwe , Mayer Klaus F X , Spannagl Manuel , Pozniak Curtis J , Sharpe Andrew G , Šimková Hana , Moscou Matthew J , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , Stein Nils
Published: March 2021

Sequence assembly of large and repeat-rich plant genomes has been challenging, requiring substantial computational resources and often several complementary sequence assembly and genome mapping approaches. The recent development of fast and accurate long-read sequencing by circular consensus sequencing (CCS) on the PacBio platform may greatly increase the scope of plant pan-genome projects. Here, we compare current long-read sequencing platforms regarding their ability to rapidly generate contiguous sequence assemblies in pan-genome studies of barley (Hordeum vulgare). Most long-read assemblies are clearly superior to the current barley reference sequence based on short-reads. Assemblies derived from accurate long reads excel in most metrics, but the CCS approach was the most cost-effective strategy for assembling tens of barley genomes. A downsampling analysis indicated that 20-fold CCS coverage can yield very good sequence assemblies, while even five-fold CCS data may capture the complete sequence of most genes. We present an updated reference genome assembly for barley with near-complete representation of the repeat-rich intergenic space. Long-read assembly can underpin the construction of accurate and complete sequences of multiple genomes of a species to build pan-genome infrastructures in Triticeae crops and their wild relatives.
Regularity Of Spectral Stacks And Discreteness Of Weight-Hearts
Authors: Sosnilo Vladimir
Published: March 2021

We study regularity in the context of connective ring spectra and spectral stacks. Parallel to that, we construct a weight structure on the category of compact quasi-coherent sheaves on spectral quotient stacks of the form $X=[\operatorname{Spec} R/G]$ defined over a field, where R is a connective ${{\mathcal{E}}_\infty}$-k-algebra and G is a linearly reductive group acting on R. Under reasonable assumptions, we show that regularity of X is equivalent to regularity of R. We also show that if R is bounded, such a stack is discrete. This result can be interpreted in terms of weight structures and suggests a general phenomenon: for a symmetric monoidal stable $\infty$-category with a compatible bounded weight structure, the existence of an adjacent t-structure satisfying a strong boundedness condition should imply discreteness of the weight-heart. We also prove a gluing result for weight structures and adjacent t-structures, in the setting of a semi-orthogonal decomposition of stable $\infty$-categories.
The Image Milnor Number And Excellent Unfoldings
Authors: Giménez Conejero R , Nuño-Ballesteros J J
Published: March 2021

We show three basic properties of the image Milnor number µI(f) of a germ $f\colon(\mathbb{C}^{n},S)\rightarrow(\mathbb{C}^{n+1},0)$ with isolated instability. First, we show the conservation of the image Milnor number, from which one can deduce the upper semi-continuity and the topological invariance for families. Second, we prove the weak Mond’s conjecture, which states that µI(f) = 0 if and only if f is stable. Finally, we show a conjecture by Houston that any family $f_t\colon(\mathbb{C}^{n},S)\rightarrow(\mathbb{C}^{n+1},0)$ with $\mu_I(\,f_t)$ constant is excellent in Gaffney’s sense. For technical reasons, in the last two properties, we consider only the corank 1 case.
Defining Bicircular Matroids in Monadic Logic
Authors: Funk Daryl , Mayhew Dillon , Newman Mike
Published: March 2021

We conjecture that the class of frame matroids can be characterized by a sentence in the monadic second-order logic of matroids, and we prove that there is such a characterization for the class of bicircular matroids. The proof does not depend on an excluded-minor characterization.
Toxocarainfection/exposure and the risk of schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taghipour Ali , Habibpour Haniyeh , Mirzapour Aliyar , Rostami Ali
Published: March 2021

Toxocariasis is an important neglected disease that could have a role in the development of some neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia (SCZ). We performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis on observational studies to evaluate the possible association between Toxocara infection/exposure and SCZ. Systematic searching (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) was performed, up to 15 August 2020, to identify the relevant studies. We used a random effects meta-analysis model to generate the pooled OR and 95% CIs. The research process resulted in the identification of six studies related to the subject of interest entailing 411 SCZ patients and 2047 controls. Our results demonstrated that the SCZ patients (15%; 95% CI 6.8 to 29.9%) had higher pooled seroprevalence of Toxocara infection/exposure than the control group (3.3%; 95% CI 1.1 to 9.4%), showing a significant association (pooled OR, 4.06; 95% CI 1.14 to 14.43). Our findings suggested that Toxocara infection/exposure might have an important but neglected contribution to SCZ development. However, further well-designed and large-scale observational studies are needed to illuminate this association. Because many other environmental and genetic factors may be strong confounders, more mechanistic/experimental studies in animal models are also necessary to further define the mechanism of this association.
Three Highly Sensitive and High-Throughput Serological Approaches for Detecting Dickeya dadantii in Sweet Potato
Authors: He Wanqin , Huang Deqing , Wu Jiayu , Li Xue , Qian Yajuan , Li Bin , Lou Binggan , Wu Jianxiang
Published: March 2021

Sweet potato stem and root rot is an important bacterial disease and often causes serious economic losses to sweet potato. Development of rapid and sensitive detection methods is crucial for diagnosis and management of this disease in field. Here, we report the production of four hybridoma cell lines (25C4, 16C10, 9B1, and 9H10) using Dickeya dadantii strain FY1710 as an immunogen. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) produced by these four hybridoma cell lines were highly specific and sensitive for D. dadantii detection. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect-ELISA) results showed that the four MAbs 25C4, 16C10, 9B1, and 9H10 could detect D. dadantii in suspensions diluted to 4.89 × 104, 4.89 × 104, 9.78 × 104, and 9.78 × 104 CFU/ml, respectively. Furthermore, all four MAbs can react strongly and specifically with all four D. dadantii strains used in this study, not with the other seven tested bacterial strains. Using these four MAbs, three different serological approaches, triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA), dot-ELISA, and tissue-print-ELISA, were developed for detection of D. dadantii in crude extracts prepared from field-collected sweet potato plants. Among these three methods, TAS-ELISA and dot-ELISA were used to detect D. dadantii in suspensions diluted up to 1.23 × 104 and 1.17 × 106 CFU/ml, respectively, or in sweet potato crude extracts diluted up to 1:3,840 and 1:1,920 (wt/vol, grams per milliliter), respectively. Surprisingly, both TAS-ELISA and dot-ELISA serological approaches were more sensitive than the conventional PCR. Analyses using field-collected sweet potato samples showed that the newly developed TAS-ELISA, dot-ELISA, or tissue-print-ELISA were reliable in detecting D. dadantii in sweet potato tissues. Thus, the three serological approaches were highly valuable for diagnosis of stem and root rot in sweet potato production.
Utilizing a Behavioral Health Bundle to Improve Patient and Clinician Safety for Hospitalized Children
Authors: Nicome Roger , Lo Huay-Ying , Gupta Sheena , Khan Adrita , Lee Alice , Molchen Wallis , Neubauer Hannah , Ramgopal Veena , Lyn Michelle , Weber Emily , Vachani Joyee
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Due to limited psychiatric hospital availability, increasing numbers of pediatric patients with behavioral health (BH) needs are hospitalized in medical units in the US Patients and staff are at increased risk for safety events like self-harm or aggression. Our study aimed to decrease safety events by 25% over a year among hospitalized children with BH diagnoses by implementing an intervention bundle.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a BH intervention bundle that included a BH equipment cart, an electronic medical record tool for BH patient identification/stratification, a de-escalation team, daily operational BH phone call, and staff training with a safety checklist. The primary outcome measure was the number of reported safety events in BH patients. Process measure was “medically avoidable days”, wherein a medically cleared patient remained hospitalized awaiting transfer to inpatient psychiatric units; balance measure was staff perception of the workflow.

Results:

Although not statistically significant, we noted a downward trend in safety events per 1,000 patient days from 0.47 preintervention to 0.34 postintervention (28% decrease). Special cause variation was not achieved for BH safety events or medically avoidable days. Although one-third of staff members felt the BH bundle was helpful, many reported it as impeding workflow and expressed ongoing discomfort caring for BH patients.

Conclusions:

The implementation of a BH intervention bundle requires significant institutional support and interdisciplinary coordination. Despite additional training, equipment, and staff support, we did not achieve measurable improvements in patient safety and care coordination. Additional studies to measure impact and improve care for this population are needed.
Reducing Pediatric ED Length of Stay by Reducing Diagnostic Testing: A Discrete Event Simulation Model
Authors: McKinley Kenneth W. , Chamberlain James M. , Doan Quynh , Berkowitz Deena
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Quality improvement efforts can require significant investment before the system impact of those efforts can be evaluated. We used discrete event simulation (DES) modeling to test the theoretical impact of a proposed initiative to reduce diagnostic testing for low-acuity pediatric emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods:

We modified an existing DES model, built at another large, urban, academic pediatric ED, to forecast the impact of reducing diagnostic testing rates on mean ED length of stay (LOS). The modified model included local testing rates for Emergency Severity Index (ESI) 4 and 5 patients and additional processes defined by local experts. Validation was performed by comparing model output predictions of mean LOS and wait times to actual site-specific data. We determined the goal reduction in diagnostic testing rates using the Achievable Benchmark of Care methodology. Model output mean LOS and wait times, with testing set at benchmark rates, were compared to outputs with testing set at current levels.

Results:

During validation testing, model output metrics approximated actual clinical data with no statistically significant differences. Compared to model outputs with current testing rates, the mean LOS with testing set at an achievable benchmark was significantly shorter for ESI 4 (difference 19.1 mins [95% confidence interval 12.2, 26.0]) patients.

Conclusion:

A DES model predicted a statistically significant decrease in mean LOS for ESI 4 pediatric ED patients if diagnostic testing is performed at an achievable benchmark rate compared to current rates. DES shows promise as a tool to evaluate the impact of a QI initiative before implementation.
Effects of Biofeedback-Guided Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With and Without Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation Therapy on Stress Incontinence
Authors: Gumussoy Sureyya , Kavlak Oya , Yeniel Ahmet Ozgur
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE:

We evaluated the effects of biofeedback-guided pelvic floor muscle training (EMG-BF), with and without extracorporeal magnetic innervation (EMG-BF+ExMI) therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms based on frequency of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and grams of urine loss, health-related quality of life, and sexual function in women with SUI.

DESIGN:

This was a randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The sample comprised 51 adult women with SUI. Their mean age was 50.92 years (SD 8.88). Twenty-six were randomly allocated to EMG-BF alone and 25 were allocated to undergo EMG-BF+ExMI.

METHODS:

This study's main outcome was lower urinary tract symptoms measured via the 1-hour pad test (grams of urine loss) and a 3-day bladder diary (frequency of stress incontinence episodes). Additional outcome measures were health-related quality of life measured with the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire, sexual function evaluated via the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and pelvic floor muscle contraction force measured via a perineometer and Modified Oxford Scale (MOS). All participants underwent biofeedback-enhanced pelvic floor muscle training using EMG during 20-minute sessions twice weekly for a period of 8 weeks. In addition to the EMG-BF+ExMI group, ExMI was applied during 20-minute sessions twice weekly for a period of 8 weeks. Participants from both groups were asked to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises at home (60 pelvic floor muscle contractions daily, divided into 3 sessions of 20 contractions each). Outcome measures were made at baseline and repeated at the end of treatment.

RESULTS:

Fifteen (57.7%) in the EMG-BF group and 13 (52.0%) in the EMG-BF+ExMI group achieved dryness. Four participants (15.4%) in the EMG-BF group and 5 (20%) in the EMG-BF+ExMI group experienced improvement. Seven patients (26.9%) in the EMG-BF group and 7 (28%) in the EMG-BF+ExMI group did not benefit from the treatments. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of cure and improvement (P = .895).

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings indicate that use of magnetic innervation does not improve lower urinary tract symptoms, health-related quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic floor muscle strength when compared to pelvic floor muscle training alone.
The oldest Devonian circumpolar ray-finned fish?
Authors: Figueroa Rodrigo Tinoco , Weinschütz Luiz Carlos , Friedman Matt
Published: March 2021

Actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) are the most diverse group of living fishes, but have a sparse Devonian fossil record restricted to low palaeolatitudes. Here we report a new actinopterygian from the Paraná Basin of Brazil, which occupied a circumpolar position in the Palaeozoic. Available geological evidence supports a Middle Devonian or older age for this taxon, which shares features of the mandibular symphysis with the latest Devonian
Tegeolepis
. A phylogenetic analysis resolves these two as sister taxa. This new record expands the palaeogeographic distribution of Devonian ray-fins and suggests that gaps in their fossil record might be filled by exploring poorly sampled high-latitude localities within the Malvinokaffric Realm.
Detection and characterization of chemotaxis without cell tracking
Authors: Hywood Jack D. , Rice Gregory , Pageon Sophie V. , Read Mark N. , Biro Maté
Published: March 2021

Swarming has been observed in various biological systems from collective animal movements to immune cells. In the cellular context, swarming is driven by the secretion of chemotactic factors. Despite the critical role of chemotactic swarming, few methods to robustly identify and quantify this phenomenon exist. Here, we present a novel method for the analysis of time series of positional data generated from realizations of agent-based processes. We convert the positional data for each individual time point to a function measuring agent aggregation around a given area of interest, hence generating a functional time series. The functional time series, and a more easily visualizedswarming metricof agent aggregation derived from these functions, provide useful information regarding the evolution of the underlying process over time. We extend our method to build upon the modelling of collective motility using drift–diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs). Using a functional linear model, we are able to use the functional time series to estimate the drift and diffusivity terms associated with the underlying PDE. By producing an accurate estimate for the drift coefficient, we can infer the strength and range of attraction or repulsion exerted on agents, as in chemotaxis. Our approach relies solely on using agent positional data. The spatial distribution of diffusing chemokines is not required, nor do individual agents need to be tracked over time. We demonstrate our approach using random walk simulations of chemotaxis and experiments investigating cytotoxic T cells interacting with tumouroids.
Euglenozoa: taxonomy, diversity and ecology, symbioses and viruses
Authors: Kostygov Alexei Y. , Karnkowska Anna , Votýpka Jan , Tashyreva Daria , Maciszewski Kacper , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Lukeš Julius
Published: March 2021

Euglenozoa is a species-rich group of protists, which have extremely diverse lifestyles and a range of features that distinguish them from other eukaryotes. They are composed of free-living and parasitic kinetoplastids, mostly free-living diplonemids, heterotrophic and photosynthetic euglenids, as well as deep-sea symbiontids. Although they form a well-supported monophyletic group, these morphologically rather distinct groups are almost never treated together in a comparative manner, as attempted here. We present an updated taxonomy, complemented by photos of representative species, with notes on diversity, distribution and biology of euglenozoans. For kinetoplastids, we propose a significantly modified taxonomy that reflects the latest findings. Finally, we summarize what is known about viruses infecting euglenozoans, as well as their relationships with ecto- and endosymbiotic bacteria.
Dangerous liaisons: an online experiment on the role of scientific experts and politicians in ensuring public support for anti-COVID measures
Authors: Farjam Mike , Bianchi Federico , Squazzoni Flaminio , Bravo Giangiacomo
Published: March 2021

The effectiveness of public health measures to prevent COVID-19 contagion has required less vulnerable citizens to pay an individual cost in terms of personal liberty infringement to protect more vulnerable groups. However, the close relationship between scientific experts and politicians in providing information on COVID-19 measures makes it difficult to understand which communication source was more effective in increasing pro-social behaviour. Here, we present an online experiment performed in May 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic on 1131 adult residents in Lombardy, Italy, one of the world's hardest hit regions. Results showed that when scientific experts recommended anti-contagion measures, participants were more sensitive to pro-social motivations, unlike whenever these measures were recommended by politicians and scientific experts together. Our findings suggest the importance of trusted sources in public communication during a pandemic.
Threatened Neotropical seasonally dry tropical forest: evidence of biodiversity loss in sap-sucking herbivores over 75 years
Authors: Pinedo-Escatel J. A. , Moya-Raygoza G. , Dietrich C. H. , Zahniser J. N. , Portillo L.
Published: March 2021

Tropical forests cover 7% of the earth's surface and hold 50% of known terrestrial arthropod species. Alarming insect declines resulting from human activities have recently been documented in temperate and tropical ecosystems worldwide, but reliable data from tropical forests remain sparse. The sap-sucking tribe Athysanini is one herbivore group sensitive to anthropogenic perturbation and the largest within the diverse insect family Cicadellidae distributed in America's tropical forests. To measure the possible effects of deforestation and related activities on leafhopper biodiversity, a survey of 143 historic collecting localities was conducted to determine whether species documented in the Mexican dry tropical forests during the 1920s to 1940s were still present. Biostatistical diversity analysis was performed to compare historical to recent data on species occurrences. A data matrix of 577 geographical records was analysed. In total, 374 Athysanini data records were included representing 115 species of 41 genera. Historically, species richness and diversity were higher than found in the recent survey, despite greater collecting effort in the latter. A strong trend in species decline was observed (−53%) over 75 years in this endangered seasonally dry ecosystem. Species completeness was dissimilar between historic and present data. Endemic taxa were significantly less important and represented in the 1920s–1940s species records. All localities surveyed in the dry tropical forest are disturbed and reduced by modern anthropogenic processes. Mexico harbours highly endemic leafhopper taxa with a large proportion of these inhabiting the dry forest. These findings provide important data for conservation decision making and modelling of distribution patterns of this threatened seasonally dry tropical ecosystem.
Removal of bisphenol A from aqueous media using a highly selective adsorbent of hybridization cyclodextrin with magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Mamman S. , Suah F. B. M. , Raaov M. , Mehamod F. S. , Asman S. , Zain N. N. M.
Published: March 2021

In this study, a unique magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) adsorbent towards bisphenol A (BPA) as a template molecule was developed by bulk polymerization using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a co-monomer with methacrylic acid (MAA) to form MMIP MAA–βCD as a new adsorbent. β-CD was hybridized with MAA to obtain water-compactible imprinting sites for the effective removal of BPA from aqueous samples. Benzoyl peroxide and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate were used as the initiator and cross-linker, respectively. The adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and X-ray diffraction.1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to characterize the MAA–βCD and BPA–MAA–βCD complex. Several parameters influencing the adsorption efficiency of BPA such as adsorbent dosage, pH of sample solution, contact time, initial concentrations and temperature as well as selectivity and reusability study have been evaluated. MMIP MAA–βCD showed significantly higher removal efficiency and selective binding capacity towards BPA compared to MMIP MAA owing to its unique morphology with the presence of β-CD. The kinetics data can be well described by the pseudo second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm and Halsey models best fitted the isotherm data. The thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption reaction was a spontaneous and exothermic process. Therefore, MMIP based on the hybrid monomer of MAA–βCD shows good potential of a new monomer in molecularly imprinted polymer preparation and can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of BPA from aqueous solutions.
Fertility and mortality impacts of thermal stress from experimental heatwaves on different life stages and their recovery in a model insect
Authors: Sales Kris , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Gage Matthew J. G.
Published: March 2021

With climate change creating a more volatile atmosphere, heatwaves that create thermal stress for living systems will become stronger and more frequent. Using the flour beetleTribolium castaneum, we measure the impacts of thermal stress from experimental heatwaves in the laboratory on reproduction and survival across different insect life stages, and the extent and pace of any recovery. We exposed larvae, pupae, juvenile and mature adult male beetles to 5-day periods of heat stress where temperatures were maintained at either 40°C or 42°C, a few degrees above the 35°C optimum for this species' population productivity, and then measured survival and reproduction compared with controls at 30°C. Mortality due to thermal stress was greatest among juvenile life stages. Male reproductive function was specifically damaged by high temperatures, especially if experienced through pupal or immature life stages when complete sterility was shown at reproductive maturity; larval exposure did not damage adult male fertility. High temperatures impaired testis development and the production of viable sperm, with damage being strongest when experienced during pupal or juvenile adult stages. Despite this disruption, males recovered from heat stress and, depending on the stage of exposure, testis size, sperm production and fertility returned to normal 15–28 days after exposure. Our experiments reveal how thermal stress from heatwave conditions could impact on insect survival and reproduction across different life stages, and the potential and timescales of recovery.
Research on sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) suggests that limited capacity to increase heart function leaves hypoxic fish susceptible to heat waves
Authors: Leeuwis Robine H. J. , Zanuzzo Fábio S. , Peroni Ellen F. C. , Gamperl A. Kurt
Published: March 2021

Studies of heart function and metabolism have been used to predict the impact of global warming on fish survival and distribution, and their susceptibility to acute and chronic temperature increases. Yet, despite the fact that hypoxia and high temperatures often co-occur, only one study has examined the effects of hypoxia on fish thermal tolerance, and the consequences of hypoxia for fish cardiac responses to acute warming have not been investigated. We report that sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) did not increase heart rate or cardiac output when warmed while hypoxic, and that this response was associated with reductions in maximum O2consumption and thermal tolerance (CTmax) of 66% and approximately 3°C, respectively. Further, acclimation to hypoxia for four to six months did not substantially alter the sablefish's temperature-dependent physiological responses or improve its CTmax. These results provide novel, and compelling, evidence that hypoxia can impair the cardiac and metabolic response to increased temperatures in fish, and suggest that some coastal species may be more vulnerable to climate change-related heat waves than previously thought. Further, they support research showing that cross-tolerance and physiological plasticity in fish following hypoxia acclimation are limited.
Rapid behavioural response of urban birds to COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Gordo Oscar , Brotons Lluís , Herrando Sergi , Gargallo Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Biodiversity is threatened by the growth of urban areas. However, it is still poorly understood how animals can cope with and adapt to these rapid and dramatic transformations of natural environments. The COVID-19 pandemic provides us with a unique opportunity to unveil the mechanisms involved in this process. Lockdown measures imposed in most countries are causing an unprecedented reduction of human activities, giving us an experimental setting to assess the effects of our lifestyle on biodiversity. We studied the birds' response to the population lockdown by using more than 126 000 bird records collected by a citizen science project in northeastern Spain. We compared the occurrence and detectability of birds during the spring 2020 lockdown with baseline data from previous years in the same urban areas and dates. We found that birds did not increase their probability of occurrence in urban areas during the lockdown, refuting the hypothesis that nature has recovered its space in human-emptied urban areas. However, we found an increase in bird detectability, especially during early morning, suggesting a rapid change in the birds’ daily routines in response to quieter and less crowded cities. Therefore, urban birds show high behavioural plasticity to rapidly adjust to novel environmental conditions, such as those imposed by the COVID-19.
Where the wild things were: intrinsic and extrinsic extinction predictors in the world's most depleted mammal fauna
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Duncan Clare , Upham Nathan S. , Harrison Xavier , Dávalos Liliana M.
Published: March 2021

Preventing extinctions requires understanding macroecological patterns of vulnerability or persistence. However, correlates of risk can be nonlinear, within-species risk varies geographically, and current-day threats cannot reveal drivers of past losses. We investigated factors that regulated survival or extinction in Caribbean mammals, which have experienced the globally highest level of human-caused postglacial mammalian extinctions, and included all extinct and extant Holocene island populations of non-volant species (219 survivals or extinctions across 118 islands). Extinction selectivity shows a statistically detectable and complex body mass effect, with survival probability decreasing for both mass extremes, indicating that intermediate-sized species have been more resilient. A strong interaction between mass and age of first human arrival provides quantitative evidence of larger mammals going extinct on the earliest islands colonized, revealing an extinction filter caused by past human activities. Survival probability increases on islands with lower mean elevation (mostly small cays acting as offshore refugia) and decreases with more frequent hurricanes, highlighting the risk of extreme weather events and rising sea levels to surviving species on low-lying cays. These findings demonstrate the interplay between intrinsic biology, regional ecology and specific local threats, providing insights for understanding drivers of biodiversity loss across island systems and fragmented habitats worldwide.
Sex differences in condition dependence of natal dispersal in a large herbivore: dispersal propensity and distance are decoupled
Authors: Hewison A. J. M. , Gaillard J.-M. , Morellet N. , Cagnacci F. , Debeffe L. , Cargnelutti B. , Gehr B. , Kröschel M. , Heurich M. , Coulon A. , Kjellander P. , Börger L. , Focardi S.
Published: March 2021

Evolution should favour plasticity in dispersal decisions in response to spatial heterogeneity in social and environmental contexts. Sex differences in individual optimization of dispersal decisions are poorly documented in mammals, because species where both sexes commonly disperse are rare. To elucidate the sex-specific drivers governing dispersal, we investigated sex differences in condition dependence in the propensity and distance of natal dispersal in one such species, the roe deer, using fine-scale monitoring of 146 GPS-collared juveniles in an intensively monitored population in southwest France. Dispersal propensity increased with body mass in males such that 36% of light individuals dispersed, whereas 62% of heavy individuals did so, but there was no evidence for condition dependence in dispersal propensity among females. By contrast, dispersal distance increased with body mass at a similar rate in both sexes such that heavy dispersers travelled around twice as far as light dispersers. Sex differences in the strength of condition-dependent dispersal may result from different selection pressures acting on the behaviour of males and females. We suggest that females disperse prior to habitat saturation being reached, likely in relation to the risk of inbreeding. By contrast, natal dispersal in males is likely governed by competitive exclusion through male–male competition for breeding opportunities in this strongly territorial mammal. Our study is, to our knowledge, a first demonstration that condition dependence in dispersal propensity and dispersal distance may be decoupled, indicating contrasting selection pressures drive the behavioural decisions of whether or not to leave the natal range, and where to settle.