bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KV1.3 channels are novel determinants of macrophage‐dependent endothelial dysfunction in angiotensin II‐induced hypertension in mice
Authors: Olivencia Miguel A. , Martínez‐Casales Marta , Peraza Diego A. , García‐Redondo Ana B. , Mondéjar‐Parreño Gema , Hernanz Raquel , Salaices Mercedes , Cogolludo Angel , Pennington Michael W. , Valenzuela Carmen , Briones Ana M. 
Published: February 2021

Background and PurposeKV1.3 channels are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where they contribute to proliferation rather than contraction and participate in vascular remodelling. KV1.3 channels are also expressed in macrophages, where they assemble with KV1.5 channels (KV1.3/KV1.5), whose activation generates a KV current. In macrophages, the KV1.3/KV1.5 ratio is increased by classical activation (M1). Whether these channels are involved in angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced vascular remodelling, and whether they can modulate the macrophage phenotype in hypertension, remains unknown. We characterized the role of KV1.3 channels in vascular damage in hypertension.Experimental ApproachWe used AngII‐infused mice treated with two selective KV1.3 channel inhibitors (HsTX[R14A] and [EWSS]ShK). Vascular function and structure were measured using wire and pressure myography, respectively. VSMC and macrophage electrophysiology were studied using the patch‐clamp technique; gene expression was analysed using RT‐PCR.Key ResultsAngII increased KV1.3 channel expression in mice aorta and peritoneal macrophages which was abolished by HsTX[R14A] treatment. KV1.3 inhibition did not prevent hypertension, vascular remodelling, or stiffness but corrected AngII‐induced macrophage infiltration and endothelial dysfunction in the small mesenteric arteries and/or aorta, via a mechanism independent of electrophysiological changes in VSMCs. AngII modified the electrophysiological properties of peritoneal macrophages, indicating an M1‐like activated state, with enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines that induced endothelial dysfunction. These effects were prevented by KV1.3 blockade.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe unravelled a new role for KV1.3 channels in the macrophage‐dependent endothelial dysfunction induced by AngII in mice which might be due to modulation of macrophage phenotype.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the ant community in a dry forest differ by vertical strata but not by successional stage
Authors: Neves Frederico S. , Antoniazzi Reuber , Camarota Flávio , Pacelhe Fábio T. , Powell Scott 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnts are diverse and ecologically important organisms in tropical forests, where their spatiotemporal distribution can be highly complex. This complexity arises mainly from marked differences in microclimatic conditions and resource availability through space and time that is even more evident in highly seasonal environments, such as tropical dry forests. However, it is unclear how seasonality interacts with other factors that might shape temporal variation of ant composition (β‐diversity), like vertical strata and habitat disturbance. Our goal was to examine the potential influence of vertical stratification and the successional stage on the spatiotemporal variation of a tropical dry forest's ant species composition. We assessed whether species turnover or nestedness was the main component determining the spatiotemporal β‐diversity of ant communities across the canopy and litter strata. We sampled canopy and litter ants in ten plots, half in the early and half on the late stage of secondary succession at four times, twice in wet and twice in dry season. A high species turnover defined the spatiotemporal β‐diversity of canopy and litter ant communities across years and seasons in our focal dry forests. Importantly, the temporal ant species composition was much more stable in the canopy than in the litter. Moreover, we found that the ant community's temporal dynamics was consistently high across successional stages, not differing in the temporal β‐diversity between early and late succession. Our results provide valuable insights into the potential underlying causes of community assembly and spatiotemporal dynamics in seasonal habitats, like the highly threatened and diverse tropical dry forests.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Call variation of Crested Francolin (Dendroperdix sephaena) across Africa defies the effects of spatial gradients
Authors: Van Niekerk Johann H. , Megía‐Palma Rodrigo , Forcina Giovanni 
Published: February 2021

The study of intraspecific geographical variation of non‐passerine vocalizations remains under‐studied, especially in African species. We explored spatial patterns in call variation of the Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena across its wide sub‐Saharan distribution in Africa. We extracted and compared 152 pair duets from 44 recordings encompassing four D. sephaena subspecies and, in the field, played back each subspecies’ vocalizations to 15 D. s. sephaena and three D. s. zambesiae males to document their behaviour. We recorded strong responses to con‐subspecific calls and weak responses to hetero‐subspecific calls, especially towards D. s. grantii and D. s. rovuma. This indicates that intraspecific vocal variability in D. sephaena is not clinal but spatially discrete, and strictly reflects subspecies affiliation (albeit with more similar vocal features among geographically neighbouring subspecies). Vocal variation in D. sephaena may have evolved under palaeoclimatic events that fragmented its former range and promoted allopatric diversification before a re‐expansion into partial sympatry.
Longitudinal associations of total and trunk fat in childhood and adolescence and risk of hepatic steatosis at 24 years
Authors: Cohen Catherine C. , Sekkarie Ahlia , Figueroa Janet , Gillespie Scott E. , Vos Miriam B. , Welsh Jean A. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryBackgroundThe importance of body fat distribution in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear.ObjectiveTo examine whether total and truncal fat deposition patterns in childhood/adolescence are associated with NAFLD risk at 24 years.MethodsData were from 1657 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Transient elastography was used to assess hepatic steatosis (low/moderate/severe) at 24 years and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess total body fat percent (TBF%) and trunk fat percent (TrF%) at 9, 13, 15, 17, and/or 24 years. Linear mixed models were constructed with quadratic age to examine trajectories of TBF% and TrF% by steatosis at 24 years, adjusting for confounders.ResultsIn both sexes, TBF% trajectories from 9 to 24 years followed a similar pattern based on steatosis group (P = .83 for boys and P = .14 for girls for age2*steatosis fixed effect). However, at all ages TBF% was higher for moderate/severe vs low steatosis at 24 years (P < .05). In contrast, TrF% trajectories diverged based on steatosis group (P = .001 for boys and P = .0002 for girls for age2*steatosis fixed effect), such that, in both sexes, participants with moderate/severe steatosis at 24 yrs exhibited less decline in TrF% from adolescence to adulthood compared to participants with low steatosis at 24 yrs. Similar to TBF%, TrF% was higher at nearly all ages for moderate/severe vs low steatosis. Results were similar after adjusting for BMI category at each age, except in boys some differences for TrF% were attenuated.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that sex‐specific body fat distribution patterns in childhood/adolescence may help to identify those at risk of developing NAFLD in adulthood.
Reliability of the tools used to examine psychological distress, fear of COVID‐19 and coping amongst migrants and non‐migrants in Australia
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Salehin Masudus , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Alif Sheikh M. , Sultana Farhana , Sharif Ahmed , Hoque Nazmul , Nazim Nashrin Binte , Cross Wendy M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudy tools examining psychological distress, fear of COVID‐19 and coping amongst migrants and non‐migrants in Australia are very limited. The aim of this research was to assess the psychometric properties and correlation of the English version of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K‐10), Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCSV‐19S), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) tools during the COVID‐19 pandemic situation in Australia. Data from a cross‐sectional survey (n = 516) were utilized to examine reliability; 299 (57.9%) were migrants. High internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach’s alpha, was found for the K‐10 (0.92), FCV‐19S (0.87) and BRCS (0.66) tools. The corresponding values for migrants and non‐migrants were (0.92, 0.87, 0.67) and (0.92, 0.86, 0.63), respectively. Item‐total correlations ranged 0.57‐0.78 for K‐10, 0.62–0.69 for FCV‐19S, and 0.39–0.50 for BRCS tools. EFA retained a single factor for each tool with adequate factor loadings. The scoring of K‐10 was significantly predicted by the scoring of FCV‐19S (r = 0.284, P < 0.001) and BRCS tool (r = 0.132, P < 0.01). Therefore, these tools can be used reliably amongst both migrant and non‐migrant population in Australia.
What the habitat amount hypothesis does and does not predict: A reply to Saura
Authors: Fahrig Lenore 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSaura (2020) used the habitat amount hypothesis (HAH) to predict negative effects of fragmentation per se on mean species density per site over a region. This prediction is valid but incomplete; the HAH can also predict positive effects of fragmentation on mean species density per site over a region. Saura also stated, "the HAH is compatible with a steeper slope of the species–area relationship for fragmented than for continuous habitat, and with higher species richness for a single large patch than for several small patches with the same total area (SLOSS)." Importantly, the HAH does not predict species‐area relationship (SAR) slopes or SLOSS. These require information about how species composition changes over space, while the HAH only predicts species density per site. The HAH is therefore equally compatible with a steeper or shallower SAR slope for fragmented than continuous habitat, and the HAH is equally compatible with either outcome of SLOSS.
Grey matter alterations in restless legs syndrome: A coordinate‐based meta‐analysis
Authors: Sheng LiQin , Zhao PanWen , Ma HaiRong , Qi Liang , Yi ZhongQuan , Shi YuanYuan , Zhong JianGuo , Shi HaiCun , Dai ZhenYu , Pan PingLei 
Published: February 2021

SummaryBrain structural abnormalities in idiopathic restless legs syndrome have long been debated. Voxel‐based morphometry is an objective structural magnetic resonance imaging technique to investigate regional grey matter volume or density differences between groups. In the last decade, voxel‐based morphometry studies have exhibited inconsistent and conflicting findings regarding the presence and localization of brain grey matter alterations in restless legs syndrome. We therefore conducted a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis to quantitatively examine whether there were consistent grey matter findings in restless legs syndrome using the latest algorithms, seed‐based d mapping with permutation of subject images. We included 12 voxel‐based morphometry studies (13 datasets, 375 patients and 385 healthy controls). Our coordinate‐based meta‐analysis did not identify evidence of consistent grey matter alterations in restless legs syndrome. Grey matter alterations via voxel‐based morphometry analysis are not therefore recommended to be used as a reliable surrogate neuroimaging marker for restless legs syndrome. This lack of consistency may be attributed to differences in sample size, genetics, gender distribution and age at onset, clinical heterogeneity (clinical course, anatomical distribution of symptoms, disease severity, disease duration, abnormal sensory profiles and comorbidity), and variations in imaging acquisition, data processing and statistical strategies. Longitudinal studies with multimodal neuroimaging techniques are needed to determine whether structural changes are dynamic and secondary to functional abnormalities.
Effect of Pause Versus Rebound Techniques on Neuromuscular and Functional Performance After a Prolonged Velocity-Based Training
Authors: Martínez-Cava Alejandro , Hernández-Belmonte Alejandro , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Conesa-Ros Elena , Morán-Navarro Ricardo , Pallarés Jesús G. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: A variation of the traditional squat (SQ) rebound technique (REBOUND) including a momentary pause ∼2 seconds (PAUSE) between eccentric and concentric phases has been proposed. Although there is a consensus about the lower acute effects on performance of this PAUSE variant compared with traditional REBOUND technique, no information exists about the differences in longitudinal adaptations of these SQ executions. Methods: A total of 26 men were randomly assigned into the PAUSE (n = 13) or REBOUND (n = 13) groups and completed a 10-week velocity-based training using the SQ exercise, only differing in the technique. Neuromuscular adaptations were assessed by the changes in the 1-repetition maximum strength and mean propulsive velocity achieved against the absolute loads (in kilograms) common to pretest and posttest. Functional performance was evaluated by the following tests: countermovement jump, Wingate, and sprint time at 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and 0 to 20 m. Results: Whereas both groups showed significant increases in most of the neuromuscular tests (P < .05), the PAUSE (effect size [ES] = 0.76–1.12) presented greater enhancements than REBOUND (ES = 0.45–0.92). Although not significant, improvements in Wingate and sprint time at 0 to 10 and 0 to 20 m were higher for PAUSE (ES = 0.31–0.46) compared with REBOUND (ES = 0.10–0.29). Conversely, changes on countermovement jump and sprint time at 10 to 20 m were superior for REBOUND (ES = 0.17–0.88) than for PAUSE (ES = 0.09–0.75). Conclusion: Imposing a pause between eccentric and concentric phases in the SQ exercise could be an interesting strategy to increase neuromuscular and functional adaptations in sport actions that mainly depend on concentric contractions. Moreover, sport abilities highly dependent on the stretch-shortening cycle could benefit from the REBOUND or a combination of the 2 techniques.
Isotropic exact solutions in $$F(R,Y,\phi )$$ gravity via Noether symmetries
Authors: Waheed Saira , Nawazish Iqra , Zubair M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present article investigates the existence of Noether and Noether gauge symmetries of flat Friedman–Robertson–Walker universe model with perfect fluid matter ingredients in a generalized scalar field formulation namely $$f(R,Y,\phi )$$

f
(
R
,
Y
,
ϕ
)

gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar and Y denotes the curvature invariant term defined by $$Y=R_{\alpha \beta }R^{\alpha \beta }$$

Y
=

R

α
β

R

α
β

, while $$\phi $$
ϕ
represents scalar field. For this purpose, we assume different general cases of generic $$f(R,Y,\phi )$$

f
(
R
,
Y
,
ϕ
)

function and explore its possible forms along with field potential $$V(\phi )$$

V
(
ϕ
)

by taking constant and variable coupling function of scalar field $$\omega (\phi )$$

ω
(
ϕ
)

. In each case, we find non-trivial symmetry generator and its related first integrals of motion (conserved quantities). It is seen that due to complexity of the resulting system of Lagrange dynamical equations, it is difficult to find exact cosmological solutions except for few simple cases. It is found that in each case, the existence of Noether symmetries leads to power law form of scalar field potential and different new types of generic function. For the acquired exact solutions, we discuss the cosmology generated by these solutions graphically and discuss their physical significance which favors the accelerated expanding eras of cosmic evolution.
Cosmological solutions in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity with static curved extra dimensions
Authors: Chirkov Dmitry , Giacomini Alex , Pavluchenko Sergey A. , Toporensky Alexey 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper we perform systematic investigation of all possible solutions with static compact extra dimensions and expanding three-dimensional subspace (“our Universe”). Unlike previous papers, we consider extra-dimensional subspace to be constant-curvature manifold with both signs of spatial curvature. We provide a scheme how to build solutions in all possible number of extra dimensions and perform stability analysis for the solutions found. Our study suggests that the solutions with negative spatial curvature of extra dimensions are always stable while those with positive curvature are stable for a narrow range of the parameters and the width of this range shrinks with growth of the number of extra dimensions. This explains why in the previous papers we detected compactification in the case of negative curvature but the case of positive curvature remained undiscovered. Another interesting feature which distinguish cases with positive and negative curvatures is that the latter do not coexist with maximally-symmetric solutions (leading to “geometric frustration” of a sort) while the former could – this difference is noted and discussed.
The IKZF1–IRF4/IRF5 Axis Controls Polarization of Myeloma-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Bach Christian , Böttcher Martin , Beier Fabian , Röhner Linda , Stoll Andrej , Rehli Michael , Gebhard Claudia , Lischer Christopher , Eberhardt Martin , Vera Julio , Büttner-Herold Maike , Bitterer Katrin , Balzer Heidi , Leffler Magdalena , Jitschin Simon , Hundemer Michael , Awwad Mohamed H.S. , Busch Martin , Stenger Steffen , Völkl Simon , Schütz Christian , Krönke Jan , Mackensen Andreas , Bruns Heiko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The bone marrow niche has a pivotal role in progression, survival, and drug resistance of multiple myeloma cells. Therefore, it is important to develop means for targeting the multiple myeloma bone marrow microenvironment. Myeloma-associated macrophages (MAM) in the bone marrow niche are M2 like. They provide nurturing signals to multiple myeloma cells and promote immune escape. Reprogramming M2-like macrophages toward a tumoricidal M1 phenotype represents an intriguing therapeutic strategy. This is especially interesting in view of the successful use of mAbs against multiple myeloma cells, as these therapies hold the potential to trigger macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and cytotoxicity. In this study, we observed that MAMs derived from patients treated with the immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) lenalidomide skewed phenotypically and functionally toward an M1 phenotype. Lenalidomide is known to exert its beneficial effects by modulating the CRBN-CRL4 E3 ligase to ubiquitinate and degrade the transcription factor IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1). In M2-like MAMs, we observed enhanced IKZF1 levels that vanished through treatment with lenalidomide, yielding MAMs with a bioenergetic profile, T-cell stimulatory properties, and loss of tumor-promoting capabilities that resemble M1 cells. We also provide evidence that IMiDs interfere epigenetically, via degradation of IKZF1, with IFN regulatory factors 4 and 5, which in turn alters the balance of M1/M2 polarization. We validated our observations in vivo using the CrbnI391V mouse model that recapitulates the IMiD-triggered IKZF1 degradation. These data show a role for IKZF1 in macrophage polarization and can provide explanations for the clinical benefits observed when combining IMiDs with therapeutic antibodies.
See related Spotlight on p. 254
Estimation of a Heterogeneous Demand Function with Berkson Errors
Authors: Blundell Richard , Horowitz Joel , Parey Matthias 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Berkson errors are commonplace in empirical microeconomics. In consumer demand, this form of measurement error occurs when the price an individual pays is measured by the (weighted) average price paid by individuals in a group (e.g., a county) rather than the true transaction price. We show the importance of Berkson errors for demand estimation with nonseparable unobserved heterogeneity. We develop a consistent estimator using external information on the true price distribution. Examining gasoline demand in the United States, we document substantial within-market price variability. Accounting for Berkson errors is quantitatively important. Imposing the Slutsky shape constraint reduces sensitivity to Berkson errors.
Step on up! A multi-component health promotion intervention to promote stair climbing
Authors: Ly Hieu , Irwin Jennifer D 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To study the influence of a multi-component poster-based intervention to promote stair climbing in a library on a Canadian university campus. Participants: Adults who ascended to upper levels via staircase/elevator. Methods: Individuals who used the staircase/elevators were counted by observers for 28 days, while either in the absence/presence of a poster-based intervention. Chi-square tests were used to compare staircase versus elevator use before, during and after the poster-based intervention. Data from weekdays and weekends were analysed separately. Results: A total of 7,663 stair climbers and elevator users were observed. Compared to the baseline period, the frequency of staircase use on weekdays was significantly higher during the intervention and follow-up periods. This effect was not found at weekends. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a multi-component poster-based intervention can result in increased staircase use. The increase observed in this study is similar to that in previous research using point-of-choice prompts only.
Cognitive illness representations among Israeli Arabs diagnosed with depression and their relationship with health-related quality of life
Authors: Abo-Rass Fareeda , Werner Perla , Shinan-Altman Shiri 
Published: February 2021

Background: The number of studies that have assessed cognitive illness representations among people diagnosed with depression, and their relationship to health outcomes, has clearly grown. Nevertheless, the relationship between cognitive illness representations and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has received very little research attention. Aims: This study examined cognitive illness representations, based on the self-regulation model (SRM), and the contribution of each dimension of these cognitive illness representations to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Israeli Arabs diagnosed with depression. Methods: A convenience sample of 160 Israeli Arabs with depression completed measures of cognitive illness representations (identity, timeline, consequences, personal control, treatment control, and coherence), HRQoL, and sociodemographic and health characteristics. Results: Participants reported high levels of negative perceptions in the identity, timeline, and consequences dimensions, and moderate levels in the dimensions of personal control, treatment control, and coherence. Also, participants reported low levels of HRQoL. Identity, consequences, and coherence were found to be the main determinants of HRQoL. Conclusion: This study underlines the crucial role of the identity, consequences, and coherence dimensions in the HRQoL of individuals diagnosed with depression. The findings indicate that clinical interventions targeting cognitive illness representations of individuals with depression, and in particular identity, consequences, and coherence, might be helpful in improving the HRQoL of this population.