bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superior mesenteric ganglion neural modulation of ovarian angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone
Authors: Cáceres Antonella Rosario Ramona , Campo Verde Arboccó Fiorella , Cardone Daniela Alejandra , Sanhueza María de los Ángeles , Casais Marilina , Vega Orozco Adriana Soledad , Laconi Myriam Raquel 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAllopregnanolone (ALLO), a potent neuroactive steroid, is synthesized and active in the peripheral nervous system. Previous studies have shown that ALLO participates in the central regulation of reproduction with effects on ovarian physiology, although there is little evidence for its ability to modulate peripheral tissues. The present study aimed to determine whether ALLO, administered to an ex vivo system that comprises the superior mesenteric ganglion (SMG), the ovarian nervous plexus (ONP) and the ovary (O), or to the denervated ovary (DO), was able to modify ovarian apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenesis. For this purpose, the SMG‐ONP‐O system and DO were incubated during 120 min at 37°C, in the presence of two ALLO doses (0.06 µm and 6 µm). The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis were analyzed. Incubation of the SMG‐ONP‐O system with ALLO 0.06 µm led to an increase in the BAX/BCL‐2 ratio and a reduction of FAS‐L mRNA levels. ALLO 6 µm induced a decrease of FAS‐L levels. Incubation of DO with ALLO 0.06 µm reduced FAS‐L, whereas ALLO 6 µm significantly increased it. Cyclin D1 mRNA was measured to evaluate proliferation. Treatment with ALLO 6 µm increased proliferation in both SMG‐ONP‐O and DO. ALLO 0.06 µm produced an increase of Cyclin D1 in DO only. Administration of either ALLO dose led to a higher ovarian expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the SMG‐ONP‐O system, but a lower one in the DO system. ALLO 6 µm induced ovarian sensitization to GABA by increasing GABAA receptor expression. In conclusion, ALLO participates in the peripheral neural modulation of ovarian physiology. It can also interact directly with the ovarian tissue, modulating key mechanisms involved in normal and pathological processes in a dose‐dependent manner.
Measuring emotion recognition: Added value in diagnosing dementia of the Alzheimer’s disease type
Authors: Strijkert Fijanne , Huitema Rients Bauke , Spikman Jacoba Margje 
Published: October 2021

Neuropsychological tests, particularly for episodic memory, are used to classify patients in memory clinics. Still, the differential diagnosis between dementia of the Alzheimer’s disease type (Dementia‐AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or major depressive disorder (MDD) is challenging. However, impairments in other domains, such as emotion recognition, an aspect of social cognition, might have additional value in distinguishing Dementia‐AD from MCI and MDD and hence signal progression of neurodegeneration. We evaluated this in patients visiting a memory clinic.Sixty healthy controls (HC) and 143 first time attendants of an academic hospital memory clinic who were eventually classified as Dementia‐AD (n = 45), MCI (n = 47), MDD (n = 27), or No Impairment (NI, n = 24) were included. We assessed group differences in Emotion Recognition (Ekman 60 Faces Test (EFT)) and episodic memory (Dutch Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)). With multinomial and binomial regression analysis, we assessed whether EFT was added to RAVLT in distinguishing patient groups.Dementia‐AD patients had significantly worse emotion recognition than HC, MCI, MDD, and NI groups, but no other between‐group differences were found. Episodic memory was impaired in Dementia‐AD and MCI patients. We found no memory impairments in the MDD and NI groups. Emotion recognition in addition to episodic memory was significantly better in predicting group membership than episodic memory alone.In conclusion, emotion recognition measurement had added value for differentiation between patients first visiting memory clinics, in particular in distinguishing Dementia‐AD from MCI. We recommend the standard inclusion of emotion recognition testing in neuropsychological assessment in memory clinics.
Preparations from Campomanesia reitziana reduce the gastrointestinal motility and castor oil‐induced diarrhea in a non‐opioid and non‐dopaminergic pathway in mice and display antimicrobial activity in vitro
Authors: Mariott Marihá , Mariano Luísa Nathália Bolda , Boeing Thaise , Cechinel Zanchett Camile Cecconi , Salamanca Efrain , Bella Cruz Alexandre , Giménez Alberto , Cechinel Filho Valdir , da Silva Luisa Mota 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the antidiarrheal potential of the aqueous extract (AECR) and hydroalcoholic extract of Campomanesia reitziana leaves (HECR), its ethyl acetate (EAF) and dichloromethane fractions (DCMF), and myricitrin isolated from EAF.MethodsThe total phenols and flavonoids were measured, followed by chromatography and myricitrin isolation. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl scavenger activity, the cytotoxicity, and the effects on LPS‐induced nitrite production in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC‐6) were quantified. The effect of HECR, EAF, DCMF, and AECR on intestinal motility (IT), gastric emptying (GE), and castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice was determined, as well as its antimicrobial activity.Key ResultsThe administration of AECR 10% (10 ml/kg, p.o), but not HECR (300 mg/kg), reduced the GE and IT by 52 and 51%. The EAF and DCMF at 300 mg/kg also reduced IT but did not change GE. Moreover, AECR and EAF, but not DCMF, inhibited the castor oil‐induced diarrhea and naloxone or metoclopramide pretreatment did not change these effects. Myricitrin did not change IT and the evacuation index of mice. Finally, the dry residue of AECR inhibited bacterial growth and EAF showed bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhimurium and antifungal for C. albicans. However, none of the preparations alter the viability of Giardia spp. trophozoites.ConclusionsThe AECR and EAF can be effective to treat diarrhea acting through opioid‐ or dopaminergic type 2 receptor‐independent mechanisms and by its antimicrobial actions.
Forest understorey communities respond strongly to light in interaction with forest structure, but not to microclimate warming
Authors: De Pauw Karen , Sanczuk Pieter , Meeussen Camille , Depauw Leen , De Lombaerde Emiel , Govaert Sanne , Vanneste Thomas , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , Gasperini Cristina , Hedwall Per‐Ola , Iacopetti Giovanni , Lenoir Jonathan , Plue Jan , Selvi Federico , Spicher Fabien , Uria‐Diez Jaime , Verheyen Kris , Vangansbeke Pieter , De Frenne Pieter 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Forests harbour large spatiotemporal heterogeneity in canopy structure. This variation drives the microclimate and light availability at the forest floor. So far, we do not know how light availability and sub‐canopy temperature interactively mediate the impact of macroclimate warming on understorey communities.

We therefore assessed the functional response of understorey plant communities to warming and light addition in a full factorial experiment installed in temperate deciduous forests across Europe along natural microclimate, light and macroclimate gradients. Furthermore, we related these functional responses to the species’ life‐history syndromes and thermal niches.

We found no significant community responses to the warming treatment. The light treatment, however, had a stronger impact on communities, mainly due to responses by fast‐colonizing generalists and not by slow‐colonizing forest specialists. The forest structure strongly mediated the response to light addition and also had a clear impact on functional traits and total plant cover.

The effects of short‐term experimental warming were small and suggest a time‐lag in the response of understorey species to climate change. Canopy disturbance, for instance due to drought, pests or logging, has a strong and immediate impact and particularly favours generalists in the understorey in structurally complex forests.
Identifying effective characteristics of behavioral weight management interventions for people with serious mental illness: A systematic review with a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Lee Charlotte , Piernas Carmen , Stewart Cristina , Michalopoulou Moscho , Hajzadeh Anisa , Edwards Rhiannon , Aveyard Paul , Waite Felicity 
Published: October 2021

SummaryPeople with serious mental illness (SMI) have identified barriers to engaging in behavioral weight management interventions (BWMIs). We assessed whether BWMIs that addressed these barriers were more effective. First, we systematically reviewed qualitative literature and used a thematic analysis to identify the characteristics of BWMIs that promote engagement for adults with SMI. Second, we systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BWMIs in adults with SMI. Data on the characteristics that promoted engagement and weight outcomes were extracted. We then used a crisp‐set qualitative comparative analysis (CsQCA) to identify which characteristics were associated with weight loss. For the qualitative review, 20 studies in 515 people with SMI were analyzed and nine characteristics were reported to promote engagement in BWMIs. For the systematic review, 34 RCTs testing 36 interventions in 4305 participants were included. The active interventions resulted in more weight loss (mean = −4.37 to +1 kg at 6 weeks to 18 months follow‐up) compared with controls (−1.64 to +3.08 kg). The CsQCA showed BWMIs that offered regular contact, tools to support enactment, and tailored materials were associated with effectiveness. As these are all supplementary strategies, it may be possible to augment BWMIs available for the general population to engage people with SMI.
Treatment of Candida urinary tract infections with micafungin in children
Authors: Ekinci Faruk , Yildizdas Dincer , Horoz Ozden Ozgur , Ozgur Gundeslioglu Ozlem , Alabaz Derya 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundCandida urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common nosocomial infections among critically ill patients hospitalized in pediatric intensive care Units (PICU). We aimed to report outcomes of critically ill pediatric patients who received micafungin for hospital acquired Candida UTIs. We analyzed treatment success rates and success rates among different Candida species.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients who received micafungin for Candida UTI as first choice in our PICU between January 2017 and July 2018. Data, including demographic and clinical features, were retrospectively collected from medical files of the patients. Treatment efficacy was defined as resolution of clinical symptoms and a negative culture for Candida at day 14 after initiation of micafungin treatment.ResultsTwenty‐four pediatric patients (median age 5.72 years, range, 2 months–16 years) were included in the present study. Fourteen (58.3%) patients had urinary catheters at the time of Candida isolation. Resolution of symptoms and a negative culture at day 3 of micafungin treatment were achieved in 17 (70.8%) and 14 (58.3%) patients, respectively. Moreover, 19 (79.2%) patients had a normal urine analysis and negative culture 14 days after initiation of micafungin treatment. Treatment responses did not statistically differ between Candida species.ConclusionsMicafungin is safe and efficacious in critically ill pediatric patients with Candida UTIs. Its efficacy in our pediatric population was as comparable to that observed in adult studies, therefore, it should be considered as an effective therapeutic option in Candida UTIs of critically ill pediatric patients.
Toward a theory of ability‐based friendship competence: Agentic and communal substrates
Authors: Krenz Corynne K. , Persich Michelle R. , Robinson Michael D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSucceeding within the friendship domain is likely to require skills related to both agency and communion. Based on such thinking, this study assessed variations in friendship competence (FC) using a recently developed test that conceptualizes FC in ability‐based terms. In addition, extensive information was obtained from participants (n = 188), their best friends (n = 161), and peers (n = 453) who were knowledgeable concerning the best friend relationship. Participants obtaining higher (relative to lower) FC scores responded to simulated challenges in ways implicating greater attention to both helpfulness and practicality and they reported higher levels of intimacy in their best friend relationships. Although friendship competence was less successful in predicting best friend outcomes, peers of participants with higher FC levels viewed their targets as more socially skilled in both agentic and communal terms. The results, in total, provide critical knowledge concerning competent friendship functioning.
Practical conflicts as a problem for epistemic reductionism about practical reasons
Authors: Kiesewetter Benjamin , Gertken Jan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAccording to epistemic reductionism about practical reasons, facts about practical reasons can be reduced to facts about evidence for ought‐judgements. We argue that this view misconstrues practical conflicts. At least some conflicts between practical reasons put us in a position to know that an action ϕ isoptional, i.e. that we neither ought to perform nor ought to refrain from performing the action. By understanding conflicts of practical reasons as conflicts of evidence about what one ought to do, epistemic reductionism fails to account for this. In conflict cases in which ϕ‐ing is optional, epistemic reductionism suggests that we have equally strong evidence for and against assuming that we ought to ϕ, and thus cannot be in a position to know that it is not the case that we ought to ϕ. This is a serious flaw.
Aerenchyma formation in the root of leaf‐vegetable sweet potato: Programmed cell death initiated by ethylene‐mediated H2O2 accumulation
Authors: Pan Rui , Han Hui , Medison Milca Banda , Abou‐Elwafa Salah Fatouh , Liu Yi , Yang Xinsun , Zhang Wenying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSweet potato, commonly planted in Southeast Asia and South America with abundant rainfall, often suffers from waterlogging. The aerenchyma formation in roots is an effective way for plants to facilitate gas exchange. In the present study, tolerant and sensitive varieties, respectively, designated NC1 and C211, were evaluated under water oxygen content at 2.0 mg·L−1 (hypoxia treatment) and 8.0 mg·L−1 (control). The results showed that NC1 variety has a relatively higher root growth rate under low oxygen condition. In NC1 plants, aerenchyma was observed in the mid‐section of the main adventitious root and spread to the proximal and distal ends, forming a complete channel in the cortex. However, in C211 plants, the aerenchyma occurred relatively later and could not turn into a whole channel. Ethylene synthesis‐related (ACS1, ACS4, ACS5, etc.) and signal transduction‐related (ETR1, ERS1, EIN2, etc.) genes were upregulated in the NC1 plants and led to changes in the reactive oxygen species‐related genes (RBOHA, SOD, CAT, etc.) and enzyme activities. It was found that programmed cell death was induced by H2O2 accumulation. A regulatory model of lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the root of sweet potato was constructed. Our study enriches the understanding of the mechanisms of the aerenchyma formation in plants.
International remittances and nonfarm entrepreneurship among the left‐behind: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Kharel Paras , Dávalos Jorge , Dahal Kshitiz 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNepal has one of the largest personal remittances‐to‐gross domestic product ratios globally, which raises questions regarding the role of remittances in key welfare–related outcomes among the left‐behind population. This paper assesses the impact of remittances from international migration on the left‐behind households’ engagement in nonfarm self‐employment and on the revenues of the nonfarm enterprises they operate. The empirical analysis is based on a Nepal household survey that includes an enterprise module for 2011 and on an instrumental variable‐tobit econometric specification. In accordance with Gronau's theoretical framework, remittances were found to discourage women's engagement in nonfarm self‐employment (disincentive effect), whereas there was no significant effect on men. Consequently, we find that the disincentive effect was sufficiently strong to exert a negative impact on the revenues of nonfarm enterprises operated by the left‐behind.
The representation and reconstruction of ethno‐national identity on social media by Kurdish women in Rojhelat, Kurdistan‐Iran
Authors: Aghapouri Jiyar , Ahmadi Avin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUsing a cyber‐ethnographic method, this paper investigates how Kurdish women in Kurdistan‐Iran (i.e. Rojhelat/East Kurdistan or Iranian Kurdistan) represent and reconstruct their ethno‐national identity on social media. The research studied Instagram as the most popular social media platform among Rojhelat and Iranian women wherein different groups can now play an active role in the reproduction of their narratives, as well as in the representation of their own media content. The research discussed: 1) the dominant patterns related to the representation of the virtual identity of Kurdish women in Iran; 2) the strategies and techniques used in these patterns for the representation and reconstruction of ethno‐national identity; 3) the personal preferences or environmental variables influencing the different identity types of Rojhelat Kurdish women on Instagram; and 4) the factors that lead to the continuity of media practices with respect to the representation of these women’s virtual identity in society.
SMA Actuator Usage in Upper Limb Rehabilitation Technology
Authors: Miro Michael , Theren Benedict , Schmelter Tobias , Kuhlenkötter Bernd 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Today, therapy of neurologically induced functional losses of the upper limbs is mainly carried out manually. Recently, with the progress in automation technology, device-assisted therapy has established itself internationally as an additional treatment option. Thereby, proven therapy methods are applied automatically, which can relieve therapists, increase treatment frequency and lead to a better outcome. However, many of these solutions are still costly, heavy, bulky, or unsuitable for non-specialists because of the device’s and external actuator unit’s complexity. These limitations deny regular and otherwise immensely beneficial self-training by demanding the continuous presence of a therapist for setup and oversight. In this context, Shape-Memory-Alloy-based actuators’ usage may permit new design approaches with enhanced physical properties and usability. Thereby, inhibition thresholds are overcome by reducing the size and weight of available devices and their peripherals, which use standard actuators. For SMA, the necessary strokes and forces are a challenge. To meet the given demands of automated grasp therapy, a suitable actuator build is designed using VDI 2248. The build bases on an antagonistic SMA approach consisting of Nitinol spring combinations to match given boundary conditions, like necessary stroke and gripping forces for a physiologically correct hand movement. Furthermore, optimization for properties like a minimal size to stroke ratio is conducted. This paper delivers an early proof of concept based on a prototype for an SMA-actuated grasp therapy device for neurological rehabilitation.
4D Printed Bilayer Helical Structures Mechanical Behaviors and Shape Memory Effects
Authors: Zeng Siyuan , Feng Yixiong , Gao Yicong , Tan Jianrong , Wei Zhe 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
4D printing has great potential for fabricating patient-specific and stimuli responsive 3D structures for the medical sector. This paper conducts a systematic research about mechanical behavior based on 4D printing bilayer helical structure. The anisotropic characteristics of mechanical and shape memory performances induced by different infill strategies via both experimental and theoretical methods are investigated. In the proposed method, the bilayer structure is fabricated by three-dimension printing and heated in the water bath for a period of time, and then the deformed structure is obtained. The influence of printing temperature and angle on the storage modulus of shape memory materials (SMP) is explored by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The influence of environmental temperature and angle on the stress-strain curve of polylactic acid test (PLA) is explored by stretching machine. Deformation recovery tests were performed on the helical structure by pre-editing, and 3D convertible structures with programmable Poisson’s ratios were fabricated to demonstrate. The effects of process parameters on the elastic modulus, storage modulus and shape memory behavior were verified.
Traveling Waves for Flow Control in Viscoelastic Morphing Skin
Authors: Olivett Anthony , Bhayadia Amit , Karami M. A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A bioinspired mechanism is proposed for flow control and separation delay in morphing wing aircraft. The device uses bending actuators that are directly bonded to a flexible skin on the top surface of the wing. The bending actuators are oscillated such that a traveling wave pattern propagates from the leading edge towards the trailing edge — a type of motion that is known to be used by eels and other aquatic creatures for propulsion. This experimental study examines the properties of an actualized mechanism for generating traveling bending waves through a viscoelastic morphing skin made of spring steel strips layered with a plastic sheet. Previous experiments were of elastic structures having purposefully minimal damping, consisting of spring steel sheets without any plastic layer. Elastic properties dominated and waves were actuated using a method that required at least two sets of actuators in order to produce traveling waves — one leading edge, and one trailing edge. However, we have found that in a viscoelastic morphing skin, only one actuator set is required to generate traveling waves. Experimental results are presented and a 1-D transfer matrix model is developed for a viscoelastic Euler-Bernoulli beam in vibration.
Bird-Inspired Morphing Wings: Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Wing Folding Mechanism for Pitch Stability Control
Authors: Alvarez Anna , Wissa Aimy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Birds can land quickly and in confined spaces while maintaining control over their descent rate and location. In contrast, many bird-scale, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) must land in a net, be caught by hand, or require a long runway for roll-out. Inspired by bird wings’ geometry during short-distance landing or perching, this study investigates the aerodynamic performance of two M-shaped wing configurations. The M-shaped configurations represent different stages of the pitch-up phase during perching. Results from wind tunnel experiments of a simplified engineering wing show that the M-shaped wing configurations improve aerodynamic efficiency at high angles of attack by more than 80%. The results confirm that the M-shaped configurations aid in creating a pitch-up moment, and when deployed asymmetrically, the M-shaped wings can be used for roll and yaw control.