bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) regulates microglial activation in pseudorabies virus infection
Authors: Sun Xiuxiu , Jin Xinxin , Lin Zhengdan , Liu Xi , Yang Junjie , Li Li , Feng Helong , Zhang Wanpo , Gu Changqin , Hu Xueying , Liu Xiaoli , Cheng Guofu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe primary cause of viral encephalitis (VE) is invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by the virus, which leads to neuroinflammation and poses a significant threat to global public health. Microglia, as CNS-resident macrophages, play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and are often identified as the preferred target for the prevention or treatment of VE. In this study, we used pseudorabies virus (PRV)-induced VE in mice and pigs as a model to investigate the regulation of microglial responses during viral encephalitis and explored the mechanism of microglial activation. Cellular experiments revealed that microglial activation was accompanied by cell migration, characteristic morphological changes, phagocytosis, inflammatory cytokine production, and antigen presentation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to inflammation in PRV-infected BV2 cells were significantly enriched. The expression of the NOD1 gene in BV2 cells was significantly increased during PRV infection, after which NOD1 in BV2 cells was silenced by siRNA and overexpressed via a plasmid. NOD1 was found to be involved in the secretion of cytokines in BV2 cells by regulating the MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway. Mouse and pig experiments have shown that NOD1 is involved in the secretion of cytokines by microglia by regulating the MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway during PRV infection.
Developmental patterns of intestinal group 3 innate lymphoid cells in piglets and their response to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection
Authors: Huang Ningning , Ye Ling , Li Hao , Peng Jian , Wei Hongkui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiarrhoea and preweaning mortality in piglets are crucial factors impacting the economic sustainability of the swine industry. Pathogenic infections are among the main causes of diarrhea and mortality. Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are crucial for safeguarding against pathogenic infections. However, knowledge regarding the development and function of ILC3s in suckling piglets is currently limited. Our findings demonstrate that the development of ILC3s in suckling piglets gradually progresses from day 1 to day 21, with a notable increase observed on day 28. Additionally, the development of NKp46+ILC3s and the production of interleukin (IL)-17A by ILC3s displayed consistent patterns with the changes observed in ILC3s. Notably, interferon (IFN)-γ levels significantly increased on day 14. Moreover, the production of IFN-γ by NKp46+ILC3s was greater than that by NKp46−ILC3s. Importantly, when piglets were subjected to a 4-h challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, both the percentages of ILC3s significantly increased, accompanied by increased IL-22 production, highlighting their importance in maintaining intestinal health. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for future related research.
FPGA-based dual-layer authentication scheme utilizing AES and ECC for unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Roy Kumar Sekhar , Sujith Murikipudi , Bhanu Bandi , Preethi  , Hazarika Ruhul Amin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, face unique authentication challenges due to their distinct characteristics and operational environments. These challenges include identity management, secure key management, secure communication channels, and limited resources. To address these challenges, we propose a dual-layer authentication scheme utilizing Advanced Encryption Standard and Elliptic Curve Cryptography on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays. This scheme leverages the flexibility and programmability of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays incorporated in drones to enhance security. The integration of Advanced Encryption Standard on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays provides a robust solution to withstand various attacks such as impersonation, tampering, and replay attacks. Simulation results in Xilinx Vivado demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed scheme compared to existing methods.
User velocity estimation in HetNets utilizing vertical and horizontal handover counts via maximum likelihood estimation
Authors: Tiwari Ravi , Paul Sourabh , Singh Manoj Kumar , Rahul Amit Kumar , Akilan K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of user velocity based on Rayleigh distributed handover counts in heterogeneous networks (HetNets). The high density of base stations (BSs) in HetNets leads to mobile users experiencing unnecessary handovers and service outages, emphasizing the importance of mobility management in HetNets. Since user velocity plays an important role in the handover process, its knowledge is necessary for efficient mobility management. Our proposed velocity estimation strategy involves tracking of both vertical and horizontal handovers over a defined period. We utilized mathematical modeling to estimate that the probability mass function (PMF) of the handover counts in the HetNets scenario follows a Rayleigh distribution. We determined the scale parameter by analyzing the close deployment of small cells and macro-cell BSs using stochastic geometry. Our approach assumes a random distribution of BSs based on a homogeneous Poisson point process and investigates the handover-count PMF considering factors such as user velocity, BS density, and the duration of handover-count measurements. Using these statistics, we derived the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) and applied a MLE technique to estimate user velocity. The MATLAB simulation method is used to validate our approach for the velocity estimation, and the results show the tight closeness of MLE asymptotic variance with CRLB. The numerical analysis indicates that as user velocity increases, the variance of the estimation also increases. Conversely, the simulation results demonstrate that as BS density and the time span for handover-count measurements increase, the velocity estimation error decreases.
Centering autonomy and choice to support oral PrEP utilization among people who inject drugs: qualitative lessons from HPTN 094 INTEGRA
Authors: Perez-Brumer Amaya , Schmidt Rose , Kennedy Rebecca , Lake Jordan E. , Villarreal Yolanda R. , Bornstein Sydney , Kuo Irene , Nieto Omar , Franks Julie , Denis Cecile , El-Bassel Nabila , Shoptaw Steve , Davidson Peter , Smith Laramie R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. However, despite high rates of HIV risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID), this population remains underserved by current HIV prevention efforts in the United States. To address this challenge, we conducted an in-depth exploration of perspectives on using oral PrEP among PWID engaged in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 094 INTEGRA Study.

Methods
Guided by the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM), our qualitative study drew on semi-structured interviews conducted as part of the embedded implementation science evaluation of HPTN 094 INTEGRA. Seventy-seven PWID participants from five sites across New York City, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington DC were interviewed to assess intervention delivery, care access, and engagement sustainability. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via an inductive and deductive thematic approach.

Results
Most participants (n = 46, 59.7%) discussed oral PrEP during their interview, though not directly prompted. Participants discussing PrEP had a mean age of 41.6 years and were predominantly white (54.3%) and cisgender men (60.9%). Among these, 15 participants described using PrEP. All participants had facilitated access to oral PrEP. Yet, the choice to use PrEP was influenced by personal risk perceptions, (mis)information about PrEP, and external factors (i.e. housing, financial security), which, for some, limited the autonomy to use PrEP. Two key themes emerged among participants using PrEP: ease of access and perceptions of high HIV risk. Those not using PrEP described two themes: low risk perception and prioritizing more urgent needs. Among participants not using PrEP a subgroup commonly described ambivalent interest, PrEP knowledge gaps, and PrEP readiness (i.e., contemplation).

Conclusions
Qualitative findings highlight that facilitated PrEP access was insufficient to motivate use for many participants. Rather, PrEP decision-making process (i.e., choice) was linked to risk perception and individuals’ capability to leverage PrEP as a resource based on their circumstances (i.e., autonomy). Participants’ descriptions of the centrality of choice and autonomy for PrEP use underscore that ease of access is a necessary pre-condition, but person-centered interventions should also address housing, financial stability, and urgent medical conditions to promote PrEP utilization among PWID.

Clinical trial registration
NCT04804027.
Mapping young farmers’ choice to pursue Geographical Indication in a rural context: application of fuzzy cognitive map
Authors: Consentino Federica , Peri Iuri , Litrico Mattia , Spina Daniela , Vindigni Gabriella 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe shortage of young people in agriculture and the decline of rural areas are increasingly pressing issues that capture the attention of European policymakers and researchers. Despite the low rate of youth involved in agricultural production, recent data reveal a significant proportion of young farmers in Italy that are engaged in geographical indication (GI) production. Statistics provide trend analysis, but they alone are not sufficient in clarifying the motivations behind young people’s decision-making. We conducted a qualitative study of Sicilian youth involved in GI to understand their motivations to pursue GI certification and the implications for youth embeddedness in rural areas. Using a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM), qualitative data have been translated in quantitative, giving evidence on key variables and their inter-relationships that influence young people's decision-making in a GI complex system. A total of twenty-two categorized variables have been identified. Results show how the young entrepreneurs' thinking in GI is structured, based on the cause-effect relationships between the variables. This study finds evidence that the GI system facilitates young generations of farmers in developing a personal approach to modern agribusiness starting from traditions and origins. At the same time, it gives evidence of a new perspective for involving young people in agricultural careers. In this sense, the present research contributes to the literature on factors that add attractiveness to the agricultural sector, to lead researchers and policymakers in dealing with alternative strategies for incentivizing youth involvement in farming.
Can criminology sway the public? How empirical findings about deterrence affect public punishment preferences
Authors: Rose Brendan , Kuiper Malouke Esra , Reinders Folmer Chris , van Rooij Benjamin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background setting
Punitive approaches to deter offending remain popular despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. This study investigated what effect presenting empirical criminological findings about the effectiveness of deterrence to a general public has on their punishment preferences. It builds on earlier research showing that such presentation reduces the public’s inclination towards strict punishment. The present study extended this research by exploring whether the impact of scientific evidence on public punishment preferences is affected by crime severity and by exploring cognitive and psychological factors that may underpin this relationship.

Methods
Using a vignette study paradigm, a general public sample of 330 participants were asked to make hypothetical punishment decisions to reduce crime (whether or not to double sentences) for one of three crime types that varied in severity. For each crime type, half of participants were additionally provided with a summary of research on the deterrent effect of punitive policy measures.

Results
Presenting scientific evidence reduced participants' preferences for stronger punishment and that this effect remained consistent regardless of crime severity—ranging from burglary to homicide. In addition, we did not find evidence that difference in individuals’ cognitive style, negative emotional reactions, perceptions about seriousness, or beliefs about redeemability moderated or mediated this relationship.

Conclusions
This study provides compelling findings that further clarify the circumstances required for scientific evidence to be successfully disseminated to a general public to bring their punishment preferences more in line with the state of empirical science.
Identification of a novel subtype of SPP1 + macrophages expressing SIRPα: implications for tumor immune evasion and treatment response prediction
Authors: Chen Kun , Li Yida , Ni Jianjiao , Yang Xi , Zhou Yue , Pang Yechun , Ye Ruiting , Chen Hongru , Yu Silai , Wang Peng , Zhu Zhengfei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
SPP1 + macrophages are among the major phagocytic cells, yet promoting tumor immune evasion and predicting unfavorable prognosis, in various cancer types. Meanwhile, the predictive value of the abundance of SPP1 + macrophages in patients receiving immunotherapy remains debatable, indicating the potential existence of subtypes of SPP1 + macrophages with diverse biological functions.

Methods
The single cell RNA sequencing data of myeloid cells integrated from several cancers including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was analyzed for characterizing the function and cellular interactions of SPP1 + macrophages expressing SIRPα. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the quantity and spatial distribution of SPP1 + macrophages expressing SIRPα. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. In vitro and in vivo studies investigating the function of SPP1 + macrophages were performed.

Results
SPP1 + macrophages possessed a high phagocytic signature and could engulf more tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. SIRPα expression could represent the phagocytic activity of SPP1 + macrophages and delineated subsets of SPP1 + macrophages with different functions. SPP1 + SIRPα + macrophages showed close spatial distance to tumor cells and positively correlated with PD1 + CD8 + T cells. A high abundance of SPP1 + SIRPα + macrophages at baseline corresponded to patients’ response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Conclusion
A novel subtype of SPP1 + macrophages expressing SIRPα was identified and their abundance predicted patients’ response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Does dose matter? Parental attendance in a preventive intervention for anxious and sad children
Authors: Bania Elisabeth Valmyr , Ytreland Kristin , Sund Anne Mari , Lydersen Stian , Neumer Simon Peter , Adolfsen Frode , Martinsen Kristin , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Ingul Jo Magne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
International studies show increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression among children. Parents are vital for children in all aspects of life, also in supporting their offspring in promoting better mental health, life skills and reducing emotional difficulties. Therefore, involving parents in interventions aimed at preventing development of anxiety and depression is natural. In treatment studies, targeted parental involvement has been difficult to prove effective. However, few existing studies investigate the effect of parental involvement in preventive interventions.

Objective
We aimed to explore whether attendance influenced the change in child’s emotional symptoms post intervention and one-year later reported by parents.

Method
Parents of children attending an indicated preventive intervention named EMOTION, who took part in a high parental involvement condition were included in this study (n = 385). High involvement entailed 5 parent group sessions. Using linear mixed models, we investigated whether attendance in the parent groups influenced the parent-reported levels of children’s emotional symptoms post-intervention and at one-year follow-up.

Results
Parents who did not attend parent sessions reported significantly larger reductions in child anxiety symptoms over time than attending parents. There was no such effect on child depression. However, parents who attended sessions reported significantly higher depression symptoms than non-attendees at baseline. Further, attending more parent sessions did not significantly impact either symptom measure.

Discussion
Given the non-significant differences of parental attendance in this study, future studies could examine less resource demanding interventions for children with emotional difficulties. When the child is struggling with anxiety and depression, the parent’s role in child’s life could be vital for symptom amelioration. The challenge is finding effective, evidence-based methods to involve parents, to reduce child emotional difficulties and improve their quality of life.

Conclusions
In this preventive study, attendance in parent sessions has limited effect on parent-reported symptoms of child emotional difficulties.
Do executive functions and processing speed mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and educational achievement? Analysis of an observational birth cohort study
Authors: Mooney Kate E. , Cheung Rachael W. , Blower Sarah L. , Allen Richard J. , Waterman Amanda 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
There are large and persistent social inequalities in children’s educational attainment, with children from more socioeconomically disadvantaged families consistently having lower attainment. Despite this being widely reported, the mechanisms underlying the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and educational attainment are not well understood. It is important to understand the potential mechanisms by which socioeconomic disadvantage may impede on educational outcomes, as this knowledge could then be used to help target possible interventions to improve educational outcomes for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Children’s executive functions (including working memory and inhibition) and processing speed abilities may underlie these inequalities, however, the previous literature regarding this is limited. This study examined longitudinal mediating mechanisms between socioeconomic status (SES) and educational achievement, using a socioeconomically deprived and ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods
Data from the Born in Bradford longitudinal cohort study was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (n = 4201; 28% White British, 56% Pakistani heritage, 16% Other; 54% Female). SES was measured before birth, executive functions and processing speed were measured in middle childhood (Mage=8.45 years), and educational achievement was obtained through educational records (Mage=10.85 years). All models adjusted for child gender, age, language ability, ethnicity, and mother immigration status.

Results
Executive functions significantly mediated the association between SES and educational achievement (B = 0.109), whilst processing speed did not. Examination of executive function components revealed that working memory significantly mediated the associated between SES and educational achievement (B = 0.100), whilst inhibition did not. Working memory appeared to account for a large proportion (39%) of the total effect of SES on educational achievement.

Conclusions
These results, and the theoretical mechanisms linking working memory to educational achievement, both indicate the importance of finding ways to support children with working memory difficulties in the classroom. This is an important avenue for future research and may be useful for closing the socioeconomic gap in educational achievement.
A benchmark for computational analysis of animal behavior, using animal-borne tags
Authors: Hoffman Benjamin , Cusimano Maddie , Baglione Vittorio , Canestrari Daniela , Chevallier Damien , DeSantis Dominic L. , Jeantet Lorène , Ladds Monique A. , Maekawa Takuya , Mata-Silva Vicente , Moreno-González Víctor , Pagano Anthony M. , Trapote Eva , Vainio Outi , Vehkaoja Antti , Yoda Ken , Zacarian Katherine , Friedlaender Ari 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Animal-borne sensors (‘bio-loggers’) can record a suite of kinematic and environmental data, which are used to elucidate animal ecophysiology and improve conservation efforts. Machine learning techniques are used for interpreting the large amounts of data recorded by bio-loggers, but there exists no common framework for comparing the different machine learning techniques in this domain. This makes it difficult to, for example, identify patterns in what works well for machine learning-based analysis of bio-logger data. It also makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of novel methods developed by the machine learning community.

Methods
To address this, we present the Bio-logger Ethogram Benchmark (BEBE), a collection of datasets with behavioral annotations, as well as a modeling task and evaluation metrics. BEBE is to date the largest, most taxonomically diverse, publicly available benchmark of this type, and includes 1654 h of data collected from 149 individuals across nine taxa. Using BEBE, we compare the performance of deep and classical machine learning methods for identifying animal behaviors based on bio-logger data. As an example usage of BEBE, we test an approach based on self-supervised learning. To apply this approach to animal behavior classification, we adapt a deep neural network pre-trained with 700,000 h of data collected from human wrist-worn accelerometers.

Results
We find that deep neural networks out-perform the classical machine learning methods we tested across all nine datasets in BEBE. We additionally find that the approach based on self-supervised learning out-performs the alternatives we tested, especially in settings when there is a low amount of training data available.

Conclusions
In light of these results, we are able to make concrete suggestions for designing studies that rely on machine learning to infer behavior from bio-logger data. Therefore, we expect that BEBE will be useful for making similar suggestions in the future, as additional hypotheses about machine learning techniques are tested. Datasets, models, and evaluation code are made publicly available at https://github.com/earthspecies/BEBE, to enable community use of BEBE.