bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collagen density defines 3D migration of CTLs and their consequent cytotoxicity against tumor cells
Authors: Zhao Renping , Zhou Xiangda , Khan Essak S. , Alansary Dalia , Friedmann Kim S , Yang Wenjuan , Schwarz Eva C. , del Campo Aránzazu , Hoth Markus , Qu Bin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSolid tumors are often characterized by condensed extracellular matrix (ECM). The impact of dense ECM on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) function is not fully understood. Here, we report that CTL-mediated cytotoxicity is substantially impaired in dense collagen matrices. Although the intrinsic killing machinery including expression of cytotoxic proteins and degranulation was intact, CTL motility was substantially compromised in dense collagen. We found that for 3D CTL migration, persistence and velocity was regulated by collagen stiffness and the porosity, respectively. Interestingly, 3D CTL velocity is strongly correlated with their nuclear deformability/flexibility during migration, which is regulated by the microtubule network. Moreover, CTL migration was completely abolished by inhibition of actin polymerization and or myosin IIA. Remarkably, disruption of the microtubule-networks significantly improves the impaired migration, search efficiency, and cytotoxicity of CTLs in dense collagen. Our work suggests the microtubule network as a promising target to rescue impaired CTL killing capacity in solid tumor related scenarios.
Spinal sensory neurons project onto hindbrain to stabilize posture and enhance locomotor speed
Authors: Wu Ming-Yue , Carbó-Tano Martin , Mirat Olivier , Lejeune Francois-Xavier , Roussel Julian , Quan Feng , Fidelin Kevin , Wyart Claire 
Published: March 2021

SUMMARYIn the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs) are GABAergic interoceptive sensory neurons that detect spinal curvature via a functional coupling with the Reissner fiber. This mechanosensory system has recently been found involved in spine morphogenesis and postural control but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In zebrafish, CSF-cNs project an ascending and ipsilateral axon reaching two to six segments away. Rostralmost CSF-cNs send their axons ipsilaterally into the hindbrain, a brain region containing motor nuclei and reticulospinal neurons (RSNs), which send descending motor commands to spinal circuits. Until now, the synaptic connectivity of CSF-cNs has only been investigated in the spinal cord where they synapse onto motor neurons and premotor excitatory interneurons. The identity of CSF-cN targets in the hindbrain and the behavioral relevance of these sensory projections from spinal cord to hindbrain are unknown. Here, we provide anatomical and molecular evidence that rostralmost CSF-cNs synapse onto the axons of large RSNs including the Mauthner cells and early bornchx10+neurons. Functional anatomy and optogenetic-assisted mapping reveal that rostral CSF-cNs also synapse onto the soma and dendrites of cranial motor neurons innervating hypobranchial muscles. During acousto-vestibular evoked escape responses, ablation of rostralmost CSF-cNs results in a weaker escape response with a decreased C-bend amplitude, lower speed and a deficient postural control. Our study demonstrates that spinal sensory feedback enhances speed and stabilizes posture, and reveals a novel spinal gating mechanism acting on the output of descending commands sent from the hindbrain to the spinal cord.eTOCCerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons are mechanosensory cells that detect spinal curvature. Wuet al.show here that rostralmost CSF-cNs synapse in the hindbrain onto cranial motor neurons and the descending axons of reticulospinal neurons, and enhance speed and power as well as postural control during active locomotion.HighlightsCerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs) in rostral spinal cord form inhibitory synapses onto cranial motor neuronsRostral CSF-cNs synapse onto descending axons of reticulospinal neuronsCSF-cN sensory feedback in the rostral spinal cord enhance speed and power of locomotionRostral CSF-cNs projecting to the hindbrain contribute to postural control
Infants’ cortex undergoes microstructural growth coupled with myelination
Authors: Natu Vaidehi S. , Rosenke Mona , Wu Hua , Querdasi Francesca R. , Kular Holly , Lopez-Alvarez Nancy , Grotheer Mareike , Berman Shai , Mezer Aviv A. , Grill-Spector Kalanit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDevelopment of cortical tissue during infancy is critical for the emergence of typical brain functions in cortex. However, how cortical microstructure develops during infancy remains unknown. We measured the longitudinal development of cortex from newborns to six-months-old infants using multimodal quantitative imaging of cortical microstructure. Here we show that infants’ cortex undergoes profound microstructural tissue growth during the first six months of human life. Comparison of postnatal to prenatal transcriptomic gene expression data demonstrates that myelination and synaptic processes are dominant contributors to this postnatal microstructural tissue growth. Using visual cortex as a model system, we find hierarchical microstructural growth: higher-level visual areas have less mature tissue at birth than earlier visual areas but grow at faster rates. This overturns the prevailing view that visual areas that are most mature at birth develop fastest. Together,in vivo, longitudinal, and quantitative measurements, which we validated withex vivotranscriptomic data, shed new light on the rate, sequence, and specific biological mechanisms of developing cortical systems. Importantly, our findings propose a new hypothesis that cortical myelination is a key factor in cortical development during early infancy, which has significant implications for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and delays in infants.
Modelling Human Gait using a Nonlinear Differential Equation
Authors: Schmalz Jelena , Paul David , Shorter Kathleen , Schmalz Xenia , Cooper Matthew , Murphy Aron 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe introduce an innovative method for the investigation of human gait, which is based on the visualisation of the vertical component of the movement of the centre of mass during walking or running, in the space of the coordinates position, velocity, and acceleration of the centre of mass. Collected data has been numerically approximated by the best fitting curve for a non-linear model. The resulting equation for the best fitting plane or curve in this space is a differential equation of second order. The model that we suggest is a Duffing equation with coefficients that depend on the height of a walker or runner and on the angular frequency of the oscillation. Statistics about the distribution of the Duffing stiffness depending on the speed is presented.1Author SummaryWe study the human gait modelled by the movement of the centre of mass of the test person. This is an example of a biological process which can be considered as a periodical dynamic system. Roughly, this movement behaves in a similar way to a vibrating mass suspended on a spring, but it is more complex. The vertical component of the movement during walking or running can be visualised as an oscillogram: a graph of the position as a function of time. We suggest a visualisation of the data in 3D space, where the coordinates describe position, velocity, and acceleration. Our new visualisation method allows us to model the movement of a person’s centre of mass by a nonlinear differential equation. The resulting curve for an ideal spring-mass movement, without viscosity or external force, is an ellipse in the suggested 3D space. The shape of the data curve shows at which position an additional force was applied, or the movement slowed down. Some deviations are common for all test persons and others are different. In the future we plan to investigate the reasons for these deviations, such as different running techniques or the presence of injuries.
Alginate-based microparticles coated with HPMCP/AS cellulose-derivatives enable the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha antimicrobial peptide application as a feed additive
Authors: Roque Borda Cesar Augusto , Leite Silva Hanyeny Raiely , Junior Edson Crusca , Aparecida Serafim Jéssica , Bagliotti Meneguin Andréia , Chorilli Marlus , Macedo Wagner Costa , Teixeira Silvio Rainho , Lopes Guastalli Elisabete Aparecida , Soares Nilce Maria , Blair Jessica MA , Pikramenou Zoe , Vicente Eduardo Festozo 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTMicroencapsulation is a potential biotechnological tool, which can overcome AMPs instabilities and reduce toxic side effects. Thus, this study evaluates the antibacterial activities of the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha antimicrobial peptide against MDR and non-resistant bacteria, develop and characterize peptide-loaded microparticles coated with HPMCAS and HPMCP. Ctx(Ile21)-Ha microencapsulation was performed by ionic gelation with high-efficiency, maintaining the physical-chemical stability. Ctx(Ile21)-Ha coated-microparticles were characterized, and their hemolytic activity assay demonstrated that hemolysis was decreased up to 95% compared to single molecule. In addition,in vitrorelease control profile simulating different portions of gastrointestinal tract was performed and showed the microcapsules’ ability to protect the peptide and release it in the intestine, aimed pathogens location, mainly bySalmonellasp. Therefore, use of microencapsulated Ctx(Ile21)-Ha can be allowed as an antimicrobial controller in monogastric animal production, being a valuable option for molecules with low therapeutic indexes or high hemolytic rates.
Early-Emerging and Highly-Heritable Sensitivity to Human Communication in Dogs
Authors: Bray Emily E. , Gnanadesikan Gitanjali E. , Horschler Daniel J. , Levy Kerinne M. , Kennedy Brenda S. , Famula Thomas R. , MacLean Evan L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDogs exhibit similarities to humans in their sensitivity to cooperative-communicative cues, but the extent to which they are biologically prepared for communication with humans is heavily debated. To investigate the developmental and genetic origins of these traits, we tested 375 eight-week-old dog puppies on a battery of social-cognitive measures. We hypothesized that if dogs’ social skills for cooperating with humans are biologically prepared, then these skills should emerge robustly in early development, not require extensive socialization or learning, and exhibit heritable variation. Puppies were highly skillful at using diverse human gestures and we found no evidence of learning across test trials, suggesting that they possess these skills prior to their first exposure to these cues. Critically, over 40% of the variation in dogs’ point-following abilities and attention to human faces was attributable to genetic factors. Our results suggest that these social skills in dogs emerge early in development and are under strong genetic control.Highlights-Genetic factors account for nearly half of variation in dog social skills-Puppies displayed social skills and interest in human faces from 8 weeks old-Puppies successfully used human gestures from the very first trial
Tumor-reactivity of δ2 negative γδT cells and the role of the γδT cell receptor
Authors: van Dooremalen Sanne , Janssen Anke , Bloemenkamp Lauri , Yonika Austin , Beringer Dennis X. , Kuball Jürgen 
Published: March 2021

SummaryαβT cells engineered to express a defined γδTCR (TEG) to attack cancer cells have shown great promise when using a γ9δ2TCR to redirect αβT cells (1–9). Reports by us (1–9) and recent reports by others (10, 11) support the key role of the γ9δ2TCR in cancer recognition. We further emphasized the crucial role of the δTCR chain and that differences in CDR3 sequences of the δTCR chain modulates functional avidity of TEGs (2, 8). We and others demonstrated that also δ2 negative γδTCRs are able to redirect αβT cells towards different tumor cell lines (12–15). However, some studies suggest that δ2 negative γδTCRs play a minor role in the tumor recognition by δ2 negative γδT cells (16, 17). In addition for both modes of action for tumor-recognition, δ2 negative γδTCR-dependent and -independent, it has been suggested that CMV infection is not only a major driver of δ2 negative γδT cell expansion (18) but also induces tumor-cross reactive δ2 negative γδT cells (19–21). Therefore, we aimed to systematically explore frequencies of tumor reactive δ2 negative γδT cells in naïve repertoires (cord blood) and patients with or without CMV infection and examined the potential role the parental δ2 negative γδTCR in anti-tumor reactivity of selected clones. We observed that approximately 30% of all tested clones were tumor-reactive, though no differences were observed between different sources. Surprisingly, none of the so far tested γδTCR did mediate strong anti-tumor reactivity of the parental clones. Though numbers of tested TCR sequences are still low, our data imply that tumor-reactivity of δ2 negative γδT cells is frequently not mediated by the δ2 negative γδTCR alone.
Real Time Face Recognition with limited training data: Feature Transfer Learning integrating CNN and Sparse Approximation
Authors: Bajpai Supriya , Mishra Gargi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is highly challenging to obtain high performance with limited and unconstrained data in real time face recognition applications. Sparse Approximation is a fast and computationally efficient method for the above application as it requires no training time as compared to deep learning methods. It eliminates the training time by assuming that the test image can be approximated by the sum of individual contributions of the training images from different classes and the class with maximum contribution is closest to the test image. The efficiency of the Sparse Approximation method can be further increased by providing high quality features as input for classification. Hence, we propose to integrate pre-trained CNN architecture to extract the highly discriminative features from the image dataset for Sparse classification. The proposed approach provides better performance even for one training image per class in complex environment as compared to the existing methods. Highlight of the present approach is the results obtained for LFW dataset with one and thirteen training images per class are 84.86% and 96.14% respectively, whereas the existing deep learning methods use a large amount of training data to achieve comparable results.
Beyond single discrete responses: An integrative and multidimensional analysis of behavioral dynamics assisted by Machine Learning
Authors: Leon Alejandro , Hernandez-Eslava Varsovia , Lopez Juan , Guzman Isiris , Quintero Victor , Toledo Porfirio , Avendaño Martha Lorena , Hernandez-Linares Carlos , Escamilla Esteban 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBehavioral systems, understanding it as an emergent system comprising the environment and organism subsystems, include spatial dynamics as a primary dimension in natural settings. Nevertheless, under the standard approaches, the experimental analysis of behavior is based on the single response paradigm and the temporal distribution of discrete responses. Thus, the continuous analysis of spatial behavioral dynamics has been a scarcely studied field. The technological advancements in computer vision have opened new methodological perspectives for the continuous sensing of spatial behavior. With the application of such advancements, recent studies suggest that there are multiple features embedded in the spatial dynamics of behavior, such as entropy, and that they are affected by programmed stimuli (e.g., schedules of reinforcement), at least, as much as features related to discrete responses. Despite the progress, the characterization of behavioral systems is still segmented, and integrated data analysis and representations between discrete responses and continuous spatial behavior are exiguous in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Machine Learning advancements, such as t-SNE, variable ranking, provide invaluable tools to crystallize an integrated approach for analyzing and representing multidimensional behavioral data. Under this rationale, the present work: 1) proposes a multidisciplinary approach for the integrative and multilevel analysis of behavioral systems, 2) provides sensitive behavioral measures based on spatial dynamics and helpful data representations to study behavioral systems, and 3) reveals behavioral aspects usually ignored under the standard approaches in the experimental analysis of behavior. To exemplify and evaluate our approach, the spatial dynamics embedded in phenomena relevant to behavioral science, namelywater-seeking behavior, andmotivational operations, are examined, showing aspects of behavioral systems hidden until now.
Is local the new organic? Empirical evidence from German regions
Authors: Winterstein Julia , Habisch André 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis paper measures German customers' label-depending preference and willingness to pay for organic and local food.Design/methodology/approachThe sample covers 325 survey respondents from 12 out of the 16 German federal states. Data was collected through convenience sampling in December 2019. A choice-based conjoint analysis was operated.FindingsCustomers value local food from their federal state most, thereby accepting a price premium of no less than 200%. The label moderates the influence of organic production conditions on price acceptance significantly.Research limitations/implicationsBased on self-reported data from a convenience sample, the demographic distribution of the sample differs from that of the German population. Moreover, the willingness to pay was found to be product-specific, limiting general applicability.Practical implicationsMarketers should focus on local and local organic food in the assortment. Marketing strategies should include information campaigns. Producers may sell their products regionally or cooperate with local retailers. Introducing a separate official “local organic” label is suggested.Originality/valueThe study provides detailed evidence on the preference of German costumers and suggests a significantly higher willingness to pay for organic and local food than previous literatures.
The nexus between diversity management (DM) and organizational performance (OP): mediating role of cognitive and affective diversity
Authors: Showkat Shagufta , Misra Siddharth 
Published: March 2021

PurposePresent day organizations are considering workforce diversity as one of the main challenges in the human resource management. This study aims to find out the relationship between diversity management (DM) in the context of strategic human resource management (SHRM) and organizational performance (OP). An attempt is made to find out the mediation effect of cognitive diversity (CD) and affective diversity (AD) in the relationship between DM and OP.Design/methodology/approachThe constructs investigated in the present study include DM, OP, CD and AD. Structural equation modeling has been used to test the model fit. The data was collected from 50 human resource professionals working in different organizations in the information technology (IT) sector in Bangalore, India. Confirmatory factor analysis has been used for establishing the reliability.FindingsThe results show that there exists a significant relationship between DM and OP. This significant positive relationship can be attributed to the mediating role of CD and significant negative relationship is because of the AD.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations. In this study, only three DM practices have been considered. The generalization of the results is another limitation as the study has been conducted in the IT sector in Bangalore, India. Similarly, sample size also affects the implications of an empirical study and sample size in this study is small. This study has investigated only the impact of two aspects of diversity, cognitive and affective, while neglecting the effect of communicational and symbolic processes.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that organizations must consider that by providing intercultural trainings (ICTs), work–life balance (WLB) and work-time flexibility options, the negative aspects of diversity can be minimized. Moreover, organizations should encourage the task conflict which leads to better decision-making as well as creates a sense of group identification, which may help in the avoidance of negative consequences of AD.Originality/valueThis study is undertaken to find out the effect of certain diversity-oriented SHRM practices such as flexible working times, WLB, ICT and its impact on the OP in the Indian IT industry. This study has investigated the mediating role of CD and AD on the relationship between diversity-oriented SHRM practices and OP, which is the novelty of this study. Third, the study has been undertaken considering that there is a dearth of research on the impact of AD and CD on OP in the Indian context.
The real losers during times of economic crisis: evidence of the Korean gender pay gap
Authors: Patterson Louise , Benuyenah Vic 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the employment figures in the labour market after the two Korean financial crises (1997 and 2008), focusing on the gender gap across different characteristics. Based on several data points, a general trend becomes evident whereby, as companies retrenched, they shifted the demographics of their employees to those perceived as most valuable, i.e. workers with university educations. However, when distinguished by gender, it is evident that their priorities changed. This discovery suggests that as the world faces another global health crisis (COVID-19) with its associated impact on organisational retrenchment, the gender gap in Korea could widen further.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis was conducted by applying a simple compounded average growth rate (CAGR) analysis to determine the impact of the two crises on employment by the educational level.FindingsA general trend becomes evident whereby, as companies retrenched, they shifted the demographics of their employees to those perceived as most valuable, i.e. workers with university educations. However, when distinguished by gender, it is evident that their priorities changed.Research limitations/implicationsSecondary data were used for the analysis as data for unemployed, who had given up looking for work, were not available.Practical implicationsManagers can use the findings when making decisions about laying-off staff during times of financial/economic crisis.Social implicationsThere is a perceived negative impact upon highly educated Korean women.Originality/valueThe paper advances the pay gap literature by providing evidence from Korea. CAGR analysis has never been used previously in analysing the pattern of labour market data to reveal gender discrimination. With a global health crisis (COVID-19) with its associated impact on organisational retrenchment, the gender gap in Korea could widen further.