bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-2/IL-2R Antibody Complex Enhances Treg-Induced Neuroprotection by Dampening TNF-α Inflammation in an In Vitro Stroke Model
Authors: Borlongan Mia C. , Kingsbury Chase , Salazar Felipe Esparza , Toledo Alma R. Lezama , Monroy German Rivera , Sadanandan Nadia , Cozene Blaise , Gonzales-Portillo Bella , Saft Madeline , Wang Zhen-Jie , Moscatello Alexa , Lee Jea Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present in vitro study showed that IL-2/IL-2R antibody complex facilitates Treg-induced neuroprotection in the oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model of stroke. First, we examined the role of IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs in OGD/R-exposed rat primary cortical cells (PCCs), which represent the cell type of the ischemic gray matter in the stroke brain. Here, OGD/R induced cell death, which was attenuated by Tregs and more robustly by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, but not by IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone. Second, we next assessed IL-2/IL-2R effects in OGD/R-exposed human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which correspond to the white matter injury after stroke. Results revealed that a similar pattern neuroprotection as seen in the gray matter, in that OGD/R triggered cell death, which was ameliorated by Tregs and more effectively by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, but IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone was not therapeutic. Third, as we begin to understand the mechanism underlying IL-2/IL-2R engagement of Tregs, we investigated the inflammatory response in OGD/R-exposed human neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which recapitulate both ischemic gray and white matter damage in stroke. Similar to PCCs and OPCs, OGD/R produced cell death and was blocked by Tregs and more efficiently by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, whereas IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone did not alter the ischemic insult. Moreover, the inflammatory marker, TNF-α, was upregulated after OGD/R, dampened by both Tregs and more efficiently by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs but more pronounced in the latter, and not affected by IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone, suggesting IL-2/IL-2R-Treg-mediated modulation of inflammatory response in stroke. Altogether, these observations support the use of IL-2/IL-2R treatment in enhancing the anti-inflammatory effects of Tregs in stroke.
MyD88 and beyond: a perspective on MyD88-targeted therapeutic approach for modulation of host immunity
Authors: Saikh Kamal U. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe continuous emergence of infectious pathogens along with antimicrobial resistance creates a need for an alternative approach to treat infectious diseases. Targeting host factor(s) which are critically involved in immune signaling pathways for modulation of host immunity offers to treat a broad range of infectious diseases. Upon pathogen-associated ligands binding to the Toll-like/ IL-1R family, and other cellular receptors, followed by recruitment of intracellular signaling adaptor proteins, primarily MyD88, trigger the innate immune responses. But activation of host innate immunity strongly depends on the correct function of MyD88 which is tightly regulated. Dysregulation of MyD88 may cause an imbalance that culminates to a wide range of inflammation-associated syndromes and diseases. Furthermore, recent reports also describe that MyD88 upregulation with many viral infections is linked to decreased antiviral type I IFN response, and MyD88-deficient mice showed an increase in survivability. These reports suggest that MyD88 is also negatively involved via MyD88-independent pathways of immune signaling for antiviral type I IFN response. Because of its expanding role in controlling host immune signaling pathways, MyD88 has been recognized as a potential drug target in a broader drug discovery paradigm. Targeting BB-loop of MyD88, small molecule inhibitors were designed by structure-based approach which by blocking TIR–TIR domain homo-dimerization have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in attenuating MyD88-mediated inflammatory impact, and increased antiviral type I IFN response in experimental mouse model of diseases. In this review, we highlight the reports on MyD88-linked immune response and MyD88-targeted therapeutic approach with underlying mechanisms for controlling inflammation and antiviral type I IFN response.Highlights• Host innate immunity is activated upon PAMPs binding to PRRs followed by immune signaling through TIR domain–containing adaptor proteins mainly MyD88.• Structure-based approach led to develop small-molecule inhibitors which block TIR domain homodimerization of MyD88 and showed therapeutic efficacy in limiting severe inflammation-associated impact in mice.• Therapeutic intervention of MyD88 also showed an increase in antiviral effect with strong type I IFN signaling linked to increased phosphorylation of IRFs via MyD88–independent pathway.• MyD88 inhibitors might be potentially useful as a small-molecule therapeutics for modulation of host immunity against inflammatory diseases and antiviral therapy.• However, prior clinical use of more in-depth efforts should be focused for suitability of the approach in deploying to complex diseases including COPD and COVID-19 in limiting inflammation-associated syndrome to infection.
Energy efficiency and the role of energy-related financial literacy: evidence from the European residential sector
Authors: Boogen Nina , Cattaneo Cristina , Filippini Massimo , Obrist Adrian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the level of efficiency in the use of electricity in the European residential sector relying on a cross-sectional data set comprised of 1375 households located in Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland and observed in 2016. To do this, we estimate an electricity demand frontier function using a stochastic frontier approach. The empirical results show that the residential sector in these three European countries could save approximately 20% of its total electricity consumption on average if it improves the level of efficiency in the use of electricity. These figures are in line with recent studies for Switzerland and for the US residential sector. Moreover, we link energy efficiency to energy-related financial literacy. We find that while energy-relevant knowledge per se does not play a significant role, stronger cognitive abilities are associated with higher levels of energy efficiency.
Social support, perceived risk and the likelihood of COVID-19 testing and vaccination: cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Breakwell Glynis M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTwo samples of 227 and 214 adults completed surveys of social support, perceived risk of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive activity – in Study 1 likelihood of testing was examined and in Study 2 likelihood of both testing and vaccination were examined during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Path analysis showed, in Study 1, that access to help (as an indicator of social support) had a direct effect on likelihood of testing and indirect effects through self-efficacy, perceived risk and preventive behavior; and, in Study 2, that neighborhood identification (as an indicator of social support) had a direct effect on likelihood of testing and indirect effects on likelihood of both testing and vaccination through the mediators of strength of social network, loneliness, perceived risk of COVID-19, and preventive activity. Both studies suggest that level of social support (conceptualized in different ways) is an important determinant of COVID-19 testing and Study 2 shows it is also a determinant of likelihood of vaccination. As resurgences of COVID-19 occur, it will be necessary to monitor the likelihood of COVID-19 testing and vaccination behaviors and, especially, to promote confidence in the latter in individuals with decreased access to social support.
CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors: a short review
Authors: Umut Öykü , Gottschlich Adrian , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian 
Published: April 2021

SummaryChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been established in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, in solid tumors its efficacy remains limited. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the field of cell therapy itself, to introduce the underlying concepts of CAR T cell-based treatment approaches and to address its limitations in advancing the treatment for solid malignancies.
Charles Henry Turner and the cognitive behavior of bees
Authors: Giurfa Martin , Giurfa de Brito Anaclara , Giurfa de Brito Tiziana , de Brito Sanchez Maria Gabriela 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSocial movements in several countries are stimulating a reconsideration of academic structures and historic figures and promoting reparation and recognition of marginalized and forgotten black scientists. A paradigmatic case in that sense is Charles Henry Turner (1867–1923) who was the first African American to receive a graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati and one of the first in earning a PhD degree of the University of Chicago. He performed numerous experiments on sensory perception, orientation, and mating of solitary and social bees, most of which have been unjustly forgotten despite the fact that they anticipated fundamental concepts of animal cognition. We review these studies and highlight the importance of his ideas for modern views of animal cognition and the study of bee behavior. We conclude that besides his scientific contributions, Turner is an inspiration for scientists fighting against social adversity and prejudices.
The crucial role of mulch to enhance the stability and resilience of cropping systems in southern Africa
Authors: Mhlanga Blessing , Ercoli Laura , Pellegrino Elisa , Onofri Andrea , Thierfelder Christian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConservation agriculture has been promoted to sustainably intensify food production in smallholder farming systems in southern Africa. However, farmers have rarely fully implemented all its components, resulting in different combinations of no-tillage, crop rotation, and permanent soil cover being practiced, thus resulting in variable yield responses depending on climatic and soil conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the effect of conservation agriculture components on yield stability. We hypothesized that the use of all three conservation agriculture components would perform the best, resulting in more stable production in all environments. We evaluated at, eight trial locations across southern Africa, how partial and full implementation of these components affected crop yield and yield stability compared with conventional tillage alone or combined with mulching and/or crop rotation. Grain yield and shoot biomass of maize and cowpea were recorded along with precipitation for 2 to 5 years. Across different environments, the addition of crop rotation and mulch to no-tillage increased maize grain by 6%, and the same practices added to conventional tillage led to 13% yield increase. Conversely, adding only mulch or crop rotation to no-tillage or conventional tillage led to lower or equal maize yield. Stability analyses based on Shukla’s index showed for the first time that the most stable systems are those in which mulch is added without crop rotation. Moreover, the highest yielding systems were the least stable. Finally, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis allowed clarifying that mulch added to no-tillage gives stable yields on sandy soil with high rainfall. Similarly, mulch added to conventional tillage gives stable yield on sandy soil, but under low rainfall. This is the first study that highlighted the crucial role of mulch to enhance the stability and resilience of cropping systems in southern Africa, supporting their adaptability to climate change.
Efficient oxygen reduction reaction by a highly porous, nitrogen-doped carbon sphere electrocatalyst through space confinement effect in nanopores
Authors: Mo Zheyang , Yang Weiyi , Gao Shuang , Shang Jian Ku , Ding Yajun , Sun Wuzhu , Li Qi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon sphere (NPC) electrocatalyst was prepared through the carbonization of biomass carbon spheres mixed with urea and zinc chloride in N2 atmosphere. The sample carbonized at 1000 °C demonstrates a superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance over the Pt/C electrocatalyst, while its contents of pyridinic nitrogen and graphitic nitrogen are the lowest among samples synthesized at the same or lower carbonization temperatures. This unusual result is explained by a space confinement effect from the microporous and mesoporous structures in the microflakes, which induces the further reduction of peroxide ions or other oxygen species produced in the first step reduction to water to have the preferred overall four electron reduction ORR process. This work demonstrates that in addition to the amount or species of its active sites, the space confinement can be a new approach to enhance the ORR performance of precious-metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts.
Inclusive Practices for Neurodevelopmental Research
Authors: Fletcher-Watson Sue , Brook Kabie , Hallett Sonny , Murray Fergus , Crompton Catherine J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Inclusive research practice is both a moral obligation and a practical imperative. Here we review its relevance to the study of neurodevelopmental diversity in particular, briefly describing a range of inclusive research models and justifying their use. The review itself is inclusively co-authored with three autistic collaborators and community leaders who all have extensive experience of research involvement.

Recent Findings
Drawing on theoretical arguments and specific exemplar projects, we describe six key considerations in the delivery of inclusive research. These are the following: taking the first steps towards inclusive practice; setting expectations; community-specific inclusion measures; inclusion and intersectionality; the role of empowerment; and knowledge exchange for inclusion. Together, these sections provide an illustrated guide to the principles and process of inclusive research.

Summary
Inclusive research practice is both beneficial to and a requirement of excellence in neurodevelopmental research. We call for greater engagement in this participatory research agenda from grant-awarding bodies to facilitate not just inclusive but also emancipatory research.
An update on the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qian Jie , Wu Ying , Liu Fanxiao , Zhu Yikang , Jin Hua , Zhang Hongmei , Wan Yumei , Li Chunbo , Yu Dehua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo update the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population before 2021 and to analyze the distribution characteristics at different times and in different regions and sexes, as well as the diagnostic criteria.MethodsBased on the method from a previous report by the authors, studies were identified from the following databases: PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ovid and the 4 most important Chinese databases. Articles in English and Chinese before 2021 were retrieved. The data retrieved at this time were pooled with the data from a previous report for analyses.ResultsThirty-three studies were identified, which included 18 studies supplemented in this retrieval. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders were 0.91% (95% CI, 0.48–1.71) and 0.43% (95% CI, 0.18–0.78), respectively. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of the subgroup EDs (any), which covers all types of eating disorders, were 1.69% and 0.72%, respectively. The lifetime prevalence of AN, BN and BED was 0.16% (95% CI, 0.06–0.31), 0.63% (95% CI, 0.33–1.02) and 1.53% (95% CI, 1.00–2.17), respectively. The lifetime prevalence of EDs in Western countries was 1.89%, and was high at 2.58% in females. Prevalence studies using DSM-5 criteria were scarce.ConclusionsThe prevalence of eating disorders might be underestimated thus far. Not all types of EDs were included in a majority of epidemiological surveys, and the prevalence rates of the new types of EDs were significantly higher. Eating disorders were especially common in Western countries and in females. New diagnostic criteria should be used to comprehensively assess all types of eating disorders.Level of evidence1, systematic review and meta-analysis.
An effective matching algorithm with adaptive tie-breaking strategy for online food delivery problem
Authors: Chen Jing-fang , Wang Ling , Wang Shengyao , Wang Xing , Ren Hao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWith the prosperity of e-commerce, ordering food online has become increasingly prevalent nowadays. Derived from the dispatching problem in Meituan, a real online food delivery (OFD) platform in China, this paper addresses an OFD problem (OFDP). To solve the OFDP efficiently, an effective matching algorithm with adaptive tie-breaking strategy (MAATS) is proposed by collaboratively fusing the optimization methods with machine learning (ML) techniques. First, to efficiently generate a partial solution with a certain quality, a best-matching heuristic is proposed. Second, to break the ties occurring in the best-matching heuristic and obtain a complete solution with high quality, multiple tie-breaking operators are designed. Third, to adapt to different scenarios, the tie-breaking operators are utilized in a dynamic way which is achieved by using ML methods including decision trees and a specially-designed deep neural network. Fourth, problem-specific features are extracted as decision information to assist the ML models to predict the best tie-breaking operator for use in the current scenario. Preliminary offline simulations are carried out on real historical data sets to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, rigorous online A/B tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of MAATS in practical applications. The results of offline and online tests demonstrate both the effectiveness of MAATS to solve the OFDP and the application value to improve customer satisfaction and delivery efficiency on Meituan platform.
»Herr Präsident! Meine Damen und Herren! Lassen Sie mich mit einem Erlebnis beginnen« – Zum Verhältnis von Argumentation und Narration in politischen Debattenreden zur Bioethik
Authors: Spieß Constanze 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungDie parlamentarischen Debattenreden um Präimplantationsdiagnostik und vorgeburtliche genetische Bluttests sind gekennzeichnet durch eine dominant argumentative Grundstruktur. Argumentationen werden in den Reden dazu eingesetzt, um Entscheidungen zu legitimieren, aber auch um Zustimmungsbereitschaft für die je eigene Sichtweise auf den Sachverhalt zu erlangen und um vom eigenen Standpunkt zu überzeugen. Dabei setzen Redner*innen in vielen Fällen Erzählungen/Narrationen ein, die in mehr oder weniger stark ausgebauter Form verwendet werden und die in einem engen Verhältnis zur Argumentation stehen. Der Beitrag arbeitet fünf Typen eines engen Verhältnisses von Argumentation und Narration in einem Korpus von 157 Debattenreden zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik und zu vorgeburtlichen genetischen Bluttests heraus und stellt die Funktionalität von Erzählungen im Kontext der argumentativen Debattenreden dar.
Neural dynamics based complete grid coverage by single and multiple mobile robots
Authors: Singha Arindam , Ray Anjan Kumar , Samaddar Arun Baran 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNavigation of mobile robots in a grid based environment is useful in applications like warehouse automation. The environment comprises of a number of free grid cells for navigation and remaining grid cells are occupied by obstacles and/or other mobile robots. Such obstructions impose situations of collisions and dead-end. In this work, a neural dynamics based algorithm is proposed for complete coverage of a grid based environment while addressing collision avoidance and dead-end situations. The relative heading of the mobile robot with respect to the neighbouring grid cells is considered to calculate the neural activity. Moreover, diagonal movement of the mobile robot through inter grid cells is restricted to ensure safety from the collision with obstacles and other mobile robots. The circumstances where the proposed algorithm will fail to provide completeness are also discussed along with the possible ways to overcome those situations. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for a single and multiple mobile robots. Moreover, comparative studies illustrate improvements over other algorithms on collision free effective path planning of mobile robots within a grid based environment.
On the Performance Analyses of a Modified Force Field Algorithm and Neural Network Approach for Obstacle Avoidance in Swarm Robotics
Authors: Balasubramanian Girish , Muthukumaraswamy Senthil Arumugam , Kong Xianwen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObstacle avoidance is a major hurdle when implementing mobile robots and swarm robots. Swarm robots work in groups and therefore require an efficient and functional obstacle avoidance algorithm to stay collision free between themselves and their surroundings. This paper reviews previous research in obstacle avoidance implementation using the force field method (FFM), also known as potential field method (PFM) and a neutral network approach. Moreover, this paper aims to execute simulations using a modified force field algorithm and a neural network approach and compare them. The obtained results are analyzed to identify the performance characteristics and the time taken to perform tasks using a singular mobile robot against a swarm robot environment consisting of four and ten robots, respectively, in both simulation cases. Simulations showed that the algorithm was successful in navigating obstacles for both single and swarm robot environments. A single robot was found to take up to 340% longer to arrive at the required location compared to the first robot in the experiment. Moreover, it was found that the neural network approach showed ~ 27% improvement over the modified force field algorithm when it comes to cases where more than four robots are being used.
Facial Action Coding System Applied to Criminal Investigations: The Analysis of a Homicide Case in Southern Italy
Authors: Vitale Igor Vaslav 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent criminal psychology research has raised critical questions about applying non-verbal communication methods for lie detection purposes in forensic settings. Research has shown low correlations between non-verbal communication and deception. However, non-verbal communication methods are still widely applied and suggested by police manuals. Results obtained by experimental and field research are biased by the following factors: (i) attention is given only to quantitative aspects of non-verbal behavior; (ii) there is a lack of research of qualitative aspects related to non-verbal behavior analysis; (iii) lack of connections between non-verbal indicators and verbal content; (iv) lack of attention on timing of non-verbal behavior; (v) most research is performed on psychology students in experimental contexts. This article proposes a new methodology for applying the Facial Action Coding System as investigative support and not as a lie detection method. The Facial Action Coding System will be introduced to integrate with verbal content analysis and a new framework to interpret non-verbal signs discussed. The aid of standardized non-verbal methods will be discussed through an in-depth psychological analysis of a case of homicide perpetrated in 2010 in Southern Italy by discussing a video analysis of the suspects’ statements.