bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automation and asymmetric international spillovers of technological shocks
Authors: Momoda Shohei , Ogawa Takayuki , Shimizu Ryosuke 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study examines international spillover effects of technological shocks using a dynamic open economy model in which production tasks are automated by robots. A concentration of robot production in a few countries worldwide is essential to understanding automation advances and robot price declines in a globalized economy. Technological improvements in robot‐producing countries decrease world robot prices and affect automation advances in other countries specializing in non‐robot production; however, the reverse is not true. The welfare effects are also asymmetric and depend on the type of technological shocks. For example, by improving the productivity of investment in robots, the non‐robot producing countries suffer from the deteriorated terms of trade and may become worse off depending on the global wealth distribution.
Genome‐Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Architecture of Common Epilepsies
Authors: Thakran Sarita , Guin Debleena , Singh Priyanka , Uppili Bharathram , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Kushwaha Suman S. , Kukreti Ritushree 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEpilepsy, affecting approximately 50 million individuals worldwide, exhibits a genetic heritability of 32%. While several genes/loci associated with epilepsy have been identified through candidate and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), exploration of population‐specific markers remains underexplored. We conducted the first GWAS in north Indian population (~1500 samples) to identify genetic variants/loci associated with epilepsy risk, validated using targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Our GWAS revealed 30 variants across seven loci associated with epilepsy risk, including six novel loci. Subtype analysis based on etiology and seizure types, identified 57 variants across 11 loci, 10 of which are novel. Gene‐set analysis unveiled enrichment in genes associated with glutathione synthesis and recycling and regulation of dopaminergic neuron differentiation pivotal in epilepsy pathophysiology. Furthermore, PRS analysis revealed a significant genetic contribution to the epilepsy with an R2 of 0.00573. Additionally, targeted NGS showed ~95% concordance with GSA genotypes. Our study highlights six novel loci rs17031055/4q31.3(DCHS2), rs73182224/3q27.2(DGKG), rs9322462/6q25.2(CNKSR3), rs75328617/8q24.23(RNU1‐35P), rs2938010/10q26.13(CTBP2) and rs11652575/17p11.2(SLC5A10) associated with epilepsy risk. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic landscape of epilepsy in the north Indian population, providing foundation for future exploratory studies.
Loss of 18q Alters TGFβ Signalling Affecting Anteroposterior Neuroectodermal Fate in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lei Yingnan , Duong Mai Chi , Krivec Nuša , Janssens Charlotte , Regin Marius , Huyghebaert Anfien , Couvreu de Deckersberg Edouard , Sermon Karen , Al Delbany Diana , Spits Claudia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTChromosomal abnormalities acquired during cell culture can compromise the differentiation potential of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). In this work, we identified a diminished differentiation capacity to retinal progenitor cells in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with complex karyotypes that had in common the loss of part of chromosome 18q. Time‐course gene‐expression analysis during spontaneous differentiation and single‐cell RNA sequencing found that these variant cell lines poorly specified into anterior neuroectoderm, and, when progressing through differentiation, they yielded poorly pigmented cells, with proliferating and pluripotent cell populations. The variant cell lines showed dysregulation of TGFβ signalling during differentiation, and chemical modulation of the TGFβ pathways showed that the basis of the improper specification was due to imbalances in the anteroposterior neuroectodermal fate commitment.
Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Piperaquine Dispersible Granules Formulation Under Fasting and Various Fed Conditions Versus Piperaquine Tablets When Fasted in Healthy Tanzanian Adults: A Randomized, Phase I Study
Authors: Milando Florence A. , Jongo Said , Abdulla Salim , Nyaulingo Gloria , Tumbo Anneth‐Mwasi , Mswata Sarah , Tiago Juliether , Bongole Beatus S. , Mirambo Ashura , Kassimu Kamaka , Mbarak Hussein , Rashid Mohammed A. , Hamad Ali , Mihayo Michael , Ndanzi Tunu , Zuberi Omary , Saadia Naima , Somboka Mariam , Yamba‐Yamba Mariam , Ngonyani Theresia , Nditi Amina , Msuya Margaret , Mwalimu Bakari , Msuya Hajirani M. , Awadh Khamis , Ali Ali , Marrast Anne Claire , Gossen Denis , Neequaye Alice , El‐Gaaloul Myriam , Ramachandruni Hanu , Borghini‐Fuhrer Isabelle 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPiperaquine tetraphosphate (PQP), a long‐acting antimalarial, is being considered in a combination for chemoprevention. Dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine tablets (hard and dispersible) approved for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria should be administered in a fasted state, as PQP bioavailability increases with food. A new taste‐masked dispersible granules PQP formulation aims to minimize the impact of food on drug exposure. This randomized, open label, parallel group, Phase I pilot study was conducted between 24th July 2023, and 3rd January 2024, at the Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania in 60 healthy African adults (five cohorts of 12). Single‐dose pharmacokinetics and relative systemic exposure of the oral PQP dispersible granules formulation prototype (320 mg) was compared to the hard tablet when fasted and PQP granules in three different fed conditions. In the fasted state, the relative exposure of PQP granules versus the tablet was 73.9% (90% CI 48.3, 113.0) for Cmax and 86.5% (68.2, 109.6) for AUC0‐t. Following a typical East African low‐fat meal, a standard high‐fat meal, or 250 mL whole milk, the relative exposure of PQP granules versus the fasted state was 202% (90% CI 132, 311), 275% (193, 391), and 294% (203, 425) for Cmax and 164% (124, 217), 184% (148, 228), and 195% (147, 259) for AUC0‐t, respectively. Both formulations were well tolerated with one drug‐related adverse event (moderate migraine). No severe or serious adverse events or clinically relevant laboratory or electrocardiograph changes were observed. PQP dispersible granules had lower systemic exposures versus the tablet when fasted, whereas various meals increased drug exposure.
Learning by Example: Does Positive Nonverbal Behavior Reduce Children's Racial Bias?
Authors: Gonzalez Antonya M. , Skinner Allison L. , Baron Andrew Scott 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTNonverbal behavior is a ubiquitous, everyday cue that is often used as a basis for social evaluation. Numerous studies indicate that children are sensitive to these signals and form evaluative judgments after viewing positive or negative nonverbal cues directed toward a target. Furthermore, they generalize these judgments to other members of a targets’ social group, indicating that nonverbal behavior displays can influence intergroup bias. However, no studies thus far have directly examined whether exposure to positive nonverbal behavior cues can reduce children's implicit and explicit racial bias. In the current study, we exposed White and Asian children ages 9–11 to positive nonverbal behavior displayed by a White expresser toward a Black target, drawn from children's television shows. Children demonstrated a pro‐White/anti‐Black bias implicitly, but explicitly preferred Black over White characters. Additionally, children judged Black characters from the clips and novel Black characters positively. We found that there was no difference in implicit or explicit racial bias between children who viewed positive nonverbal behavior demonstrated by a White expresser to a Black target as compared to children who were only exposed to a Black target (and no nonverbal cues) or unrelated video clips. Future research examining the influence of positive nonverbal behavior on children's racial bias should consider using more overt or prolonged demonstrations of positive nonverbal behavior or increasing children's familiarity with the characters presented.
Mismanagement amid resource abundance: Sovereign risk, private sector credit rationing, and economic stagnation in Colombia, 1861‒98
Authors: Primmer Andrew 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between national politics, sovereign default, credit rationing, and their effects on fiscal revenues and exports in nineteenth‐century Colombia. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, it challenges existing narratives on Colombia's lack of sustained nineteenth‐century export‐led development, showing that sovereign default was a political choice with long‐term negative impacts. The study highlights how credit rationing and technological backwardness hindered economic growth. It argues that these policies caused Colombia's economic stagnation, leading to boom‐and‐bust cycles in export crop production. It identifies substantial growth during the liberal era and minimal growth during the regeneración period.
Investigation of the Initiation of Composite Mode I/II Crack in Gas‐Bearing Rock Caused by Nonuniformly Distributed Heat Flux
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Wenhua 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTo investigate the patterns of rock crack initiation caused by the nonuniformly distributed heat flux resulting from fracture air‐vapor pressure, the fracture air‐vapor pressure control equation was deduced, and five spatial distribution forms of heat flux were established. The crack initiation criterion considering nonuniform heat flux conditions was proposed based on the modified maximum tangential stress criterion, the theory was validated using FEM and FE‐FEM numerical methods. The results show that the peak value of nonuniform heat flux determines the maximum value of the crack surface temperature, and the distribution form determines the range of high‐temperature and low‐temperature regions on the crack surface. Axisymmetric heat flux induces centrosymmetric cracking, and nonaxisymmetric heat flux induces noncentrosymmetric cracking. It was observed that when qmax = 5000 mW/m2, there is a mutation line in the critical crack initiation angle, which mutates from −90° to 90°. The position of the mutation line decreases with increasing heat flux.
Local‐ and Regional‐Scale Climate Variability Drives Complex Patterns of Growth Synchrony and Asynchrony in Deep‐Sea Snappers Across the Indo‐Pacific
Authors: Widdrington Joseph B. , Reis‐Santos Patrick , Macdonald Jed I. , Moore Bradley R. , Nicol Simon J. , Morrongiello John R. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTClimatic variation can play a critical role in driving synchronous and asynchronous patterns in the expression of life history characteristics across vast spatiotemporal scales. The synchronisation of traits, such as an individual's growth rate, under environmental stress may indicate a loss of phenotypic diversity and thus increased population vulnerability to stochastic deleterious events. In contrast, synchronous growth under favourable ecological conditions and asynchrony during unfavourable conditions may help population resilience and buffer against the negative implications of future environmental variability. Despite the significant implications of growth synchrony and asynchrony to population productivity and persistence, little is known about its causes and consequences either within or among fish populations. This is especially true for long‐lived deep‐sea species that inhabit environments characterised by large‐scale interannual and decadal changes, which could propagate growth synchrony across vast distances. We developed otolith growth chronologies for three deep‐sea fishes (Etelis spp.) over 65° of longitude and 20° of latitude across the Indo‐Pacific region. Using reconstructed time series of interannual growth from six distinct Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), we assessed the level of spatial synchrony at the individual‐, population‐ and species‐scale. Across five decades of data, complex patterns of synchronous and asynchronous growth were apparent for adult populations within and among EEZs of the Pacific Ocean, mediated by shifts in oceanographic phenomena such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Overall, our results indicate that the degree of synchrony in biological traits at depth depends on life history stage, spatiotemporal scales of environmental variability and the influence of ecological factors such as competition and dispersal. By determining the magnitude and timing of spatially synchronous growth at depth and its links to environmental variability, we can better understand fluctuations in deep‐sea productivity and its vulnerability to future environmental stressors, which are key considerations for sustainability.
Soil Moisture Threshold of Methane Uptake in Alpine Grassland Ecosystems
Authors: Wang Peiyan , Wang Jinsong , Wang Song , D'Imperio Ludovica , Elberling Bo , Ambus Per , Zhang Zhen , Ito Akihiko , Li Yang , Pan Junxiao , Song Lei , Liu Ning , Zhang Ruiyang , Chen Weinan , Niu Shuli 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMethane (CH4) uptake in alpine ecosystems is an important component of the global CH4 sink. However, large uncertainties remain regarding the magnitude and spatial patterns of CH4 uptake, owing to its extensive spatial variability, diverse controlling factors, and limited regional‐scale observations. Here, we investigated field ecosystem CH4 uptake along a 3200‐km transect across various alpine grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). We found a substantial spatial variation in in situ CH4 uptake among alpine grasslands, with the highest rates in drier regions of the mid‐western QTP. Soil moisture was the most important factor controlling CH4 uptake, exhibiting a remarkably low threshold of 6.2 ± 0.1 v/v %. Below this threshold, CH4 uptake was constrained by soil moisture, moisture‐induced nitrogen limitation, and high temperatures. Above this threshold, CH4 uptake was mainly limited by gas diffusion and low temperatures. By integrating grid predictors with a random forest model trained on 1851 field measurements encompassing both our observations and a regional synthesis across the QTP, we estimated a regional CH4 uptake of 0.88 ± 0.020 Tg CH4 year−1 from all alpine grasslands on the QTP. This higher estimate, primarily driven by alpine steppes, was significantly greater than current regional estimates from global CH4 models. Our findings highlight the importance of CH4 sink in dry alpine ecosystems characterized by low soil moisture, suggesting that the contribution of CH4 sink in drylands may have been substantially underestimated in the current global CH4 budget.
Relationship between decreased activities of daily living, decreased physical strength and future weight loss in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Hoshi Kazuhiro , Shibasaki Koji , Yakabe Mitsutaka , Hosoi Tatsuya , Matsumoto Shoya , Yamada Shizuru , Hashimoto Seiji , Akishita Masahiro , Ogawa Sumito 
Published: February 2025

AimWeight loss is among the diagnostic criteria for frailty and is associated with increased mortality among older people. This study aimed to identify factors associated with future weight loss among community‐dwelling older people.MethodsA multidimensional questionnaire‐based prospective cohort study was carried out. The questionnaire included the Kihon Checklist, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale, Activity Scale for the Elderly, Fall Risk Index‐21 and Dietary Variety Score. The associations among the scores of the scales and the 3‐year weight change from study entry were assessed. The participants were categorized into the non‐weight loss group, <4.5‐kg weight loss group and >4.5‐kg weight loss group.ResultsIn total, 982 participants completed the follow up. Their mean age was 73.4 ± 5.1 years, and 545 (55.5%) participants were women. Among the IADL questionnaire subitems, depositing and withdrawing money from the bank, walking, interacting with people, taking medication, and cooking were associated with 3‐year weight loss. Furthermore, cooking was strongly associated with weight loss. However, there was no association between eating frequency and weight loss. Finally, low IADL and physical function scores were associated with a doubled risk of future weight loss.ConclusionsAn association was found between 3‐year weight loss and physical fitness and IADL, such as walking, among community‐dwelling older people. Future weight loss in older people can be caused by a decline in IADL and physical fitness before a decline in dietary intake. Furthermore, maintaining IADL and physical fitness can prevent future weight loss and frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
The Protein Kinase aPKC as Well as the Small GTPases RhoA and Cdc42 Regulates Neutrophil Chemotaxis Partly by Recruiting the ROCK Kinase to the Leading Edge
Authors: Naito Atsushi , Kamakura Sachiko , Hayase Junya , Kohda Akira , Niiro Hiroaki , Akashi Koichi , Sumimoto Hideki 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe small GTPases RhoA and Cdc42 and their effector proteins play crucial roles in neutrophil chemotaxis. However, endogenous localization and regulation of these proteins have remained largely unknown. Here, we show, using a trichloroacetic acid fixation method, that endogenous RhoA and Cdc42 are preferentially accumulated at the F‐actin‐rich leading edge (pseudopod) during chemotaxis of human neutrophil‐like PLB‐985 cells in response to the chemoattractant C5a. Interestingly, the enrichment of RhoA is impaired by knockdown of Cdc42, indicating a positive regulation by Cdc42. Depletion of Cdc42 or RhoA each induces the formation of multiple pseudopods, confirming their significance in cell polarization with an organized actin network at the front. The Rho‐associated kinase ROCK is also recruited to the leading edge during chemotaxis in a manner dependent on not only RhoA and Cdc42 but also aPKC, a Cdc42‐interacting kinase that can also bind to ROCK. ROCK promotes phosphorylation of the myosin light chain at the front, possibly regulating pseudopod contractility. Knockdown of aPKC suppresses neutrophil chemotaxis by disturbing pseudopod orientation without forming multiple protrusions. An incorrectly oriented pseudopod is also observed in ROCK‐depleted cells. Thus, aPKC, as well as RhoA and Cdc42, likely regulates neutrophil chemotaxis partly by recruiting ROCK to the leading edge for correct directionality.
Regulation of Gut Starvation Responses Through DrosophilaNP3253 Neurons
Authors: Nguyen Quang‐Dat , Fujii Kiho , Ishibashi Kentaro , Hashiba Haruka , Ohtsubo Wakako , Kitazawa Haruki , Tanimoto Hiromu , Fuse Naoyuki , Kurata Shoichiro 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe “gut–brain axis,” a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, plays a crucial role in regulating complex physiological functions in response to nutrients, pathogens, and microbiota. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this regulation remain poorly understood. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, we previously identified NP3253 neurons, located in both the brain and gut, as key contributors to gut homeostasis during oral bacterial infection. Here, we found a novel role of NP3253 neurons in regulating starvation resistance. We observed that a subset of NP3253 neurons in the gut were activated during starvation. To investigate downstream effect, we conducted RNA‐Seq analysis on the gut of adult flies with genetically silenced NP3253 neurons, comparing gene expression under starved and fed conditions. This analysis identified 26 genes differentially expressed in response to both starvation and NP3253 neuronal activity. Among these, CG12643, encoding an uncharacterized short peptide, was found to be essential for starvation resistance in the gut. Our findings demonstrate that NP3253 neurons modulate the gut gene expression in response to starvation, thereby supporting physiological adaptation to environmental stressors.
The prevalence and clinical significance of residual occult breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: reassessing surgical pathology in cases initially described as pathological complete response
Authors: Ai Di , Arrey Eliel N , Postlewait Lauren M , Gao Yuan , Li Xiaoxian 
Published: February 2025

AimsEvaluation of pathological complete response (pCR) [no residual invasive carcinoma in the breast (RIC) or lymph node metastases (LNM) in surgical specimens following therapy] is typically based on evaluation of one level of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) section. Not achieving pCR is associated with worse outcomes, and additional therapy may ensue. This study of patients with triple‐negative (TNBC) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive (HER2+) breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy aims to assess whether occult residual disease (ORD) can be identified in deeper sections of tumour beds and lymph nodes in cases originally reported as pCR and whether ORD is associated with worse outcomes.Methods and resultsIn 84 cases of pCR (2009–17) at our institution, deeper‐level recuts were assessed for ORD. Oncological and survival outcomes were compared. ORD was identified in seven of 40 TNBC (17.5%; five RIC; one LMN; one RIC and LMN) and four of 44 HER2+ (9.1%; three RIC; one LMN) cases (all residual cancer burden I). Median follow‐up was 46.7 months for TNBC (one local recurrence, four distant metastases and two deaths) and 86.8 months for HER2+ (no local recurrence, three distant metastases and two deaths). All recurrence and death events occurred in patients with pCR without ORD, with no recurrence events in patients with ORD.ConclusionsIn patients with TNBC and HER2+ breast cancer with pCR by standard pathological assessment, occult residual disease is not uncommon. Occult disease was not associated with worse oncological or survival outcomes, suggesting standard pathological assessment is sufficient to identify clinically meaningful disease.