bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of NIBS and Physical Exercise on cognitive function in patients with MCI or AD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yi , Guo Zhiwei , Zhou Xiaobo , He Jiayuan , Wang Yanyan , Jiang Ning 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and physical exercise (PE) intervention are currently the main and promising non-pharmacologic therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but it is not clear which one is the most effective. Therefore, the aim was to compare the effectiveness of NIBS and PE interventions on cognitive function in MCI/AD, which can further elucidate their advantages and disadvantages in cognitive efficacy and facilitate the optimization of treatment strategies based on the specific cognitive status of patients. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from online databases until December 2023. Standardized Mean Changes pre- and post-treatment were calculated for cognitive outcomes measures. 79 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. For the global cognitive scale, PE significantly affected AD and MCI. Both NIBS and PE had a sustained and significant impact on AD/MCI based on the follow-up. In sub-category functions, NIBS had a significant effect on memory for both AD and MCI. However, PE only had a significant effect on AD, not on MCI. For executive function, only NIBS had a significant effect on AD. For language, NIBS and PE both had a significant impact only on AD. For attention, the only significant effect was NIBS on AD. NIBS significantly affects more cognitive domains of AD than PE, and significantly improves the memory function of MCI. Given the current evidence, NIBS appears to be a more promising intervention approach for delaying cognitive decline in patients with MCI or AD compared to PE.

Graphical Abstract
Developing a curriculum on antimicrobial stewardship for pediatric residents: a needs assessment
Authors: Sattler Matthew M. , Greer Sara , Lockowitz Christine R. , Newland Jason G. , Facer Evan E. , Wolfe Katie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective:
Identify essential components of a curriculum on antimicrobial stewardship (AS) for pediatric residents.

Design:
Survey.

Setting:
Academic tertiary care children’s hospital.

Participants:
Pediatric residents and infectious diseases (ID)/AS content experts (CE), including pediatric ID faculty, fellows, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists.

Methods:
Residents were surveyed to assess prior AS experiences and usefulness of education in different AS domains (e.g., antimicrobial resistance [AMR]). CE was surveyed to identify content to include in an AS curriculum. A specific topic (e.g., resistance in Staphylococcus aureus) achieved consensus if ≥80% of CE identified the topic as “very” or “extremely” important.

Results:
Thirty-three of 110 pediatric residents responded to the resident survey (response rate 30%). Spectrum of activity (97%), empiric therapy (94%), and duration of therapy (94%) were the domains identified by the most residents as “very” or “extremely” useful. All CE responded to the CE survey (n=26). Thirty-nine of 105 topics (37%) met the consensus threshold. The domains with most topics achieving consensus were empiric therapy (11/13 topics, 85%) and duration of therapy (5/8 topics, 63%). Only one topic was identified within the domains of antibiotic allergies, diagnostics, and AMR, reflecting 18%, 14%, and 6% of the potential topics within each domain, respectively.

Conclusions:
A pediatric AS curriculum focused on empiric therapy and duration of therapy is likely to meet the needs of both learners and CEs.
Antitrust and corporate taxation
Authors: Lee Jonghoon , Pond Amy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although citizens value competitive markets and support small businesses, we observe substantial variation in market concentration. Why do politicians abstain from taking action to reduce concentration? We propose an often overlooked political benefit to concentrated markets: When concentration increases, competition is less pronounced and firms earn larger profits. These profits can be taxed for government revenue or used to reward business-friendly politicians. We expect politicians to impose more lenient competition policies toward firms that provide larger sources of revenue. Moreover, this relationship should be especially strong under authoritarian political institutions, where politicians only weakly value the free market and consumer outcomes and where institutional commitments to unbiased policies are weak. We derive our theoretical claims from a formal model. We draw on both cross-country evidence and evidence from Turkey at the firm and industry level to evaluate our claims. We find that as political institutions become less representative, firms that make higher tax payments tend to control more assets, operate in more concentrated industries, and engage in higher value M&As. Our study points to the weak provision of competition policies as a source of rent-seeking.
Governing intelligence: Singapore’s evolving AI governance framework
Authors: Allen Jason Grant , Loo Jane , Campoverde Jose Luis Luna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper provides an outline analysis of the evolving governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore. Across the Singapore government, AI solutions are being adopted in line with Singapore’s “Smart Nation Initiative” to leverage technology to make impactful changes across society and the economy. In tandem, Singaporean authorities have been assiduous to release a growing number of governance documents, which we analyse together to chart the city-state’s approach to AI governance in international comparison. The characteristics of Singapore’s AI governance approach include an emphasis on consensus-building between stakeholders (particularly government and industry but also citizens) and voluntary or “quasi” regulation, lately with an emphasis on promulgating standards (AI Standards, n.d.) and audit-like frameworks. Singaporean regulators have also been early movers (globally, and especially in the region) in the promulgation of normative instruments on AI governance including developing the world’s first AI Governance Testing Framework and Toolkit, AI Verify. The Singapore approach may be compelling for other jurisdictions in the region and around the world with an interest in a collaborative, balanced and consensual approach to governing AI outside of strict regulatory mechanisms. However, any jurisdiction adopting aspects of its evolving model would have to duly account for relevant differences in social and institutional conditions.
The effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on gut microbial community profile in overweight and obese Latin American and Caribbean populations: a systematic review of human trials
Authors: Bineid Manahil M. , Liu Litai , Ventura Eduard F. , Bansal Sakshi , Curi-Quinto Katherine , del Valle-Mendoza Juana , Walton Gemma E. , Vimaleswaran Karani Santhanakrishnan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Oral supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics is a novel potential complementary therapy for addressing overweight and obesity through gut microbiota modulation. This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence to guide future research. Literature searches were conducted in four databases to identify human trials published until May 2024 that examined the impact of probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic interventions on faecal microbiota composition changes in overweight and obese participants from Latin American and Caribbean populations (LACPs). Of the 13,090 identified records, five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile met the inclusion criteria for this review. The included RCTs evaluated different forms of therapies over short-term interventions (6 or 8 weeks), with sample sizes ranging from 21 to 39 participants across the studies. Variations in the reported outcomes were observed due to differences in supplement formulation, dosage, population characteristics, and methodological heterogeneity. The findings indicate that the available data are inadequate to establish definitive conclusions regarding the impact of biotic treatments on gut microbiota profiles in LACP. Further research with larger sample sizes and precise microbiota analysis is required to elucidate the implications of dietary interventions on gut microbiota in obesity and related disorders.
Relationship between bilingual experiences and social biases: the moderating role of motivation to respond without prejudice
Authors: Castro Sofía , Kałamała Patrycja , Bukowski Marcin , Wodniecka Zofia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Previous studies have reported fewer social biases in bilinguals compared to monolinguals. However, it is unclear whether the expression of social biases varies across the bilingualism spectrum. This article investigates the connections between different dimensions of bilingual experience and the expression of explicit bias. We analyzed the responses of 389 bilinguals to a battery of questionnaires on bilingual and multicultural experiences, explicit bias, internal and external motivation to respond without prejudice and executive control. The results show that more diverse language-use and language-learning experiences were associated with lower explicit bias among bilinguals who had lower internal motivation to respond without prejudice (i.e., motivation driven by personal values). This study presents novel evidence on the relationships between bilingual experiences and the expression of social biases.
Predicting vocabulary knowledge in adult L2 learners: The role of word-level variables across educational backgrounds
Authors: Vanbuel Marieke 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines how word characteristics like frequency, concreteness, part of speech and length predict Dutch vocabulary knowledge in 763 adult migrant L2 learners who vary widely in their educational levels in their L1, from minimal to extensive formal education. While the impact of these features on vocabulary learning is well-documented among tertiary-educated adult and adolescent L2 learners in the academic track of secondary education, its effect on low-educated adult L2 learners has hardly been explored. Findings confirm that word frequency, concreteness and length significantly predict receptive vocabulary knowledge, aligning with prior research. However, the study also reveals variations in the predictive power of word frequency and length among adults with different educational backgrounds. These results highlight the necessity to reassess the applicability of findings from current research on L2 receptive vocabulary, particularly concerning adult learners with reduced educational backgrounds.
Responsive judicial remedies
Authors: Dixon Rosalind , Yap Po Jen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Judicial remedies are the critical means by which courts worldwide enforce and implement constitutional rights. Yet constitutional remedies were largely overlooked by early political process theorists, such as John Hart Ely. Contemporary comparative political process theory (CPPT) or comparative representation-reinforcing theory (CRRT) pays much greater attention to remedial questions, including the use of a range of ‘weak’ judicial remedies. These CPPT/CRRT scholars have highlighted the risks as well as advantages associated with the use of such remedies, but they have not reached any consensus on how to strike this balance and optimise their use. The article therefore draws on one specific recent version of CPPT/CRRT, namely the theory of ‘responsive judicial review’, to propose one way to strike this balance, namely: In cases impacting the ‘democratic minimum core’, courts should generally prefer strong remedies, with delayed relief only applied for prudential reasons; for other cases, courts should deploy more dialogic remedies, but generally these delayed or suspended remedies should be accompanied by a judicial statement of pre-defined strong remedies that take effect automatically in the event of legislative inaction. In this way, this article suggests that courts can give weak remedies ‘bite’, and hence promote actual legislative debate and dialogue, rather than incentivise legislative inaction after their rulings.
Two Sites in East Asia Add to Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Wildfire Activity Across the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Chen Zuoling , Li Chenyan , Yang Shiling , Lü Peizong , Tang Zihua , Sun Jimin , Ni Xijun , Fang Linhao , Ding Zhongli 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ∼56 Ma) was a period of extreme global warming associated with a massive influx of isotopically light carbon into the ocean–atmosphere system. The burning of Paleocene peatland (wildfire hypothesis) has been proposed as a potential light carbon source. In addition, numerical models have predicted that wildfire activity would intensify in response to CO2‐induced global warming. In this study, we tested the wildfire hypothesis and model prediction by tracing the wildfire history across the PETM in East Asia using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAH record exhibited notable spatiotemporal heterogeneity, indicating that wildfire activity varied widely across different regions and time periods during the PETM and highlighting the complex interplay between climate, vegetation, and fire dynamics. Global wildfire records do not support the global burning of Paleocene peatland; therefore, a wildfire‐related light carbon source requires close scrutiny.
Dynamic hydrogen-bonding enables high-performance and mechanically robust organic solar cells processed with non-halogenated solvent
Authors: He Haozhe , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Jingyuan , Chen Zekun , Gong Yufei , Zhuo Hongmei , Wu Xiangxi , Li Yuechen , Wang Shijie , Bi Zhaozhao , Song Bohao , Zhou Kangkang , Liang Tongling , Ma Wei , Lu Guanghao , Ye Long , Meng Lei , Zhang Ben , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Developing active-layer systems with both high performance and mechanical robustness is a crucial step towards achieving future commercialization of flexible and stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we design and synthesize a series of acceptors BTA-C6, BTA-E3, BTA-E6, and BTA-E9, featuring the side chains of hexyl, and 3, 6, and 9 carbon-chain with ethyl ester end groups respectively. Benefiting from suitable phase separation and vertical phase distribution, the PM6:BTA-E3-based OSCs processed by o-xylene exhibit lower energy loss and improved charge transport characteristic and achieve a power conversion efficiency of 19.92% (certified 19.57%), which stands as the highest recorded value in binary OSCs processed by green solvents. Moreover, due to the additional hydrogen-bonding provided by ethyl ester side chain, the PM6:BTA-E3-based active-layer systems achieve enhanced stretchability and thermal stability. Our work reveals the significance of dynamic hydrogen-bonding in improving the photovoltaic performance, mechanical robustness, and morphological stability of OSCs.
Lipidic folding pathway of α-Synuclein via a toxic oligomer
Authors: Sant Vrinda , Matthes Dirk , Mazal Hisham , Antonschmidt Leif , Wieser Franz , Movellan Kumar T. , Xue Kai , Nimerovsky Evgeny , Stampolaki Marianna , Nathan Magdeline , Riedel Dietmar , Becker Stefan , Sandoghdar Vahid , de Groot Bert L. , Griesinger Christian , Andreas Loren B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aggregation intermediates play a pivotal role in the assembly of amyloid fibrils, which are central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The structures of filamentous intermediates and mature fibrils are now efficiently determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. By contrast, smaller pre-fibrillar α-Synuclein (αS) oligomers, crucial for initiating amyloidogenesis, remain largely uncharacterized. We report an atomic-resolution structural characterization of a toxic pre-fibrillar aggregation intermediate (I1) on pathway to the formation of lipidic fibrils, which incorporate lipid molecules on protofilament surfaces during fibril growth on membranes. Super-resolution microscopy reveals a tetrameric state, providing insights into the early oligomeric assembly. Time resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements uncover a structural reorganization essential for the transition of I1 to mature lipidic L2 fibrils. The reorganization involves the transformation of anti-parallel β-strands during the pre-fibrillar I1 state into a β-arc characteristic of amyloid fibrils. This structural reconfiguration occurs in a conserved structural kernel shared by a vast number of αS-fibril polymorphs including extracted fibrils from Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia patients. Consistent with reports of anti-parallel β-strands being a defining feature of toxic αS pre-fibrillar intermediates, I1 impacts viability of neuroblasts and disrupts cell membranes, resulting in an increased calcium influx. Our results integrate the occurrence of anti-parallel β-strands as salient features of toxic oligomers with their significant role in the amyloid fibril assembly pathway. These structural insights have implications for the development of therapies and biomarkers.
RIF1 integrates DNA repair and transcriptional requirements during the establishment of humoral immune responses
Authors: Kabrani Eleni , Rahjouei Ali , Berruezo-Llacuna Maria , Ebeling Svenja , Saha Tannishtha , Altwasser Robert , Delgado-Benito Veronica , Pavri Rushad , Di Virgilio Michela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The establishment of protective immune responses relies on the ability of terminally differentiated B cells to secrete a broad variety of antigen-specific antibodies with different effector functions. RIF1 is a multifunctional protein that promotes antibody isotype diversification via its DNA end protection activity during class switch recombination. In this study, we showed that RIF1 ablation resulted in increased plasmablast formation ex vivo and enhanced terminal differentiation into plasma cells upon immunization. Mechanistically, this phenotype is independent from RIF1’s role in DNA repair and class switch recombination, and reflects its ability to modulate the transcriptional status of a subset of BLIMP1 target genes. Therefore, here we show that, in addition to promoting antibody diversification, RIF1 fine-tunes the kinetics of late B cell differentiation, thus providing an additional layer of control in the establishment of humoral immunity.
Adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during a persistent infection for 521 days in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Schmidt Hanno , Schick Lea , Podlech Jürgen , Renzaho Angélique , Lieb Bettina , Diederich Stefan , Hankeln Thomas , Plachter Bodo , Kriege Oliver 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Immunocompromised patients struggle to adequately clear viral infections, offering the virus the opportunity to adapt to the immune system in the host. Here we present a case study of a patient undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a 521-day follow-up of a SARS-CoV-2 infection with the BF.7.21 variant. Virus samples from five time points were submitted to whole genome sequencing. Between the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clearance, the patient’s virus population acquired 34 amino acid substitutions and 8 deletions in coding regions. With 11 amino acid substitutions in the receptor binding domain of the virus’ spike protein, substitutions were 15 times more abundant than expected for a random distribution in this highly functional region. Amongst them were the substitutions S:K417T, S:N440S, S:K444R, S:V445A, S:G446N, S:L452Q, S:N460K, and S:E484V at positions that are notorious for their resistance-mediating effects. The substitution patterns found indicate ongoing adaptive evolution.
Somatic CAG repeat expansion in blood associates with biomarkers of neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease decades before clinical motor diagnosis
Authors: Scahill Rachael I. , Farag Mena , Murphy Michael J. , Hobbs Nicola Z. , Leocadi Michela , Langley Christelle , Knights Harry , Ciosi Marc , Fayer Kate , Nakajima Mitsuko , Thackeray Olivia , Gobom Johan , Rönnholm John , Weiner Sophia , Hassan Yara R. , Ponraj Nehaa K. P. , Estevez-Fraga Carlos , Parker Christopher S. , Malone Ian B. , Hyare Harpreet , Long Jeffrey D. , Heslegrave Amanda , Sampaio Cristina , Zhang Hui , Robbins Trevor W. , Zetterberg Henrik , Wild Edward J. , Rees Geraint , Rowe James B. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Monckton Darren G. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Tabrizi Sarah J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease with the age at which characteristic symptoms manifest strongly influenced by inherited HTT CAG length. Somatic CAG expansion occurs throughout life and understanding the impact of somatic expansion on neurodegeneration is key to developing therapeutic targets. In 57 HD gene expanded (HDGE) individuals, ~23 years before their predicted clinical motor diagnosis, no significant decline in clinical, cognitive or neuropsychiatric function was observed over 4.5 years compared with 46 controls (false discovery rate (FDR) > 0.3). However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers showed very early signs of neurodegeneration in HDGE with elevated neurofilament light (NfL) protein, an indicator of neuroaxonal damage (FDR = 3.2 × 10−12), and reduced proenkephalin (PENK), a surrogate marker for the state of striatal medium spiny neurons (FDR = 2.6 × 10−3), accompanied by brain atrophy, predominantly in the caudate (FDR = 5.5 × 10−10) and putamen (FDR = 1.2 × 10−9). Longitudinal increase in somatic CAG repeat expansion ratio (SER) in blood was a significant predictor of subsequent caudate (FDR = 0.072) and putamen (FDR = 0.148) atrophy. Atypical loss of interruption HTT repeat structures, known to predict earlier age at clinical motor diagnosis, was associated with substantially faster caudate and putamen atrophy. We provide evidence in living humans that the influence of CAG length on HD neuropathology is mediated by somatic CAG repeat expansion. These critical mechanistic insights into the earliest neurodegenerative changes will inform the design of preventative clinical trials aimed at modulating somatic expansion. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT06391619.
Database energy saving strategy using blockchain and Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Dexian , Yu Jiong , He Zhenzhen , Li Ping 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper aims to construct a green environmental protection system by advancing database energy-saving techniques and optimizing the energy-saving mechanism against the backdrop of blockchain integration. The protocol classification of wireless sensor networks is examined within the context of the rapid growth of information technology. The analysis draws upon the database storage and sharing model and recent research examples that connect blockchain and database technology. Additionally, the paper investigates the blockchain data structure and storage path by analyzing the spatial–temporal correlation properties of blockchain data. The findings demonstrate that increasing the number of network nodes in the database system within a reasonable range can reduce the overall execution time. Additionally, as time progresses, the query traffic of the system database continues to increase. The research has practical implications in the domains of databases and the Internet of Things.