bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Kepegawaian Pada Badan Kepegawaian Dan Pendidikan Daerah Kabupaten Dairi
Authors: Sihombing Pangondian , Pakpahan Sorang
Published: October 2021

ABSTRAK

Sistem informasi kepegawaian ini adalah untuk dapat menghasilkan suatu sumber informasi yang akurat, tepat guna, efektif dan efisien sesuai dengan perkembangan teknologi informasi saat ini. Sistem informasi kepegawaian dikembangkan dengan menggunakan metode yang terdiri dari perancangan database,perancangan input dan output. Tools perancangan yang digunakan adalah unified Modelling Language (UML). Teknologi yang digunakan dalam penembangan perangkat lunak sisem menggunakan Visual Studio 2010 sebagai bahasa pemrograman dan Microsoft SQL Server 2008 sebagai database. Dengan adanya sistem informasi kepegawaian bagian kepegawaian akan lebih mudah untuk mendapatkan data pegawai yang diinginkan, dan juga memudahkan bagian perencanaan dalam menganalisa data pegawai untuk melakukan strategi yang akan datang.
Incremental yield of Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra over Xpert® MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB
Authors: Christopher D. J. , Coelho V. , Ebby G. S. , Shankar D. , Gupta R. , Thangakunam B.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) comprises approximately 15–20% of TB cases worldwide, and its diagnosis is difficult. The sensitivity of Xpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert) in the diagnosis of EPTB is low on account of its paucibacillary nature. Xpert®
MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) was developed to improve sensitivity.OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of Ultra test with that of Xpert against MGIT™ (Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube) culture and a composite reference standard (CRS).METHODS: We recruited consecutive
treatment-naïve patients with suspected EPTB. Demographic information, clinical and relevant laboratory data were collected.RESULTS: From January 2019 to November 2019, 210 patients provided 250 samples. Against MGIT culture, the sensitivity of Ultra was significantly higher
than Xpert (72% vs. 51.1%; P = 0.04), the specificity was lower (87.8% vs. 95.1%). Against the CRS also, the sensitivity of Ultra was significantly higher than Xpert (45.4% vs. 25.2%; P = 0.002); however, the specificities were similar (98.2% vs. 99.1%). The trend towards higher
sensitivity of Ultra compared to Xpert was seen in most of the individual samples. The sensitivities against MGIT and CRS were as follows: lymph node (68.1% vs. 31.8%; P = 0.01) and (59.5% vs. 23.8%; P = 0.001), pleural biopsy (80.0% on both; P = NS) and (53.8% vs. 46.2%;
P = NS) and pleural fluid (66.7% vs. 50%; P = NS) and (22.5% vs. 9.6%; P = NS), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Xpert Ultra showed a significantly higher sensitivity in diagnosing EPTB than Xpert.
Fatty Acid Oxidation‐Glycolysis Metabolic Transition Affects ECM Homeostasis in Silica‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Sun Wenqing , Zhou Siyun , Peng Lan , Wang Wei , Liu Yi , Wang Ting , Cheng Demin , Li Ziwei , Xiong Haojie , Jia Xinying , Lian Wenxiu , Jiao Jiandong , Ni Chunhui
Published: December 2024

Silicosis is a fatal occupational pulmonary disease that is characterized by irreversible replacement of lung parenchyma by aberrant Exracellular matrix (ECM). Metabolic reprogramming is a crucial mechanism for fibrosis. However, how the metabolic rewiring shifts the ECM homeostasis toward overaccumulation remains unclear. Herein, a phenotype with reduction in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) but enhanced glycolysis in myofibroblasts is shown. Perturbation of the glycolytic and FAO pathways, respectively, reveals distinct roles in the metabolic distribution of ECM deposition and degradation. Suppressed glycolysis leads to a decrease in insoluble ECM, primarily due to the inhibition of ECM‐modifying enzyme activity and a decrease in glycine synthesis. Notably, promoted FAO facilitates the intracellular degradation pathway of ECM. In addition, the findings revealed that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) serves as a crucial metabolic regulator in the transition from FAO to glycolysis, thereby playing a significant role in ECM deposition in silica‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Further, the promotion of FAO, inhibition of glycolysis and HIF‐1α reduce ECM production and promote ECM degradation, ultimately impeding the progression of fibrosis and providing therapeutic relief for established pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. These findings unveil the metabolic rewire underpinning the deposition of ECM in silica‐induced lung fibrosis and identify novel targets for promoting regression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Convergent Patterns of Karyotype Evolution Underlying Karyotype Uniformity in Conifers
Authors: Zhang Ren‐Gang , Liu Hui , Shang Hong‐Yun , Shu Heng , Liu De‐Tuan , Yang Hao , Jia Kai‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Quan , Sun Wei‐Bang , Zhao Wei , Ma Yongpeng
Published: December 2024

Karyotype diversity plays an important role in speciation and diversification. However, gymnosperms, particularly conifers, exhibit remarkable karyotype uniformity. To explore the evolutionary processes shaping karyotypes in gymnosperms, the karyotype evolutionary history is reconstructed through comparative genomic analyses. Synteny analysis confirms the absence of ancient polyploidy in conifers and its rarity across the gymnosperms as a whole. Further analysis reveals convergent patterns of reciprocal translocations between nonhomologous chromosomes in conifer genomes. Centromeric‐centromeric reciprocal translocations (CRTs) have been identified as the primary mechanism of karyotype evolution in conifers, while telomeric‐centromeric reciprocal translocations (TRTs) significantly contributed to descending dysploidy within Cupressales. A graph‐based method is utilized to infer the detailed evolutionary pathways from the proto‐gymnosperm karyotype (n = 12) to modern conifer karyotypes (n = 11–12). In conclusion, the scarcity of both polyploidy and dysploidy contributes to the karyotype uniformity of gymnosperms and potentially also to their lower species richness compared to angiosperms. However, the pervasive CRTs and occasional TRTs underlie this “apparent uniformity”, supporting the “karyotype orthoselection” hypothesis. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms maintaining karyotype uniformity in conifers and the role of karyotype evolution in their diversification.
Optimization of Thermoelectric Performance in p‐Type SnSe Crystals Through Localized Lattice Distortions and Band Convergence
Authors: Siddique Suniya , Abbas Ghulam , Yaqoob Manzar Mushaf , Zhao Jian , Chen RuiHua , Larsson J. Andreas , Cao Yuede , Chen Yuexing , Zheng Zhuanghao , Zhang Dongping , Li Fu
Published: December 2024

Crystalline thermoelectric materials, especially SnSe crystals, have emerged as promising candidates for power generation and electronic cooling. In this study, significant enhancement in ZT is achieved through the combined effects of lattice distortions and band convergence in multiple electronic valence bands. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that cation vacancies together with Pb substitutional doping promote the band convergence and increase the density of states (DOS) near the Fermi surface of SnSe, leading to a notable increase in the Seebeck coefficient (S). The complex defects formed by Sn vacancies and Pb doping not only boost the Seebeck coefficient but also optimize carrier concentration (nH) and enhance electrical conductivity (σ), resulting in a higher power factor (PF). Furthermore, the localized lattice distortions induced by these defects increase phonon scattering, significantly reducing lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) to as low as 0.29 W m−1 K−1at 773 K in Sn0.92Pb0.03Se. Consequently, these synergistic effects on phonon and electron transport contribute to a high ZT of 1.8. This study provides a framework for rational design of high‐performance thermoelectric materials based on first‐principles insights and experimental validation.
A Microtubule‐Associated Protein Functions in Preventing Oocytes from Evading the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Authors: Zhou Changyin , Zhang Xue , Xu Genlu , Ran Yuting , Wang Hui , Xie Xuefeng , Li Ang , Li Fei , Li Xiaozhen , Ding Jinlong , Zhang Mianqun , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Ou Xiang‐Hong
Published: December 2024

Aneuploidy eggs are a common cause of human infertility, spontaneous abortion, or trisomy syndromes. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays a crucial role in preventing aneuploidy in oocytes, yet it is unclear if additional mechanisms exist to ensure oocyte adherence to this checkpoint. It is now revealed that the microtubule‐associated protein NUSAP can prevent oocytes from evading the SAC and regulate the speed of the cell cycle. Mechanistically, the study identifies NUSAP as a novel stabilizer of the E3 ubiquitin ligase APC/CCDH1, protecting CDH1 from SCFBTRC‐mediated degradation. Depletion of NUSAP reduces CDH1 protein level, leading to abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, and disrupting the balance of cell cycle proteins. This misregulated balance causes oocytes to evade the SAC. Consequently, these abnormal oocytes not only fail to arrest at metaphase but also accelerate the cell process, ultimately resulting in the production of aneuploid eggs. Together, the findings not only clarify the existence of mechanisms that ensure oocytes compliance with the spindle assembly checkpoint but also expand the new functions of NUSAP beyond its role as a microtubule‐ associated protein.
High‐Performance Boiling Surfaces Enabled by an Electrode‐Transpose All‐Electrochemical Strategy
Authors: Chen Yu‐Ming , Hu Nan , Zhang Jia‐Yi , Sun Yi‐Fei , Wu Yue‐Fei , Li Zi‐Rui , Fan Li‐Wu
Published: December 2024

High‐performance boiling surfaces are in great demand for efficient cooling of high‐heat‐flux devices. Although various micro‐/nano‐structured surfaces have been engineered toward higher surface wettability and wickability for enhanced boiling, the design and fabrication of surface structures for realizing both high critical heat flux (CHF) and high heat transfer coefficient (HTC) remain a key challenge. Here, a novel “electrode‐transpose” all‐electrochemical strategy is proposed to create superhydrophilic microporous surfaces with higher dendrites and larger pores by simply adding an electrochemical etching step prior to the multiple electrochemical deposition steps. Enabled by the high nucleation density and high wicking capability, a high boiling performance is shown on such “etching‐then‐deposition” surfaces with simultaneously high CHF of 2,641 ± 10 kW m−2 and high HTC of 214 ± 6 kW (m2 K)−1, which are more than 2.5 and 4.3‐fold enhanced from those on smooth surfaces, respectively. A very stable morphology and boiling performance of such surfaces subject to consecutive tests are also shown. Using this strategy, such superhydrophilic microporous layers are fabricated on curved surfaces with larger areas, both on spheres and slender cylinders, and demonstrate excellent boiling performance in quenching tests. This facile, geometry‐adaptive, durable, and scalable strategy is very promising for making high‐performance boiling surfaces for large‐scale industrial applications.
Artificial Control of Giant Converse Magnetoelectric Effect in Spintronic Multiferroic Heterostructure
Authors: Usami Takamasa , Sanada Yuya , Fujii Shumpei , Yamada Shinya , Shiratsuchi Yu , Nakatani Ryoichi , Hamaya Kohei
Published: December 2024

To develop voltage‐controlled magnetization switching technologies for spintronics applications, a highly (422)‐oriented Co2FeSi layer on top of the piezoelectric PMN‐PT(011) is experimentally demonstrated by inserting a vanadium (V) ultra‐thin layer. The strength of the growth‐induced magnetic anisotropy of the (422)‐oriented Co2FeSi layers can be artificially controlled by tuning the thicknesses of the inserted V and the grown Co2FeSi layers. As a result, a giant converse magnetoelectric effect (over 10−5 s m−1) and a non‐volatile binary state at zero electric field are simultaneously achieved in the (422)‐oriented Co2FeSi/V/PMN‐PT(011) multiferroic heterostructure. This study leads to a way toward magnetoresistive random‐access‐memory (MRAM) with a low power writing technology.
A Framework for Identifying and Validating Indicators to Assess Agribusiness Sustainability: An Emphasis on Greenhouses in Iran
Authors: Gholami Jalal Sahel , Karimi Saeid , Mohammadi Yaser , Yaghoubi Farani Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Indicators serve as essential tools for assessing the sustainability of businesses in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. They play a crucial role in guiding businesses toward improvements in their sustainability practices. The main purpose of this study was to identify, localize, and validate sustainability indicators for agribusinesses, with an emphasis on greenhouses in Iran. The study used a mixed‐methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, the literature on the sustainability of agricultural systems and businesses was comprehensively reviewed to identify sustainability indicators, which were then localized by conducting semi‐structured interviews and analyzing their content qualitatively to extract a list from the perspective of experts. The statistical population of this phase comprised scholars of sustainability in the agricultural sector. In the final step, the extracted indicators were validated using the fuzzy Delphi technique. The statistical population for this step was comprised of experts who had practical experience in agribusinesses in addition to possessing knowledge of sustainability. The samples for both the interviews and the fuzzy Delphi technique were chosen purposively. Eventually, 31 indicators were identified within eight components in three sustainability dimensions. The components included resource quality preservation, input management, resource preservation, profitability, vulnerability, social justice and security, knowledge and empowerment, contribution to local development, and safety and health. With only a few studies conducted on the sustainability of greenhouses and no past studies on sustainability indicators for the study area, this study can contribute significantly to the exiting literature on the subject. Indicators identified will serve as a roadmap for achieving sustainability in agribusinesses, especially in greenhouse operations. By assessing sustainability through these indicators, a more profound understanding of the actual status of sustainability can be gained. National and local policies can be developed based on these to increase the level of sustainability of agribusinesses. If these indicators are integrated into the strategic framework of agribusiness, this will definitely improve their sustainability performance and enhance their reputation, build stakeholder trust, and also increase their competitiveness in the growing eco‐conscious market.
Pd(0)/Pd(II) Elektromerie durch Lewis‐Basen Koordination an einem Redox‐Aktiven Silizium Z‐Typ Ligand
Authors: Ansmann Nils , Kerscher Marion , Greb Lutz
Published: December 2024

Elektromerie (aka. Valenztautomerie) beschreibt den Wechsel der elektronischen Verteilungen zwischen redoxaktiven Liganden und Zentralelementen. Während dieses Phänomen für mehrere Übergangsmetalle gut bekannt ist, konnte das Pd(0)/Pd(II)‐Paar aufgrund der hohen Energie des Pd(0)‐Zustands bisher noch nicht realisiert werden. In dieser Studie beschreiben wir Pd(0)/Pd(II)‐Elektromerie unter Verwendung eines redoxaktiven Bis(phosphanyl‐amidophenolato)silans. Eine starke Silizium‐zentrierte Z‐Typ Interaktion stabilisiert den Pd(0)‐Zustand mit einem oxidierten, dikationischen offenschaligen Singulett‐Liganden, während das Binden einer Lewis‐Base an das Lewis‐azide Silizium zum Verlust der Z‐Typ Wechselwirkung und damit zur intramolekularen Umlagerung der Elektronendichte zum Pd(II)‐Elektromer mit reduziertem Liganden führt. Damit wird ein neuartiges Konzept für die Schaltung des Spinzustands durch die Kombination von Ligand‐Ambiphilie und Redox‐Aktivität eingeführt.
Pd(0)/Pd(II) Electromerism Triggered by Lewis Base Coordination to a Redox‐Active Silicon Z‐Type Ligand
Authors: Ansmann Nils , Kerscher Marion , Greb Lutz
Published: December 2024

Electromerism (aka. valence tautomerism) corresponds to the switching of electronic distributions between redox‐active ligands and central elements. While this phenomenon is well established for several transition metals, the Pd(0)/Pd(II) couple could not yet be involved due to the high energy of the Pd(0) state. In this study, we present Pd(0)/Pd(II) electromerism by using a redox‐active bis(phosphanyl‐amidophenolato)silane. Strong silicon‐based Z‐type interaction stabilizes the Pd(0) state with an oxidized dicationic open‐shell singlet ligand while binding of a Lewis base at the Lewis acidic silicon results in the loss of Z‐type interaction and the intramolecular rearrangement to the Pd(II)/reduced ligand electromer. It introduces a novel concept for spin state switching by combining ligand ambiphilicity and redox activity.
Enhanced Performance of Cow Dung Paper Mulch Films Through Cationic Starch Modification for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Wang Mengyang , Deng Shuhang , Huang Jun , Li Wenxin , Li Tao , Yang Xiangjun , Wu Xiaoqiang , Mu Yongsong , Yang Kunshan
Published: December 2024

The extensive utilization of plastic mulch and the lack of adequate recycling treatment have caused severe environmental pollution. Plant fiber agricultural mulch film has received much attention in academic research, and the exploration of cow dung fibers as a potential source for mulch film preparation has been rarely discussed. Herein, cow dung fibers were used to create biodegradable paper mulch films. Cationic starch powder was applied to modify the fibers through two methods: immersion and brushing. The starch was dissolved in warm water at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 wt%, and then heated to 90°C, before application. This treatment resulted in a uniformly coated, biodegradable cow dung paper mulch film. The cationic starch was observed to fill the gaps between fibers, leading to a uniform coating on their surfaces. The optimal tensile strength of the mulch film, which was 3.576 MPa, was achieved with a 2 wt% cationic starch content, suggesting that the starch enhances the bond between fibers and improves the mulch film's overall performance.
Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of gonadal development in the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Authors: Rams‐Pociecha Izabela , Mizia Paulina C. , Piprek Rafal P.
Published: December 2024

Chameleons are a family of lizards distinguished by several unique features related to their arboreal lifestyles, such as a ballistic tongue, skin color changes, independent movement of both eyes, a prehensile tail, and cleft hands and feet. The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) has been proposed as a promising model species for studying squamate biology. Despite its potential, the developmental biology of this species remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of gonadal development. This study aimed to elucidate the development of the gonads in the veiled chameleon, from the initial appearance of the gonadal ridges through the sexual differentiation into ovaries and testes, to the establishment of the gonadal structures in both sexes. The study showed the accelerated appearance of gonadal primordia compared to the soma in the veiled chameleon, which is unique and possibly influenced by a prolonged in ovo development period due to the slowed rate of embryonic development in this species. The undifferentiated gonads are characterized by a voluminous medulla and a thin cortex. The process of gonadal sexual differentiation mirrors that seen in other vertebrates. Ovarian differentiation involves the development of a cortex containing germ cells and the loss of these cells in the medulla. Differentiated ovaries are characterized by a thin cortex and early induction of meiosis, leading to the formation of ovarian follicles before hatching. In contrast, testis differentiation involves the loss of germ cells from the cortex, its transformation into a thin epithelium, and the development of germ cell‐containing testis cords in the medulla. The testis cords originate from invagination and remain without forming a lumen during embryogenesis. This comprehensive examination of gonadal development in the veiled chameleon provides important insights into sexual differentiation processes in this species. Moreover, it may stimulate further, broader studies in vertebrate developmental biology.
Coping With Procedural Uncertainty: Firms' Procedural Framings and Political Strategies in the Context of Switzerland's Mission‐Driven Energy Policy
Authors: Reuter Emmanuelle , Überbacher Florian
Published: December 2024

The “green energy” futures advanced in recent mission‐driven (environmental) policies (MDPs) entail considerable procedural uncertainties, leaving the concrete means through which firms may achieve such futures underspecified. Exploring how incumbents address such procedural uncertainty and how this impacts their political strategies, we conducted a comparative case study of Switzerland's four leading electric utilities' interpretations and policymaking influences during the formulation phase of Switzerland's mission‐driven “EnergieStrategie 2050” policy. We inductively developed a novel cultural‐cognitive perspective, which suggests that incumbents mobilize “procedural framing” (past‐future vs. future‐present framing) for coping with procedural uncertainties of a novel MDP. If incumbents mobilize a past‐future (vs. future‐present) framing, they regard the proposed MDP as threat (rather than an opportunity) and resist (rather than support) the policy with their policymaking influences. Our study contributes to the organizational literature on MDPs, to corporate political strategies, and to the organizational literature on future‐oriented meaning‐making.
A Robust Approach for Energy‐Aware Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Network Using Fitness‐Based Hybrid Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Racharla Sathya Prakash , Jeyaraj Kalaivani
Published: December 2024

In wireless sensor network (WSN) applications, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value from the original signal is determined for computing the distance between the unidentified and beacon nodes in the WSN. However, several factors including noise, diffraction, scattering, and some obstructions affect the precision of the localization techniques. This paper aims to implement a smart node localization scheme in WSNs by estimating the shortest distance between beacon nodes and unknown nodes using the RSSI factor. Initially, the beacon node is positioned at a known position, and the exact location of the unknown node is computed by the hybrid optimization concept. The objective of the proposed node localization method is to reduce the average localization error, and it is derived for assigning the unknown nodes to each beacon nodes. Optimization plays a vital role in providing clear communication among sensor nodes without any hindrance. The hybridized algorithm named as Fitness‐aware Hybrid One‐to‐One with Archery Optimizer (FHOOAO) is used for the positioning of the unknown nodes to each beacon node. After assigning unknown nodes, their best positions are identified by considering the maximum number of hops. Finally, the experimentation is done in three different forms of node positioning in WSN such as S‐shape, H‐shape, and. C‐shape. The simulation experiments demonstrate superior outcomes of the proposed model compared to alternative methods, and it also enhances communication efficiency among sensor nodes.
Synthesizing historical plant collections to identify priorities for future collection efforts and research applications
Authors: Lombardi Elizabeth M. , Faust Harpo , Marx Hannah E.
Published: December 2024

To understand how and where biodiversity is threatened, it is imperative to build historical baselines that accurately characterize the present and past states of biodiversity across environments. Botanical collections provide important ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographic information on the diversity and distributions of plant taxa, yet biases in collection efforts across spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scales are well known. Here, we characterize and quantify trends in botanical collections made from across different abiotic, biotic, and sociopolitical boundaries within the present‐day state of New Mexico. Using a biodiversity informatics approach applied toward a regional case study, we identify opportunities for efficiently improving natural history collection coverage and analyses of botanical diversity. Accurate representation of botanical biodiversity, preserved for future generations through vouchered plant specimens deposited in herbaria, depends on collection decisions made now. This work aims to provide a useful workflow for synthesizing digitized regional botanical collections as researchers prioritize current and future resources in the face of global change.
Prognostic role of TAPSE to PASP ratio in outpatients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Riccardi Mauro , Pagnesi Matteo , Corso Rossana , Sammartino Antonio M. , Tomasoni Daniela , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Lombardi Carlo M. , Adamo Marianna , Nodari Savina , Metra Marco
Published: December 2024

Aims

Few data are available regarding the role of tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP), a measurement of right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling, in patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods and results

This retrospective single‐centre study included outpatients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 50%) evaluated between January 2022 and December 2022. TAPSE/PASP was evaluated as a continuous variable and as tertiles according to its value on the first visit. The primary outcome of the study was a composite of all‐cause mortality or heart failure (HF) events at the last available follow‐up.

Results

A total of 642 patients were included (mean age 71 ± 13 years, 78% male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 40% [interquatile range 35–46]). Patients with lower TAPSE/PASP had more co‐morbidities (i.e., atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease or previous cardiovascular implantable electronic device), an higher New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001), more signs of congestion (P = 0.007), and had more probability to receive intravenous furosemide during the visit (P < 0.001). After a median follow‐up of 474 days [interquartile range 392–507 days], a total of 51 patients (8.0%) died (with 24 patients [3.8%] experiencing cardiovascular‐related deaths), a total of 179 patients (28.1%) experienced a composite outcome, and 158 patients (24.8%) had HF events. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the estimated 1‐year rate of the primary outcome was higher in the lowest tertile (38.0%), as compared with the intermediate (19.6%) and highest tertiles (14.9%; P‐value log‐rank <0.001). TAPSE/PASP ratio as a continuous variable was independently associated with the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio for 0.1 mm/mmHg increase 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, P = 0.009), predominantly driven by a higher risk of HF events during follow‐up. Analysing the impact of TAPSE/PASP tertiles on the primary outcome, an independent associated was confirmed at multivariate analisys for the highest versus lowest tertile (adjusted hazard ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.99, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

TAPSE/PASP was independently associated with mortality or HF events among ambulatory patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Multi‐Night Electroencephalography Reveals Positive Association Between Sleep Efficiency and Hippocampal Subfield and Entorhinal Cortex Volumes in Healthy Aging
Authors: Keresztes Attila , Bankó Éva M. , Báthori Noémi , Tomacsek Vivien , Varga Virág Anna , Nárai Ádám , Nemecz Zsuzsanna , Dénes Ádám , Gál Viktor , Hermann Petra , Simor Péter , Vidnyánszky Zoltán
Published: December 2024

Age‐related atrophy of the human hippocampus and the enthorinal cortex starts accelerating at around age 60. Due to the contributions of these regions to many cognitive functions seamlessly used in everyday life, this can heavily impact the lives of elderly people. The hippocampus is not a unitary structure, and mechanisms of its age‐related decline appear to differentially affect its subfields. Human and animal studies have suggested that altered sleep is associated with hippocampal atrophy. Yet, we know little about subfield specific effects of altered sleep in healthy aging and their effect on cognition. Here, in a sample of 118 older middle‐aged and older adults (Mage = 63.25 y, range: 50–80 y), we examined the association between highly reliable hippocampal subfield and entorhinal cortex volumetry (n = 112), sleep measures derived from multi‐night recordings of portable electroencephalography (n = 61) and episodic memory (n = 117). Objective sleep efficiency—but not self‐report measures of sleep—was associated with entorhinal cortex volume when controlling for age. Age‐related differences in subfield volumes were associated with objective sleep efficiency, but not with self‐report measures of sleep. Moreover, participants characterized by a common multivariate pattern of subfield volumes that contributed to positive sleep–subfield volume associations, showed lower rates of forgetting. Our results showcase the benefit of objective sleep measures in identifying potential contributors of age‐related differences in brain‐behavior couplings.
Therapeutic DBS for OCD Suppresses the Default Mode Network
Authors: Slepneva Natalya , Basich‐Pease Genevieve , Reid Lee , Frank Adam C. , Norbu Tenzin , Krystal Andrew D. , Sugrue Leo P. , Motzkin Julian C. , Larson Paul S. , Starr Philip A. , Morrison Melanie A. , Lee A. Moses
Published: December 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) is a circuit‐based treatment for severe, refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). The therapeutic effects of DBS are hypothesized to be mediated by direct modulation of a distributed cortico‐striato‐thalmo‐cortical network underlying OCD symptoms. However, the exact underlying mechanism by which DBS exerts its therapeutic effects still remains unclear. In five participants receiving DBS for severe, refractory OCD (3 responders, 2 non‐responders), we conducted a DBS On/Off cycling paradigm during the acquisition of functional MRI (23 fMRI runs) to determine the network effects of stimulation across a variety of bipolar configurations. We also performed tractography using diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to relate the functional impact of DBS to the underlying structural connectivity between active stimulation contacts and functional brain networks. We found that therapeutic DBS had a distributed effect, suppressing BOLD activity within regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and subthalamic nuclei compared to non‐therapeutic configurations. Many of the regions suppressed by therapeutic DBS were components of the default mode network (DMN). Moreover, the estimated stimulation field from the therapeutic configurations exhibited significant structural connectivity to core nodes of the DMN. Based upon these findings, we hypothesize that the suppression of the DMN by ALIC DBS is mediated by interruption of communication through structural white matter connections surrounding the DBS active contacts.
Resting‐State Network Plasticity Following Category Learning Depends on Sensory Modality
Authors: Tabrik Sepideh , Dinse Hubert R. , Tegenthoff Martin , Behroozi Mehdi
Published: December 2024

Learning new categories is fundamental to cognition, occurring in daily life through various sensory modalities. However, it is not well known how acquiring new categories can modulate the brain networks. Resting‐state functional connectivity is an effective method for detecting short‐term brain alterations induced by various modality‐based learning experiences. Using fMRI, our study investigated the intricate link between novel category learning and brain network reorganization. Eighty‐four adults participated in an object categorization experiment utilizing visual (n = 41, with 20 females and a mean age of 23.91 ± 3.11 years) or tactile (n = 43, with 21 females and a mean age of 24.57 ± 2.58 years) modalities. Resting‐state networks (RSNs) were identified using independent component analysis across the group of participants, and their correlation with individual differences in object category learning across modalities was examined using dual regression. Our results reveal an increased functional connectivity of the frontoparietal network with the left superior frontal gyrus in visual category learning task and with the right superior occipital gyrus and the left middle temporal gyrus after tactile category learning. Moreover, the somatomotor network demonstrated an increased functional connectivity with the left parahippocampus exclusively after tactile category learning. These findings illuminate the neural mechanisms of novel category learning, emphasizing distinct brain networks' roles in diverse modalities. The dynamic nature of RSNs emphasizes the ongoing adaptability of the brain, which is essential for efficient novel object category learning. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between sensory learning, brain plasticity, and network reorganization, advancing our understanding of cognitive processes across different modalities.
Episodic Aspects of a Path Navigated Through Hippocampal Neurobiology
Authors: Morris Richard G. M.
Published: December 2024

As requested by the editors of this special issue of Hippocampus on Scientific Histories of Hippocampal Research, this review provides a detailed personal perspective and historical background on the research involved in a number of findings. The review includes description of the development of the water maze and its use in providing evidence to support the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory function. The review also describes how the water maze was then used in further work to support the proposal that NMDA‐dependent synaptic modification in the hippocampus mediates the encoding of new spatial memories. This personal history gives a perspective on the convergence of different streams of physiological, biochemical, theoretical and behavioral research that resulted in these findings on hippocampal function.
Neutralization of an Oxytocin Derivative by 355 nm Photocleavage in High Vacuum
Authors: Hua Yong , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel , Köhler Valentin , Strauss Marcel , Mauser Martin F. X. , Kostersitz Tim , Geyer Philipp , Arndt Markus
Published: December 2024

Controlling the charge state of biomolecules in high vacuum enables experiments in molecular physics and physical chemistry, particularly in applications of mass spectrometry, trapping and cooling, spectroscopy and matter‐wave interferometry. Here we investigate the synthesis, verification and gas phase photolysis of nitrodibenzofuranmethyl aryl ether derivatives. These photocages are chosen because their absorption maximum can be tuned to near 355 nm, where intense pulsed laser light is available. We demonstrate efficient gas‐phase cleavage of a photoactive nitrodibenzofuranmethyl aryl ether derivative, both free and attached to oxytocin. This enables the neutralization of a polypeptide derivative in high vacuum using a wavelength outside the absorption spectrum of natural amino acids.
Design and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Kappa‐Carrageenan Pickering Emulsion Biocomposite Films for Potential Wound Care Applications
Authors: Yeşilyurt Ayşenur , Mayakrishnan Gopiraman , Parın Uğur , Kim Ick Soo , Parın Fatma Nur , Ullah Azeem
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and kappa‐carrageenan (κCA) biocomposite films using a Pickering emulsion technique for wound care applications. Juniper essential oil and modified sepiolite were incorporated to enhance functionality, with films prepared via solvent casting and characterized for structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. The PCOS‐2 film exhibited the highest mechanical performance, with Young's modulus of 6.25 ± 1.3 MPa, tensile strength of 5.65 ± 1.7 MPa, and elongation at break of 608.96% ± 72.8%. Antibacterial assays showed inhibition zones of 9 and 10 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, for the PCOS‐2 film, while antioxidant activity reached 63% DPPH radical scavenging after 12 h. Additionally, porosity and hydrophilicity were enhanced, as indicated by contact angles of 55° for the control film and 71.2° for PCOS‐2. These results underscore the potential of PVA/κCA biocomposite films as sustainable and bioactive wound dressings, combining mechanical resilience, bioactivity, and environmental compatibility, with future efforts focused on optimizing antibacterial efficacy against gram‐negative bacteria and clinical validation.
Supramolecular Peptide Depots for Glucose‐Responsive Glucagon Delivery
Authors: Chen Weike , Yu Sihan , Webber Bernice , DeWolf Emily L. , Kilmer Rory , Xian Sijie , Schmidt Connor R. , Power Elizabeth M. , Webber Matthew J.
Published: December 2024

Precise blood glucose control continues to be a critical challenge in the treatment and management of type 1 diabetes in order to mitigate both acute and chronic complications. This study investigates the development of a supramolecular peptide amphiphile (PA) material functionalized with phenylboronic acid (PBA) for glucose‐responsive glucagon delivery. The PA‐PBA system self‐assembles into nanofibrillar hydrogels in the presence of physiological glucose levels, resulting in stable hydrogels capable of releasing glucagon under hypoglycemic conditions. Glucose responsiveness is driven by reversible binding between PBA and glucose, which modulates the electrostatic interactions necessary for hydrogel formation and dissolution. Through comprehensive in vitro characterization, including circular dichroism, zeta potential measurements, and rheological assessments, the PA‐PBA system is found to exhibit glucose‐dependent assembly, enabling controlled glucagon release that is inversely related to glucose concentration. Glucagon release is accelerated under low glucose conditions, simulating a hypoglycemic state, with a reduced rate seen at higher glucose levels. Evaluation of the platform in vivo using a type 1 diabetic mouse model demonstrates the efficacy in protecting against insulin‐induced hypoglycemia by restoring blood glucose levels following an insulin overdose. The ability to tailor glucagon release in response to fluctuating glucose concentrations underscores the potential of this platform for improving glycemic control. These findings suggest that glucose‐stabilized supramolecular peptide hydrogels hold significant promise for responsive drug delivery applications, offering an approach to manage glucose levels in diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Anatomical and Physicochemical Attributes of Endemic Medicinal Plant Species Vincetoxicum capparidifolium (Wight & Arn.) Kuntze, Apocynaceae
Authors: Prameela Athira , Krishnasamy Thenmozhi , Jayasree Malavika , Thangavelu Muthukumar
Published: December 2024

Vincetoxicum capparidifolium (Wight & Arn.) Kuntze [=Tylophora capparidifolia (Wight & Arn.) Kuntze], belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is a medicinal plant species endemic to the southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. The current study sought to investigate the macroscopic, organoleptic, microscopic, physicochemical, and proximate compositional aspects of the fresh and powdered leaf and stem portions of V. capparidifolium. The anatomical peculiarities of the leaf parts reveal a hypostomatic nature with paracytic stomata, the epidermis being made up of thin‐walled cells covered with a thick cuticle (5.9 μm), and the hypodermis comprising angular collenchyma cells. The petiole is oval/rounded‐ellipse with abundant nonglandular multicellular trichomes ascending from the epidermis. The hypodermis is composed of collenchymatous cells containing many calcium oxalate crystals and silica bodies. Bicollateral vascular bundles with internal and external phloem characterize the leaf, stem, and petiole parts. The stem is covered by a thin cuticle, chlorenchymatous hypodermis, and large gelatinous fiber bundles (124.29 × 81.71 μm). Secondary growth in the stem is characterized by the development of periderm and lignified vascular tissues. Bicollateral vascular bundles are overlaid by irregular sclerenchyma patches (7.07 × 5.36 μm), a parenchymatous cortex, and pith composed of thin‐walled parenchyma cells. Scanning electron microscopic study of powdered plant parts disclosed the presence of fiber in the stem and a trace outline of leaf epidermal cells. X‐ray diffraction analysis specified indefinite crystallinity in the plant powder (57.038–69.500 nm). Thorough examination of pH, ash content, and percentage of crude lipid confirms that V. capparidifolium exhibits sufficient quality and purity.
Poor knee strength is associated with higher incidence of knee injury in adolescent female football players: The Karolinska football injury cohort
Authors: Fältström Anne , Asker Martin , Weiss Nathan , Lyberg Victor , Waldén Markus , Hägglund Martin , Tranaeus Ulrika , Skillgate Eva
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To investigate the association between common measures of trunk and lower extremity range of motion (ROM), strength, the results of one‐leg jump tests at baseline and the incidence of subsequent substantial knee injuries in adolescent female football players.

Methods

Players were assessed at baseline regarding (1) ROM of trunk, hip, and ankle; (2) trunk, hip, and knee strength; and (3) one‐leg jump tests. Players were prospectively monitored weekly for 1 year regarding knee injuries and the volume of matches and training. Hazard rate ratios (HRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with Cox regression for the association between the baseline tests and the incidence of substantial knee injury (moderate/severe reduction in training volume or performance, or complete inability to participate in football). Exposures were categorized in tertiles (high, medium and low values). The highest tertile was used as reference.

Results

376 players were included without substantial knee injury at baseline (mean age, 13.9 ± 1.1 years), and 71 (19%) reported at least one substantial knee injury during the follow‐up. Several associations were found; the strongest was that players in the lowest tertile of knee extension strength had a higher incidence of knee injuries than players in the highest tertile (HRR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.20−4.38). Players in the lowest tertile of trunk rotation ROM in lunge position half‐kneeling (HRR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27−0.94) had lower incidence of knee injuries than players in the highest tertile.

Conclusions

Poor knee strength and high trunk ROM were associated with an increased incidence of substantial knee injury in adolescent female football players. Therefore, knee‐strengthening exercises during season may be recommended.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Physical Activity Correlates With Skeletal Muscle MRI Findings in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Tamaroff Jaclyn , Joy Nicholas , Damon Bruce , Markham Larry W. , Donnelly Thomas , Su Karry , Buchowski Maciej S. , Crum Kimberly , Slaughter James C. , Xu Meng , Burnette W. Bryan , Soslow Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Aims

Skeletal muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a validated noninvasive tool to assess Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) progression. There is interest in finding DMD biomarkers that decrease the burden of clinical trial participation, such as wearable devices. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between activity, via accelerometry, and skeletal muscle MRI, particularly T2 mapping.

Methods

DMD children and young adults completed skeletal muscle MRI and were asked to wear an accelerometer on the dominant wrist for 7 days. MRI data included fat‐suppressed transverse relaxation time (T2) mapping of the calves and longitudinal relaxation time (T1) mapping. Activity was assessed as vector magnitudes (VMs) and fraction of time (FOT) in activity groups (sedentary 1 or 2, low 1 or 2, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA)).

Results

Participants (n = 22; median age 11.4 years, 41% ambulatory) wore the accelerometer for a median of 7 days. Longer T2 in multiple lower extremity muscles was negatively correlated with VMs per minute (tibialis posterior Spearman's rho = −0.68, p < 0.001), even when accounting for age, ambulatory status, or glucocorticoid use. Longer T2 of the tibialis posterior was positively correlated with FOT in sedentary 1 (rho = 0.49, p = 0.02) and negatively correlated with FOT in higher activity levels (low 1 (rho = −0.58, p = 0.004), low 2 (rho = −0.67, p = 0.002), MVPA (rho = −0.7, p < 0.001)).

Discussion

In individuals with DMD, longer T2 on skeletal muscle MRI of the calves moderately correlated with lower activity levels indicating the potential use of home accelerometry as a future clinical trial biomarker of skeletal muscle health and progression in DMD.
Muscle Contractility in Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Holm‐Yildiz Sonja , Krag Thomas , Dysgaard Tina , Pedersen Britt Stævnsbo , Witting Nanna , Kodal Louise Sloth , Kannuberg Linda , Pedersen Jonas Jalili , Andersen Rebecca Kjær , Lyu Zhe , Aagaard Morten Müller , Vissing Christoffer Rasmus , Dahlqvist Julia , Løkken Nicoline , Poulsen Nanna Scharff , Vissing John
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Aims

Primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) can present with periodic paralysis and/or permanent muscle weakness. Permanent weakness is accompanied by fat replacement of the muscle. It is unknown whether the permanent muscle weakness is solely due to fat replacement or if other factors affect the ability of the remaining muscle fibers to contract. We aimed to investigate muscle fat replacement and contractility in persons with HypoPP‐causing variants in CACNA1S and to compare the results to healthy controls.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we used T1‐weighted and 2‐point Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess fat replacement of the muscle and stationary dynamometry to assess muscle strength. Contractility was determined by maximal muscle contraction divided by the contractile cross‐sectional muscle area.

Results

We included 45 persons with HypoPP‐causing variants in CACNA1S and data from 37 healthy controls. We found that fat fraction was increased in ankle dorsiflexors and knee extensors and flexors, and further found that muscle strength was decreased in knee extensors and flexors in persons with HypoPP‐causing variants in CACNA1S compared to healthy controls. Additionally, we found decreased contractility of thigh muscles in persons with HypoPP‐causing variants in CACNA1S compared to healthy controls.

Discussion

The decreased contractility could relate to skeletal muscle voltage‐gated calcium channel dysfunction, subclinical attacks of paralysis, and/or changed muscle architecture, but this needs further investigation.