bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of left ventricular size with the outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy in Japanese patients
Authors: Ito Ryo , Kondo Yusuke , Nakano Masahiro , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Nakano Miyo , Kitagawa Mari , Sugawara Masafumi , Chiba Toshinori , Kobayashi Yoshio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe analyzed the influence of the QRS duration (QRSd) to LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) ratio on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes in heart failure patients classified as III/IV per the New York Heart Association (NYHA) and with small body size.HypothesisWe proposed the hypothesis that the QRSd/LV size ratio is a better index of the CRT substrate.MethodsWe enrolled 114 patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA class III/IV, and LV ejection fraction >35%) who received a CRT device, including those with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and QRSd ≥120 milliseconds (n = 60), non‐LBBB and QRSd ≥150 milliseconds (n = 30) and non‐LBBB and QRSd of 120−149 milliseconds (n = 24).ResultsOver a mean follow‐up period of 65 ± 58 months, the incidence of the primary endpoint, a composite of all‐cause death and hospitalization for heart failure, showed no significant intergroup difference (43.3% vs. 50.0% vs. 37.5%, respectively, p = .72). Similarly, among 104 patients with QRSd/LVEDV ≥ 0.67 (n = 54) and QRSd/LVEDV < 0.67 (n = 52), no significant differences were observed in the incidence of the primary endpoint (35.1% vs. 51.9%, p = .49). Nevertheless, patients with QRSd/LVEDV ≥ 0.67 showed better survival than those with QRSd/LVEDV < 0.67 (14.8% vs. 34.6%, p = .0024).ConclusionAdvanced HF patients with a higher QRSd/LVEDV ratio showed better survival in this small‐body–size population. Thus, the risk is concentrated among those with a larger QRSd, and patients with a relatively smaller left ventricular size appeared to benefit from CRT.
Label‐free, whole‐brain in vivo mapping in an adult vertebrate with third harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Akbari Najva , Tatarsky Rose L. , Kolkman Kristine E. , Fetcho Joseph R. , Xu Chris , Bass Andrew H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractComprehensive understanding of interconnected networks within the brain requires access to high resolution information within large field of views and over time. Currently, methods that enable mapping structural changes of the entire brain in vivo are extremely limited. Third harmonic generation (THG) can resolve myelinated structures, blood vessels, and cell bodies throughout the brain without the need for any exogenous labeling. Together with deep penetration of long wavelengths, this enables in vivo brain‐mapping of large fractions of the brain in small animals and over time. Here, we demonstrate that THG microscopy allows non‐invasive label‐free mapping of the entire brain of an adult vertebrate, Danionella dracula, which is a miniature species of cyprinid fish. We show this capability in multiple brain regions and in particular the identification of major commissural fiber bundles in the midbrain and the hindbrain. These features provide readily discernable landmarks for navigation and identification of regional‐specific neuronal groups and even single neurons during in vivo experiments. We further show how this label‐free technique can easily be coupled with fluorescence microscopy and used as a comparative tool for studies of other species with similar body features to Danionella, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tetras (Trochilocharax ornatus). This new evidence, building on previous studies, demonstrates how small size and relative transparency, combined with the unique capabilities of THG microscopy, can enable label‐free access to the entire adult vertebrate brain.
Risk of depression in persons with Alzheimer's disease: A national cohort study
Authors: Crump Casey , Sieh Weiva , Vickrey Barbara G. , Edwards Alexis C. , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONDepression is a risk factor and possible prodromal symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but little is known about subsequent risk of developing depression in persons with AD.METHODSNational matched cohort study was conducted of all 129,410 persons diagnosed with AD and 390,088 with all‐cause dementia during 1998–2017 in Sweden, and 3,900,880 age‐ and sex‐matched controls without dementia, who had no prior depression. Cox regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for major depression through 2018.RESULTSCumulative incidence of major depression was 13% in persons with AD and 3% in controls. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, risk of major depression was greater than two‐fold higher in women with AD (HR, 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11–2.32) or men with AD (2.68; 2.52–2.85), compared with controls. Similar results were found for all‐cause dementia.DISCUSSIONPersons diagnosed with AD or related dementias need close follow‐up for timely detection and treatment of depression.Highlights
In a large cohort, women and men with AD had >2‐fold subsequent risk of depression.
Risks were highest in the first year (>3‐fold) but remained elevated ≥3 years later.
Risk of depression was highest in persons aged ≥85 years at AD diagnosis.
Persons with AD need close follow‐up for detection and treatment of depression.
Microglia undergo disease‐associated transcriptional activation and CX3C motif chemokine receptor 1 expression regulates neurogenesis in the aged brain
Authors: Fritze Jonas , Muralidharan Chandramouli , Stamp Eleanor , Ahlenius Henrik 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAdult neurogenesis continues throughout life but declines dramatically with age and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. In parallel, microglia become activated resulting in chronic inflammation in the aged brain. A unique type of microglia, suggested to support neurogenesis, exists in the subventricular zone (SVZ), but little is known how they are affected by aging. We analyzed the transcriptome of aging microglia and identified a unique neuroprotective activation profile in aged SVZ microglia, which is partly shared with disease‐associated microglia (DAM). CX3C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) is characteristically expressed by brain microglia where it directs migration to targets for phagocytosis. We show that Cx3cr1 expression, as in DAM, is downregulated in old SVZ microglia and that heterozygous Cx3cr1 mice have increased proliferation and neuroblast number in the aged SVZ but not in the dentate gyrus, identifying CX3CR1 signaling as a novel age and brain region‐specific regulator of neurogenesis.
Blending Indigenous and western science: Quantifying cultural burning impacts in Karuk Aboriginal Territory
Authors: Greenler Skye M. , Lake Frank K. , Tripp William , McCovey Kathy , Tripp Analisa , Hillman Leaf G. , Dunn Christopher J. , Prichard Susan J. , Hessburg Paul F. , Harling Will , Bailey John D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe combined effects of Indigenous fire stewardship and lightning ignitions shaped historical fire regimes, landscape patterns, and available resources in many ecosystems globally. The resulting fire regimes created complex fire–vegetation dynamics that were further influenced by biophysical setting, disturbance history, and climate. While there is increasing recognition of Indigenous fire stewardship among western scientists and managers, the extent and purpose of cultural burning is generally absent from the landscape–fire modeling literature and our understanding of ecosystem processes and development. In collaboration with the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources, we developed a transdisciplinary Monte Carlo simulation model of cultural ignition location, frequency, and timing to simulate spatially explicit cultural ignitions across a 264,399‐ha landscape within Karuk Aboriginal Territory in northern California. Estimates of cultural ignition parameters were developed with Tribal members and knowledge holders using existing interviews, historical maps, ethnographies, recent ecological studies, contemporary maps, and generational knowledge. Spatial and temporal attributes of cultural burning were explicitly tied to the ecology of specific cultural resources, fuel receptivity, seasonal movement patterns, and spiritual practices. Prior to colonization, cultural burning practices were extensive across the study landscape with an estimated 6972 annual ignitions, averaging approximately 6.5 ignitions per Indigenous fire steward per year. The ignition characteristics we document align closely with data on historical fire regimes and vegetation but differ substantially from the location and timing of contemporary ignitions. This work demonstrates the importance of cultural burning for developing and maintaining the ecosystems present at the time of colonization and underscores the need to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to restore ecocultural processes in these systems.
Interactions between nutrients and fruit secondary metabolites shape bat foraging behavior and protein absorption
Authors: Gelambi Mariana , Morales‐M. Estefania , Whitehead Susan R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFrugivore foraging behavior is largely influenced by two key groups of chemical traits: nutrients and secondary metabolites. Many secondary metabolites function in plant defense, but their consumption can negatively impact both mutualistic and antagonistic frugivores, often due to toxic properties of the metabolites or through nutrient absorption interference. Frugivores are assumed to maximize nutrient acquisition while avoiding or minimizing toxic metabolite intake, but the relative roles of co‐occurring nutrients and secondary metabolites in foraging behavior are not well understood. Here, we used a neotropical fruit bat to investigate the interactive effects of nutrients and a broadly bioactive fruit secondary metabolite, piperine, on two essential processes in nutrient acquisition, namely foraging behavior and nutrient absorption. Through the manipulation of nutrient and piperine concentrations in artificial diets, we showed that captive fruit bats prioritize nutrient concentrations regardless of the levels of piperine, even though piperine is a strong deterrent on its own. Furthermore, our findings reveal that while piperine has no detectable influence on total sugar absorption, it reduces protein absorption, which is a crucial and limited nutrient in the frugivore diet. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of considering the interaction between co‐occurring chemical traits in fruit pulp to better understand frugivore foraging and physiology.
The effect of drainage on fine‐root biomass, production, and turnover in hemiboreal old‐growth forests on organic soils
Authors: Samariks Valters , Ķēniņa Laura , Kitenberga Māra , Aun Kristiina , Varik Mats , Liepiņa Agnese Anta , Jansons Āris 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInformation on the capacity of organic soils to capture and store carbon in old‐growth forests in the hemiboreal forest zone is scarce and fragmented. However, fine‐root data can provide valuable insights into soil carbon fluxes. Thus, the aim of the current study was to provide estimates of the fine‐root biomass (FRB), fine‐root production (FRP), and fine‐root turnover (FRT) rate by tree species and other functional groups in old‐growth (stand age 131–179 years) forests on mesotrophic organic soils dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), with and without the effects of forest drainage. The sequential soil coring method was used to estimate the FRB and FRP. The total FRB was significantly higher in the undrained sites (6.8 ± 0.3 t ha−1) than in the drained sites (3.97 ± 0.1 t ha−1). The FRB of Scots pine in the undrained forest was significantly higher (1.7 ± 0.1 t ha−1) than in the drained forest (0.5 ± 0.1 t ha−1), supporting an extensive foraging strategy. The significantly higher mean FRB of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) (1.4 ± 0.1 t ha−1) in the drained sites than the undrained sites (0.7 ± 0.2 t ha−1) can be explained by there being a higher proportion of spruce in the stand compositions, thus a higher standing volume of this species and an increased FRB. The FRB of dwarf shrubs (2.43 ± 0.2 t ha−1) formed the largest part of the total FRB in the undrained sites and the second largest (1.16 ± 0.1 t ha−1), following Norway spruce, in the drained sites. The total FRP was similar between the undrained (2.05 ± 0.31 t ha−1 year−1) and drained (1.82 ± 0.26 t ha−1 year−1) stands. However, considerable variability in the FRP was observed between different sites of the same forest site type. The FRT rate of Scots pine was twice as high in the drained sites than the undrained sites, suggesting faster nutrient and carbon input into the drained soil compared with the undrained soil. Estimates of FRB, FRP, and FRT rates for different functional groups can be used in carbon‐cycle modeling and in further calculations to estimate the carbon budget (balance) in forests on organic soils.
Recovering short DNA fragments from minerals and marine sediments: A comparative study evaluating lysis and isolation approaches
Authors: Gande Darjan , Hassenrück Christiane , Žure Marina , Richter‐Heitmann Tim , Willerslev Eske , Friedrich Michael W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMarine sediments as excellent climate archives, contain among other biomolecules substantial amounts of extracellular DNA. Through mineral binding, some of the DNA remains protected from degradation which aids its preservation. While this pool of DNA represents genomic ecosystem fingerprints spanning over millions of years, the capability of current DNA extraction methods in recovering mineral‐bound DNA remains poorly understood. We evaluated current sedimentary DNA extraction approaches and their ability to recover short DNA fragments from artificially created DNA‐mineral complexes involving pure clay minerals or quartz, as well as from different types of natural marine sediments. We separately investigated lysis (DNA release) and isolation steps (purification of DNA) comparing five different lysis buffers across two commonly used DNA isolation approaches: silica magnetic beads and liquid‐phase organic extraction and purification. The choice of lysis buffer significantly impacted the amount of recovered mineral‐bound DNA and facilitated selective desorption of DNA fragments. High molarity EDTA and phosphate lysis buffers recovered on average an order of magnitude more DNA from clay minerals than other tested buffers, while both isolation approaches recovered comparable amounts of DNA. In marine sediments, however, liquid‐phase organic extraction caused inhibitory effects in subsequent downstream applications (e.g., PCR), across all assessed DNA extracts, while silica magnetic beads induced inhibition only in half of the tested DNA extracts. Thus, the isolation approach, together with the lysis buffer, played a decisive role in successful library preparation with lysis buffer choice ultimately impacting final library fragment distribution. With this study, we underscore the critical importance of lysis buffer selection to maximize the recovery of mineral‐bound DNA and show its profound impact on recovered fragment lengths in sedimentary DNA extractions, a crucial factor alongside existing isolation approaches in facilitating high‐quality DNA extracts for downstream analysis related to ancient environmental DNA research.
Harnessing idle edge resources for execution of cloud services: A comprehensive review
Authors: Trajano Alex F. R. , de Souza José Neuman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive investigation into voluntary resource sharing at the edge of the internet for cloud service execution. Through a systematic review, 460 scientific articles published between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed, compiling the primary recent contributions in the field. The study presents a taxonomy of the results and highlights the state of the art. Despite the growing interest in the topic in recent years due to the expansion of Edge and Fog Computing, numerous challenges and open research gaps were identified for the effective utilization of idle resources for cloud service execution at the edge. This paper delves into these challenges, emphasizing the need for extensive research in areas such as resource management, interoperability, incentive model establishment, and security and privacy concerns.
Intelligent load balancing in data center software‐defined networks
Authors: Gilliard Ezekia , Liu Jinshuo , Aliyu Ahmed Abubakar , Juan Deng , Jing Huang , Wang Meng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn response to the increasing demand for efficient resource utilization in data center networks (DCNs), the development of intelligent load‐balancing algorithms has become crucial. This article introduces the dual double deep Q network (DDQN) algorithm, designed for software‐defined networking (SDN) environments within data centers. By leveraging deep reinforcement learning, DDQN addresses the challenges posed by dynamic traffic patterns, diverse flow requirements, and the coexistence of elephant and mice flows. Our algorithm adopts a comprehensive SDN approach, evaluating the network's status by analyzing switch load and bandwidth utilization. Using convolutional neural networks for elephant and mice flows in DCN, our algorithm enables adaptive learning and training tailored to the specific demands of elephant flows. Employing a double deep Q network architecture (DDQN), DDQN optimizes paths for both elephant and mice flows independently. Real‐time adaptation mechanisms make routing decisions based on the robust learning capabilities of DDQN, enhancing network utilization and reducing packet loss by generating optimal forwarding paths according to the current network state and traffic patterns. Simulations conducted in a Mininet environment with RYU as the controller, utilizing a fat‐tree data center topology, validate the efficacy of DDQN. The results demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving higher throughput, lower latency, and superior load balancing compared to traditional algorithms like equal‐cost multipath and Hedera.
Degradation of Orange G, Acid Blue 161, and Brillant Green Dyes Using UV Light‐Activated GA–TiO2–Cd Composite
Authors: Tekin Derya , Birhan Derya , Tekin Taner , Kiziltas Hakan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity performance are synthesized by synthesizing graphene aerogel‐supported, cadmium‐doped TiO2 composites by hydrothermal method for the effective degradation of organic dyes in wastewater. Here, GA–TiO2–Cd is investigated as a photocatalyst for the degradation of toxic dyes named Orange G, Acid Blue 161, and Brilliant Green in the UV part of the light spectrum. As a result of the experiments, it is observed that the effective decomposition of organic dyes is due to graphene aerogel (GA) and cadmium‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The results show that for 20 ppm solutions of Orange G, Acid Blue 161, and Brilliant Green, dyes are removed at approximately 81.075%, 84.15%, and 95.18% in 120 min. The morphology and elemental analysis of the synthesized composites are determined using SEM‐EDS, crystal structure analysis by XRD, chemical bond analysis by FTIR, optical properties by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrophotometry, and thermal resistance by TGA analysis.
Intravital observation of high‐scattering and dense‐labeling hepatic tissues using multi‐photon fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Chen Runze , Peng Shiyi , Xia Qiming , Wu Tianxiang , Zheng Junyan , Qin Haiyan , Qian Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAchieving high‐resolution and large‐depth microscopic imaging in vivo under conditions characterized by high‐scattering and dense‐labeling, as commonly encountered in the liver, poses a formidable challenge. Here, through the optimization of multi‐photon fluorescence excitation window, tailored to the unique optical properties of the liver, intravital microscopic imaging of hepatocytes and hepatic blood vessels with high spatial resolution was attained. It's worth noting that resolution degradation caused by tissue scattering of excitation light was mitigated by accounting for moderate tissue self‐absorption. Leveraging high‐quality multi‐photon fluorescence microscopy, we discerned structural and functional alterations in hepatocytes during drug‐induced acute liver failure. Furthermore, a reduction in indocyanine green metabolism rates associated with acute liver failure was observed using NIR‐II fluorescence macroscopic imaging.
PPARγ inhibition promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and fracture healing
Authors: Yang Guohui , Liu Kexi , Ma Shengli , Qi Peiyi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the effects of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibition on fracture healing of nonunion and the underlying mechanisms. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were treated with PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (5 μM, 10 μM). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin Red S was used to assess early stage of osteogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. GW9662 (1 mg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally into the rats with bone fracture. Bone healing processes in the rat femur fracture model were recorded and assessed by radiographic methods on Weeks 8, 14, and 20 postoperation. Osteogenesis and angiogenesis at the fracture sites were evaluated by radiographic and histological methods on postoperative Week 20. GW9662 treatment increased ALP activity and Alp mRNA expression in rat BMSCs. Moreover, GW9662 administration increased matrix mineralization and mRNA and protein levels of Bmp2 and Runx2 in the BMSCs. In addition, GW9662 treatment improved radiographic score in the fracture rats and increased osteogenesis‐related proteins, including type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteoglycin, in the bone tissues of the fracture sites. In conclusion, PPARγ inhibition promotes osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs, as well as improves the fracture healing of rats through Bmp2/Runx2 signaling pathway in the rat model of bone fracture.