bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep convolutional neural network for estimating hemodynamic response function with reduction of motion artifacts in fNIRS
Authors: Kim MinWoo , Lee Seonjin , Dan Ippeita , Tak Sungho
Published: January 2022

Objective. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique for monitoring hemoglobin concentration changes in a non-invasive manner. However, subject movements are often significant sources of artifacts. While several methods have been developed for suppressing this confounding noise, the conventional techniques have limitations on optimal selections of model parameters across participants or brain regions. To address this shortcoming, we aim to propose a method based on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). Approach. The U-net is employed as a CNN architecture. Specifically, large-scale training and testing data are generated by combining variants of hemodynamic response function (HRF) with experimental measurements of motion noises. The neural network is then trained to reconstruct hemodynamic response coupled to neuronal activity with a reduction of motion artifacts. Main results. Using extensive analysis, we show that the proposed method estimates the task-related HRF more accurately than the existing methods of wavelet decomposition and autoregressive models. Specifically, the mean squared error and variance of HRF estimates, based on the CNN, are the smallest among all methods considered in this study. These results are more prominent when the semi-simulated data contain variants of shapes and amplitudes of HRF. Significance. The proposed CNN method allows for accurately estimating amplitude and shape of HRF with significant reduction of motion artifacts. This method may have a great potential for monitoring HRF changes in real-life settings that involve excessive motion artifacts.
A comparison between diffusion tensor imaging and generalized q-sampling imaging in the age prediction of healthy adults via machine learning approaches
Authors: Guo Yingying , Yang Xi , Yuan Zilong , Qiu Jianfeng , Lu Weizhao
Published: January 2022

Objective. Brain age, which is predicted using neuroimaging data, has become an important biomarker in aging research. This study applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and generalized q-sampling imaging (GQI) model to predict age respectively, with the purpose of evaluating which diffusion model is more accurate in estimating age and revealing age-related changes in the brain. Approach. Diffusion MRI data of 125 subjects from two sites were collected. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and quantitative anisotropy (QA) from the two diffusion models were calculated and were used as features of machine learning models. Sequential backward elimination algorithm was used for feature selection. Six machine learning approaches including linear regression, ridge regression, support vector regression (SVR) with linear kernel, quadratic kernel and radial basis function (RBF) kernel and feedforward neural network were used to predict age using FA and QA features respectively. Main results. Age predictions using FA features were more accurate than predictions using QA features for all the six machine learning algorithms. Post-hoc analysis revealed that FA was more sensitive to age-related white matter alterations in the brain. In addition, SVR with RBF kernel based on FA features achieved better performances than the competing algorithms with mean absolute error ranging from 7.74 to 10.54, mean square error (MSE) ranging from 87.79 to 150.86, and normalized MSE ranging from 0.05 to 0.14. Significance. FA from DTI model was more suitable than QA from GQI model in age prediction. FA metric was more sensitive to age-related white matter changes in the brain and FA of several brain regions could be used as white matter biomarkers in aging.
SOLPS-ITER analysis of drift effects on plasma profiles in the EAST scrape-off layer
Authors: Wang Fuqiong , Liang Y. , Zha X.J. , Zhong F.C. , Mao S.T. , Duan Y.M. , Hu L.Q. , Wang L. , Liu J.B. , Yan N. , Liu S.C.
Published: January 2022

Drift effects on the plasma profiles of the scrape-off layer (SOL) in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) have been numerically investigated using the comprehensive 2D edge modeling package, SOLPS-ITER, based on a generic magnetic equilibrium with lower single null configuration. SOL particle diffusivity (D
SOL) has been scanned from high (1.0 m2 s−1) to extremely low (0.02 m2 s−1), to gradually highlight the role of drift-based neoclassical mechanisms in radial particle transport. To address the impact of magnetic field direction on drift-driven transport, plasma profiles, flows and currents in the SOL of EAST plasmas, with the toroidal magnetic field (B
T) direction favorable and unfavorable for H-mode access, i.e. with the ion B × ∇B drift pointing towards and away from the active X-point, are simulated and analyzed. Results demonstrated that drift-driven transport, considered as the key process in the formation of SOL plasma profiles, is dependent on magnetic field direction and thus SOL flows and currents, as well as SOL widths, can obviously be affected by the direction of drifts. With B
T changed from the favorable direction to the unfavorable one, the flattening of the density radial profile as well as the increase in power decay length, in the SOL, can be achieved and can be further enhanced as the weight of turbulent transport (i.e. D
SOL) gets reduced, due to the increased contribution of ion parallel viscosity to the radial ion flow. In particular, with D
SOL ⩽ 0.05 m2 s−1 in the simulations, the dominant role of drift-based neoclassical mechanisms in the radial particle transport will lead to the formation of the so-called edge density-shelf in plasmas with unfavorable B
T. The power scrape-off width in plasmas with unfavorable B
T is very insensitive to the turbulent transport level and can remain relatively high even when D
SOL has been decreased to an extremely low level. Due to the compressing/widening effect of the drift-driven inward/outward radial particle flow, the simulated power scrape-off width exhibits an in-out asymmetry, which is also dependent on magnetic field direction . This work represents a step towards a deeper understanding of the physics mechanisms determining SOL widths in EAST.
Sigma chromatic numbers of the middle graph of some families of graphs
Authors: Manamtam J A , Garciano A D , Tolentino M A C
Published: January 2022

Let G be a nontrivial connected graph and let c : V (G) → ℕ be a vertex coloring of G, where adjacent vertices may have the same color. For a vertex υ of G, the color sum σ(υ) of υ is the sum of the colors of the vertices adjacent to υ. The coloring c is said to be a sigma coloring of G if σ(u) ≠ σ(υ) whenever u and υ are adjacent vertices in G. The minimum number of colors that can be used in a sigma coloring of G is called the sigma chromatic number of G and is denoted by σ(G). In this study, we investigate sigma coloring in relation to a unary graph operation called middle graph. We will show that the sigma chromatic number of the middle graph of any path, cycle, sunlet graph, tadpole graph, ladder graph, or triangular snake graph is 2 except for some small cases. We also determine the sigma chromatic number of the middle graph of stars.
The rainbow vertex antimagic coloring of tree graphs
Authors: Marsidi  , Agustin Ika Hesti , Dafik  , Kurniawati Elsa Yuli , Nisviasari Rosanita
Published: January 2022

LetG(V(G),E(G)) be a connected, simple, and finite graph. Letfbe a bijective function of labeling on graphGfrom the edge setE(G) to natural number up to the number of edges ofG. A rainbow vertex antimagic labeling of graphGis a functionfunder the condition all internal vertices of a pathu–υ, Ɐu, υ∈V(G) have different weight (denoted byw(u)), wherew(u) = ∑uu′∈E(G)f(uu′). IfGhas a rainbow vertex antimagic labeling, then G is a rainbow vertex antimagic coloring, where the every vertex is assigned with the colorw(u). Thervac(G) is a notation of rainbow vertex antimagic connection number of graphGwhich means the minimum colors taken over all rainbow vertex antimagic coloring induced by rainbow vertex antimagic labeling of graphG. The results of this research are the exact value of the rainbow vertex antimagic connection number of star (Sn), double star (DSn), and broom graph (Brn, m).
Decision-making using fuzzy TOPSIS for selecting beginner UMKM that receive business funding
Authors: Negari N L , Riski A , Pradjaningsih A , Kamsyakawuni A
Published: January 2022

“Usaha Kecil Mikro dan Menengah”(UMKM) is a productive business unit of individuals or business entities in each economic sector. Currently, many UMKMs face difficulty in developing their business due to a lack of working capital. Therefore, the government provides business funding for the UMKM through“Dinas Koperasi dan UMKM”(Diskopum). Diskopum has various business funding; one of them is business funding for a beginner UMKM. The beginner UMKM that can get the business funding must complete the requirements that Diskopum requested. Among the requirements requested, there are several fuzzy criteria. This research solves the problem of determining the business funding for the beginner UMKM using the fuzzy TOPSIS method. The method was chosen because the output is in the form of ranking. Since the data used in this study is the submission data from 2019, the data already has the actual results. There are several differences between the actual ranking and the result using the fuzzy TOPSIS method, but the difference is insignificant. That result proved that the fuzzy TOPSIS method could determine the ranking of the business capital fund as an alternative method.
Implementation of the ACS-RVND algorithm on the VRP variant and its application to distribution optimization
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sapti , Satyananda Darmawan , Oktoviana Lucky Tri
Published: January 2022

Distribution optimization has an important role to distribute products to consumers. The selection of the right route will have an impact on the distribution process resulting in minimal costs. The application of graph theory that can be used to determine the optimum route in the distribution process is the study of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) variant. The VRP variants discussed in this article are MDVRP and VRPTW. The method used to solve the VRP variant of this article is the ACS-RVND algorithm. The ACS-RVND algorithm consists of several main stages, namely the initial solution formation stage using the ACS algorithm, the solution improvement stage using the RVND procedure and the acceptance criteria stage. The data needed for the application of the ACS-RVND algorithm in solving the distribution optimization problem of MDVRP cases are the number of depots, the number of customers, the capacity of the vehicle, the number of ants, the number of iterations, the number of customer requests and the distance between customers. While in the case of VRPTW data multiple depots are replaced by time windows depot and service time. The results of solving distribution optimization problems in the form of the route, the total distance traveled and the result of the route in the graph model. The performance of the ACS RVND algorithm can be compared with the performance of the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm and the Hybrid Ant Coloy Optimization (HACO) algorithm. Analysis of the results using several dataset test cases showed that the ACS RVND algorithm on MDVRP obtained a better solution than the ACO algorithm and the ACS RVND algorithm on VRPTW was better than the Hybrid Ant Coloy Optimization (HACO) algorithm when viewed from the total distance distribution route.
Profitability estimation of XYZ company using H-infinity and Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Anshori M Y , Herlambang T , Katias P , Susanto F A , Rasyid R R
Published: January 2022

One strategy for a company to develop and grow bigger and stronger in competition is by business expansion. According to Moin (2010:2), there are two strategic ways to maintain and expand a business, that is, an internal expansion strategy by building a new business or business unit from scratch and an external expansion strategy in the form of a business merger by buying an existing company through a merger, acquisitions and consolidations which are fast-track to new markets. Profitability is a factor that gets important attention because it can attract investors to make investment in the company. Profit is the gab beetwen revenue and expenses in a certain period in a company. It has very important role for either internal or external of the company. One way to reduce the risk of company losses is by using an estimation method to find out the company’s estimated profit for the next month or next year. In this study the estimation method for travel company was used, that is, by using the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) and H-infinity, as a policy making chart in order to maintain and increase company profits. Based on the analysis of results computation with 100, 200 and 300 iterations, it showed an error of less than 3%.
Oscillation and Asymptotic Behavior of Second-Order Half-Linear Noncanonical Difference Equations of Advanced Type
Authors: Gopalakrishnan P , Murugesan A , Dafik  , Agustin I H
Published: January 2022

We established new single-condition criteria for the oscillation of all solutions to a second-order half-linear advanced equation of the form ∆(φ(ζ)(∆x(ζ))
ν
) + ρ(ζ)x

ν
(ζ + η) = 0; ζ
≥
ζ
0 under the conditions that

∑

s
=
ζ

∞

1

ϕ

1

v

(
s
)

<
∞

. We derive new single-condition constraints for the oscillation of all unimprovable constant solutions to equation. Even in the linear case, the significant result is new and improves all of the prior results to the best of our knowledge. The advantage of our technique is the simple proof, solely relying on the monotonicities of a positive solution sequentially improved. Examples of our conclusions are presented.
Hybrid clustering and classification methods to find out the pattern of the spread of covid-19 in East Java province
Authors: Umam M W F , Fatekurohman M , Anggraeni D
Published: January 2022

Covid-19 entered Indonesia in March 2020, which had an extraordinary impact on all aspects of life. The real impact is the economic and social sectors. Various efforts and policies from the Indonesian government were made to suppress the increase in the rate of Covid-19 cases. The spread of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has been evenly distributed in various provinces, one of which is East Java. East Java has 38 districts/cities, where the case of each district is different, there are green, yellow, red, and black zones. To find out the pattern of spread of each district/city zone, clustering is used. The method used in this study was to use the hybrid method of clustering with K-means and classification with its algorithm Decision Tree. The purpose of this study to prepare mitigation measures to inhibit the rate of spread of Covid-19 in East Java Province. The variables used include the number of positive, the number of dead, the number of recovered, the number of suspects, and the number of probable. With this grouped data, it is expected to help make the right decision in reducing the spread and minimizing the number of positive patients. Based on the results of the study, there will be cluster results, namely 7 very high-risk areas (C0), 1 high risk district (C1), 29 moderate risk districts (C2), and 1 low-risk district (C3). It also has a validity index level of 0.356 as measured by the Davies-Bouldin Index.
High order thinking skills: can it arise when a prospective teacher solves a controversial mathematics problem?
Authors: Rosyadi Alfiani Athma Putri , Sa’dijah Cholis , Susiswo  , Rahardjo Swasono
Published: January 2022

High order thinking skills are important for prospective mathematics teachers. This study aims to describe whether High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) can appear when prospective teachers solve controversial math problems. This research has been conducted using descriptive qualitative research. The instruments that have been used are controversial math test questions and interviews. The research subjects used were 150 prospective mathematics teachers, and three people who experienced controversy were taken to find out their HOTS. The results showed that from the three subjects, information was obtained that analysis and evaluation had emerged when solving controversial problems, but only one subject appeared for creating. Suggestions for the next researcher is to combine critical thinking and HOTS to bring up aspects of creating.
Science process skills students on cells and tissues concept during the covid-19 pandemic: how did it achieve?
Authors: Fitrianingrum H , Noor M F
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to measure the achievement of students’ science process skills (SPS) on cells and tissues concept during pandemic. The research was conducted in January 2021 at high school in Depok City. The sampling technique used purposive random sampling. SPS tested consist of 7 aspects (observing, applying concepts, interpreting, asking, communicating, classifying, and concluding). Data collection using an essay test with 16 questions and teacher-student interviews. The instrument was validated by five expert validators and calculated with the Aiken’s V formula reaches 0.74 (valid) and the reliability test value with Cronbach-Alpha reaches 0.81 (reliable). The non-parametric normality test reach 0.361 (sample is normally distributed). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test reach 0.011 (hypothesis accepted; there is a difference in achievement between grade XI and XII). The results of the survey showed that the students’ SPS were in the moderate (grade XII) and less category (grade XI). The easiest aspect of SPS in both is the questioning aspect. The aspect that gets the least category is communicating (grade XII) and classification (grade XI). This can be influenced by the level of students’ understanding of the concept and scientific process, experience in observing, and doing all scientific process.
Didactical design of mathematical reasoning on three dimensional in high school
Authors: Miftah R , Amalina A N , Kurniawati L
Published: January 2022

Mathematical reasoning ability can be obtained through the process of understanding students in learning mathematics. However, not a few students experience learning barriers, one of which is in studying three-dimensional material. The purpose of this study is to identify the epistemological obstacle focused to Reasoning and Proof indicator in the three dimensional and overcome them by developing mathematical learning designs in high school. This research was held at SMAN 9 Tangerang. The reasearch method is Didactical Design Research. This method is consist of three stages, namely analysis before learning (prospective analysis), during learning (metapeda didactic), and after learning (retrosfective). Based on the results of the preresearch, 80,48% of 38 students who took the identification of student obstacle test had epistimological obstacles in the concepot three dimensional. To overcome the epistemological obstacle in the concept of three dimensional, are needed learning design that are developed based of student’s learning obstacle, repersonalization, and recontextualization, so that it results the hypothetical learning trajectory which composed the various student activities and predictions of student responses follows with the anticipation, and result the generates student worksheet. The results of the study show that the design can be used to overcome student difficulties, it can be seen from the effectiveness of anticipation given to overcome student difficulties during learning.
Development of mathematics teaching-learning material with metaphors approach
Authors: Dwirahayu G , Handayani I D , Suhyanto O , Musyrifah E , Sobiruddin D
Published: January 2022

The research proposed to develop teaching-learning material with metaphor phase in mathematics for students at High School. The teaching-learning materials developed in this study consist of three kinds of metaphors: grounding metaphors, linking metaphors, and redefinitional metaphors. The selection subject matter in modules is composition and inverse function. Hopefully, it would help students learn mathematics independently and students are expected to be able to understand abstract material concepts with more concrete and meaningful concepts. The method research is R&D with 3D models (Define, Design and Develop). Using the questionnaire, the teaching-learning material was validated by three lecturers at mathematics education and five mathematics teachers who teach at high school. Some notes from the validator provide improvement. And finally, teaching-learning material was tested on 27 students at State High School 1 Jawilan-Serang City class XII. The result shows that the teaching-learning material in review by validator is very feasible criteria (89%) and review from students shows suitable criteria for use in teaching-learning mathematics (86%), so the conclusion is the teaching-learning material is feasible to use in teaching and learning mathematics especially in subject composition and inverse function.
A comprehensive analysis to assess the impact of nano MoS2 on the wear characteristic of Al-TiB2-Gr composite
Authors: Chenrayan Venkatesh , Vaishnav V. , Shahapurkar Kiran , Tirth Vineet , Alarifi Ibrahim M. , Manivannan Chandru , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M
Published: January 2022

The present study evaluates the influence of nano MoS2 particles on the wear properties of newly developed TiB2 and Graphite reinforced Aluminium composite. Micro particles of MoS2 are downsized into nano levels using a planetary ball mill. Three different compositions of specimens are fabricated through stir casting, with a constant 10% of weight of TiB2, graphite, and nano MoS2 is kept at varying amounts of 10, 15, and 20%. The dry sliding wear tests are executed by following Taguchi’s design of experiment. The wear rate and coefficient of friction are considered as responses, whereas the normal load, sliding distance and the composition of MoS2 are considered as the chief parameters with three levels. The hybridized Taguchi-Grey Relational -Principal Component Analysis mathematical model is implemented to study the effect of wear parameters and inclusion of MoS2 on the wear behavior. Mathematical and experimental results explore the increasing nano MoS2 content reduces the wear rate and coefficient of friction of composites. Analysis of variance results also acknowledge that nano MoS2 content in the composite is a remarkable parameter to impact the tribological property. The hybrid statistical model results explore that the optimum parameter to yield better tribological property are 30 N normal load, 2 km sliding distance and 20% of MoS2. Worn surfaces are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to picturize the wear mechanism concerning the varying content of reinforcement.
The ultra high sensitivity blood counter: a compact, MRI-compatible, radioactivity counter for pharmacokinetic studies in μl volumes
Authors: Convert Laurence , Sarrhini Otman , Paillé Maxime , Salem Nicolas , Charette Paul G , Lecomte Roger
Published: January 2022

Quantification of physiological parameters in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies based on nuclear imaging requires the monitoring of arterial radioactivity over time, known as the arterial input function (AIF). Continuous derivation of the AIF in rodent models is very challenging because of the limited blood volume available for sampling. To address this challenge, an Ultra High Sensitivity Blood Counter (UHS-BC) was developed. The device detects beta particles in real-time using silicon photodiodes, custom low-noise electronics, and 3D-printed plastic cartridges to hold standard catheters. Two prototypes were built and characterized in two facilities. Sensitivities up to 39% for 18F and 58% for 11C-based positron emission tomography (PET) tracers were demonstrated. 99mTc and 125I based Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) tracers were detected with greater than 3% and 10% sensitivity, respectively, opening new applications in nuclear imaging and fundamental biology research. Measured energy spectra show all relevant peaks down to a minimum detectable energy of 20 keV. The UHS-BC was shown to be highly reliable, robust towards parasitic background radiation and electromagnetic interference in the PET or MRI environment. The UHS-BC provides reproducible results under various experimental conditions and was demonstrated to be stable over days of continuous operation. Animal experiments showed that the UHS-BC performs accurate AIF measurements using low detection volumes suitable for small animal models in PET, SPECT and PET/MRI investigations. This tool will help to reduce the time and number of animals required for pharmacokinetic studies, thus increasing the throughput of new drug development.
Circulating Concentrations of C-Type Natriuretic Peptides Increase with Sacubitril/Valsartan Treatment in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Thonsgaard Simon , Prickett Timothy C R , Hansen Lasse H , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J , Andersen Ulrik Ø , Terzic Dijana , Plomgaard Peter , Gustafsson Finn , Goetze Jens P , Mark Peter D
Published: January 2022

Background

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a cardioprotective peptide with high affinity for the ectoenzyme neutral endopeptidase (neprilysin). We aimed to determine whether angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor treatment acutely affects circulating concentrations of bioactive CNP and its molecular amino-terminal precursor (NT-proCNP).

Methods

We included 9 and 10 healthy young men in 2 randomized crossover trials with sacubitril/valsartan vs control (Trial 1) and sacubitril/valsartan and sitagliptin vs sitagliptin (Trial 2). The participants were randomized to a single dose of sacubitril/valsartan (194/206 mg) or control at the first visit 30 min prior to a standardized meal intake. We obtained blood samples at 12 time points over 5 h and measured plasma concentrations of NT-proCNP in both trials and CNP in Trial 2.

Results

NT-proCNP concentrations increased 3.5 h after sacubitril/valsartan treatment, and at 4.5 h concentrations were 42% and 65% higher compared with control in Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively. The total area under the curve (tAUC)15–270 min was 22% higher (P = 0.007) in Trial 1 and 17% higher with treatment (P = 0.017) in Trial 2. Concentrations of bioactive CNP followed a similar temporal pattern with an increase of 93% at 4.5 h and a 31% higher tAUC15–270 min compared with control (P = 0.001) in Trial 2.

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan augments circulating concentrations of both bioactive CNP and NT-proCNP in healthy young men. The increase in bioactive CNP is most likely caused by de novo synthesis and secretion rather than diminished breakdown through neprilysin inhibition.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03717688
Genomic prediction of growth in a commercially, recreationally, and culturally important marine resource, the Australian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus)
Authors: Sandoval-Castillo Jonathan , Beheregaray Luciano B , Wellenreuther Maren
Published: January 2022

Growth is one of the most important traits of an organism. For exploited species, this trait has ecological and evolutionary consequences as well as economical and conservation significance. Rapid changes in growth rate associated with anthropogenic stressors have been reported for several marine fishes, but little is known about the genetic basis of growth traits in teleosts. We used reduced genome representation data and genome-wide association approaches to identify growth-related genetic variation in the commercially, recreationally, and culturally important Australian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, Sparidae). Based on 17,490 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 363 individuals representing extreme growth phenotypes from 15,000 fish of the same age and reared under identical conditions in a sea pen, we identified 100 unique candidates that were annotated to 51 proteins. We documented a complex polygenic nature of growth in the species that included several loci with small effects and a few loci with larger effects. Overall heritability was high (75.7%), reflected in the high accuracy of the genomic prediction for the phenotype (small vs large). Although the single-nucleotide polymorphisms were distributed across the genome, most candidates (60%) clustered on chromosome 16, which also explains the largest proportion of heritability (16.4%). This study demonstrates that reduced genome representation single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the right bioinformatic tools provide a cost-efficient approach to identify growth-related loci and to describe genomic architectures of complex quantitative traits. Our results help to inform captive aquaculture breeding programs and are of relevance to monitor growth-related evolutionary shifts in wild populations in response to anthropogenic pressures.
Early aortic growth in acute descending aortic dissection
Authors: Berezowski Mikolaj , Scheumann Johannes , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Jasinski Marek , Plonek Tomasz , Siepe Matthias , Czerny Martin , Rylski Bartosz
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Acute aortic dissection leads to the destabilization of the aortic wall, followed by an immediate increase in aortic diameter. It remains unclear how the aortic diameter changes during the dissection’s acute and subacute phases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in aortic geometry within 30 days after the onset of a descending aortic dissection.

METHODS

Patients with acute type B and non-A non-B dissection who had at least 2 computed tomography angiography scans obtained within 30 days after the onset of dissection were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were a thrombosed false lumen, connective tissue disorders and endovascular or open aortic repair performed prior to the second computed tomography angiography.

RESULTS

Among 190 patients with acute aortic dissection, 42 patients met our inclusion criteria. Their aortic geometry was analysed according to the computed tomography angiography scans obtained between 0–3 (N = 35), 4–7 (N = 9) and 8–30 (N = 12) days after the dissection onset. The highest aortic diameter growth rate was observed in the first quartile of the thoracic aorta and measured 0.66 (0.06; 1.03), 0.29 (−0.01; 0.41) and 0.06 (−0.13; 0.26) mm/day at 0–3, 4–7 and 8–30 days after the dissection, respectively. Proximal entry location (P = 0.037) and entry located at the arch concavity (P = 0.008) were associated with a higher aortic diameter increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Early rapid growth occurs during the first week after the descending aortic dissection—most intensely over the first 3 days, and this is associated with the location of the dissection’s entry.
Molecular genetic insights into orchid reproductive development
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Bin , Yu Hao
Published: January 2022

Orchids are members of the Orchidaceae, one of the largest families of flowering plants, and occupy a wide range of ecological habitats with highly specialized reproductive features. They exhibit unique developmental characteristics, such as generation of storage organs during flowering and spectacular floral morphological features, which contribute to their reproductive success in different habitats in response to various environmental cues. Here we review current understanding of the molecular genetic basis of orchid reproductive development, including flowering time control, floral patterning and flower color, with a focus on the orchid genes that have been functionally validated in plants. Furthermore, we summarize recent progress in annotating orchid genomes, and discuss how integration of high-quality orchid genome sequences with other advanced tools, such as the ever-improving multi-omics approaches and genome editing technologies as well as orchid-specific technical platforms, could open up new avenues to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of highly specialized reproductive organs and strategies in orchids.
GWAS on multiple traits identifies mitochondrial ACONITASE3 as important for acclimation to submergence stress
Authors: Meng Xiangxiang , Li Lu , Pascual Jesús , Rahikainen Moona , Yi Changyu , Jost Ricarda , He Cunman , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Borevitz Justin , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa , Whelan James , Berkowitz Oliver
Published: January 2022

Flooding causes severe crop losses in many parts of the world. Genetic variation in flooding tolerance exists in many species; however, there are few examples for the identification of tolerance genes and their underlying function. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 387 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions. Plants were subjected to prolonged submergence followed by desubmergence, and seven traits (score, water content, Fv/Fm, and concentrations of nitrate, chlorophyll, protein, and starch) were quantified to characterize their acclimation responses. These traits showed substantial variation across the range of accessions. A total of 35 highly significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified across the 20 GWA datasets, pointing to 22 candidate genes, with functions in TCA cycle, DNA modification, and cell division. Detailed functional characterization of one candidate gene, ACONITASE3 (ACO3), was performed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the ACO3 promoter co-located with the binding site of the master regulator of retrograde signaling ANAC017, while subcellular localization of an ACO3-YFP fusion protein confirmed a mitochondrial localization during submergence. Analysis of mutant and overexpression lines determined changes in trait parameters that correlated with altered submergence tolerance and were consistent with the GWAS results. Subsequent RNA-seq experiments suggested that impairing ACO3 function increases the sensitivity to submergence by altering ethylene signaling, whereas ACO3 overexpression leads to tolerance by metabolic priming. These results indicate that ACO3 impacts submergence tolerance through integration of carbon and nitrogen metabolism via the mitochondrial TCA cycle and impacts stress signaling during acclimation to stress.
Myositis-specific autoantibodies and QTc changes by ECG in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Korsholm Sine Søndergaard , Andersson Daniel C , Knudsen John Bonde , Dastmalchi Maryam , Diederichsen Axel C P , Gerke Oke , Witting Nanna , Jacobsen Søren , Pecini Redi , Friis Tina , Krogager Markus E , Lundberg Ingrid E , Diederichsen Louise P
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac involvement detected by ECG in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and to evaluate possible associations between the autoantibody profile and ECG changes in these patients.

Methods

In a Scandinavian cross-sectional study, patients were included from two Danish centres and one Swedish centre. Resting 12-lead ECG was investigated in 261 patients with IIM compared with 102 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 48 healthy controls (HCs). ECG changes were correlated to clinical manifestations and myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MSAs and MAAs, respectively).

Results

Patients with IIM had a longer mean corrected QT (QTc) duration and more frequently presented with prolonged QTc (≥450 ms; P = 0.038) compared with HCs. A longer QTc duration was recorded in SSc compared with IIM [433 ms (s.d. 23) vs 426 (24); P = 0.011], yet there was no significant difference in the fraction with prolonged QTc (SSc: 22%, IIM: 16%; P = 0.19). In multivariable regression analyses, anti-Mi2 (P = 0.01, P = 0.035) and anti-Pl-7 (P = 0.045, P = 0.014) were associated with QTc duration and prolonged QTc in IIM. Elevated CRP was associated with prolonged QTc (P = 0.041).

Conclusion

The presence of QTc abnormalities was as common in patients with IIM as in patients with SSc, including prolonged QTc seen in almost one-fifth of the patients. Anti-Mi2, anti-Pl-7 and elevated CRP may serve as biomarkers for cardiac disease in IIM, but needs to be confirmed in a larger prospective study.
Actigraphy-derived sleep health profiles and mortality in older men and women
Authors: Wallace Meredith L , Lee Soomi , Stone Katie L , Hall Martica H , Smagula Stephen F , Redline Susan , Ensrud Kristine , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Buysse Daniel J
Published: January 2022

Study Objectives

To identify actigraphy sleep health profiles in older men (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study; N = 2640) and women (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures; N = 2430), and to determine whether profile predicts mortality.

Methods

We applied a novel and flexible clustering approach (Multiple Coalesced Generalized Hyperbolic mixture modeling) to identify sleep health profiles based on actigraphy midpoint timing, midpoint variability, sleep interval length, maintenance, and napping/inactivity. Adjusted Cox models were used to determine whether profile predicts time to all-cause mortality.

Results

We identified similar profiles in men and women: High Sleep Propensity [HSP] (20% of women; 39% of men; high napping and high maintenance); Adequate Sleep [AS] (74% of women; 31% of men; typical actigraphy levels); and Inadequate Sleep [IS] (6% of women; 30% of men; low maintenance and late/variable midpoint). In women, IS was associated with increased mortality risk (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.59 for IS vs. AS; 1.75 for IS vs. HSP). In men, AS and IS were associated with increased mortality risk (1.19 for IS vs. HSP; 1.22 for AS vs. HSP).

Conclusions

These findings suggest several considerations for sleep-related interventions in older adults. Low maintenance with late/variable midpoint is associated with increased mortality risk and may constitute a specific target for sleep health interventions. High napping/inactivity co-occurs with high sleep maintenance in some older adults. Although high napping/inactivity is typically considered a risk factor for deleterious health outcomes, our findings suggest that it may not increase risk when it occurs in combination with high sleep maintenance.
Longitudinal associations between insomnia symptoms and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Mahmood Asos , Ray Meredith , Ward Kenneth D , Dobalian Aram , Ahn SangNam
Published: January 2022

To date, there is no scientific consensus on whether insomnia symptoms increase mortality risk. We investigated longitudinal associations between time-varying insomnia symptoms (difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, early-morning awakening, and nonrestorative sleep) and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults during 14 years of follow-up. Data were obtained from 2004 through 2018 survey waves of the Health and Retirement Study in the United States for a population-representative sample of 15 511 respondents who were ≥50 years old in 2004. Respondents were interviewed biennially and followed through the end of the 2018 survey wave for the outcome. Marginal structural discrete-time survival analyses were employed to account for time-varying confounding and selection bias. Of the 15 511 cohort respondents (mean [±SD] age at baseline, 63.7 [±10.2] years; 56.0% females), 5878 (31.9%) died during follow-up. At baseline (2004), 41.6% reported experiencing at least one insomnia symptom. Respondents who experienced one (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03–1.20), two (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.23), three (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.05–1.27), or four (HR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.12–1.56) insomnia symptoms had on average a higher hazard of all-cause mortality, compared to those who were symptom-free. For each insomnia symptom, respondents who experienced difficulty initiating sleep (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02–1.22), early-morning awakening (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01–1.18), and nonrestorative sleep (HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.26), had a higher hazard of all-cause mortality compared to those not experiencing the symptom. The findings demonstrate significant associations between insomnia symptoms and all-cause mortality, both on a cumulative scale and independently, except for difficulty maintaining sleep. Further research should investigate the underlying mechanisms linking insomnia symptoms and mortality.
A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial of Weierkang Pills for the Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Chen Xueqin , Shen Kai , Deng Yanyong , Mo Jianling , Ni Jingdan , Hendi Maher , Chen Shujie , Wang Lan , Si Jianmin
Published: January 2022

Background and Goals:

There are currently no standard treatments for chronic atrophic gastritis and traditional Chinese medicine may be effective. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of Weierkang pills in treating chronic atrophic gastritis.

Materials and Methods:

There were 108 patients in our study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In group A, patients received Weierkang pills and patients in group B received folic acid combined with teprenone. Symptoms, endoscopic scores, and biopsy specimens were compared at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Meanwhile, the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in biopsy specimens were also compared.

Results:

Our study showed that the total effective rates of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia in group A reached the same level as group B (51.7% vs. 40.0%, P=0.419). Weierkang significantly improved the total effective rate of atrophy/intestinal metaplasia in gastric angle compared with group B (64.7% vs. 33.3%, P=0.024). Weierkang can significantly lower the total Kyoto risk score (2.6±1.1 vs. 3.3±1.0, P=0.002) and atrophy score (1.4±0.6 vs. 1.8±0.5, P=0.001) after treatment. In addition, Weierkang improves symptoms (1.3±1.3 vs. 2.3±1.8, P=0.003) and epigastric pain (0.2±0.4 vs. 0.5±0.6, P=0.041). The expression of TFF3 in gastric mucosa decreased significantly after treatment with Weierkang (P=0.002).

Conclusions:

Weierkang can improve the endoscopic appearance and pathologic changes of chronic atrophic gastritis patients. Symptoms also improved. TFF3 may be involved the pathophysiology mechanism.
Nocardia coffeae sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from the root of Coffea arabica (L.)
Authors: Nammali Achararak , Duangupama Thitikorn , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Tanasupawat Somboon , Thawai Chitti
Published: January 2022

The polyphasic taxonomic study of a novel endophytic actinobacterium strain (CA2R105T) was carried out. The strain formed fragmented substrate mycelium and showed chemotaxonomic properties typical of members of the genusNocardia,i.e. the presence of mycolic acid and MK-8 (H4ω-cycl) in its cells. Strain CA2R105Texhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity toNocardia jiangxiensisNBRC 101359T(99.2%). The genome-based taxonomic analysis revealed low average nucleotide identity-blastand digital DNA–DNA hybridization values (<93.7, and <65.2%, respectively) to its closest relative. Moreover, many different phenotypic characteristics were observed between strain CA2R105Tand all relatedNocardia-type strains. This taxonomic evidence suggested that strain CA2R105Tshould be judged as representing a novel species of the genusNocardiaand the name,Nocardia coffeaesp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CA2R105T(=TBRC 11247T=NBRC 114292T).
Metahyphopichia suwanaadthiae sp. nov., an anamorphic yeast species in the order Saccharomycetales and reassignment of Candida silvanorum to the genus Metahyphopichia
Authors: Khunnamwong Pannida , Savarajara Ancharida , Jindamorakot Sasitorn , Limtong Savitree
Published: January 2022

Seven yeast strains, representing a single novel anamorphic species, were isolated in Thailand. They consisted of five strains (DMKU-MRY16T, DMKU-SK18, DMKU-SK25, DMKU-SK30 and DMKU-SK32) obtained from five different mushrooms, and two strains (ST-224 and 11-14.2) derived from insect frass and soil, respectively. The pairwise sequence analysis indicated that all seven strains had identical sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Metahyphopichia silvanorum was the most closely related species, but with 11.9–12.4% nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 13.1–13.3% nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. The phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS region and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene showed that the seven strains form a well-separated subclade in a clade containing M. silvanorum and Metahyphopichia laotica with high bootstrap support. A phylogenetic analysis of a multilocus dataset including the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the ITS region, the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, actin gene and the RNA polymerase II subunit 2 gene, confirmed the presence of the monophyletic clade that also includes M. silvanorum and M. laotica, and strongly supported the phylogenetic isolation of the seven strains from its neighbouring species. Therefore, the seven strains were assigned as a single novel species of the genus Metahyphopichia, according to their phylogenetic relationships. The name Metahyphopichia suwanaadthiae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the seven strains. The holotype is DMKU-MRY16T (TBRC 11775T=NBRC 114386T=PYCC 8655T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 841280. In addition, Candida silvanorum is reassigned to the genus Metahyphopichia. The MycoBank number of M. silvanorum comb. nov. is MB 841279.
Halorubrum salinarum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a saturated brine pond of a saltern
Authors: Han Ho Le , Danganan Reneelyn E. , Li Zhun , Shin Na-Ri , Bennett Reuel M. , Dedeles Gina R. , Kim Song-Gun
Published: January 2022

A novel extremely halophilic archaeon, strain RHB-CT, was isolated from a saturated brine pond of a solar saltern in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines. Colonies were orange-red-pigmented, smooth, convex and round on a solid modified growth medium containing 25 % (w/v) of total salts. Cells of strain RHB-CT on the solid modified growth medium were ovoid-shaped (0.89–2.66 µm long), while the cells in a liquid modified growth medium were rod-shaped (1.53–5.65 µm long and 0.45–1.03 µm wide). The strain was Gram-stain-negative, motile and strictly aerobic. Strain RHB-CT grew with NaCl concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 % (w/v; optimum, 20–25 %), at pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) and at 20–55 °C (optimum, 40–45 °C). Furthermore, the strain grew even in the absence of Mg2+; however, when supplemented with Mg2+, growth was observed optimally at 0.2–0.4 M Mg2+. The 16S rRNA gene phylogeny inferred that the strain is a member of the genus

Halorubrum

and was related to

Halorubrum xinjiangense

CGMCC 1.3527T (99.0 %),

Halorubrum sodomense

DSM 3755T (98.8 %),

Halorubrum coriense

Ch2T (98.8 %),

Halorubrum trapanicum

NRC 34021T (98.4 %) and

Halorubrum distributum

JCM 9100T (98.1 %). The rpoB′ gene sequences also showed that strain RHB-CT is related to Hrr. xinjiangense JCM 12388T (97.1 %), Hrr. distributum JCM 9100T (97.1 %), Hrr. coriense JCM 9275T (96.5 %), Hrr. californiense JCM 14715T (96.5 %), Hrr. trapanicum JCM 10477T (96.3%), Hrr. sodomense JCM 8880T (96.2%) and Hrr. tebenquichense DSM 14210T (95.6 %). The DNA G+C content of strain RHB-CT was 68.7 mol% (genome). Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain RHB-CT and the closely related species of

Halorubrum

were below 40 and 90 %, respectively, which are far below the thresholds to delineate a new species. The polar lipids of strain RHB-CT were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulphate and sulfated mannosyl glycosyl diether. Based on dDDH and ANI values, and the significant morphological and physiological differences from known taxa, it is hereby suggested that strain RHB-CT represents a novel species of the genus

Halorubrum

, for which the name Halorubrum salinarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RHB-CT (=KCTC 4274T=CMS 2103T).