Test Subjects Research Articles

Ferumoxytol-Enhanced Cardiac Cine MRI Reconstruction Using a Variable-Splitting Spatiotemporal Network.

Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging is commonly used in cardiac cine MRI but prone to image artifacts. Ferumoxytol-enhanced (FE) gradient echo (GRE) has been proposed as an alternative. Utilizing the abundance of bSSFP images to develop a computationally efficient network that is applicable to FE GRE cine would benefit future network development. To develop a variable-splitting spatiotemporal network (VSNet) for image reconstruction, trained on bSSFP cine images and applicable to FE GRE cine images. Retrospective and prospective. 41 patients (26 female, 53 ± 19 y/o) for network training, 31 patients (19 female, 49 ± 17 y/o) and 5 healthy subjects (5 female, 30 ± 7 y/o) for testing. 1.5T and 3T, bSSFP and GRE. VSNet was compared to VSNet with total variation loss, compressed sensing and low rank methods for 14× accelerated data. The GRAPPA×2/×3 images served as the reference. Peak signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and ejection fraction (EF) were measured. Qualitative image ranking and scoring were independently performed by three readers. Latent scores were calculated based on scores of each method relative to the reference. Linear mixed-effects regression, Tukey method, Fleiss' Kappa, Bland-Altman analysis, and Bayesian categorical cumulative probit model. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. VSNet achieved significantly higher PSNR (32.7 ± 0.2), SSIM (0.880 ± 0.004), rank (2.14 ± 0.06), and latent scores (-1.72 ± 0.22) compared to other methods (rank >2.90, latent score < -2.63). Fleiss' Kappa was 0.52 for scoring and 0.61 for ranking. VSNet showed no significantly different LV and RV ESV (P = 0.938) and EF (P = 0.143) measurements, but statistically significant different (2.62 mL) EDV measurements compared to the reference. VSNet produced the highest image quality and the most accurate functional measurements for FE GRE cine images among the tested 14× accelerated reconstruction methods. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Size effect of typical hygrothermal properties test values for building insulation materials

Thermal and moisture properties of building insulation materials are crucial input parameters for analyzing thermal and moisture transfer phenomena in building environments. Accurate determination of these parameters under different conditions is essential for the correct application and assessment of materials and envelope structures. However, numerous factors influence thermal and moisture properties, and while extensive research has been conducted on this topic, the effects of specimen size on typical thermal and moisture property test values remain unclear. To address the issue of unreliable data caused by random specimen sizes in thermal and moisture property testing of building insulation materials, this study selects three materials—expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and foamed cement—as test subjects to explore the size effects on typical thermal and moisture property test values. The results indicate that specimen size significantly affects the test values for typical thermal and moisture properties, with only a few experiments showing negligible size effects for certain materials. For foamed cement, recommended specimen sizes for thermal conductivity testing using the guarded hot plate method and the transient plane source method are 300 × 300 × 30 mm and 50 × 50 × 30 mm, respectively. Except for equilibrium moisture absorption experiments, the weight of other moisture property tests is generally represented by thickness > planar dimensions.

A Compact and Cost-Effective Gait Simulator to Advance Prosthesis Development with Reduced Reliance on Human Subject Testing: Development, Validation and Application

Gait simulators play a crucial role in assessing the performance of physical prototypes of prosthetic knees, validating numerical simulation findings, and reducing dependency on user trials during prosthesis development. However, their practical application is limited because of substantial capital investment required for sophisticated high degrees-of-freedom (DOF) system development on one side and insufficient DOF for accurate simulation on the other. In this study, we evaluated the minimum DOF of thigh segment that a gait simulator should have to test the performance of prosthetic knees in a cost-effective manner. Initially, numerical simulations of swing phase of prosthetic leg with IITM polycentric knee (IPK) using 3D gait data and with different arrested DOF of the thigh were performed to identify the essential DOF of gait simulator. By comparing different cases of arrested DOF with the six-DOF ideal case, it was revealed that only sagittal plane movements, namely flexion-extension, vertical translation, and horizontal translation, are sufficient to test prosthetic knees. Subsequently, a compact and modular gait simulator was developed. Hardware-in-loop simulations of the IPK using the gait simulator were used to demonstrate its effectiveness in assessing the performance of prosthetic knees, which validated the ability of the IPK to extend completely without an extension assist before heel contact. Additionally, it was exposed that the IPK's extension stop needs redesigning to effectively absorb the impact energy when the knee extends completely before heel contact. These findings emphasize the significance of a cost-effective gait simulator in prosthesis development and reduce dependency on user trials.

Testing the Goodwin Model: Can Distribution Battles Trigger Business Cycles? Evidence from a Behavioral Experiment

AbstractThe Goodwin model provides an important explanation for business cycles with its investment decisions based on pro-cyclical wage fluctuations. The purpose of this paper is to test the central hypothesis of the Goodwin model, namely that wage developments influence investments, which creates business cycles. The model used to test this hypothesis was that of a simplified company, where labor demand is related to investments. Thus, more investments lead to higher wages and vice versa. In the behavioral experiment the test subjects played the manager of a company who maximizes their profits through investments. The central assumptions and conclusions of the Goodwin model are supported by behavioral science.

Reliability of Sensorimotor Control Tests in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: The presence of sensorimotor control deficits in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to typically developed adolescents is supported by the literature but lacks reliability studies for assessment in this population. This study aimed to assess the reliability of eight sensorimotor control tests, in terms of static and dynamic balance, joint position sense (JPS) tests of the extremities and the spine, and a functional upper extremity proprioceptive test in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects. Methods: Sixty adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects were divided into four groups. Each group underwent two tests by the same examiner, repeated at 15 min intervals. Reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD). Results: The results showed high reliability for the upper extremity functional proprioception test, for the dynamic and static balance test, and for the spinal lateral flexion joint position sense test in both directions. On the other hand, the shoulder external rotation, knee extension, elbow flexion, and spinal flexion joint position sense tests demonstrated poor reliability in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects. Conclusions: Therapists are recommended to use the functional upper extremity proprioception test, the Fukuda test, the static balance test using a force footplate, and the spinal lateral flexion joint position sense test for assessing treatment progress in this population.

Abstract 4115642: Resonance Sonomanometry in an Early Prototype Device Effectively Measures Continuous, Noninvasive Blood Pressure

Background: Nearly half of American adults have hypertension; however, reliable, continuous, noninvasive blood pressure (BP) measurement (cNIBP) for inpatient and outpatient use is not currently available. This study evaluated a new method for cNIBP measurement called resonance sonomanometry (RSM). RSM derives blood pressure using first-principles physics, is applicable to any artery, and requires no calibration, blood vessel deformation, or dependence on demographic inputs. Methods: A prospective, observational feasibility study was undertaken to compare carotid artery BP measurements with a prototype ultrasound-based cNIBP device incorporating RSM, to arterial catheter BP measurements in the radial arteries of 60 test subjects. Catheter measurements were obtained from a distal peripheral artery (radial), oscillometric cuff from the brachial artery, and RSM was obtained from a central artery (carotid). This study was the first-in-human study for the RSM method in comparison to arterial catheters. Results: RSM-induced arterial resonance was observed in all tested subjects. For each of the subjects, the arterial resonant frequency increased with increasing BP during systole, and decreased with diastole (consistent with the cardiac cycle), as predicted by the physical model. RSM-derived BP traces were qualitatively similar to catheter data, exhibiting features such as the dicrotic notch. The RSM method yielded similar diastolic BP (DBP), but lower systolic BP (SBP) compared to the arterial catheter, likely due to expected peripheral pulse amplification. RSM DBP was not significantly different from the catheter (+1.5mmHg, p = 0.187), while BP cuff DBP was significantly different from the catheter (−4.3mmHg, p=0.002). There were significant differences in the catheter to RSM SBP (34.1 mmHg, p &lt; 0.01), consistent with the aforementioned expectations from a central-versus-peripheral continuous pressure measurement. Conclusions: RSM is a novel BP measurement technique that could enable cNIBP measurements with accuracy required in hospitals. While the data are promising, significant future work remains. The study was meant to test the RSM method, not the device or form factor. Consequently, the form factor will need to be improved prior to clinical use. The prototype was designed for manual operation; thus, future work will also be needed to enhance the ability of the device to autonomously locate and track the artery for ease of use.

Investigation of scatter energy window width and count levels for deep learning-based attenuation map estimation in cardiac SPECT/CT imaging

Objective.Deep learning (DL) is becoming increasingly important in generating attenuation maps for accurate attenuation correction (AC) in cardiac perfusion SPECT imaging. Typically, DL models take inputs from initial reconstructed SPECT images, which are performed on the photopeak window and often also on scatter windows. While prior studies have demonstrated improvements in DL performance when scatter window images are incorporated into the DL input, the comprehensive analysis of the impact of employing different scatter windows remains unassessed. Additionally, existing research mainly focuses on applying DL to SPECT scans obtained at clinical standard count levels. This study aimed to assess utilities of DL from two aspects: (1) investigating the impact when different scatter windows were used as input to DL, and (2) evaluating the performance of DL when applied on SPECT scans acquired at a reduced count level.Approach.We utilized 1517 subjects, with 386 subjects for testing and the remaining 1131 for training and validation.Main results.The results showed that as scatter window width increased from 4% to 30%, a slight improvement was observed in DL estimated attenuation maps. The application of DL models to quarter-count (¼-count) SPECT scans, compared to full-count scans, showed a slight reduction in performance. Nonetheless, discrepancies across different scatter window configurations and between count levels were minimal, with all normalized mean square error (NMSE) values remaining within 2.1% when comparing the different DL attenuation maps to the reference CT maps. For attenuation corrected SPECT slices using DL estimated maps, NMSE values were within 0.5% when compared to CT correction.Significance.This study, leveraging an extensive clinical dataset, showed that the performance of DL seemed to be consistent across the use of varied scatter window settings. Moreover, our investigation into reduced count studies indicated that DL could provide accurate AC even at a ¼-count level.

Molecular Mechanisms of Poplar Adaptation to Water–Fertilizer Coupling: Insights from Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses

The aim of this paper was to investigate the transcriptomic and metabolomic differences in Populus cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin1’ (P. cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin 1’) under varying irrigation and fertilization conditions. Ten-year-old P. cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin 1’ was selected as the test subject in this study; different irrigation and fertilization treatments were set up, and DEGs and DAMs in response to water and fertilizer regulation were identified. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were analyzed from both leaves and roots. A total of 22,870 DEGs were identified in response to water and fertilizer treatments, predominantly belonging to 48 transcription factor families, including MYB, ERF, and MYB-related ones. Additionally, 2432 DAMs were detected and categorized into 18 metabolite classes, with flavonoids being the most abundant (342 metabolites), followed by terpenoids, lipids, and others. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs and DAMs were significantly associated with pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The levels of ABA exhibited an initial decrease followed by an increase, with several key genes, including PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABF, also differentially expressed in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. In the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways, sucrose was more hydrolyzed into D-fructose, which gradually translocated from roots to leaves. DEGs were significantly involved in sucrose synthesis and decomposition into D-fructose and 1,3-β-glucose, as well as starch synthesis and starch decomposition into cellulose dextrin, which underwent complete hydrolysis to glucose. In the starch hydrolysis process, 29 DEGs were involved, with 12 down-regulated and 17 up-regulated.

Unbiased and reproducible liver MRI-PDFF estimation using a scan protocol-informed deep learning method.

To estimate proton density fat fraction (PDFF) from chemical shift encoded (CSE) MR images using a deep learning (DL)-based method that is precise and robust to different MR scanners and acquisition echo times (TEs). Variable echo times neural network (VET-Net) is a two-stage framework that first estimates nonlinear variables of the CSE-MR signal model, to posteriorly estimate water/fat signal components using the least-squares method. VET-Net incorporates a vector with TEs as an auxiliary input, therefore enabling PDFF calculation with any TE setting. A single-site liver CSE-MRI dataset (188 subjects, 4146 axial slices) was considered, which was split into training (150 subjects), validation (18), and testing (20) subsets. Testing subjects were scanned using several protocols with different TEs, which we then used to measure the PDFF reproducibility coefficient (RDC) at two regions of interest (ROIs): the right posterior and left hepatic lobes. An open-source multi-site and multi-vendor fat-water phantom dataset was also used for PDFF bias assessment. VET-Net showed RDCs of 1.71% and 1.04% on the right posterior and left hepatic lobes, respectively, across different TEs, which was comparable to a reference graph cuts-based method (RDCs = 1.71% and 0.86%). VET-Net also showed a smaller PDFF bias (-0.55%) than graph cuts (0.93%) when tested on a multi-site phantom dataset. Reproducibility (1.94% and 1.59%) and bias (-2.04%) were negatively affected when the auxiliary TE input was not considered. VET-Net provided unbiased and precise PDFF estimations using CSE-MR images from different hardware vendors and different TEs, outperforming conventional DL approaches. Question Reproducibility of liver PDFF DL-based approaches on different scan protocols or manufacturers is not validated. Findings VET-Net showed a PDFF bias of -0.55% on a multi-site phantom dataset, and RDCs of 1.71% and 1.04% at two liver ROIs. Clinical relevance VET-Net provides efficient, in terms of scan and processing times, and unbiased PDFF estimations across different MR scanners and scan protocols, and therefore it can be leveraged to expand the use of MRI-based liver fat quantification to assess hepatic steatosis.

Pengembangan Media Ajar Interaktif Berbantuan Microsoft Powerpoint Menggunakan Add-In Classpoint Pada Mata Pelajaran Komputer Akuntansi Kelas XI AKL

This development research aims to produce an interactive teaching media product assisted by Microsoft Powerpoint using the Classpoint add-in in the Accounting Computer subject class XI AKL. Another goal is to find out the process of developing teaching media, the feasibility of teaching media, and the response of students to the developed teaching media. This study uses a type of R&amp;D (Research and Development) research with the ADDIE development model which consists of 5 stages, namely Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. The test subjects of this study are grade XI AKL students from SMK YPM 11 Wonoayu. The results of this study show the results of the material expert test by the Lecturer of the Faculty of Economics and Business and the Teacher of the Accounting Computer subject of SMK YPM 11 Wonoayu which is said to be very feasible with an average percentage of 88.13%, while the results of the media expert test by the Lecturer of the Faculty of Economics and Business are said to be very feasible with an average presentation of 88.89%. The response from students of class XI AKL SMK YPM 11 Wonoayu to the interactive teaching media developed received an average of 97.99% which was included in the category of very understanding. From the average results of the above percentage, it can be said that interactive teaching media assisted by Microsoft Powerpoint using the Classpoint add-in in the Accounting Computer subject class XI AKL is very feasible and can be applied to learning in the classroom

A temporal–spectral fusion transformer with subject-specific adapter for enhancing RSVP-BCI decoding

The Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP)-based Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) is an efficient technology for target retrieval using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The performance improvement of traditional decoding methods relies on a substantial amount of training data from new test subjects, which increases preparation time for BCI systems. Several studies introduce data from existing subjects to reduce the dependence of performance improvement on data from new subjects, but their optimization strategy based on adversarial learning with extensive data increases training time during the preparation procedure. Moreover, most previous methods only focus on the single-view information of EEG signals, but ignore the information from other views which may further improve performance. To enhance decoding performance while reducing preparation time, we propose a Temporal-Spectral fusion transformer with Subject-specific Adapter (TSformer-SA). Specifically, a cross-view interaction module is proposed to facilitate information transfer and extract common representations across two-view features extracted from EEG temporal signals and spectrogram images. Then, an attention-based fusion module fuses the features of two views to obtain comprehensive discriminative features for classification. Furthermore, a multi-view consistency loss is proposed to maximize the feature similarity between two views of the same EEG signal. Finally, we propose a subject-specific adapter to rapidly transfer the knowledge of the model trained on data from existing subjects to decode data from new subjects. Experimental results show that TSformer-SA significantly outperforms comparison methods and achieves outstanding performance with limited training data from new subjects. This facilitates efficient decoding and rapid deployment of BCI systems in practical use.

Test of the Anti-Inflammatory Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract Gel Preparation of Sabrang Onion Bulb (Eleutherine bulbosa) on Incisional Wounds in Wistar Rats

Background: The use of medicinal plants is increasingly widespread among the community, especially due to their properties in healing various diseases. One of the developing medicinal plants is bawang sabrang (Eleutherine bulbosa), which has been proven to accelerate the healing process of wounds. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of administering gel extract from bawang dayak tubers on the healing process of incised wounds in rats. The test subjects used were 25 male rats. Incisions measuring 2 cm were made on the backs of the rats using a surgical knife. Method: Laboratory experimental study with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of five treatments: one positive control (bioplacenton gel), one negative control (gel base), and three graduated concentrations of gel extract, namely 5%, 10%, and 15%. Treatments were administered twice daily for 14 days. Results: Measurement of wound diameter showed that the gel extract of bawang sabrang at a concentration of 15% and the positive control provided a more effective healing effect compared to the gel extract at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and the negative control (gel base). Conclusion: Ethanol extract of bawang sabrang is effective as a gel for healing incised wounds in rats at a concentration of 15%. The physical properties of the gel show a characteristic aroma and a golden red color, homogenous without grains or lumps, a pH of 4.9, and a spreadability of 5 cm.Keywords: Bawang sabrang tuber, Anti-inflammatory, rats, Edema.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN SCRAPBOOK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MEMBACA SISWA KELAS II SEKOLAH DASAR

This research aims to describe the development of scrapbook learning media to improve the reading skills of second grade elementary school students. The research was carried out using the ADDIE Research and Development model, with stages of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The sampling technique was purposive sampling with a total of 63 students. Data collection tools include observation, questionnaires, test questions, and documentation. The trial design uses one group pretest-posttest design. The test subjects were classes IIA, IIB and IIC at SDN 12 Jerora Sintang. The results of media development research and the results of students' reading skills are as follows. (1) The feasibility of the media by media experts was 97% and 93% by material experts was declared to be very feasible criteria and worthy of being tested on students. (2) The results of small group students' reading skills in the pretest class IIB were 23% while the posttest was 86% and in the large group trial in the pretest class IIA 32% while the posttest was 86%, then the pretest class IIC was 27% while the posttest was 82%, from the data the results were obtained. students' reading skills improved significantly. (3) The response of the small group of students in class IIB was 89%, while the large group in class IIA was 93% and in class IIC 92% was categorized as very good.

Development of Animation Video Learning Media to Improve Class XI Science Students’ Understanding

This research and development (R&amp;D) aim to produce valid, practical and effective animated video learning media. The research subjects are divided into two parts, namely the first part of the product design validation subject or expert test conducted by 2 material experts and 1 media expert and the second part of the product trial subject conducted by testing the learning media in class XI IPA 3 and 2 class XI teachers of SMA Negeri 1 Gowa as observers. This learning media has been validated, has been tested limitedly and revised. The results of this study are: (1) validation by media experts of 3.4 with very valid criteria and (2) validation by material experts of 3.79 with very valid criteria. Animated video media based on the implementation test, teacher and student responses with an average percentage score of 88%, 86.11% and 86% respectively. For animated video media, the effectiveness criteria are in the very high category, with student learning outcomes meeting the effective criteria (≥80%), where the class completion percentage is 88.8%. Animated video learning media developed using the ADDIE model is suitable (valid, practical and effective) for use in learning.

A Method to Improve the Accuracy for the Comparison of Consecutively Determined Upper Limb Cross-Sectional Area Profiles of Test Subjects: Impact on (Segmental) Limb Volume and Local Limb Circumference.

Background: Chronic edema management depends on measuring small volume changes over time. Therefore, a highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable technique is needed to objectively judge sequential measurements. Methods and Results: The prototype of the Peracutus Aqua Meth (PAM), a new volumetric measuring device, was used in an experimental study. Thirty-nine healthy test subjects were measured three times. The measuring principle of the PAM is based on obtaining a profile of cross-sectional areas along the length of an object or limb. Besides total arm volumes, the volume of any chosen segment can be determined. The utmost tip of the middle finger appeared to be an unreliable reference point. Instead, the concept of "hand median" was introduced to align and compare profiles of cross-sectional areas of sequential measurements. Using the hand median strongly improved the measuring accuracy, rendering standard deviation values of 0.4%-1.3% for (segmental) volume determination. Conclusions: Measurements with the PAM show that accurate local/segmental volume determination of a limb is possible. Standard deviations of less than 1.3% are easily obtained for cross-sectional area and volume determination.

Red Light Reaction – A Statistics Project with Real Life Application

We describe a hands-on project in which students collect data on the impact of distracted driving on driver reaction time. Initially they do this in class via a virtual driving applet, using themselves and fellow students as test subjects. Different applet versions simulate driving with and without distraction and measure the time it takes to apply brakes after the red brake lights of the car ahead appear. Students use the collected data to practice a range of statistical techniques, such as assessing data for outliers, creating a hypothesis to be tested, performing an appropriate test, and then translating their results to determine a safe driving distance. In the second part of the project, students work in groups outside of class. Each group recruits a category of test subjects (e.g., athletes, video gamers, STEM majors) of their choosing, collects data, and performs statistical analysis. Finally, students develop hypotheses as to whether different categories of drivers have better or worse reaction times, collect additional relevant data, and perform the appropriate statistical test. The applets, the project guide, the dataset, and supporting videos can be downloaded from https://osf.io/h8yxw/files/osfstorage. For users of the Canvas LMS, we also provide an export cartridge that contains the various project components. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

Exploring the diagnostic yield of family screening and genetic testing in adolescent individuals with pre-clinical phenotypes

Abstract Introduction Family screening and genetic testing are key components in the management strategy of individuals diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition (ICC). Disease penetrance for most ICCs, notably cardiomyopathies is age dependent, which is why a more permissive approach towards family screening is adopted in young individuals with a pre-clinical phenotype. Study Objectives The main objective of this study was to explore the role of family screening and genetic testing in adolescent subjects with a pre-clinical phenotype has not been formally explored. Methodology Adolescent probands with a pre-clinical phenotype following a national cardiac screening program (BEAT-IT) were offered genetic testing and family screening. Probands with anterior TWI were rescreened at 16 years. Only those with persistent changes were enrolled in the study. Genetic counselling was also offered to probands and relatives. Testing was initially offered to first degree relatives. Cascade testing (clinical and genetic) was also offered to other generations if a screened relative satisfied one or more of these conditions i) phenotype positive, ii) pre-clinical phenotype, iii) clinically relevant genotype. Results 16 probands (mean age 15 years) were identified with a pre-clinical phenotype. All had an abnormal ECG (9=inferior/lateral TWI, 6=anterior TWI, 1=ST depression). A comprehensive evaluation was otherwise normal. Half were gene positive (G+), 4 had clinically relevant genotypes (n=4 inferior/lateral TWI). These were classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG criteria (n=2 MYH7, n=1 ACTC1, n=1 MYBPC3). 71 family members were subsequently screened (59.2% female, median 43Y [IQR 27] at evaluation, 11.3% &amp;lt;18Y at evaluation, 67.6% first degree relatives). A substantial proportion (n=13, 18.3%) were referred for further evaluation. Two (2/8, 25.0%) were &amp;lt;18Y. An abnormal ECG was the commonest reason for referral (n=9, 12.7%). Three (4.2%) were given a diagnosis (n=2 HCM [both MYH7}, n=1 DCM [ACTC1]). Seven (9.9%) were referred because of an abnormal ECG (n=3 inferolateral TWI, n=2 ventricular ectopics, n=1 anterolateral TWI, n=1 ST depression). Four were G+ and were offered surveillance. Fourteen (19.7%) were offered family screening because of incorporating genetic testing into the study protocol. Genetics altered the evaluation strategy in 16.9% of screened relatives. More in-depth cascade testing identified 6 (8.5%) individuals who needed follow-up (n=1 diagnosis [DCM], n=1 abnormal ECG, n=4 G+). Gene negative individuals (6, 8.5%) were safely reassured and discharged. Conclusion Family screening in adolescent probands with pre-clinical phenotypes offers a reasonable diagnostic yield (4.2% diagnosis, 14.1% surveillance). Incorporating genetic testing into the evaluation protocol offers a more personalized strategy, altering management in a significant proportion of screened relatives (16.9%).

Deep learning-based whole-brain B1 +-mapping at 7T.

This study investigates the feasibility of using complex-valued neural networks (NNs) to estimate quantitative transmit magnetic RF field (B1 +) maps from multi-slice localizer scans with different slice orientations in the human head at 7T, aiming to accelerate subject-specific B1 +-calibration using parallel transmission (pTx). Datasets containing channel-wise B1 +-maps and corresponding multi-slice localizers were acquired in axial, sagittal, and coronal orientation in 15 healthy subjects utilizing an eight-channel pTx transceiver head coil. Training included five-fold cross-validation for four network configurations: used transversal, sagittal, coronal data, and was trained on all slice orientations. The resulting maps were compared to B1 +-reference scans using different quality metrics. The proposed network was applied in-vivo at 7T in two unseen test subjects using dynamic kt-point pulses. Predicted B1 +-maps demonstrated a high similarity with measured B1 +-maps across multiple orientations. The estimation matched the reference with a mean relative error in the magnitude of (2.70 ± 2.86)% and mean absolute phase difference of (6.70 ± 1.99)° for transversal, (1.82 ± 0.69)% and (4.25 ± 1.62)° for sagittal ( ), as well as (1.33 ± 0.27)% and (2.66 ± 0.60)° for coronal slices ( ) considering brain tissue. trained on all orientations enables a robust prediction of B1 +-maps across different orientations. Achieving a homogenous excitation over the whole brain for an in-vivo application displayed the approach's feasibility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing complex-valued NNs to estimate multi-slice B1 +-maps in different slice orientations from localizer scans in the human brain at 7T.

Development of Powtoon Media in IPAS Learning Assisted by The PBL Model in Fourth Grade Elementary School

Learning is still carried out conventionally, even though school facilities support carrying out learning using renewable technology-based learning media. However, teachers lack innovation in learning media to be used in the learning process. Apart from that, student learning outcomes are still low. This research aims to develop Powtoon learning media assisted by the problem-based learning model in science and science learning in class IV elementary schools that is valid, practical, and effective. This type of research is research and development (R&amp;D). The development model used is ADDIE. The methods used to collect research data are observation, interviews, questionnaires, and learning outcomes tests. Subject validation is carried out by material, language, and media expert validators. The test subjects were Class IV elementary school students and class teachers. The validation results by material, media, and language experts stated that they were valid for the media being developed. The practicality results in both small and large groups obtained a very valid practicality category. Meanwhile, the results of effectiveness tests in small and large groups have increased. In this way, the media developed is declared valid, practical and effective, and suitable for use in science and science learning in Class IV.

Determination of adaptive capabilities of various types, forms and varieties of apple trees based on endophytic and epiphytic microbiota indicators

The aim of the research was to identify the most resistant species, forms and varieties of apple trees based on the developmental specifics of the various types of microbiota. The research was conducted in 2014–2023 at the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center, Michurinsk, Tambov region. The year of planting was 2009 with the planning scheme 6×3 m., the rootstock 54–118. The objects of the research are: Malus robusta species; forms 25–8, 64–143, and 54–118; varieties Korichnoe polosatoe, Orlovim, Iyulskoe Chernenko, and Slava Michurinska. The soil type was leached medium-power black soil with a loamy mechanical composition. Pseudomonas syringae bacteria prevailed in resistant plants: 96.6 % in Malus robusta hybrid apple, 89.3 % in Korichnoe polosatoe variety, and 88.7 % in 25–8 form, which is 9.7 %, 2.4 % and 1.8 % respectively, higher than the average value among the test subjects. In 64–143 form and Slava Michurinska variety, the indicators are lower than the average by 5.5 % and 4.2 % respectively. The yield of mixed microbiota in Malus robusta was not observed (0.0 %). Korichnoe polosatoe variety had an indicator below the average value by 0.7 %, in the form 25–8 by 1.3 %, and in the form 64–143 by 11.4 %, which is 4.5 % higher than the average. The magnitude of negative tests ranged from 3.4 % (Malus robusta) to 6.2 % (Iyulskoe Chernenko), which did not exceed the average value. Samples 64–143, 54–118 and Slava Michurinska had above-average values of 1.0 %, 2.0 % and 4.0 %, respectively. According to the complex of indicators of microbiota yield and the percentage of negative tests, Malus robusta, Korichnoe polosatoe variety and 25–8 form had a high potential for environmental resistance. They were recommended for further breeding for resistance to adverse environmental factors.