bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformal dose modulator for proton beam therapy: A simulation study
Authors: Zhang Zhexuan , Zhao Weizhao , Butkus Michael , Wu Xiaodong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Conformal dose deliveries in proton therapy utilize either a passive scattering system with a modulator or a pencil beam scanning (PBS) system. It has been shown possible to achieve conformal dose delivery by scanning a single energy layer of pencil beams through a 3D conformal modulator (3DCM), which combines a Spread-Out-Bragg-Peak modulator consisting of micro-pyramids array and a range compensator. This study presents a novel designing algorithm that inversely generates the geometry of a 3DCM paired with a corresponding fluence map, customized to patient-specific clinical indications.
Methods: We designed an adaptive ring optimization method using a modified gradient descent algorithm to inversely calculate the geometry of the 3DCM. This method includes several stages that progressively optimize both target coverage and dose conformity. The output contains the geometry of the 3DCM and its corresponding proton fluence map. Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation was used to validate the results.
Results: The critical size and spacing of Lucite pyramids was determined to be 0.5 cm for a 184 MeV pristine proton beam. Using MatLab (R2020a), the inverse designing algorithm generated an optimized 3DCM geometry and a fluence distribution achieving 100% target coverage with the 90% isodose surface and a corresponding conformity index of 1.057 on a spherical target. The resulted geometry was pruned to accommodate a currently accessible 3D printing service. The pruned geometry gave 95% target coverage by 90% isodose surface with a conformity index of 1.09 by ray-tracing dose computation. The MC simulation validated the 3DCM with 95% target coverage by 87% isodose surface and a conformity index of 1.12.
Conclusion: We have demonstrated the feasibility of using a novel inverse optimization algorithm to generate 3DCM geometry and its corresponding proton beam fluence/intensity map, which could deliver highly conformal dose distribution with pencil beam scanning system using a single energy layer.
Distal percutaneous osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for the correction of Hallux Valgus: SERI versus percutaneous chevron technique. A cadaveric study
Authors: Navarro-Cano Ester , Guevara-Noriega Kerbi-Alejandro , Carrera Anna , Tubbs R. Shane , Sanjuan-Castillo Maria Angeles , Iwanaga Joe , Vizcaya Sara , Reina Francisco 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background:
Distal first metatarsal osteotomy is used to correct mild or moderate Hallux Valgus (HV), and multiple surgical techniques have been described. Percutaneous surgery for HV uses small skin incisions to correct the forefoot deformity, and shorter recovery times and fewer complications have been reported.
Distal first metatarsal osteotomy is used for the correction of mild or moderate HV, and multiple surgical techniques have been described. We designed a cadaveric study to compare the resistance to axial load between two distal first metatarsal osteotomies, SERI and percutaneous chevron, both of which are non-fixated techniques. The first aim of this study was to develop a systematic technique for measuring the sagittal displacement on lateral foot X-ray. Our second objective was to measure the resistance to axial load in both these osteotomies.
Methods:
Ten pairs of freshly frozen cadaveric feet were randomly assigned to one of the two techniques investigated. Pre- and post-operative X-rays were obtained. After surgery, the feet were placed under progressive axial loads up to 60 kg. Joint angles and bone distances were measured and differences between the two techniques were statistically assessed.
Results:
SERI osteotomy gave a significantly higher plantar displacement when the axial load was under 30 kg. From over 30 kg there were no significant differences between the two techniques. Metatarsal head displacement under axial load was less variable with chevron osteotomy. Plantar angulation was increased in both techniques.
Conclusions:
Although the chevron technique confers higher stability regarding fragment displacement during axial loading, both techniques increase the plantar angulation of the metatarsal head.
Level of Evidence
Cadaveric study. Level V.
Breast Cancer Survivors’ Exercise Preferences Change During an Exercise Intervention and are associated with Post-Intervention Physical Activity
Authors: Schleicher Erica , McAuley Edward , Courneya Kerry S , Anton Phillip , Ehlers Diane K. , Phillips Siobhan M. , Brown Nashira I , Oster Robert A. , Pekmezi Dorothy , Rogers Laura Q 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose

Exercise program preferences are important for designing physical activity (PA) interventions; yet may change following an intervention. Further, the relationship between preferences and PA behavior change is unclear. This study evaluated exercise program preferences among breast cancer survivors (BCS) before and after a behavioral intervention and associations between program preferences and PA change.

Methods

BCS were randomized to the BEAT Cancer intervention (n = 110) or written materials (n = 112). Questionnaires assessed exercise program preferences. Minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were accelerometer-measured and self-reported at baseline (M0), post-intervention (M3), and 3-month follow-up (M6).

Results

At M0, the majority of intervention group participants preferred exercising with others (62%) yet shifted to preferring exercising alone (59%) at M3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, preferring exercising with others at M0 was associated with greater increases in self-reported MVPA between M0 and M6 (124.2 ± 152 vs. 53.1 ± 113.8, p = 0.014). BCS preferring facility-based exercise decreased after the BEAT Cancer intervention (14% vs. 7%, p = 0.039) and preferring exercising at home/had no preference at M0 had greater improvements in accelerometer-measured MVPA from M0 to M3 (74.3 ± 118.8 vs. -2.3 ± 78.4, p = 0.033) and M0 to M6 (44.9 ± 112.8 vs. 9.3 ± 30.4, p = 0.021). Exercise program preferences regarding mode of counseling, training supervision, and type of exercise changed from M0 to M3 but were not associated with changes in MVPA.

Conclusion

Findings suggest BCS exercise program preferences may change after an intervention and be associated with changes in MVPA. Understanding the role of PA preferences will better inform the design and success of PA behavior change interventions.
ClinicTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00929617.
ECG Signal Enhancement Based onMulti-Scale Residual Dense Network withDilated Convolution
Authors: Xiang Xiaoxue , Chen Changfang , Shu Minglei , Liu Ruixia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, a multi-scale residual dense network (MSRDN) with dilatedconvolution is proposed to efficiently eliminate noise in ECG signals.Based on dilated convolutions with different sampling rate, a dual-branchresidual dense block (DBRDB) is designed to extract multi-scale localfeatures, and dual-way feature fusion increases the variation of informa-tion flow input to the subsequent blocks whilst requiring fewer parame-ters. The hierarchical feature-maps learned by all the DBRDBs can beadaptively fused and further combined with the shallow features to con-stitute the global features. And the residual learning is also introducedinto MSRDN to achieve cross-layer information interaction and acceler-ate network training. We evaluate our model on the MIT-BIH arrhythmiadatabase and the MIT-BIH noise stress test database. The results of theexperiments show that our method outperforms the existing traditionaland deep learning methods in terms of the performance metrics of SNR,RMSE and PRD. And denoised waveforms are closer to the originalclean signals while preserving important details of the ECG signals.
Characterization of FLOWERING LOCUS C 5 in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Akter Ayasha , Kakizaki Tomohiro , Itabashi Etsuko , Kunita Kohei , Shimizu Motoki , Akter Mst. Arjina , Mehraj Hasan , Okazaki Keiichi , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Fujimoto Ryo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Brassica rapa L., which includes Chinese cabbage, turnip, and pak choi, has more complex flowering time regulation than does Arabidopsis thaliana due to the presence of multiple paralogous flowering time genes. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is one of the key genes regulating flowering time. Although there is a single gene in A. thaliana, there are four FLC paralogs in B. rapa. BrFLC1, BrFLC2, and BrFLC3 are involved in regulating flowering time, whereas BrFLC5 is deemed a pseudogene because of a mutation (from G to A) in the splice site of the third intron. However, some accessions do not have this mutation, and a flowering-time quantitative trait locus (QTL) covering BrFLC5 associated with late flowering has been identified, suggesting that some accessions in B. rapa have a functional BrFLC5 gene. However, it has not been shown whether BrFLC5 acts as a floral repressor. To examine the allelic variation of BrFLC5, we genotyped 310 B. rapa accessions and found 19 had homozygous and 81 had heterozygous putative functional BrFLC5 alleles. BrFLC5 acts as a floral repressor when overexpressed in A. thaliana. Variation in the BrFLC5 expression level in pre-vernalized plants was identified and this transcriptional variation was not associated with the G/A polymorphism in the third intron. However, higher BrFLC5 expression in pre-vernalized plants is associated with 584 bp insertion in the promoter region. The possibility that a high expression of a functional BrFLC5 could contribute to producing premature bolting-resistant lines in B. rapa vegetables is discussed.
The cardiovascular and renal effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wang Te-Hsiung , Tsai Ming-Lung , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Tseng Chin-Ju , Lin Ming-Shyan , Li Yan-Rong , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Chou Tien-Shin , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Yang Ning-I , Hung Ming-Jui , Chen Tien-Hsing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
To determine whether glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have cardiovascular and renal protective effects in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2.
Methods
In this cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and eGFR < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 with a first prescription for GLP-1RAs or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) from 2012 to 2021 (n=125,392) were enrolled. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to access the cardiorenal protection between the GLP-1RA and DDP-4i groups.
Results
A total of 8,922 participants (mean [SD] age 68.4 [11.5] years; 4,516 [50.6%] males; GLP-1RAs, n=759; DPP-4is, n=8,163) were eligible for this study. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, 78 (13%) and 204 (13.8%) patients developed composite cardiovascular events in the GLP-1RA and DPP-4i groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–1.13). Composite kidney events were reported in 134 (38.2%) and 393 (44.2%) patients in the GLP-1RA and DPP-4i groups, respectively (subdistribution HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.93).
Conclusions
GLP-1RAs had a neutral effect on the composite cardiovascular outcomes but reduced composite kidney events in the patients with advanced DKD.
Formula for the calculation of perfect powers within the sequence n^p, based on p+1 know terms.
Authors: Delgado Javier Jiménez 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Pattern in the sequence np associated with a new use of Pascal’s triangle [1], which provides p+1 terms composed of known numbers whose coefficients are the first p+1 elements of the Newton’s binomial (a+b)(p+k-1) | k ≥ 1.
This pattern says that the alternating addition and subtraction of the set of elements taken from (n+p)p to np, whose coefficients belong to Newton's binomial (a+b)p, has as a result p!. The same operation with the terms from (n+p+k)p | k ≥ 1 to np using the coefficients of the binomial (a+b)(p+k), invariably results in zero. And if the terms are taken from (n+i)p| 0 ≤ i < p to np using the coefficients of the binomial (a+b)i, the result is a positive number whose value depends on the numbers taken from the sequence.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classifications: 40G99, 65Q99, 11B99, 15B36.
Ti3C2 nanosheets disrupt spermatogenesis in male mice via alterations in proliferation and apoptosis of spermatogonia mediated by the ATM/p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Yang , Hu Le , Bao Ruilin , Geng Yanqing , Chen Xuemei , Wen Yixian , Wang Yingxiong , Qin Mao , Zhang Yue , Liu Xueqing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Two-dimensional ultrathin Ti3C2 nanosheets are increasingly being used in biomedical applications owing to their special physicochemical properties. Meanwhile, the biological effects of its exposure, especially on the reproductive system, deserve attention. However, this effect on the reproductive system has not been studied yet.
Results: In the present study, we established an in vivo Ti3C2 nanosheet exposure model in mice and an in vitro Ti3C2 nanosheet exposure model in GC-1 cells. In vivo, Ti3C2 nanosheets accumulated in the testes of mice, leading to male reproductive dysfunction, including diminished sperm quantity and quality. Furthermore, they also induced elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in testis tissues and activated the DNA damage response signaling pathway (ATM/p53). In vitro, they entered the GC-1 cytoplasm and reduced cell viability. Ti3C2 nanosheets also induced elevated ROS levels and DNA double-strand breaks, activated the ATM/p53 signaling pathway, caused cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase, inhibited proliferation, and increased apoptosis in GC-1 cells.
Conclusions: Ti3C2 nanosheet-induced suppression of spermatogonia proliferation disrupted normal spermatogenic function, which was mediated by the ATM/p53 signaling pathway. Thus, our findings shed more lights on the mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity induced by Ti3C2 nanosheets.
Determination of the maximum surface chromia thickness for the nondestructive identification of internal alumina scales on a heat-resistant alloy using cathodoluminescence
Authors: Imashuku Susumu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
To develop a nondestructive analytical method for identifying internal α-Al2O3 scales formed in heat-resistant alloys, the maximum thickness of surface Cr2O3 scales for identifying internal α-Al2O3 scales via cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy was estimated using CL-peak intensity at 695 nm for Cr2O3 film-deposited sapphires and α-Al2O3 scales formed on the surface of Fe-Cr-Al alloys. The estimated maximum Cr2O3 thickness was validated by measuring the CL peak intensities of Ni-25Cr-5Al alloys heated at 1000°C under oxygen. Therefore, internal α-Al2O3 scales can be identified nondestructively by acquiring the surface CL spectra up to ~ 3-µm surface Cr2O3 thickness.
Induced Knee Osteoarthritis: Preventive Effects of Wharton-jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium, Captopril and Losartan in Male Rats
Authors: Abolghasemi Pardis , Tanideh Nader , Alirezaee Masoud , Khatamsaz Benyamin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affect different parts of a synovial joint leading to pain and stiffness.
Methods: forty male rats (220 ± 20 g, aged 10-12 weeks), were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8).
OA: anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) + PBS.
OA+ Hyaluronic acid (HA): ACLT+ treatment with HA.
OA+ Captopril (Cap): ACLT + treatment with Cap.
OA+ Losartan (Los): ACLT + treatment with Los.
OA+ Wharton-jelly mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (WJ): ACLT + treatment with WJ
OA+ WJ+ Cap.: ACLT + treatment with WJ.
OA+ WJ+ Los.: ACLT + treatment with WJ and losartan
Sham: No ACLT+ PBS.
Osteoarthritis was induced through transection of the anterior cruciate ligament of both knees in rats. Three months after treatment, the samples were harvested and evaluated by histopathological, radiological and ACE activity analyses.
Result:Histopathological and radiological findings indicated significant differences between the WJ+Cap and WJ+Los treated groups with OA+Cap OA+Los, the control and OA+HA groups (p ≤ 0:001). Significant differences were observed in the subchondral bone scores between WJ-CM+Cap, WJ+Los and WJ groups and OA+Cap, OA+Los, OA+HA groups (p ≤ 0:001). compared to WJ group alone, co-treatment of WJ and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (WJ+Cap and WJ+Los) showed better results regarding matrix scores (p ≤ 0:001).
Conclusions: The group treated with WJ concomitant with RAS inhibitor drugs showed better outcomes than other groups in histopathological, radiological and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity evaluation.
Collapse of the Wavefunction as an Interference Effect
Authors: Camparo James 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Measurement in quantum mechanics is a long-standing issue, and the measurement problem (as it is known) consists of essentially two parts: 1) no matter what the initial wavefunction of an object, the result of a measurement always results in the observation of a single eigenstate (i.e., “wavefunction collapse”), and 2) once the wavefunction collapses it remains collapsed. Though there have been a number of proposed solutions to the measurement problem, none to date is without debate. Here we propose an additional solution to the measurement problem, in the hope that alternate perspectives on this problem could eventually lead to its final resolution. We assume that for every eigenvector of an operator there is a set of discrete phases, and that the phase sets among eigenvectors are disjoint. With this hypothesis it is possible to show that wavefunction collapse is a consequence of destructive interference between a measurement mapping-operator, exhibiting all of the potential eigenvector phases, and the particular phase of a single realization of the quantum object.
Hydrothermal Dolomitization in Devonian Khyber Limestone Peshawar Basin, Pakistan: Evidence from Outcrop Analogue, Petrography, and Geochemistry.
Authors: Qaisar Saddam , Xiaoyan Zhao , Alam Asif , Haq Jaseem ul , Ahmad Shayan , Khan Sulaiman 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The prevailing study is concerned with the Devonian succession exposed in the Khyber Agency, where outcrops extend North East-South West from kali shilman to bara fort in the study area and have been altered by hydrothermal fluids and magmatic intrusions. This research aims to understand the origin, diagenetic evolution, and sedimentary features of the dolomites that make up the Khyber limestone Formation. Field relationships, petrographic studies, and geochemical analyses helped in understanding the paragenetic history of carbonate rocks and their relationship to igneous intrusions. The phenomenon of fluid-rock interaction has received significant attention because hot fluids (hydrothermal) alter the composition of the host limestone in contact. A petrographic study demonstrated host limestone alteration, resulting in digenetic alteration and metamorphism. The formation of marble as a result of contact metamorphism has also been observed to act as a barrier against the host limestone being altered by dolomitizing fluids. Field observations, hand specimen examinations, and thin section studies show that the altered carbonate rocks are also extremely finely to moderately to coarsely crystalline. Five different types of dolomite rock textures are identified and categorized based on the distribution of crystal sizes and the shape of the crystal boundaries as "planer" and "nonplaner" dolomite. Planer dolomite crystals have straight boundaries and are further divided into euhedral (Dol-III) and subhedral (Dol-IV) textures, while nonplaner dolomite (Dol-I) crystals have arched, lobate, ridged, obscure, or otherwise irregular intercrystalline boundaries. Planar–euhedral dolomite (Dol-III) were made of fine to coarse dolomite crystals with dense cloudy euhedral rhombs while planner-subhedral dolomite have a unimodal mosaic structure and are subhedral to anhedral in shape with straight compromise boundaries and numerous crystal-face junctions. XRD analyses were done in order to determine the bulk mineralogy. Mostly dolomite and calcite were present along with different type of other minerals like a putoranite, manganocalcite, quartz and copper which can formed when a magmatic activity occur so because of some copper bearing fluids they were deposited. The C and O isotopic variations of ancient ocean water were used to reconstruct the paleotemperature history at the time these rocks were formed and led to the formation of saddle dolomite and considers as high temperature dolomite.
Valuation Mapping of Rural Areas in Central Turkey: A Model Proposal Case Study
Authors: Aksu Oktay , Balikci Agne Karlikanovaite , Kurt Mustafa 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In addition to the usual concerns that governments face, managing agriculture and agricultural areas is a significant issue. As a result, a country's agricultural production is highly dependent on its land potential. The transformation of agricultural areas into construction sites will be more attractive for the proprietors if they are not valued at their actual worth. This study applies and compares two different valuation methods, income and nominal land value approaches, to evaluate land in rural area, Cankiri Province, Catalelma Village, Central Turkey. In Turkey, income valuation method is typically applied for dealing with financial matters related to agricultural areas. On the other hand, one of the statistical methods, nominal valuation, was also used in the study area by applying the spatial analysis functions of geographical information system (GIS). In this study, four sample parcels representing three different land use capability classes (two irrigable, one medium, and one barren) were selected for comparison of two valuation methods. The results obtained during this research demonstrate that the nominal valuation approach produced more accurate results than the income method, and it may be used in the country's local administrative units due to available data.
Sensitivity analysis of hydrological model parameters based on improved Morris method with the double-Latin hypercube sampling
Authors: Li Delong , Ju Qin , Jiang Peng , Huang Ping , Xu Xiaohua , Wang Qin , Hao Zhenchun , Zhang Yueguan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Sensitivity analysis of hydrological model parameters is a crucial step in the calibration process of hydrological simulation. In this paper, the improved Morris method with the double-Latin hypercube sampling is proposed for global sensitivity analysis of 10 parameters of the Xin'anjiang model. In addition, the local sensitivity is analyzed based on the rate validation of the model parameters. In general, the results show those parameters about evaporation coefficient in the deep layer (C), free water storage capacity (SM), impervious area as a percentage of total watershed area (IMP), free water storage capacity curve index (EX), groundwater outflow coefficient (KG) and subsurface runoff abatement factor (KKG) are all less than 0.01, insensitive parameters; the parameters about evaporation conversion factor (K) and square times of the storage capacity curve(B) are in the range of [0.01, 0.1], less sensitive parameters; the parameter for flow out coefficient in soil (KSS) is in the range of [0.1, 0.2], a low-sensitivity parameter; the parameter abatement coefficient of mid-soil flow (KKSS) is greater than 1, a high-sensitivity parameter; the improved Morris method better reflects the existence of interactions between parameters. This research result provides a new technical approach for the sensitivity analysis of hydrological model parameters.