bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loading the tumor with 31P, 63Cu and 89Y provides an in vivo prompt gamma-based range verification for therapeutic protons
Authors: Cartechini Giorgio , Fogazzi Elena , Hart Shanyn-Dee , Pellegri Luna , Vanstalle Marie , Marafini Michela , La Tessa Chiara 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The main rationale for using protons in cancer treatment is based on the highly conformal dose distribution and normal tissue spearing compared to conventional radiotherapy. The main limit of proton therapy is the particle range uncertainty due to patient setup, dose calculation and imaging. To account for this, a safety margin is added to the tumor to ensure the prescribed dose to the target. Reducing range uncertainties would result in the reduction of irradiation volume and would allow full exploitation of the proton therapy benefits. In this work, we presented a feasibility study for a strategy to achieve in vivo proton range verification based on prompt gammas (PG). This approach relies on the detection of signature prompt gammas, generated by the interaction of primary protons with a non-radioactive element, that is selectively loaded into a tumor with a drug carrier. The number of characteristic gammas is directly related to the proton range, and its measurement provides an estimate of the position at which the primary beam stops with respect to the tumor location.Method: We identified the criteria for selecting potential candidate materials and combined them with TALYS predictions to make the selection. We carried out an experimental campaign to characterize the PG spectra generated by the chosen materials when irradiated with therapeutic protons and compared them with TOPAS Monte Carlo toolkit predictions.Results: We identified 31-Phosphorous, 63-Copper and 89-Yttrium as potential candidates for this application based on TALYS calculations. The experimental data confirmed that all candidates emit signature prompt gammas different from water (here used as a proxy for normal tissue), and that the gamma yield is directly proportional to the element concentration in the solution. Four specific gamma lines were detected for both 31P (1.14, 1.26, 1.78, and 2.23 MeV) and 63Cu (0.96, 1.17, 1.24, 1.326 MeV), while only one for 89Y (1.06 MeV). The simulations indicate that the count of characteristic gammas is directly proportional to the proton range, reaching in some cases a saturation value around the tumor’s far edge. The results also indicate that to achieve a range accuracy below the current value of 2–3 mm, the uncertainty on the prompt gammas count has to be below 5% for 31-Phosphorous and 63-Copper, or 10% for 89-Yttrium.Discussion: We demonstrated that loading the tumor with a label element prior to proton treatment generates signature gammas that can be used to verify the beam range in vivo, reaching a potential range accuracy below the current limitations. This approach can be either used stand-alone or combined with other existing methodologies to further improve range resolution.
Light controls edge functional groups to enhance membrane permeability
Authors: Sun Tingyu , Wang Lei , Hu Rengkai , Li Yangmei , Zhu Zhi 
Published: February 2023

Functionalized membranes have high potential value in a broad range of practical applications, and the functional groups at the membrane edge play a vital role in the permeability of the membranes. Here, based on an edge-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) membrane model, we theoretically report that high-frequency terahertz stimulation at the frequency near 44.0 THz can significantly enhance the water permeability of the membrane by nearly five times. Its mechanism was revealed to be that the stimulation amplified the C-O stretching of the functional groups and suppressed other vibration modes of the groups. As a result, the modulation of edge functional groups brings down the energy barricade of the membrane and allows water molecules to penetrate the GO membrane more easily. These findings provide a new perspective for enhancing membrane permeability by modulating particular functional groups such as the carboxyl on the edge of the GO membrane.
The effect of different intensity physical activity on cardiovascular metabolic health in obese children and adolescents: An isotemporal substitution model
Authors: Cao Youxiang , Zhu Lin , Chen Zekai , Zhanquan Li , Xie Weijun , Liang Manna 
Published: February 2023

Objective: This study’s purpose was to investigate the effects of different intensities of physical activity on cardiovascular metabolism in obese children and adolescents based on an isochronous replacement model.Methods: A total of 196 obese children and adolescents (mean age, 13.44 ± 1.71 years) who met the inclusion criteria and attended a summer camp from July 2019 to August 2021 were recruited for this study, and all subjects wore a GT3X + triaxial motion accelerometer uniformly around the waist to record physical activity levels. We collected the subjects’ height, weight, and cardiovascular risk factors such as waist circumference, hip circumference, fasting lipids, blood pressure, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose before and after 4 weeks of camp and constructed cardiometabolic risk score (CMR-z). We analyzed the effects of different intensities of physical activity on cardiovascular metabolism in obese children using isotemporal substitution model (ISM).Results: After 4 weeks, cardiovascular risk factors such as body weight, waist circumference, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were reduced in adolescents with obesity (p &lt;0.01), and CMR-z was also reduced (p &lt;0.01). ISM analysis revealed that all sedentary behavior (SB) replacement with 10 min of light physical activity (LPA) reduced CMR-z [β = −0.10, 95% CI (−0.20, −0.01)]; 10-min of moderate physical activity (MPA) replacement of SB reduced CMR-z [β = −0.32, 95% CI (−0.63, −0.01)]; 10-min of vigorous physical activity (VPA) replacement of SB reduced CMR-z [β = −0.39, 95% CI (−0.66, −0.12)].Conclusion: Replacement of SB with 10 min of LPA, MPA, and VPA were all effective in improving cardiovascular risk health, respectively, but MPA or VPA was more effective.
Warm-up stretching exercises and physical performance of youth soccer players
Authors: Hernandez-Martinez Jordan , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Vera-Assaoka Tiago , Castillo-Cerda María , Carter-Thuillier Bastian , Herrera-Valenzuela Tomás , López-Fuenzalida Antonio , Nobari Hadi , Valdés-Badilla Pablo 
Published: February 2023

This study aims to compare the effects of standard warm-up versus warm-up using stretching exercises on the physical performance of male youth soccer players. Eighty-five male soccer players (age: 10.3 ± 4.3 years; body mass index: 19.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were assessed for countermovement jump height (CMJ, cm), 10 m, 20 m and 30 m running sprint speed (s) and ball kicking speed (km/h) for the dominant and non-dominant leg under five (randomized) warm-up conditions. Using 72 h of recovery between conditions, the participants completed a control condition (CC) and four experimental conditions, including static stretching (SSC), dynamic stretching (DSC), ballistic stretching (BSC), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFC) exercises. All warm-up conditions had a duration of 10 minutes. The main results indicate that no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were found between warm-up conditions compared to CC in CMJ (CC = 28.1 ± 4.9; SSC = 28.4 ± 4.9; DSC = 30.9 ± 4.8; BSC = 30.9 ± 5.2; PNFC = 28.4 ± 5.0), 10 m sprint (CC = 2.42 ± 0.4; SSC = 2.50 ± 0.4; DSC = 2.30 ± 0.3; BSC = 2.27 ± 0.3; PNFC = 2.53 ± 0.4), 20 m sprint (CC = 5.42 ± 0.9; SSC = 5.59 ± 0.9; DSC = 5.37 ± 0.9; BSC = 5.40 ± 0.9; PNFC = 5.44 ± 0.9), 30 m sprint (CC = 8.05 ± 1.3; SSC = 8.27 ± 1.3; DSC = 8.01 ± 1.3; BSC = 8.00 ± 1.3; PNFC = 8.12 ± 1.3), ball kicking speed for dominant (CC = 56.2 ± 4.9; SSC = 55.3 ± 5.2; DSC = 56.9 ± 5.8; BSC = 57.3 ± 5.8; PNFC = 55.7 ± 5.2) and non-dominant leg (CC = 52.8 ± 3.4; SSC = 51.8 ± 4.6; DSC = 53.5 ± 5.4; BSC = 53.6 ± 4.9; PNFC = 52.5 ± 4.0). In conclusion, compared to standard warm-up, stretching-based warm-up exerts no effect on male youth soccer players jump height, sprint speed and ball kicking speed.
Low sodium intake ameliorates hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in mice with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Wang Zitian , Zhao Xue , Bu Lifang , Liu Kun , Li Ziping , Zhang Huaxing , Zhang Xiaoguang , Yuan Fang , Wang Sheng , Guo Zan , Shi Luo 
Published: February 2023

The goal of this paper is to elucidate the effects of sodium restriction on hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in a mouse model with primary aldosteronism (PA). Mice with genetic deletion of TWIK-related acid-sensitive K (TASK)-1 and TASK-3 channels (TASK−/−) were used as the animal model of PA. Parameters of the LV were assessed using echocardiography and histomorphology analysis. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted to reveal the mechanisms underlying the hypertrophic changes in the TASK−/− mice. The TASK−/− adult male mice exhibited the hallmarks of PA, including hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and mild acid-base balance disorders. Two weeks of low sodium intake significantly reduced the 24-h average systolic and diastolic BP in TASK−/− but not TASK+/+ mice. In addition, TASK−/− mice showed increasing LV hypertrophy with age, and 2 weeks of the low-sodium diet significantly reversed the increased BP and LV wall thickness in adult TASK−/− mice. Furthermore, a low-sodium diet beginning at 4 weeks of age protected TASK−/− mice from LV hypertrophy at 8–12 weeks of age. Untargeted metabolomics demonstrated that the disturbances in heart metabolism in the TASK−/− mice (e.g., Glutathione metabolism; biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism; pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism), some of which were reversed after sodium restriction, might be involved in the development of LV hypertrophy. In conclusion, adult male TASK−/− mice exhibit spontaneous hypertension and LV hypertrophy, which are ameliorated by a low-sodium intake.
Identification of QTN-by-environment interactions for yield related traits in maize under multiple abiotic stresses
Authors: Wen Yang-Jun , Wu Xinyi , Wang Shengmeng , Han Le , Shen Bolin , Wang Yuan , Zhang Jin 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionQuantitative trait nucleotide (QTN)-by-environment interactions (QEIs) play an increasingly essential role in the genetic dissection of complex traits in crops as global climate change accelerates. The abiotic stresses, such as drought and heat, are the major constraints on maize yields. Multi-environment joint analysis can improve statistical power in QTN and QEI detection, and further help us to understand the genetic basis and provide implications for maize improvement.MethodsIn this study, 3VmrMLM was applied to identify QTNs and QEIs for three yield-related traits (grain yield, anthesis date, and anthesis-silking interval) of 300 tropical and subtropical maize inbred lines with 332,641 SNPs under well-watered and drought and heat stresses.ResultsAmong the total 321 genes around 76 QTNs and 73 QEIs identified in this study, 34 known genes were reported in previous maize studies to be truly associated with these traits, such as ereb53 (GRMZM2G141638) and thx12 (GRMZM2G016649) associated with drought stress tolerance, and hsftf27 (GRMZM2G025685) and myb60 (GRMZM2G312419) associated with heat stress. In addition, among 127 homologs in Arabidopsis out of 287 unreported genes, 46 and 47 were found to be significantly and differentially expressed under drought vs well-watered treatments, and high vs. normal temperature treatments, respectively. Using functional enrichment analysis, 37 of these differentially expressed genes were involved in various biological processes. Tissue-specific expression and haplotype difference analysis further revealed 24 candidate genes with significantly phenotypic differences across gene haplotypes under different environments, of which the candidate genes GRMZM2G064159, GRMZM2G146192, and GRMZM2G114789 around QEIs may have gene-by-environment interactions for maize yield.DiscussionAll these findings may provide new insights for breeding in maize for yield-related traits adapted to abiotic stresses.
Tree-level almond yield estimation from high resolution aerial imagery with convolutional neural network
Authors: Tang Minmeng , Sadowski Dennis Lee , Peng Chen , Vougioukas Stavros G. , Klever Brandon , Khalsa Sat Darshan S. , Brown Patrick H. , Jin Yufang 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionEstimating and understanding the yield variability within an individual field is critical for precision agriculture resource management of high value tree crops. Recent advancements in sensor technologies and machine learning make it possible to monitor orchards at very high spatial resolution and estimate yield at individual tree level.MethodsThis study evaluates the potential of utilizing deep learning methods to predict tree-level almond yield with multi-spectral imagery. We focused on an almond orchard with the ‘Independence’ cultivar in California, where individual tree harvesting and yield monitoring was conducted for ~2,000 trees and summer aerial imagery at 30cm was acquired for four spectral bands in 2021. We developed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model with a spatial attention module to take the multi-spectral reflectance imagery directly for almond fresh weight estimation at the tree level.ResultsThe deep learning model was shown to predict the tree level yield very well, with a R2 of 0.96 (±0.002) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of 6.6% (±0.2%), based on 5-fold cross validation. The CNN estimation captured well the patterns of yield variation between orchard rows, along the transects, and from tree to tree, when compared to the harvest data. The reflectance at the red edge band was found to play the most important role in the CNN yield estimation.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the significant improvement of deep learning over traditional linear regression and machine learning methods for accurate and robust tree level yield estimation, highlighting the potential for data-driven site-specific resource management to ensure agriculture sustainability.
Perennial herb diversity contributes more than annual herb diversity to multifunctionality in dryland ecosystems of North-western China
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhou Xiao-bing , Tao Ye , Yin Jin-fei , Zhang Lan , Guo Xing , Liu Chao-hong , Zhang Yuan-ming 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundConsiderable attention has been given to how different aspects of biodiversity sustain ecosystem functions. Herbs are a critical component of the plant community of dryland ecosystems, but the importance of different life form groups of herbs is often overlooked in experiments on biodiversity-ecosystem multifunctionality. Hence, little is known about how the multiple attributes of diversity of different life form groups of herbs affect changes to the multifunctionality of ecosystems.MethodsWe investigated geographic patterns of herb diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality along a precipitation gradient of 2100 km in Northwest China, and assessed the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional attributes of different life form groups of herbs on the multifunctionality.ResultsWe found that subordinate (richness effect) species of annual herbs and dominant (mass ratio effect) species of perennial herbs were crucial for driving multifunctionality. Most importantly, the multiple attributes (taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional) of herb diversity enhanced the multifunctionality. The functional diversity of herbs provided greater explanatory power than did taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. In addition, the multiple attribute diversity of perennial herbs contributed more than annual herbs to multifunctionality.ConclusionsOur findings provide insights into previously neglected mechanisms by which the diversity of different life form groups of herbs affect ecosystem multifunctionality. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between biodiversity and multifunctionality, and will ultimately contribute to multifunctional conservation and restoration programs in dryland ecosystems.
Salt-responsive bermudagrass microRNAs and insights into light reaction photosynthetic performance
Authors: Fan Shugao , Amombo Erick , Avoga Sheila , Li Yating , Yin Yanling 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionBermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is a warm-season grass with high drought and salt tolerance. However, its cultivation as a silage crop is limited by its lower forage value when compared to other C4 crops. Because of its high genetic variability in abiotic stress tolerance, bermudagrass-mediated genetic breeding offers significant promise for introducing alternative fodder crops in saline and drought-affected regions, and improved photosynthetic capacity is one way for increasing forage yield.MethodsHere, we used RNA sequencing to profile miRNAs in two bermudagrass genotypes with contrasting salt tolerance growing under saline conditions.ResultsPutatively, 536 miRNA variants were salt-inducible, with the majority being downregulated in salt-tolerant vs sensitive varieties. Also, seven miRNAs putatively targeted 6 genes which were significantly annotated to light reaction photosynthesis. Among the microRNAs, highly abundant miRNA171f in the salt tolerant regime targeted Pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein and dehydrogenase family 3 member F1 both annotated to electron transport and Light harvesting protein complex 1 genes annotated to light photosynthetic reaction in salt tolerant regime vs salt sensitive counterparts. To facilitate genetic breeding for photosynthetic capacity, we overexpressed miR171f in Medicago tracantula which resulted in a substantial increase in the chlorophyll transient curve, electron transport rate, quantum yield of photosystem II non photochemical quenching, NADPH and biomass accumulation under saline conditions while its targets were downregulated. At ambient light level the electron transport was negatively correlated with all parameters while the NADPH was positively associated higher dry matter in mutants. DiscussionThese results demonstrate that miR171f improves photosynthetic performance and dry matter accumulation via transcriptional repression of genes in the electron transport pathway under saline conditions and thus a target for breeding.
Effects of physical activity on visuospatial working memory in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Qiqi , Deng Jie , Yao Meixi , Xu Chong , Liu Demin , Guo Liya , Zhu Yu 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPhysical activity interventions improve cognitive performance, especially visuospatial working memory (VSWM). However, evidence on the effects of these interventions in children, adolescents, and older adults remains scant. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the effects of physical activity on VSWM improvement in healthy individuals and the best exercise intervention program to improve VSWM capacity.MethodsWe searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions targeting VSWM in healthy individuals from Web of Science, MEDLINE, BIOSIS Previews, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data (Chinese) databases, from inception to August 20, 2022.ResultsAmong 21 articles (1,595 healthy participants), the heterogeneity test statistic was I2 = 32.3%, p = 0.053. The mean quality scores of the included articles were 6.9 points (reaction time [RT] studies) and 7.5 points (Score studies). Moreover, 28 RCTs were included (10 RT studies and 18 Score studies), and the subgroup analysis found significant effects for elderly participants, children, interventions involving a higher level of cognitive engagement, low and moderate exercise intensity, chronic exercise, exercise duration ≥60 min, and exercise period ≥90 days. Physical activity had a small but significant positive impact on VSWM in healthy individuals. Current evidence confirms the effects of physical activity on VSWM capacity only in children and seniors but not in young adults. Other age groups, including adolescents and middle-aged adults, have not been studied. Prescription of interventions involving high-level cognitive engagement, low and moderate exercise intensity, chronic exercise, exercise for &gt;30 min per session, and exercise for more than 3 months is recommended for children and seniors.DiscussionFuture RCTs would be to fill the gap in studies on adolescents and middle-aged adults, and report detailed exercise intervention programs about different age groups.Systematic Review Registration:PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022354737). INPLASY (https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2022.8.0053).
Driven or lacking access: Integration types as a subdimension of the affect consciousness construct
Authors: Vølstad Astrid Gravdal , Salas Maria Ingunnsdatter , Solbakken Ole André 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThis article examines integration types as a sub-dimension of the affect consciousness construct to account for individual differences in how problems with the experience and expression of affects manifest. The two integration types driven and lack of access describe prototypical ways of experiencing and expressing affect, differentiating between problems characterized by too much or too little affective mobilization.MethodsArchival data from a non-clinical sample (n = 157) was used to examine the validity and reliability of integration type scales from the Affect Integration Inventory (AII 2.0). Internal structure was assessed through confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) by structural equation modelling. Nomological validity was examined through tests of patterns of hypothesized associations between integration types across various affects and specific types of interpersonal problems (as measured by the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems; IIP-64).ResultsCFAs indicated acceptable fit for the different integration type scales and overall construct structure. Distinct sinusoidal patterns of correlations between integration types and interpersonal problems were found for the various affects examined. All correlation patterns had good fit (GoF ≥ 0.87), with significant differences in magnitude between peak and low point correlations.DiscussionWe conclude that differences in prototypical ways of experiencing and expressing affects can be assessed easily, quickly, and reliably, have theoretically consistent intra-domain relationships and valid structural psychometric properties, are robustly related to interpersonal functioning in general, and are systematically and differentially related to specific and theoretically hypothesized interpersonal problem types.