bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and pharmacodynamic evaluation of recombinant human lysozyme eye drops
Authors: Shi Jin , Shi Chang , Li Xiao-Ying , Gao En , Si Yuan , Yang Xiao-Lin , Zhao Jin-Li 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease. The commonest treatment is artificial tears. A novel artificial tears is urgently required to treat DED pathophysiologically, more than symptoms relief. In this study, a novel artificial tears with highly purified recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ), high homologous with natural tear, was obtained for DED treatment on a established rabbit DED model. 36 models were divided into 6 groups (n = 6), and treated with different concentration of novel artificial tears 180µl of drops daily, continuously for 4 weeks. To evaluate pathophysiologic therapeutic effect of the novel artificial tears, rabbit eyes were performed to the schirmer I test, tear ferning test, and corneal fluorescein staining test in 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-administration, respectively. The sacrificed models' corneas in 4 weeks were performed by pathological section staining. In the project, the quality of the artificial tears including rhLYZ was up to the quality standards of pharmacopoeia. RhLYZ eye drops, especially in the medium (0.15% of rhLYZ) and the high(0.30% of rhLYZ) concentration, enable to improve dry eye symptoms effectively, benefit to anti-inflammatory function and promote corneal repair. The novel artificial tears is a promising pathophysiological therapeutic agent in DED treatment.
Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Strain Based on Peak Power Changes and Wavelength Shift Using Only One Uniform Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: malakzadeh abdollah , mansoursamaei mohsen , Pashaie Rasoul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many efforts have been devoted to simultaneous measurements of strain and temperature by FBG sensors and several improving techniques have been resulted and implemented on the measurement. Most of them are based on two or more FBGs configurations or a single non-uniform FBG implementation. We propose simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain based on peak power changes and Bragg wavelength shifts using only one uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG). We placed a ramp with the angle of θ, similar to a tilted cantilever beam, on an assumptive structure and stuck a uniform FBG on it. When a uniform strain applied to a structure, the cantilever beam converts it to a non-uniform strain distribution along with itself and consequently the uniform FBG. By creating this non-uniform strain distribution, the peak power of the reflection spectrum of the FBG will be sensitive to strain changes. In addition, the Bragg wavelength shift will be sensitive to both temperature and strain parameters. According to our simulation, temperature sensitivity of 14.15 pm/℃ is obtained for FBG sensor without any changes in the peak power. The strain sensitivity of 0.7837 pm/µε, and a nonlinear sensitivity according to a quadratic function for peak power variation are also observed.
High Canopy Cover of Invasive Acer Negundo L. Affects Ground Vegetation Diversity
Authors: Veselkin Denis , Dubrovin Denis , Pustovalova Liliya 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We assessed the link between canopy cover degree and ground vegetation diversity under alien ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo) and other (native or alien) tree species. We investigated urban and suburban forests in the large city of Yekaterinburg, Russia. Forests were evaluated on two spatial scales. Through an inter-habitat comparison we recorded canopy cover and plant diversity among 13 sample plots of 20 × 20 m where A. negundo dominated and 13 plots where other tree species dominated. In an intra-habitat comparison, we recorded canopy cover and ground vegetation diversity among 800 sample plots measuring 1 m2 in the extended urbanised forest, which featured abundant alien (308 plots) and native trees (492 plots). We observed decreased diversity among vascular ground plant species by 40% (inter-habitat) and 20% (intra-habitat) in areas dominated by A. negundo compared to areas dominated by native tree and shrub species. An abundance of A. negundo was accompanied by increased canopy cover. We found a negative relationship between canopy cover and the number of understory herbaceous species. Thus, the interception of light and the restriction of its amount for other species is a main factor supporting the negative influence of A. negundo on native plant communities.
Outcome of SARS-COV-2-Related Thyrotoxicosis in Survivors of COVID-19: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pizzocaro Alessandro , Colombo Paolo , Vena Walter , Ariano Salvatore , Magnoni Paola , Reggiani Francesco , Favacchio Giuseppe , Mirani Marco , Lavezzi Elisabetta , Calatroni Marta , Voza Antonio , Mazziotti Gherardo , Lania Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the post- coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcome of thyroid function in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related thyrotoxicosis. MethodsThis was a single-center prospective study involving 29 patients (11 females, 18 males; median age 64 years, range: 43-85) with thyrotoxicosis diagnosed after hospitalization for COVID-19 and then followed-up for a median period of 90 days (range: 30-120) after hospital discharge. At the follow-up, patients were evaluated for serum thyrotropic (TSH), free-thyroxine (FT4), free-triiodiothyronine (FT3), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and ultrasonographic thyroid structure.ResultsAfter recovery of COVID-19, serum TSH values significantly increased (P<0.001) and FT4 values significantly decreased (P=0.001), without significant change in serum FT3 (P=0.572). At the follow-up, 28 subjects (96.6%) became euthyroid whereas overt hypothyroidism developed in one case. At the ultrasound evaluation of thyroid gland, hypoecogenicity was found in 10 patients (34.5%) with a prevalence that was significantly higher in cases with serum TSH > 3.0 mU/l as compared to those with TSH values below 1.0 mU/L (P=0.039). All subjects resulted to be negative for TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb. Conclusion﻿In a short-term follow-up, thyroid function spontaneously normalized in most subjects with SARS-CoV-2-related thyrotoxicosis. However, thyroid hypoecogenicity was found in a remarkable number of them and future longer-term studies are needed to clarify whether this ultrasonographic alteration may predispose to develop late-onset thyroid dysfunction.
Basic Phenomenal Objects, or How a Multitude of Fundamental Particles Can Be Reduced to Just One Single Basic Entity
Authors: Schuttevaar P. P. , Schuttevaar V. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper introduces a novel unification model, basic phenomenal objects (BPO), which attempts to challenge the standard model. The claim is that BPO performs well on all five major scientific virtues (i.e. simplicity, universality, consistency, empirical accuracy, fertility). Namely, for a universal theory, BPO is very simple, as it only requires one type of basic entity – the basic phenomenal object – possessing only three attributes (basic velocity, basic mutuality, basic inertia), of which the behavior is guided by only two laws (interaction law, asymmetry law). Moreover, these foundations of BPO are also consistent with important theories, such as crucial parts of general relativity and QM, can derive important empirical results (e.g. the gyro-magnetic ratio of particles), provide novel explanations (e.g. the structure of anti-matter), and state novel predictions (e.g. an upper boundary to the energy of a stable neutrino).
The Role of Macroeconomic Stability in Current Account Balances
Authors: Cetrez Murat , Altayligil Yasin Baris 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The role of macroeconomic stability in current account balances has not been studied with a calculated index in the literature until now. It is aimed to find out the role of macroeconomic stability in current account balances for the first time in the study. The analysis is completed for the period between 1980 and 2016 for 97 countries. The macroeconomic stability is represented by an index which is created with inflation rate, growth rate, unemployment rate and fiscal balance data of all the countries. It is found out that the macroeconomic stability is one of the important determinants of current account balances like institutional quality and financial development. It has a negative and statistically significant relationships with current account balances for four different country groups which are developing countries, all countries except industrial, all countries except industrial and African countries, and all countries. Results show that the macroeconomic stability is especially important for the developing countries rather than high income countries.
Effect of structural variability and flexibility of aliphatic diamines on self-assembly of host-guest coordination polymers constructed of copper cyanide networks: Structure study and catalytic activity
Authors: Etaiw Safaa Eldin H. , Abdou Safaa N. Abdou Nabih 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A new 3D-host-guest supramolecular coordination polymer (SCP); ∞3[(Cu3(CN)3)2.(DAHP)], 1 [1,7-diaminoheptane=.(DAHP)] had been synthesized by self-assembly at ambient conditions. X-ray single crystal diffraction of SCP 1 indicated the formation of two-fold [Cu3(CN)3]2 units containing tetrahedral copper(I) atoms which are arranged in unique way to create 3D-network. The neutral [Cu3(CN)3]2 building blocks create unique complex structure containing the minicycle [Cu2(μ3-CN)2] motif with wide cavities enable to capsulate the long chain DAHP as guest molecule. The topology of 1 had been studied by elemental analysis, IR-spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. The topology of 1 had been compared with the prototype SCP containing different aliphatic diamines which indicated the effect of structural variability and flexibility of aliphatic diamines on the network structure of these SCP. The catalytic and photo-catalytic activity of 1 was studied for mineralization of methylene blue (MB) utilizing H2O2 as an oxidant.
Area-based Network of Health Workers to Mitigate the Shortage of Health Workforce: A Case Mix Index Approach for Thailand
Authors: Jithitikulchai Theepakorn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPublic hospitals under the Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health have critical shortage in health workers. The area-based network consolidations of public hospitals should help to enhance capacity of the health system from allocation improvement in limited resources.MethodsThis study calculates the counterfactual simulations of area-based network allocations for health workforce in 10,500 public hospitals. The network consolidations at the sub-district, district, provincial, or health-region levels allow health workforce reallocation within local network areas. This study examines improvements in the allocative efficiency from the health workforce redistribution. The workload per worker is calculated from the output measured by numbers of outpatient and inpatient cases and the input measured by numbers of health workers. Both output and input are weighted with their economic values, controlled for heterogeneity by regression analysis. The weights assigned to each outpatient and inpatient case reflect the relative health system resources predicted for each discharge. Finally, this study compares the status quo and ex ante scenarios, as before and after network consolidations.ResultsNetwork consolidations of the primary-level hospitals within the same district could averagely reduce workload per worker by 14%. Another practical policy option is that consolidating similar hospital levels such as primary, first-level secondary, and mid-level secondary hospitals altogether within the same district could reduce the workload per worker by 17%.Conclusion﻿This study illustrates improvement in allocative efficiency of health workforce in public hospitals from the area-based network consolidations. The results provide an insightful example of efficiency gains from reallocating medical workforce within the same local areas.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Sidama Zone Government Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, A Case-control Study
Authors: Tilahun Temesgen , Hailemariam Hailu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Many studies had been conducted on the epidemiology of low birth weight (LBW) in high-income countries, however in countries like Ethiopia such evidence is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors for LBW in Sidama zone.Method: Hospital-based case-control study design with a total sample size of 480, 96 cases, and 384controls from March to June 2018. Newborns were selected from three hospitals in the zone using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were made by following standard procedure. Risk factors for LBW were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The output is presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that urban place of residence [AOR=2.55(95% CI=1.15-5.82], mothers who did not have iron supplement during pregnancy [AOR=12.5(95 CI=5.06-31.0)], premature birth [AOR=2.78 (95% CI= (1.27-6.06)] and history of pregnancy complication[AOR=7.60(2.03-28.45)] were found to be significant determinants of LBW. Conclusion: Since the prevalence of LBW was more prominent in rural areas than their urban counterparts, socio-economic empowerment of rural women and community-based nutrition promotions programs should be given special emphasis. Strengthening efforts on availing basic health services and promoting education on nutrition during pregnancy also have positive inputs. Iron supplementation and nutritional assessment of women during ANC follow-up and providing interventions accordingly should be strengthening in all health facilities.
A Prospective Multicenter Study of the Chinese Scoring System for Hepatitis B Liver Failure
Authors: Wu Zhe-bin , Wei-min Ke , Bing-liang Lin , Liang Peng , Zhi Chen , Xin-xin Zhang , De-ming Tan , Wan-hua Ren , Kai Wang , Xue-bin Yan , Gao Zhi-liang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a Chinese scoring system for hepatitis B liver failure in a prospective and multicenter study. Methods: Clinical data for 1143 patients with hepatitis B liver failure who had been followed up for a minimum of 6 months were collected from seven liver disease centers across China. The disease severity and prognosis for the patients were predicted using the Chinese scoring system and compared to those predicted with the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, MELD-Na score, and Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score. Results: The Chinese scoring system was more effective at predicting the outcomes of survival and mortality than the MELD score. In the peak disease stage, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for the Chinese scoring system was 0.954, significantly higher than that (0.896) for the MELD scoring system (P < 0.001). The positive prediction at 30, 90, and 180 days with the Chinese scoring system was 0.764 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.714-0.808), 0.731 (95% CI: 0.694-0.769), and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.679-0.765), also significantly higher than that with the MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP scores (P < 0.001). In addition, the Chinese scoring system was superior to the MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP scores (P < 0.001) at predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B liver failure at both 30 and 180 days. Conclusion: The Chinese scoring system demonstrated superior performance to the three established scoring systems in assessing the severity and outcomes of hepatitis B liver failure in this cohort.
Microstructure, Properties and Corrosion Resistance of As-Cast&nbsp;Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-xSc Alloys
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Wang Richu , Peng Chaoqun , Cai Zhiyong , Guo Fanghe , Zhang Zichen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-xSc (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) alloys for electronic packaging were prepared by ingot metallurgy, and the microstructure, mechanical properties, thermo-physical properties and corrosion resistance were compared. A fine and dispersed Al3Sc phase is observed and the acicular β-Fe phase transforms into a Chinese character or massive α-Fe phase in the alloys with Sc addition. When the Sc content increases from 0 to 0.3%, the secondary dendritic arm spacing and the size of the eutectic Si reduce from 17.9 μm and 5.3 μm to 12.8 μm and 3.1 μm, respectively. Simultaneously, the morphology of eutectic Si changes from a rough long rod to an ellipsoid. The thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity of the alloys reduce slightly with increasing the Sc content. The flexural strength of 291.9 MPa is obtained for the Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-0.3Sc, an increment of 20.4% as compared with the Sc-free alloy. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance of the alloys is improved by the minor Sc addition.
Effects of Warm Compress on Tear Film, Blink Pattern and Meibomian Gland Function in Dry Eyes After Corneal Refractive Surgery
Authors: Zhou Xueyi , Shen Yang , Shang Jianmin , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

To assess the effects of warm compress (WC) on tear film lipid layer, blink pattern and Meibomian gland function in patients with dry eye following femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
Methods

We enrolled 37 eyes of 37 participants, each with dry eye for more than 2 years following SMILE (25 eyes) or LASEK (12 eyes). WC was performed using a spontaneously heating eye mask. Safety parameters and effectiveness parameters (tear film break-up time, TBUT; tear film lipid layer thickness, TFLLT; blink pattern, and Meibomian secretory function scores, MGS) were assessed before and after WC.
Results

After WC, the following mean values all increased relative to baselines: central corneal thickness, spherical equivalent, minimum (Min-), maximum (Max-) and average (Ave-) TFLLT, TBUT, total MGS (TMGS), number of glands secreting any liquid (MGL), and complete blink rate (CBR) (p values ranging from < 0.0001 to 0.042). Partial blink frequency (PBF) and partial blink rate (PBR) decreased (p = 0.002 in both cases). The decrease of PBF was higher in SMILE subgroup than in LASEK (p = 0.030). TBUT variation was positively correlated with that of Ave-TFLLT and TMGS (p = 0.046, 0.028, respectively). Max-TFLLT variation was correlated with that of TMGS (p = 0.020).
Conclusions

WC may temporarily improve tear film quality and blink pattern, augment Meibomian gland function, and relieve dry eye symptoms after corneal refractive surgery, particularly that using the SMILE technique.
Structural, and Radiation Shielding Simulation of B2O3-SiO2-LiF- ZnO-TiO2 Glasses
Authors: Shaaban Kh. S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Quaternary glasses with a 59B2O3-29SiO2-2LiF-(\(10-x\)) ZnO-\(x\)TiO2 composition using the melt-quench techniques were prepared. XRD examined the nature of prepared glasses. The FT-IR spectra was studied for the changes in the structure of these glasses. While the density is increased, the molar volume of the glass system is reduced. The velocities and elastic modulus of these glasses were experimentally and theoretically based on the Makishima-Mackenzie model evaluated. Besides, for the studied glasses, the radiation shielding efficiency was investigated by Phy-X/PSD and XCOM software. These glasses were found to have an abnormal attenuation, structural, and density relationship. The mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and effective atomic number (Zeff), of glasses, have been designed to simulate for gamma photon energies between 0.015 and 15 MeV. MAC values calculated using Phy-X/PSD and XCOM were compared and was observed in good agreement with the other.
Structural and Optical Analysis of Ag Nanoparticles assisted Vertically Aligned TiO2 Nanowires based photoanode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Application
Authors: Shougaijam Biraj , Singh Salam Surjit 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, vertically aligned TiO 2 -Nanowires (TiO 2 -NWs) and Ag Nanoparticles assisted TiO 2 Nanowires (TAT-NWs) were deposited on glass and flexible PET substrates using the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) technique. The morphology and structural analysis of the samples manifest the successful deposition of vertically aligned TiO 2 -NWs and TAT-NWs. The HR-TEM image of TiO 2 -NWs shows the polycrystalline nature. Further, the XRD result confirms the polycrystalline nature of both the TiO 2 -NWs and TAT-NWs samples. Besides, the HR-TEM image confirms the presence of small crystal grains of Ag Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) at the mid of the annealed TAT-NWs. It is evident from the Selective Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis of the TiO 2 -NWs and annealed TAT-NWs that the crystallinity of TiO 2 present in the annealed TAT-NWs improves after annealing. The absorption spectrum analysis of TAT-NWs deposited on glass substrate shows enhance absorption peak in the visible region with a maximum peak at ~463 nm wavelength compare to the TiO 2 -NWs, which may be attributed to the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effect of Ag-NPs. Further, it is interesting to observe that the TAT-NWs deposited on PET substrate show further absorption enhancement in the UV and visible region. In addition, the Photoluminescence analysis reveals that the bandgap of the TiO 2 -NWs is ~3.12 eV, which supports the bandgap extracted from the Tauc plot. Therefore, the proposed method of fabricating TAT-NWs on glass and flexible ITO coated PET substrate using the GLAD technique may be applicable for developing novel photoanode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and other optoelectronic applications.