bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery, Depending on the Indicator of the Individual Norm
Authors: Yusef Yusef Naim , Rafaelyan A. A. 
Published: October 2021

Literature data confirm the existence of different opinions about the nature of changes in intraocular pressure after cataract extraction. However, assessment of the risk factors significance for complications and prediction their occurrence in the postoperative period are still unresolved issues. Average statistical norm can still entail a persistent increase in IOP after cataract surgery.Purpose: to study the frequency of persistent increase in IOP after cataract surgery with a statistically normal level of IOP depending on the ratio of the preoperative level of IOP with its individual norm.Methods: The clinical study was based on the analysis of 69 phacoemulsifications and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantations with a preoperative IOP level within the average statistical norm (IOP <22 mm Hg). The determination of individual norm of IOP was carried out using flowmetry according to the original method developed at the Research Institution of Eye Diseases. All patients were divided into 3 group. Group 1 — 25 patients with IOP less than individual norm of IOP. Group 2 — 18 patients (21 eyes) with medically compensated IOP (less than individual norm of IOP ). Group 3 — 20 patients (22 eyes) with IOP more than individual norm of IOP.Results. GROUP 1. The initial IOP value before surgery in group 1 averaged 15.7 ± 3.6, after a year a decrease in IOP was recorded in 15 eyes (57.7 %). In 11 eyes (42.3 %) IOP remained unchanged. However, IOP changes in this group were statistically insignificant (p > 0.5). GROUP 2. After a year decrease in IOP was recorded in 11 eyes (52.4 %). In 10 eyes (47.6 %) IOP remained unchanged. GROUP 3 The initial IOP level before surgery was on average 17.9 ± 1.4. One year later, a decrease in IOP was recorded in 6 eyes (40.9 %). In 8 eyes (22.7 %) IOP remained unchanged.Conclusions. When planning cataract surgery the indicator of real compensation is the level of ophthalmotonus, which does not exceed the individual norm. IOP exceeding the individual norm indicates a high probability of a persistent increase in IOP after cataract surgery.
STRATEGIC CULTURE FENOMENA IN IRAN-ISRAEL RELATIONS
Authors: Gergiieva V. , Levinson D. 
Published: October 2021

The current confrontation between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran is not an exceptionally new phenomenon; however, it is noticeable that escalation around the “Iran nuclear deal” makes this issue one of the most urgent on the current political agenda. This article focuses on countries’ strategic culture as both public and non-state actors see and respond to challenges and opportunities international system − which is the result of cultural perception. Iranian and Israeli strategic cultures have some similarities - consideration of which is necessary to understand the specifics of the relationship between the two states and Jerusalem's possible response to a potential nuclearization of Tehran. Cultural details are often overlooked when we are trying to analyze the policy of a particular state, however, this analysis can provide an understanding of a particular country's response to challenges and threats. Learning more about how and why actors use force in the system is an important topic to which strategic culture may provide some answers but the process of applying it is difficult. In this article, we overview historical preconditions of Iran-Israel relations, Israel's specific view of its ambitions in the region, and nowadays escalation between two countries. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is still on the agenda between the two countries, while negotiations in Vienna continue, Iran increased its enrichment up to 60 percent – the highest level in Iranian history. Iranian nuclear program is a cornerstone in the US-Iran and Iran-Israel relations, but the strategic culture of Israel still cannot adopt improvement of relations between the US and Iran, as Iranian progress in its nuclear ambitions.
Localization of Optic Disc in Normal and Pathological Retinal Images
Authors: Khare Vijay 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper a new method for optic disc (OD) detection in retinal images has been proposed. It is based on computing the OD location using dictionary based approach. The idea behind the approach is that OD properties within the retinal images remain consistent (i.e. brightness, circular shape and blood vessel convergence at the OD center) and thus OD region can be linearly represented in terms of dictionary elements composed using similar patterns selected from subimage in the training phase. The robustness of OD center detected is ensured by verifying the presence of main blood converges at OD center in its neighbourhood. These main blood vessels are obtained by estimating the background information using large window sized median filter. Also for reducing the average computation time, we have performed OD detection in test image only on bright pixels and assumed pixel intensity as primary component for OD detection. These bright pixels are selected by local thresholding (i.e. 15*15 block) in the test retinal image using Otsu algorithm. The result of proposed method has been obtained on DRIVE, STARE, and DIARETDB1 datasets includes 210 retinal images with success rate of 100%, 95.06% and 98.8%.
Development and Performance Evaluation of TaqMan Real-time Fluorescence Quantitative Methylation Specific PCR for Detecting Methylation Level of PER2
Authors: Jiang Huihui , Yang Xin , Mi Miaomiao , Wei Xiaonan , Wu Hongyuan , Xin Yu , Jiao Liping , Sun Shengjun , Sun Chengming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: PER2 gene methylation is closely related to the occurrence and progress of some cancers, but there is no method to quantitatively detect PER2 methylation in conventional laboratories. So, we established a TaqMan real-time fluorescence quantitative methylation specific PCR (TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP) assay and use it for quantitative detection of PER2 methylation in leukemia patients. Methods: According to the PER2 sequence searched by GenBank, a CpG sequence enrichment region of the PER2 gene promoter was selected, and the methylated and unmethylated target sequences were designed according to the law of bisulfite conversion of DNA to construct PER2 methylation positive and negative reference materials. Specific primers and probe were designed. The reference materials were continuously diluted into gradient samples by 10-fold ratio to evaluate the analytical sensitivity, specificity,accuracy and reproducibility of the method, and the analytical sensitivity of TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP assay was compared with that of the conventional MSP assay. At the same time, the new-established TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP assay and the conventional MSP assay were used to detect the PER2 methylation level of 81 patients with leukemia, and the samples with inconsistent detection results of the two assays were sent to pyromethylation sequencing to evaluate the clinical detection performance .Results: The minimum detection limit of TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP assay for detecting PER2 methylation level established in this study was 6 copies/uL, and the coefficient of variation(CV) of intra-assay and inter-assay was less than 3%. Compared with the conventional MSP assay, it has higher analytical sensitivity. For the samples with inconsistent detection results, the results of pyrosequencing and TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP assay are consistent. Conclusion: TaqMan real-time FQ-MSP assay of PER2 methylation established in this study has high detection performance and can be used for the detection of clinical samples.
The Asymmetric Effect of Environmental Policy Stringency On CO2 emissions in OECD Countries
Authors: Albulescu Claudiu Tiberiu , BOATCA-BARABAS Maria-Elena , DIACONESCU Andra 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper uses a quantile fixed-effect panel data approach to investigate how environmental policy stringency affects CO2 emissions in a set of 32 OECD countries from 1990 to 2015. This approach allows us to identify the asymmetric impact of policy stringency on emissions, considering the emission level recorded in each analysed country. More precisely, we posit that the effectiveness of environmental regulations and policies is influenced by the air pollution level. Our results show that an increase in policy stringency has a negative impact on emissions. As a new contribution, we show that environmental stringency has a more powerful impact in the countries with lower level of carbon emissions. This result is also recorded for the subset of EU member countries of the OECD. Moreover, we show that policy stringency measures only become effective after the implementation of the Kyoto agreement. Finally, the policy stringency effect is stronger for EU countries at high risk of missing the 20-20-20 target in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.JEL codes: Q43, Q56, F21
Efficacy of Intrauterine Insemination in Women with Endometrioma-Associated Subfertility: Analysis Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Xie Jinlin , Cai He , Shi Juanzi , Wang Hui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment is recommended in subfertile women with AFS/ASRM stage I/II endometriosis. However, the efficacy of IUI in women with ovarian endometriomas with tubal patency is uncertain. We explored the efficacy of IUI for the treatment of endometrioma-associated subfertility.Methods: We performed a retrospective matched cohort study using propensity matching (PSM) analysis. Subfertile couples undergoing IUI with and without ovarian stimulation between January 1, 2015, and May 30, 2020 were reviewed.Results: After PSM, 56 women with endometrioma alone were matched to 173 patients with unexplained subfertility. The per-cycle pregnancy rate (PR) was comparable between women with endometrioma-associated subfertility (n=56, 87 cycles) and women with unexplained subfertility (n=173, 280 cycles) (9.2% vs. 17.9%, OR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.21–1.03). Subgroup analyses based on IUI with or without stimulation also resulted in comparable results. A trend toward a lower cumulative pregnancy rates (CPRs) was seen in women with endometrioma (14.3%, 8/56) compared with women with unexplained subfertility (28.9%, 50/173), but the differences were not significant (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.26-1.15). However, patients with endometrioma were nearly twice as likely to converse to IVF treatment compared with those without the disease (60.7% versus 43.9%; OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.07-3.65).Conclusion: IUI may be a viable approach for subfertile women with endometrioma and no other identifiable infertility factor. More studies are needed to reassure the findings.
Investigation on the application of by-product steam in iron ore sintering: performance and function mechanism
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Fan Xiaohui , Ji Zhiyun , Gan Min , Zhou Haoyu , Li Haorui , Chen Xuling , Zhao Yuanjie , Zhang Rongchang , Lai Ruisi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The combustion-supporting effect of steam to coke breeze in sintering has the potential to improve sinter quality and reduce pollutants emissions. The results show that increasing the by-product steam injection concentration(0.32-0.47vol%) and prolonging the injection time(5min) within a proper range(10-15min) can improve sinter quality. 2.13kgce/t−sinter of the fuel consumption was decreased by reducing coke breeze usage from 5.60–5.45% under the recommended parameters, with 15.16% decrease of CO in sintering waste gas. By comparing experimental data with thermodynamic calculations, although the reaction between CO and steam can reduce CO emission and generate H2, steam tends to react with coke breeze to generate H2 and CO(react at 674℃), and OH radical produced by H2 which can reduce the activation energy of CO oxidation reaction is the key to reducing pollutant emissions. The application of steam injection technology, excluding the equipment modification and steam injection cost of $300,000, can achieve a profit of $737491.2 per year. Therefore, low-carbon and cleaner iron ore sintering production can be realized through applying by-product steam.
Novel Ca2+-modulated Photoactivatable Imaging Reveals Neuron-Astrocyte Glutamatergic Circuitries within the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Serra Irene , Esparza Julio , Delgado Laura , Martin Cristina , Puigròs Margalida , Podlesniy Petar , Trullas Ramon , Navarrete Marta 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Astrocytes are key elements of brain circuits that are involved in different aspects of the neuronal physiology relevant to brain functions. Although much effort is being made to understand how the biology of astrocytes affects brain circuits, astrocytic network heterogeneity and plasticity is still poorly defined. Here, we have combined structural and functional imaging of astrocyte activity using the Ca2+-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator and specific optostimulation of glutamatergic pathways to map the functional neuron-astrocyte circuitries in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We showed pathway-specific astrocytic responses induced by selective optostimulation of main inputs from the prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, and ventral hippocampus. Furthermore, the differences in basal Ca2+ dynamics between the NAc shell and core astrocytes were associated with differences in mitochondrial DNA copy number, exhibiting molecular heterogeneity in the regulation of their mitochondrial genomes. Finally, co-stimulation of glutamatergic pathways induced non-linear Ca2+-signaling integration, revealing integrative properties of NAc astrocytes. All these results demonstrate the existence of specific neuron-astrocyte circuits in the NAc, a critical insight to the understanding of how the NAc integrates information.
Identification and Validation of Prognosis-Associated DNA Repair Gene Signatures in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Song Dingli , Zhang Dai , Chen Sisi , Wu Jie , Hao Qian , Zhao Lili , Ren Hong , Du Ning 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor. DNA damage played a crucial role on tumorigenesis, and abnormal DNA repair pathways affected the occurrence and progress of CRC. In current study, we aimed to construct a DNA repair-related genes (DRG) signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients. Differentially expressed DRGs (DE-DRGs) were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The prognostic gene signature was identified by univariate Cox regression and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-penalized Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated by utilizing Kaplan-Meier curves and Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the underlying biological processes and signaling pathways. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was implemented to estimate the immune status between the different risk group. A total of 118 DE-DRGs were identified between 42 normal samples and 488 CRC samples in TCGA cohort, and 36 DE-DRGs were associated with OS in the univariate Cox regression. A 9 DE-DRGs (ESCO2, AXIN2, PLK1, CDC25C, IGF1, TREX2, ALKBH2, ESR1 and MC1R) signature was constructed to classify patients into high-risk and low-risk group. The risk score was an independent prognostic indicator for OS (HR>1, P<0.001). Genetic alterations analysis indicated that the 9 DE-DRGs in the signature were changed in 63 required samples (100%) and the major alteration was missense mutation. The function enrichment analysis indicated that RNAi effector complex, sensory perception of smell and olfactory receptor activity were the main biological processes. The high-risk group had higher immune cell infiltration levels than low-risk group. The 9 DE-DRGs signature was significantly associated with OS and provided a new insight for the diagnosis and treatment for CRC. The predictive ability of this model need be supported by further basic researches.
Observation of anyonic Bloch oscillations
Authors: Zhang Weixuan , Yuan Hao , Wang Haiteng , Di Fengxiao , Sun Na , Zheng Xingen , Sun Houjun , Zhang Xiangdong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Bloch oscillations are exotic phenomena describing the periodic motion of a wave packet subjected to the external force in a lattice, where the system possessing single- or multiple-particles could exhibit distinct oscillation behaviors. In particular, it has been pointed out that quantum statistics could dramatically affected the Bloch oscillation even in the absence of particle interactions, where the oscillation frequency of two pseudofermions with the anyonic statistical angle being π becomes half of that for two bosons. However, these statistic-dependent Bloch oscillations have never been observed in experiments up to now. Here, we report the first experimental simulation of anyonic Bloch oscillations using electric circuits. By mapping eigenstates of two anyons to modes of designed circuit simulators, the Bloch oscillation of two bosons and two pseudofermions are verified by measuring the voltage dynamics. It is found that the oscillation period in the two-boson simulator is almost twice of that in the two-pseudofermion simulator, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction. Our proposal provides a flexible platform to investigate and visualize many interesting phenomena related to particle statistics, and could have potential applications in the field of the novelty signal control.
High-temperature thermal decomposition of iso-octane based on reactive molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Guan Yulei , Gao Yanyan , Lou Junpeng , Zhu Xingzhen , Pan Dandan , Ma Haixia 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The branched alkanes are the major components of endothermic fuels used for advanced aircrafts. Reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations are carried out to explore the detailed kinetic mechanism for the thermal decomposition of iso-octane widely used as the primary reference fuel of branched alkanes. The RMD calculations indicate that the initial decomposition mechanism of iso-octane is mainly through two pathways: (1) the C−C bond cleavage to produce smaller hydrocarbon radicals and (2) the hydrogen-abstraction reactions by small radicals including •H and •CH3. Most of the alkenes which are associated with the endothermic capacities in the iso-octane pyrolysis are produced from the C–C β-scission reactions of alkyl radicals. Propylene and ethylene are observed to be formed in large amounts. Kinetic parameters with the activation energy of 52.12 kcal mol–1 and pre-exponential factor of 7.21 × 1014 s–1, based on the first-order kinetic analysis, are in good agreement with previous work.
Analysis of the Glucose-Dependent Transcriptome in Murine Hypothalamic Cells
Authors: Webert Leonhard , Faro Dennis , Zeitlmayr Sarah , Gudermann Thomas , Breit Andreas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We have previously shown that glucose activates CREB-regulated transcriptional co-activator-2 (CRTC-2) in murine, hypothalamic (mHypoA-2/10) cells. Thus, we now analysed the entire glucose-dependent transcriptome of mHypoA-2/10 cells by total RNA-seq. 831 genes were up- and 1390 genes down-regulated by at least 50 %. Signalling pathway analysis revealed activation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway by glucose. Accordingly, protein expression of both sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) and total cholesterol levels were enhanced by glucose. Analysis of single genes involved in fundamental signalling processes suggested a significant impact of glucose. Thus, we chose ~100 genes and validated the effects of glucose on mRNA levels by qRT-PCR. We identified 15 genes with strong glucose-dependent mRNA expression. Among these genes were gnai1 to -3, adyc6, irs1, igfr1, hras and elk3. cAMP measurements revealed decreased basal and enhanced noradrenalin-induced cAMP levels at higher glucose concentrations. Serum-response element-dependent reporter assays indicated enhanced basal and insulin-like growth factor-induced activity at higher glucose levels. siRNA against CRTC-2 dampened the effects of glucose on cholesterol synthesis and IRS-1, SREBP-1, SREBP-2 or AC-6 protein expression. These findings could help to understand the functional consequences of physiologically occurring alterations of extracellular glucose concentrations as well as pathologically increased glucose levels.
Highly efficient and reusable energy-absorbing metamaterials exploiting soft rate-dependent frictional interfaces
Authors: Li Jinyou , Chen Zhe , Li Qunyang , Jin Lihua , Zhao Zhihua 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Energy-absorbing materials with both high absorption efficiency and good reusability are ideal candidates of impact protection products. Despite the prosperous needs, the current designs are either efficient but one-time-use, or reusable but low capacity. Here, we show that metamaterials with unprecedentedly high energy-absorbing efficiency and good reusability can be designed, reaching an energy-absorbing capacity of >2000 kJ/kg per lifetime. The extraordinary performance is achieved by exploiting rate-dependent frictional dissipation between soft elastomer and hard constituents in a porous structure. Particularly, the compliant elastomer in the metamaterials ensures a large real contact area, while the stiff porous supporting frame offers high and robust compressive pre-stress for the sliding interfaces, both of which are essential for vast frictional dissipation. Owing to the rate-dependent friction of elastomer interface, the metamaterials also exhibit a self-adapting feature such that more energy can be absorbed when subjected to higher impact rates. We believe this design opens an avenue to develop high-performance reusable energy-absorbing metamaterials that enable completely novel designs of machines or structures.
Modifiable Factors Associated with Reversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Cognitively Normal Status: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sha Feng , Zhao Ziyi , Wei Chang , Yang Zhirong , Li Bingyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous studies found that about 24% of the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients reverse to cognitively normal (CN) status. However, it is unclear which modifiable factors are associated with this reversion.
Method
We conducted a prospective community-based cohort study based on 2002-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Of 35,474 older adults from 22 provinces in China in the 5 waves of CLHLS, 7,422 eligible participants with MCI were included. Multivariable Cox regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalty for variable selection was adopted to investigate the associations between reversion to CN and potential modifiable dietary/lifestyle, cardiometabolic, and psychological factors.
Results
Our analysis included 7,422 MCI participants [average age: 90.0 (SD 9.5) years]. Among these participants, 1,604 (21.6%) reversed from MCI to CN with a mean (SD) follow-up of 2.9 (1.8) years. Several dietary/lifestyle factors, including daily consumption of fresh fruits (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.42; P༜.001), engagement in reading (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.54; P =.047), housework (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.35; P =.001), and mah-jong or other card games (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.39; P =.001), were positively associated with possibility of reversion. Cigarette smoking (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.00; P= .041) and duration of alcohol drinking (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.99; P = .012) were negatively associated with possibility of reversion. None of the modifiable cardiometabolic and psychological factors was found to be significantly associated with reversion to CN. Difference was identified among different age and gender group.
Conclusion
This study identified several dietary/lifestyle factors associated with MCI reversion that may transfer into large-scale dementia prevention practices.